Table of Contents >> Show >> Hide
- At-a-Glance: The Winners
- How “Tested by BHG” Translates to Real Life
- The 5 Best Washing Machines (BHG-Tested Picks)
- What to Know Before Shopping (So You Don’t Buy Regret in Stainless Steel)
- Care and Maintenance Tips (Because Future You Deserves Nice Things)
- Your Questions, Answered
- The Bottom Line
- Bonus: of Laundry Room Experience (Because Real Life Isn’t a Showroom)
- SEO Tags
Laundry day has a way of humbling everyone. One minute you’re feeling productive, the next you’re negotiating with a fitted sheet
like it’s a wild animal. The right washing machine won’t fold your clothes (tragic), but it will make stains less dramatic,
cycles less confusing, and your laundry room less of a weekly soap opera.
Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) tested a short list of washers over an extended period and highlighted five standoutseach with a clear
“best for” lane: overall performance, classic top-load power, space-saving tower design, smart features, and whisper-quiet operation.
This article distills those BHG-tested picks, explains why they shine, and adds a practical buying guide so you can choose a machine
that fits your home (and your patience level).
At-a-Glance: The Winners
| Category | Model | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Electrolux ELFW7537AW | Front-load | Quiet cleaning + lots of useful presets |
| Best Top-Loading | Speed Queen Heavy Duty Top Load (tested model) | Top-load (agitator) | Simple controls + tough-stain muscle |
| Best Tower | LG WKEX200HBA WashTower | All-in-one vertical (washer + dryer) | Small spaces and fast, straightforward laundry |
| Best Smart | LG WM4000HBA | Front-load | App alerts, smart pairing, and speed-friendly cycles |
| Best Quiet | Equator 824N + 852 Stacked Laundry Center | Compact stacked (washer + dryer) | Apartment-friendly, low-noise laundry |
How “Tested by BHG” Translates to Real Life
BHG’s evaluation focused on the stuff that matters when you’re actually living with a washer: cleaning performance, useful settings,
ease of use, and keeping noise under control. They ran both manual and preset cycles and, when available, explored smart features and apps.
In other words: not just “does it look nice in a staged laundry room,” but “will it survive a year of real loads without becoming annoying?”
That’s the lens used here. The picks below mirror BHG’s categories, then expand into what each washer is best at, what to watch out for,
and who should skip it (because not every “best” is best for your laundry habits).
The 5 Best Washing Machines (BHG-Tested Picks)
Best Overall: Electrolux ELFW7537AW Front-Load Steam Washer
If you want one washer that feels like it can handle “normal life” (work clothes, towels, gym gear, that one mystery sock situation)
without fuss, the Electrolux ELFW7537AW is BHG’s best overall. In testing, it stood out for being quiet, effective, and surprisingly
easy to live with once you get familiar with the presets.
Why it wins
- Preset variety that actually makes sense: Options like towels, activewear, and fast wash aren’t just marketingthey’re genuinely handy.
- Flexible wash customization: Multiple temperature and soil-level choices let you tailor a cycle without “button-mashing” your way into chaos.
- Clean clothes, less drama: BHG reported loads coming out fresh and clean consistently, including after stain-focused cycles.
Standout features worth caring about
This washer is built for people who like having the option to nerd out on settings, but don’t want to do that every time.
Highlights include a short “fast wash” cycle for lightly soiled loads, specialty cycles for whites and allergen-focused washing,
and steam options that can help with odor and stubborn grime.
Another practical perk: an adaptive dispenser that works with both detergent pods and traditional detergent. If you’ve ever watched a pod
play hide-and-seek inside a blanket, you’ll appreciate a dispenser system designed to cooperate.
Keep in mind
- Stacking takes extra effort: If you plan to stack it with a dryer, you’ll likely need a separate stacking kit.
- There’s a learning curve: You may spend the first week thinking, “Why are there so many choices?” and the second week thinking, “Oh… I like this.”
