How to choose the best washing machine for your family

Whirlpool brand offers a range of washing machines tailored to fit your laundry needs. Intuitive Controls, smart features, front load or top load options and 2 in 1 Removable Agitators make finding the best machine for your family easy. With a Whirlpool^® washing machine, you can get the clean you need in the style and color that fits your home.

What to consider when buying a washing machine

Shopping for a new washing machine involves considering different factors, such as capacity, size, loading style and laundry habits. You can choose from front load washers, top load models with an agitator or impeller, all-in-one combination washers and dryers, stacked laundry centers and more. 

Some washing machines are ENERGY STAR^® Certified, which might be a factor for you, and you also may want to consider which features you want, such as a Load & Go™ Dispenser to help you skip steps in your laundry routine, smart features and the 12-Hour FanFresh® Option perfect for busy households.

How much does a washing machine cost?

The cost of a washing machine varies depending on the brand, model, style and features you are looking for. According to Consumer Reports, washing machines usually range in price from $500 to $2500. Whirlpool^® washing machines typically range from around $550 to $1600, depending on your selection and offer features and technology to fit your family’s needs and your budget.

Best top load washers for your family

The best top load washing machines will provide the convenience and clothing care that your family needs. Top load washing machines often come with adjustable water levels including a Deep Fill option. Select models also feature an agitator, a feature not available on front load models. The top loading configuration helps make loading and unloading easy, and they often provide a larger capacity than front load models for heavier laundry days. Top load washing machines typically come at a lower price point than other models.

Select Whirlpool^® top load washing machines may feature a 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, Intuitive Controls for customizable fabric care and a Pretreat Station so you can soak, scrub and wash all in one spot. Plus, if you choose a smart appliance, you can control your washing machine remotely via an app.¹

Best top load washers with agitators

An agitator is a central post, usually equipped with vanes or fins, located in the center of the wash basket. The agitator moves in a back and forth motion to help clean your clothing.

Whirlpool^® washing machines with agitators help you care for whatever you’re washing. During the wash cycle, the 360 Wash Agitator uses several motions to move clothing up, down and side to side. This helps loosen and remove soils and provides a thorough clean in different water levels.

Select Whirlpool brand washing machines also come with a 2 in 1 Removable Agitator that gives you the benefits of both an agitator and an impeller in one appliance. The 2 in 1 Removable Agitator can help break down stains on durable fabrics like denim, but when you wash more delicate fabrics like sweaters, or need a bit of extra capacity for bulky items like comforters, you can remove it.

Shop Whirlpool^® top load washers 

Whirlpool^® top load washers are ideal for large loads, with customizable fabric treatment and connected appliance technology available on select models. Browse Whirlpool brand top load washing machines and compare them with front load washers to find the right choice for your clothing care. Need a dryer too? Shop Whirlpool^® laundry sets to find your perfect washer and dryer pair.

Best front load washers for your family

The best front load washing machines for you combine flexible installation options with an accommodating size, helping you care for your family’s clothing every day. Front load washing machines from Whirlpool brand are designed to use less water than top load designs, have higher spin speeds resulting in lower dry times on select cycles. They can be stacked for space-saving convenience and use a tumbling motion while cleaning, which is gentle on your clothing.

Select Whirlpool^® front load washing machines offer a variety of helpful features. The 12-Hour FanFresh^® Option keeps clothes fresh for up to 12 hours after a cycle is finished. Additionally, the Presoak Option lets you soak clothes directly inside the washer. All of these features are available on select Whirlpool brand washers to help make laundry day quick and simple.

Shop Whirlpool^® front load washers

Streamline your laundry routine with a Whirlpool^® front load washing machine. Explore the Whirlpool brand selection of washing machines with innovative features like Remote Control with the Whirlpool^® App¹ and the Load & Go™ Dispenser, which allows you to automatically add detergent to every load of laundry.

Best smart washing machines

A smart washing machine can help you keep laundry day moving even when you are in the bleachers at a baseball game, in your office or running errands. Smart washing machines often allow you to schedule cycles, track their progress and receive alerts when the cycle is complete. 

Smart washing machines from Whirlpool brand can help make taking care of your clothes a breeze. Whirlpool^® smart washing machines offer specialized cycle downloads to give you the right settings for each item. With the Whirlpool^® App, you can choose from cycles designed for different fabrics and clothing types so you always get the right clean for your load.² Select machines are also equipped with the Load & Go™ XL Plus Dispenser that sends you notifications when you’re running low on detergent or fabric softener.¹

Shop Whirlpool^® smart washers

With a Whirlpool^® smart washing machine, you can take charge of laundry even on the busiest days. Select smart washing machines allow you to schedule your wash cycles and get laundry tips sent straight to your phone. With a smart touchscreen, you can quickly access your most-used settings, and select models also allow you to create and save personalized cycles for maximum laundry convenience.

Best large capacity washing machines

Large capacity washing machines can help you spend less time doing laundry because you can take care of bigger loads all at once. A large capacity washing machine is typically 4.5 cu. ft. capacity or more and is sometimes taller and wider than a standard washing machine. They are ideal for bulkier loads like towels and comforters. 

The largest capacity washer from Whirlpool brand is a top load model with 5.3 cu. ft. of capacity. Whirlpool brand offers large capacity washers in front and top load configurations with the features you love on select models such as Pretreat Stations, Load & Go™ Dispensers and Intuitive Controls.

Shop Whirlpool^® large capacity washers

Explore the selection of Whirlpool^® large capacity washing machines in both top and front load configurations with various convenient features to help you care for even the biggest laundry loads. Select large capacity washing machines are equipped with a Load & Go™ XL Plus Dispenser so you’ll only have to fill it with detergent and fabric softener once every 40 loads.³

Top-rated washing machines

Deciding on the best washing machine for your family involves determining which features matter to you most, the style that is most appealing to you and the size and capacity you need. Continue reading to explore some of the best washing machines as rated by consumers on Whirlpool.com.

Shop Whirlpool^® top-rated washers

Enjoy customizable laundry care with Whirlpool^® top and front load washing machines. With a Whirlpool^® washer, laundry day can be simpler, quicker and more convenient than ever.

Which washing machine is best?

The best washing machine is one that includes the features you need in the size and capacity that works for your space and your family’s laundry loads. Consider which available features will make laundry day more convenient for you or are necessary for the types of laundry loads you frequently do. Don’t forget to consider the size of your space and the design of your laundry room, as well.

Explore all Whirlpool^® washing machines

Whirlpool brand has a washing machine for every home. Whether you prioritize time-saving features on select models like the Load & Go™ Dispenser or Intuitive Controls to help you customize your loads, you can find a washing machine that will provide what you need to care for your laundry with ease. Explore washer and dryer sets to find your perfect pair.