This review showcases the top 4 top loaders after being evaluated by professional experts and actual consumers alike.
GE WJRE5500GWW
This model is one of the latest additions to the amazing product lines of General Electric, one of the earliest companies that introduced the automatic washing machines in the market. Various performance tests conducted in laboratories evaluated this as one of the best top loaders. It has a spacious 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, allowing for more laundry loads. Its tub is made of stainless steel, preventing rust that users of other brands usually complain about. Its wash system features amazing 18 cycles with automatic controls on water temperature. Its unique structure of the motor and the agitator inside contribute largely to its very low noise level. Certain features present in this particular model are already fast disappearing in less expensive brands of top loading washing machines. Among them are its rotary controls and the automatic load balancer.
Critics mostly complain about its low energy efficiency grade. This is largely because of its slow spinning that requires longer time to optimize spin drying. This eventually explains the additional electrical consumption needed to complete the wash cycle. Its low spin speed makes it less effective in cleaning compared with other cheaper brands.
WHIRLPOOL CABRIO SERIES
This model takes pride with its automatic water level setting that adjusts water content inside the tub to maximize load capacity and save on detergents. It has five dispensers installed; three detergent dispensers and one for bleach and fabric conditioner each. Consumers are given various wash options, such as presoak/prewash, deep clean and extra rinse. However, this model is relatively more expensive that its counterparts that has more useful features. The agitating component is not well designed. Between the fins and the bottom of the agitator are gaps that easily catch small components of clothes, like buttons and strings. This lead to numerous reported damages on clothes parts. When a thinner portion of a clothe gets caught in those gaps, the other laundry items found above easily get entangle. This adds more time in getting those tangles detached from one another.
FISHER & PAYKEL INTUITIVE SERIES
For those who wish to save with their utility bills, this is a perfect choice. This model is rated with one of the highest energy efficiency grades so far. There is no need for expensive specialized detergents. Ordinary ones will do. This is also gentler on clothes, particularly because of varying spin cycles. The agitator is well designed. It easily causes wrinkles induced by spinning. Finally, Fishers' & Paykel's replacements parts are quite hard to find in local markets.
GE PROFILE HARMONY SERIES
This model comes with its own unique internal water heater. Despite this, it still has a very high energy efficiency rating, compared with its competitors with similar heaters. Its cover lid is composed of clear glass that allows you to see the clothes during the wash cycles. You do not have to open the lid itself or stop the wash cycle to review your laundry inside. Unfortunately, numerous reports were received by the company about the glass lid. It has been reported many times that it easily shatter into pieces. Few complained that the motor and agitator broke down after only 2 years. Lastly, this model is relatively expensive.
Next time you buy, be sure to bring this review with you. And you will be on your way to making a good investment with washing machines.