Best for: Households that want a dependable front-load washer with helpful presets, quieter operation, and solid cleaning performance.
Best Top-Loading: Speed Queen Heavy Duty Top Load Washer (BHG’s Tested Model)
Top-load lovers, rejoice: BHG’s favorite top-loader was a Speed Queen heavy-duty model that impressed during testing for stain-busting,
user-friendly controls, and a no-nonsense approach. It’s the kind of washer that feels like it could survive a tornado and still ask,
“Cool, are we doing denim next?”
Why it shines
- Soak + pre-wash power: Those settings made stain removal simpler in testingespecially when paired with a stain pretreat product.
- Easy controls: Clear presets that don’t require a scavenger hunt through the manual.
- Quiet for a traditional top-load: BHG measured low noise during operation in their evaluation.
The big asterisk (and how to handle it)
The exact Speed Queen model BHG originally tested was later discontinued. BHG still expressed confidence in recommending other Speed Queen
options due to the brand’s reliability reputation. Translation: if you can’t find the tested model, you can look at current Speed Queen
top-load lines (like TR and TC series) and shop based on capacity, cycle needs, and warranty length.
Keep in mind
- No smart features: If you want app alerts and remote monitoring, this isn’t that vibe.
- Capacity can be smaller than mega-tub models: Great for everyday loads, not always ideal for oversized comforters in one go.
Best for: People who want a classic agitator-style top-load washer with strong cleaning and simple operation.
Best Tower: LG WKEX200HBA WashTower
If your laundry space is more “narrow hallway closet” than “dreamy mudroom,” a tower system can be the difference between
having laundry at home and having laundry… as a lifestyle problem. The LG WKEX200HBA WashTower bundles a front-load washer
and dryer into one vertical unit with center controlsso you’re not climbing like a mountain goat to reach settings.
Why BHG liked it
- Fast everyday washing: BHG found typical loads washing in roughly the “quick and reasonable” range for regular laundry life.
- Useful presets: TurboWash, extra rinse, prewash, sanitary, and steam options were easy to understand and handy in testing.
- Helpful end-of-cycle alerts: The unit plays an audible tune when finishedloud enough to notice without sounding like a fire drill.
Keep in mind
- Lint trap reminders aren’t automatic: You still need to remember to check the dryer lint filter (your future self will thank you).
- Spin can be louder: Like many machines, the highest-spin moments are the noisiest.
Best for: Apartments, laundry closets, and anyone who wants a space-saving washer/dryer setup that’s easy to operate.
Best Smart: LG WM4000HBA Stackable Smart Front-Load Washer
The LG WM4000HBA is BHG’s pick for smart features done in a practical way. The big selling point isn’t “look, my washer has Wi-Fi!”
It’s “my washer tells me when something is wrong, helps choose settings, and pairs with the dryer so I don’t have to.”
Why it’s a smart buy (not a gimmick buy)
- App alerts that matter: Notifications for things like water connection issues or when it’s time to run a cleaning cycle.
- AI-assisted cycle selection: Sensors and built-in intelligence help match settings to fabric type and load size.
- Speed-friendly options: A short “speed wash” cycle is clutch for lightly worn clothes you need again tomorrow.
Features you’ll actually use
LG highlights TurboWash 360 for faster cleaning on certain loads, plus steam-based cycles designed to help with allergens and deep cleaning.
And if you own the matching dryer, smart pairing can recommend compatible drying settings based on the wash cycle you just ranreducing
the “guess-the-dryer-knob” routine.
Keep in mind
- Some manual tweaks can feel clunky: BHG noted that changing certain settings mid-flow could take a little fiddling.
- More options = more decision-making: Great if you like control; slightly overwhelming if you want one button that says “clean everything.”
Best for: Busy households who want a reliable front-load washer with genuinely useful smart features (and not just “smart” as a sticker).
