If you are in the market for a new washer, you are probably trying to learn about every style and option available to you. One option worth exploring is top loading washers.
Top load washers offer a variety of tub sizes and offer a similar water and energy-saving story to that of front loaders. They load from the top so you don't have to bend over when loading and unloading the washer. This also eliminates the need for costly bases. Some don’t have agitators, giving you more room in the tub, allowing you to wash larger items such as quilts and bed spreads. (Side note: You can find even more information on washing machines in our washing machine buying guide!)
Watch our 3-minute overview of top load washers!
Most top load washers have automatic water control and will sense the amount of clothes that you have in the washer and bring in just enough water to wash that load. This is a common feature among most newer washers as a way to improve energy efficiency. Some of the top load washers are available with an agitator and have the override on the auto fill to allow you to choose your own water level. These "override" washers are not quite as energy-efficient.
There are two main types of top loaders: impeller washing machines and traditional agitator washing machines. Click the links to read about these two types in more detail!
Entry-level top load washers start at around $500-800, and high-end models can cost $1,300 or more. There are a broad range of feature packages available. Features you may find on a higher-end top load washer include touch panel controls, a glass lid or a window panel on the front of the machine, and various smart appliance features. For a more basic machine, you can expect fewer wash programs and options and a more basic exterior appearance.
One of the leading brands in top load washers is Speed Queen, a specialty brand known for crafting reliable machines that last 10 years longer than the competition and have industry-leading warranties. Read about Speed Queen washers in our article! A popular budget brand top loader comes from Amana - check out our Amana washer review for more information!
A Top Load Washer Review - The LG WT7150CW
Let's take a look at one of our favorites in this category from LG.
The LG WT7150CW, at $949, features a 5.0 cubic feet capacity tub and is Energy Star rated. A 10-year parts warranty covers the direct drive motor and you also get a 3-year warranty on the NeverRust stainless steel drum. LG’s SmartDiagnosis app can help troubleshoot any issues. TurboDrum Technology provides tough cleaning without ruining your clothes!
LG's 6Motion™ Technology provides six unique motions such as rolling, stepping, swinging, scrubbing, filtration, and tumbling that adjust depending on the clothes' washing needs. This is different from common washers that only have tumbling. Through the combination of these motions depending on what the load needs, it provides cleaner and gentler wash! Water Plus feature will let you deep fill the washer and customize the amount of water you would like to have for your load in just one press.
A premium washer can make laundry a much easier chore. With the glass SlamProof lid, a SmartRinse Jet Spray system, and the great features we outlined above, this top load washer is an amazing upgrade!
Features:
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8 Wash Programs: Normal, Heavy Duty, Deep Wash, Waterproof, Bedding, Delicates, Speed Wash, Tub Clean
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9 Wash Options: Soak, Extra Rinse, Signal, Delay Wash, Control Lock, Water Plus, ColdWash™, Rinse+Spin, Spin Only
Click here to read over 250 real customer reviews of this product!
We hope you enjoyed this discussion of top loading washers. If you're interested in more product reviews, check out our reviews of the best top load washers! Please leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in February of 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.
