The company's machines are known to be the most durable prospects on the top-loading washing machine market. The solid mount suspension system incorporates heavy-duty springs, reducing vibrations and making this appliance the quietest washing machine you'll ever own.
There are only six available programs.
The Speed Queen TR5000WN is the machine you purchase when you want to make sure you won't have to replace the washing machine for decades. The machine will get the job done and will use very little energy to do so. All the necessary wash cycles are present.
3.2 cu. ft.
Electromechanical, 6 programs
820 rpm
64 kWh
Automatic Balancing System
42.75" x 25.6" x 28"
5 years
The Timed Oxy dispenser, adding oxi additives when it is necessary, makes sure that white fabrics come out looking as white as the day you purchased these fabrics. The StainBoost tech extends the wash time, improving detergent penetration and making sure that even the toughest stains are removed without damaging gentle fabrics.
The standard washing cycle lasts relatively long.
The Kenmore 28132 is the best prospect within this selection capacity- and performance-wise. You'll be able to throw week’s worth of clothing items into the machine and wash them all in one go without compromising cleaning quality. Considering its performance, the machine's surprisingly energy-efficient.
5.3 cu. ft.
Electronic with LED screen, 11 programs, delay start
950 rpm
195 kWh
TripleAction™ impeller, StainBoost™ technology, DeepFill™ option, DirectDrive™ motor
38" x 27.5" x 27.9"
1 year
The machine hits tough stains hard. It will even be able to remove ground-in dirt and set-in baby food without ruining delicate fabrics. The stainless steel tub will last. You won't have to worry about the tub accumulating odors. The tub's construction is resistant to chipping and discoloration.
The machine consumes/wastes too much energy.
The Kenmore 25132 puts all mid-range top-load washers to shame and is even able to tussle with most front-loading washing machines in terms of cleaning quality. The company's TripleAction™ impeller secures the deepest clean from all angles, ensuring that the clothes come out completely clean.
4.3 cu. ft.
Electromechanical, 12 programs
660 rpm
300 kWh
TripleAction™ impeller, StainBoost™ technology
43" x 27.5" x 27.8"
1 year
The DeepWater™ fills the basket with more water, allowing the machine to always break down loose soils. The wash basket's constructed using smooth porcelain which prevents the most gentle and delicate garments from snagging. The "Add-a-Garment" feature gives you more time before the cycle starts to toss forgotten items into the basket.
The low spin speed makes the machine middling at wringing out garments.
The Whirlpool WTW4616FW will make sure you're able to use the washing machine however and whenever you want. From most perspectives, what we have here is the most comfortable, convenient, and flexible washing machine on the list.
3.5 cu. ft.
Electromechanical, 12 programs
700 rpm
145 kWh
DualAction™ spiral agitator, DeepWater™ wash option, "Add-a-Garment" feature
42" x 27.5" x 27"
1 year
The appliance's capacity is enough to wash ~35 towels at once. The SteamTreat™ tech uses team jets, letting the washer break and remove the most stubborn stains. You won't need to pre-treat different clothing items/garments before tossing them into the machine. The see-through lid enables you to watch the garments tumble inside the appliance.
The appliance is quite loud.
Kenmore 81382 has its flaws compared to its cousins from the same company. At the same time, the machine is as gentle yet effective as they come. The clothes will be coming out with fewer creases and wrinkles. Plus, the machine kills >99.9% of bacteria, pollen, dust, and pet dander.
7.4 cu. ft.
Electronic with LED screen, 11 programs, delay start
850 rpm
290 kWh
SteamTreat™ option, TripleAction™ impeller, DeepFill™ option
37" x 27.5" x 29"
1 year
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Speed Queen TR5000WN
Reducing Vibrations
The Speed Queen TR5000WN is an excellent machine because the people behind this product made sure to avoid adding gimmicky features and all sorts of bells and whistles. Sure, there are only six available programs. But they're more than enough to get the job done.
More importantly, the machine's as economical as they come. Its estimated yearly electricity use doesn't even reach 65 kWh, so you'll be saving money in the long run.
Of course, the machine's still pretty expensive, so even taking that into account, there should be more adding to the product's value to make the price reasonable.
Generally speaking, the company's machines are known to be exceptionally durable, often compared to commercial laundromat washers.
