The best top-load agitator washing machines, according to Consumer Reports
These machines all performed well on CR's test, but were still tough on clothes.
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Appliance prices are through the roof. It’s why many people in the market for a new washing machine are considering more affordable top-load agitators rather than more expensive, fancier kinds. They also tend to be faster.
Consumer Reports tested a bunch, trying to find the best ones.
Tests show that agitators “don’t deliver the best washing performance and can sometimes be rough on fabric,” CR said. “That’s because, unlike high-efficiency (HE) top-loaders and front-load washers, top-load agitator washing machines have a rapidly twisting column in the center of the wash tub to—ahem—agitate the clothes. That center post churns the laundry, so items rub against one another to work out dirt and stains.”
Still, if you’re in the market for one, CR found a few it recommends. Continue reading to see the top choices.
1 / 5
LG WT8405CW
Screenshot: lg.com
The LG WT8405CW earned the highest marks from CR. It’s priced between $895 and $1179 and gets a green choice badge for its energy and water efficiency. “Don’t be put off by its long 90-minute wash cycle,” CR said. “It offers excellent cleaning performance and water efficiency, and a very good energy-efficiency rating. But like many top-load agitators, this model is rough on clothes.”
2 / 5
LG WT7005CW
Screenshot: lg.com
The LG WT7005CW is another top-rated agitator and more affordable than the previous model. It costs between $695 and $995. “It’s not very gentle on clothes, but it will get them clean in a jiffy, with a 70-minute normal/heavy wash cycle,” CR said. “And with great test results in our labs for vibration and noise, you’ll barely notice its 4.3-cubic-foot drum running.” It's slightly smaller than other machines on the list, making it less ideal for bedding.
3 / 5
LG WT8205CW
Screenshot: lg.com
Another LG on the list, the WT8205CW “isn’t particularly quiet or gentle on clothes, but it makes up for it with performance and efficiency,” CR said. It’s extremely water and energy efficient, but it has the longest wash cycle of any model on the list at 105 minutes. It’s large, though, and can connect to WiFi. It costs around $830.
4 / 5
LG WT7155CW
Screenshot: lg.com
One more LG. The LG WT7155CW has a lower starting price at $649, but can run up to $1,200. “Its 70-minute wash speed extracts more water from clothes, reducing time spent in the dryer,” CR said. It’s also large enough for king-size bedding. “It’s not the quietest machine, though, with middling noise levels, and it’s pretty rough on clothes, testing below par for gentleness,” CR noted.
5 / 5
Insignia NS-WMT41WA5
Screenshot: bestbuy.com
You can only buy the Insignia NS-WMT41WA5 at Best Buy $BBY, and it comes are a relatively affordable price of $450. CR said it “offers solid washing performance, water efficiency, and gentle fabric care, with middle-of-the-road ratings for energy and noise.” But some CR members reported not being very happy with it. CR also warned you shouldn’t buy the Insignia NS-TWM35W1, which is a similar model that costs about less and earned very low scores in testing.
