3 BEST TOP LOAD WASHERS FOR 2020

WHY BUY? The “old new” as I like to call them. Remember those Speed Queen washers from a few years ago that got stellar reviews? Well, they brought them back (in this newer version).

The dual-action agitator, or “Classic Wash Action,” moves back and forth while the tub stays fixed. That style of washing is used more for commercial applications, hence why the wash performance on this model is unbeatable. Also, no more “Auto” load sensing. There are two water levels: Half tub or full tub of water for you water enthusiasts. They removed the lid lock, too, the only washer to not have one.

More importantly, it’s simple. Knob controls, six wash cycles (Normal ECO, Heavy Duty, Delicate, Perm Press, Bulky/Sheet and Spin—Heavy Duty is still the recommended cycle to use) and three options (Extra Rinse if you’re sensitive to soap, Presoak and Heavy Soil). Choose your wash temperature and cycle, press start and be on your way. But don’t go too far because Speed Queen has the quickest wash times for each respective cycle compared to all the other top loaders out there.

Overall, Speed Queen’s reliability is second to none. The lifespan of their laundry is 20-25 years. And if you’re looking to replace that ancient machine of yours that cleaned dirty clothes the best and lasted forever with a washer that does the same, this is the one.

Quick note: PLEASE be sure to not overdo it with HE detergent. These machines pump out a ton of water, and extra detergent leads to oversudsing.

WHY BUY? It’s a Speed Queen. American made from Wisconsin. It’s going to double the lifespan of any other machine you get and is fast and great at washing clothes. ‘Nuff said.

I get the hesitation because of the mixed reviews on the newer (2018) TR models. They did change things. The wash performance isn’t like what it was because the agitator and tub rotate together, and some cycles use less water, so the TC does a better job with thick fabrics and heavy-soiled clothes. But it’s an eco-friendlier machine than the TC5. It’ll be gentler on your clothes and quieter, especially on the Normal ECO cycle. The Heavy Duty cycle, which we tell customers to use, still does a great job for stain removal. Also, the 820 RPM maximum spin speed (710 RPM in the TC) equals less time drying in your dryer.

The TR7 comes with a 7-year full warranty; their competitors offer a 1-year full warranty. It has a 1 horsepower (HP) motor and inverter drive system; their competitors have a less powerful motor and more parts, which makes for a more expensive and tougher repair. In the TR series, you choose the water level (small, medium or large) for soil or pick Auto Fill, which uses a sensor to determine how much water to use based on the friction of clothes in the tub. The only downside is the smaller tub size (3.2 cubic foot).

Why pay more for the TR7 when the TR5 and TR3 have the same wash performance and mechanics? You get the longer warranty and more features, useful features I might add. You get a time-remaining display, speed cycle (which takes only 29 minutes long!), soak and prewash options, warm rinse (plus extra rinse), delay start and eight special cycles (Athletic, Denim, Wool and Super Soiled are ones I tend to point out to customers).

WHY BUY? Maytag is reputable. It may not be the Maytag of past (Speed Queen has taken over), but it’s still one of the better washers out there, and it’s easy to get service when needed.

This model is one of the highest-selling washing machines on the market. And when it goes on sale (which is often), the price drops significantly, making it an incredible value. The stainless steel tub is big enough for sheets and queen comforters. You get a ton of cycles including PowerWash, which is the recommended cycle to use, normal, whites, bulky/sheets, drain & spin and rinse & spin. You also get a hand wash cycle, which is a little gentler on clothes than a delicate cycle, a cold wash for vibrant colors, and a soak option.

It’s very simple to use, which is what customers like. Using knobs, choose your soil level (light, regular or heavy), choose your wash temperature (hot, warm, cool, cold, tap cold), choose your cycle and water level (auto sensing or deep water wash) an add an extra rinse or deep rinse (with or without fabric softener) if you need. Deep water wash, well, will add more water to the machine. Using this cycle with PowerWash gives you an A+ performance!

It’s worth nothing these High Efficiency (HE) machines will cut the cost down on your water and electric bills. However, the downside is that all the new HE top loaders—and front loaders for that matter—only last 6-10 years and the lack of water impacts the wash performance in a negative way.

Quick note: The NORMAL cycle does not work with DEEP WATER WASH (only auto sensing). Lids lock on all new top-load machines. Please be aware of different sounds and movements from the machine compared to your old one. You may think the machine has stopped working, but that’s how it operates.

WHY BUY? Whirlpool, who owns Maytag, is one of the most reliable brands. Their laundry is among the least serviced appliances. This model is basic, but sometimes basic is good.

It’s similar to the Maytag mentioned above. The wash temperatures are the same and you get a deep water wash and deep rinse, which works well together to get the soil and soap out. Maytag’s tub size is bigger and the PowerWash cycle will perform a little better, but you still get the other cycles including normal, heavy, colors and whites (with or without soak), delicates, bulky/sheets, drain & spin and rinse & spin. You can’t choose your soil level and you lose out on hand wash, but you gain a quick wash cycle that Maytag didn’t have on the model above, which is nice.

For the price point and cycles you get to go along with a trustworthy brand, it’s tough to beat.

Please note that Whirlpool does not have a 10-Year Limited Parts Warranty on the Direct Drive motor and Stainless Steel Wash Basket that Maytag gives .