The TR5000WN model follows suit, incorporating durable stainless steel that will last for decades. It is gentle on clothes and will be able to ensure top-notch performance no matter how you treat the machine.
At the same time, the solid mount suspension system, aside from the aforementioned full steel base, uses heavy-duty springs to reduce noise and vibration levels, making the machine about as convenient as these washers come.
Heavy-Duty Cycling
The machine's pretty much devoid of bells and whistles but it is far from basic, which makes sense considering the price. The basics are covered too though. You can select the temperature between cold, cool, warm, and hot.
The machine lets you choose the load size (small, medium, and large) to determine how much water should be used during the wash. The large load size fills up the entire tub, by the way. There's also an autofill option for those who don't want to bother with the settings.
The Rinse Intensity setting, when turned on, will make sure that no suds are left behind.
As far as the wash cycles are concerned, the Heavy-Duty setting should be reserved for sturdy clothing items like work uniforms, heavily-soiled jeans, and more. This is the longest cycle.
The Normal Eco cycle reduces water consumption and makes sure the machine uses no more hot water than necessary.
The Perm Press treats permanent press items and synthetics, using medium spin speed on that final extraction.
The Delicate cycle, as it is always the case, is the best option for delicate garments.
Last but not least, the Handwash cycle keeps silks and woolens clean and safe.
Bottom line, the Speed Queen TR5000WN is effective yet efficient too. The machine will be able to maintain different garments secure excellent fabric care.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $1,999.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00SZAVVSC |
Kenmore 28132
Massive Loads in One Go
The Kenmore 28132 is the biggest machine on this list and we're not even necessarily referring to the washer's size. No, with its 5.3 cubic feet capacity, this machine will let you wash massive loads in one go. You'll have no issues shoving large towels, fluffy comforters, and about a week’s worth of clothes into this machine, all without sacrificing cleaning quality.
Having said that, what really separates this product from most top-load washers is all the tech and the company's numerous features that make the machine so efficient and effective.
First, there's the company's TripleAction impeller that manipulates nine massive spray jets, wash basket motions, and impeller action, making sure that the clothes move throughout the wash cycle, securing the most thorough cleaning.
Second, the StainBoost tech is no joke. Thanks to this technology, you'll never have to handwash certain items. Extending the wash time, the tech gives clothes this really deep soak, providing improved stain removal and detergent penetration. The feature is tough on stubborn stains yet gentle on fabrics, with practically no pre-treating required.
At the same time, the Direct Drive motor makes the machine about as quiet as they get, reducing noisy vibrations but making sure that the appliance has enough juice to get your clothes nice and clean.
Meanwhile, the Timed Oxy dispenser will be able to add oxi additives at the right time during the cycle, ensuring that white fabrics remain about as crisp, bright, and fresh as the day you bought them.
Capacitive Touch
The machine incorporates electronic controls with an LED screen and 11 different programs. We won't be addressing all these programs, but we would be remiss not to mention the Deep Fill setting that automatically adjusts the water levels depending on the load size. The setting optimizes water usage and ensures that different clothing items come out squeaky clean.
These controls make the machine look far more modern than most top-load washers. Its sleek, streamlined design will be able to complement most kitchens and bathrooms. The Capacitive Touch tech provides quick response and makes the machine accessible and comfortable to operate.
The standard washing cycle lasts relatively long, that's where the machine's flaws basically begin and end.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B074C14WJK |
Kenmore 25132
Hitting Tough Stains Hard
The Kenmore 25132 is the company's more basic model. At the same time, the machine's anything but basic compared to most top-load washers. There's more than enough here to separate this product from its direct competition within the same price range and solidify a spot on our list.
First off, the machine's construction/build is nothing to complain about. The stainless steel tub is durable and tough. It is able to resist odors. The tub won't start chipping or discoloring with time. You won't have to worry about the machine snagging fabrics. At the same time, the tub will remain looking slick and quite attractive wash after wash.
Having said that, the company's top-load washers are usually about the tech first and foremost. We're not dealing with Kenmore's flagship model here but that doesn't mean that the machine's been robbed of these technologies altogether.
For one, the StainBoost™ tech hasn't gone anywhere. The feature is as good at attacking stubborn stains (like ground-in dirt and set-in baby food) as it's ever been, all without damaging gentle fabrics.