Best Quiet: Equator 824N + 852 Electric Stacked Laundry Center
Noise mattersespecially if your “laundry room” shares a wall with your couch, your desk, or your sanity. BHG’s quiet pick is a compact,
stacked laundry center from Equator that kept the volume low while still delivering effective cleaning in their experience.
Why it’s a standout
- Low-noise operation: BHG described it as quiet enough to fade into the backgroundeven in smaller living spaces.
- Convenient alerts: A chime at the end of the cycle helps you avoid the “forgot laundry overnight” mistake.
- Small-space friendly: Stacked design and compact washer capacity work well where standard machines won’t fit.
Keep in mind
- Capacity is limited: This is built for smaller loads and smaller spaces, not for washing every blanket you own in one go.
- Door configuration may be fixed: In tight installations, details like door swing direction can matter a lot.
Best for: Apartments, condos, and laundry closets where quiet operation and compact size beat mega-capacity.
What to Know Before Shopping (So You Don’t Buy Regret in Stainless Steel)
1) Front-load vs. top-load: choose your laundry personality
In plain terms: top-load washers are often easier on your back and tend to finish cycles faster, while front-load machines are popular
for strong cleaning, gentler fabric action, and higher efficiency. Front-loaders can also be stacked with a dryer (or purchased as a tower),
which is huge for small laundry rooms.
A simple rule: if you want classic, straightforward, and “open the lid, toss it in,” a top-loader can feel effortless. If you want
efficiency, stackability, and a lot of cycle options, a front-loader usually fits better.
2) Capacity: match the tub to your household, not your optimism
Capacity isn’t just about how much you can cram in; it’s about how well the washer can move water and detergent through the load.
Overstuffing is the fastest way to turn “wash day” into “why does this still smell weird?”
- Small households: A mid-range capacity is usually plenty for week-to-week loads.
- Families (or people with towel habits): A larger capacity helps reduce the number of loads.
- Bulky comforters and big bedding: Look for higher capacity and bedding-friendly cycles.
3) Efficiency: ENERGY STAR isn’t just a badgeit’s a budget helper
ENERGY STAR-certified washers are designed to use less water and energy than standard models, which can add up over years of weekly loads.
If you’re replacing an older washer, the efficiency jump can feel surprisingly noticeable on utility costsespecially if you wash often.
Pair an efficient washer with efficient habits: wash full loads when you can, and use cold water when appropriate (especially with modern
cold-water detergents). Your clothes often last longer, tooheat is tough on fabrics.
4) Cycles that matter (and the ones you can ignore)
More cycles look impressive, but the best washers make the right cycles easy to access. For most households, these are the settings
that tend to pull their weight:
- Quick/Speed Wash: For lightly worn clothes, gym gear, and “I need this shirt tonight.”
- Bedding/Towels: Adjusted agitation and rinse behavior for bulky or absorbent items.
- Sanitize/Allergen/Steam options: Useful for certain householdsespecially when odors, allergens, or heavier soils are a concern.
- Extra rinse: Helpful for sensitive skin or detergent residue issues.
5) Noise control: the most underrated feature
A washer can be “quiet” until it hits a high-spin moment on an uneven floor. If quiet matters, prioritize machines known for low vibration,
and plan to do the unglamorous but important step: level the washer properly. A great machine installed badly can still sound like a drum solo.
Care and Maintenance Tips (Because Future You Deserves Nice Things)
Washers do a dirty job, so they need occasional housekeeping. A little maintenance helps prevent odor, keeps cleaning performance consistent,
and can extend the life of the appliance.
- Run a tub-clean cycle regularly: Especially if you use cold water often or do lots of quick cycles.
- Use the right detergent: High-efficiency (HE) machines typically require HE detergent to avoid excess suds and residue.
- Don’t overdose detergent: More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes; it can mean more buildup.
- Air it out: For front-load washers, leaving the door slightly open after loads can help reduce moisture and funky smells.
