The 6 Best Washing Machines of 2022

By Corrie Pelc

Today’s washing machines are a far cry from the washing boards and hand-cranked “washing machines” of the 1700s and 1800s. Washing machines in 2022 are bigger, faster, and more tech-savvy than even a few years ago, and even more stylish with modern designs and color options to choose from. And depending on how fancy you want to go, today’s washing machines come in a variety of prices as well.

But when it comes right down to it, anyone looking to purchase a washing machine wants the same thing — clean clothes and household textiles. So with so many options out on the market today, how can you find the best washing machine to get the job done? Luckily, we’re here to help!

How to Buy a Washing Machine

When starting to look for a new washing machine, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

• Top-Load or Front-Load? All of today's washing machines are available in either top-load (where the clothes are placed into the machine through a door on top of the machine) or front-load (the door for putting in and taking the clothes out is placed in front of the machine). This is really a personal preference, but keep in mind front-loading washing machines are generally more expensive.
• How Much Laundry Do You Have? When figuring out what size washing machine you want, you have to keep two deciding factors in mind — the first is the amount of laundry you need it to handle. A family of two adults should be fine with a small- to medium-sized washing machine (anywhere up to 3.5 cubic feet of space inside the machine for laundry), while a larger family would want something bigger, up to about 5 cubic feet.
• How Much Space Do You Have? The second thing that will determine the size of the washing machine you want is the size of the space where you’re installing the washing machine. Although a super-large capacity washing machine may sound great, it might not fit in your apartment or home's laundry room. On average, most washing machines are about 27 or 28 inches wide and around 30 to 35 inches deep, but this can change depending on design and capacity, so always double-check measurements in your laundry space before purchasing.

Test Factors We Used to Find the Best Washing Machines

Here’s a round-up of the test factors we used in deciding our list of the best washing machines you can buy in 2022:

• Price: There are washing machines available at several different price points.
• Type: Is the washing machine top-load or front-load?
• Size: Knowing the width, depth, and height of the washing machine will determine whether the machine will fit in a desired space or not.
• Capacity: How many cubic feet of laundry can the machine wash at one time?
• Drum Material: The washing machine drum is where clothes are placed and is what moves around — or agitates — to clean clothes and other textiles. They can be made of various materials, from stainless steel to porcelain.
• Cycles: Cycles are the pre-programmed instructions that a washing machine uses to clean clothes. Standard cycles include regular/normal, permanent press, and delicates, but many of today’s washing machines have additional specialized cycles.
• Controls: How is the washing machine controlled — a turn knob? Touch screen? Phone app?
• Detergent Dispenser: What type of laundry detergent can be dispensed into the washing machine?
• Energy Star Certified: Washing machines use electricity to power them, and quite a few today are Energy Star Certified, meaning they use about 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than regular washers.
• Warranty: Does the manufacturer back their product?

How to Take Care of Your Washing Machine

A washing machine is an investment that should last you for many years to come. But like any type of machinery, TLC and proper maintenance go a long way in making sure it works well for many years. Here are some tips on how to keep your washing machine in good working order:

• Read Your Owner's Manual — While we know they don't make for the most riveting of reads, owner's manuals are included for a reason. Make sure to take the time to read through your washing machine's manual before putting in your first laundry load. It's a great way to learn about all the features your washing machine comes with, possibly saving you time and money in the long run.
• Don't Overstuff It — Make note of your washing machine's cubic foot capacity and abide by it. Putting too much in your washing machine can throw it off balance, possibly damaging its mechanical parts. And too much laundry does not allow water and detergent to circulate properly, meaning your clothes may not get very clean.
• Keep It Clean — While you'd think a washing machine keeps itself clean since it's using water and detergent every time it washes your laundry, that's not the case. Residues from detergents and the dirt it removes from your laundry can get caught on the machine's inside parts, and get built up over time to make it, well, not something you'd want to clean your clothes in. Some washing machines come with a built-in cleaning function, so take advantage of that if you have it. If not, it's pretty easy to clean a washing machine yourself.
• Prevent Mold and Odors — Because the washing machine deals with water, it is always a bit wet after you remove your laundry. If you always close the washing machine door after every load, the water doesn't have a chance to fully dry out, which can lead to a musty odor in your machine—and even mold. If possible, always try to leave the washing machine door open about 15 to 30 minutes after you finish your laundry to let it dry out thoroughly.

Do you have a washing machine you go all wishy-washy for? Tell us about it in the comments below!