At the same time, the company's trademark TripleAction™ impeller hasn't been forgotten about too. From post-game uniforms to family-size loads, the feature allows the machine to deep clean from any and every angle, making sure that the clothes always come out as clean as possible.
12 Programs
The machine's 4.3 cubic feet capacity is not necessarily pedestrian but nothing to write home about either. You'll have no issues washing bulky items like comforters, sleeping bags, and different jackets, all in a single load.
We would definitely recommend taking advantage of the appliance's increased capacity because its energy consumption is pretty bad, especially by the company's standards. Considering the 660 revolutions per minute spin speed, the fact that the estimated yearly electricity use reaches 300 kWh is definitely something to complain about.
On the upside, the machine comes equipped with 12 programs, including Cool Whites and Cool Darks that will be able to keep your darks as dark as they were from the get-go and your whites bright-white. Meanwhile, the Clean Washer setting will be able to nix musty odors and keep the machine's interior clean and ready for the next laundry day. You'll never have to wipe away leftover detergent.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $667.62 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B075KKZ62T |
Whirlpool WTW4616FW
Excellent Energy Consumption
The Whirlpool WTW4616FW has its advantages and disadvantages (as all products do). The advantages are numerous and abundant, so we thought we'd start with disadvantages first.
The biggest issue we have with the machine is the somewhat pedestrian spin speed that maxes at 700 revolutions per minute. We're not saying that that's bad, but we're not necessarily saying the opposite either. The spin speed makes the machine pretty middling at wringing out and drying garments.
We can somewhat extend the same sentiment towards the appliance's 3.5 cubic feet capacity. Again, that's not bad, we've seen worse at the same price range. That capacity is enough to handle sizable loads but not necessarily enough to add bulky items to these sizable loads, so you'll have to choose between the two.
You will, however, have that luxury of choice because the machine is excellent as far as energy consumption is concerned. Since its estimated yearly electricity use doesn't even reach 150 kWh, you'll be able to use the machine every second day without making the electricity bills skyrocket.
Add a Garment
The machine's tech and feature list are pretty impressive too. For starters, there's the DualAction™ spiral agitator that allows the appliance to take on the toughest loads. Securing excellent wash action and cleaning performance, the agitator gives your clothes the right clean.
The washer comes equipped with 12 different cycle settings. In addition to the standard roster, the DeepWater™ wash option will fill the wash basket with extra water, making sure that the machine is able to break down loose soils.
At the same time, the Delicates cycle will be able to keep delicate items and various fine washables nice and safe. The Casual cycle will cover day-to-day needs, while the Cold Wash cycle will keep the darks dark and whites as white as fresh morning snow.
The machine measures 42" x 27.5" x 27", pretty standard as far as these top-load washers go. Its construction, for the most part, is nothing to write home about except for the wash basket that's made from smooth porcelain, preventing even the most delicate fabrics from snagging.
Last but not least, the machine comes equipped with this excellent "Add-a-Garment" feature that gives you extra time before the spin cycle starts, letting you toss in missed/forgotten items.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B01IBVC340 |
Kenmore 2620372
Treating with Steam
The Kenmore 2620372 is an awesome top-load washing machine.
Basically, the only reason we've assigned this product the last spot on this list is because the company's 28132 model is quite similar in most ways but better in terms of spin speed and energy consumption. Also, the machine's quite loud as Kenmore's DirectDrive™ motor that excels at reducing vibrations hasn't been added to this appliance.
Apart from that, again, we've no issues with this washer. In fact, we can say many good things about it.
First things first, its capacity is no joke, measuring at 7.4 cubic feet. That capacity is enough to accept and comfortably clean like 30-35 towels at once.
Though the machine's spin speed loses to its aforementioned successor, 850 revolutions per minute is nothing to scoff at. The appliance will have no issues removing the toughest stains from multiple clothing items/garments at the same time.
Also, we're not saying that the washer doesn't have its advantages too. The 28132 model doesn't come equipped with the SteamTreat™ option, which is unfortunate for the said machine and bully for the subject of this review.
Using steam jets, this setting allows the machine to tackle hard-to-clean stains. You won't have to pre-treat these garments before throwing them into the washer.