- Check pockets and traps: Coins, hairpins, and “mystery objects” can cause clogs and weird noises.
Your Questions, Answered
Is a front-load washer always better than a top-load washer?
Not always. Front-load washers are popular for efficiency, strong cleaning, and stackability, while top-load washers can be faster,
easier to load, and feel simpler day-to-day. The “better” choice is the one that fits your space, laundry volume, and preferences.
Do I really need a smart washer?
You don’t need one, but you might enjoy one. Smart features are most helpful when they provide practical valuemaintenance reminders,
useful alerts, and cycle pairing with a matching dryer. If you’d never download an appliance app on purpose, you can safely ignore smart features.
How can I save money while doing laundry?
Choose an efficient washer, wash full loads when possible, and use cold water for many everyday loads. Avoid over-drying in the dryer,
and keep filters and vents clean. Small habit changes add up across hundreds of loads a year.
The Bottom Line
If you want the most balanced choice, BHG’s best overall pickthe Electrolux ELFW7537AWhits the sweet spot of cleaning power, quiet operation,
and genuinely useful presets. If you prefer a traditional top-loader with straightforward controls and strong stain-fighting support,
Speed Queen remains a brand worth a close look (even though BHG’s exact tested model is no longer widely available).
Tight on space? The LG WashTower is a smart, user-friendly solution for compact laundry setups. Want modern convenience and app-based alerts?
The LG WM4000HBA is a strong “smart” pick. And if peace and quiet is the priorityespecially in a small homethe Equator stacked laundry center
is built for low-noise living.
Bonus: of Laundry Room Experience (Because Real Life Isn’t a Showroom)
Here’s the part nobody puts on the product box: the “best washing machine” is the one that fits your home and your habitsbecause laundry is
less about technology and more about routine. The first real lesson is measuring. Not just the spot where the washer will sit, but the path
it takes to get there. Hallway turns, doorways, and that one corner that looks roomy until you’re carrying a 200-pound appliance and suddenly
every inch has an opinion. Tower systems and compact stacked units can feel like a cheat code for small spaces, but only if you also check
door swing and venting plans (and make sure you can still reach the controls without auditioning for a climbing documentary).
The second lesson is cycle realism. Most households live on a “normal” cycle, a “quick wash,” and a “towels/bedding” option. Everything else
is a bonusnice to have, not always necessary. Quick cycles are especially underrated. They’re not meant for muddy jeans after a storm,
but they’re perfect for lightly worn clothes you want refreshed fast. The trick is not overloading and not over-soaping. If you treat quick wash
like a full-on deep clean, you’ll get… quick disappointment. (Science!)
Third: detergent is powerful, but so is restraint. HE washers, especially front-load models, don’t want a bubble bath. Too much detergent can
leave residue that traps odor, makes fabrics feel stiff, and basically creates a tiny soap museum inside your machine. If your laundry smells
“clean-ish but also oddly damp,” it’s usually not your imaginationit’s buildup. A monthly tub-clean cycle and the correct amount of HE detergent
can fix a lot of “mystery funk” without any dramatic interventions.
Fourth: noise is a lifestyle factor. If your washer is near your living room or workspace, you’ll care about vibration more than you expect.
A unit that’s quiet in a store can still thump at home if the floor isn’t level or the load is unbalanced. The best habit is boring but effective:
level the machine properly, don’t overload it, and wash heavy items (like towels) in a dedicated load so they can distribute evenly. Your ears will
notice. So will your downstairs neighbors.
Finally: laundry is emotional. Not in a romantic waymore in a “why is there always one sock that refuses to participate?” way. A great washer
won’t solve the missing-sock phenomenon, but it can reduce friction: clearer presets, reliable cleaning, and a cycle that ends when it says it will.
That’s why BHG’s picks make sense across different lifestyles. The best machines aren’t just powerful; they’re predictable. And in laundry,
predictability is basically luxury.

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