At the same time, the people behind this product didn't forget to add the company's trademark TripleAction™ impeller. Using three unique wash actions, this component is the cornerstone behind the machine's high efficiency, deep-cleaning fabrics with less water.
See-Through Lid
The machine comes fitted with 11 programs. Setting the standard lineup aside, the biggest/best setting is the DeepFill™ option. Automatically adjusting the water levels depending on the load size, this setting optimizes water usage and makes sure that the clothes come out clean.
Besides that, there's not much to add here. The machine looks good, that we can say with certainty. The LED screen makes the appliance look modern and even somewhat elegant. The black see-through lid lets you watch the clothes washing/turning inside the appliance. The controls are easily accessible, incorporating capacitive buttons for most settings and this massive dial for choosing the cycle option.
Finally, there's also the sometimes absent but always welcome delay start feature that, as you would imagine, let's you delay the start as long as 24 hours.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B073RM2WDF |
What Is a Top-Load Washer?
Top-load washers, as the name suggests, are the washing machines that have the door on top rather than on the front.
Apart from that, these machines work somewhat differently too compared to their front-loading cousins. More often than not, top-loaders incorporate this center agitator that uses propeller-esque paddles to move the clothing items through the water, moving them from the tub's top to the bottom. These top-to-bottom agitation motions continue throughout the wash cycle's length, forcing water and detergent to penetrate the fabrics in order to loosen the soil.
Sometimes though, these machines use the same drum rotating around a horizontal axis that front-loaders use, except there's no front door. Instead, top-loading washing machines incorporate liftable top load lids like a standard washer. Though the machines operate and spin pretty much precisely like front-loaders, they're able to achieve the same results using half the water amount. Plus, top-loaders use two symmetrical bearings rather than one single bearing on one side, so these machines usually last longer.
These laundry detergents and washer cleaners will work wonders together with these front-loading washing machines.
What Features to Compare
Capacity
Capacity goes somewhat without saying. At the same time, it is so important that we couldn't avoid talking about this aspect. Generally speaking, these machines present somewhere between 3 and 5 cubic feet capacity-wise. The washers that approach that 5 cubic feet mark will let you load and wash as many as 20+ towels in one go, meaning that these machines will let you wash family-size loads with ease, so you won't have to use the machine every second day.
Controls and Programs
Various top-loaders and front-loaders are quite similar when it comes to controls. These days, they're always either electromechanical or completely electric, incorporating different capacitive buttons and dials. Electric models come equipped with LED screens that let you access and manage the machine's settings.
More often than not, the dial lets you manage the cycle settings, while the buttons allow you to access temperature and different features. Generally speaking, these machines come fitted with somewhere between 6 and 12 cycle settings, including the standard lineup like Eco Mode, Delicates Mode, Cold Wash Mode, and more.
Spin Speed
Needless to say, spin speed matters. The higher the spin speed, the more effective the machine is at removing stubborn stains. There's no downside to having high spin speed. That being said, there are various factors, technologies, and features contributing to the machine's effectiveness, so we would recommend taking everything into account rather than fixating on spin speed alone.
Estimated Yearly Electricity Use
Nobody likes to pay bills. That's precisely why the machine's energy consumption matters too. There's huge variation between different models though. Sometimes, even the most capable washers don't generate more than 70-80 kWh per year, while middling washing machines can occasionally be wasteful enough to approach the ~300 kWh per year mark. In other words, make sure to check the machine's estimated yearly electricity use unless you don't want to increase your electricity bills trifold.
Extra Features
Different models come housing various features. These features can sometimes pertain to the machine's ability to tackle adversaries such as ground-in dirt and set-in baby food. At the same time, these features can be as simple (yet important/necessary) as delay start and "add-a-garment". We would definitely advise reading carefully into these features because they often determine the machine's values as much as the aforementioned specs.
Top-Load Washers Versus Front-Loading Washing Machines
Although there are hybrid models, generally speaking, washing machines fall under top-load or front-load categories. There are multiple advantages and disadvantages that these categories have compared to each other. Here, we will briefly cover these differences.
To Bend or not to Bend
Nobody likes bending, let's just say that. The difference is that, with top-load washers, you don't have to bend. You can open the door, dump the clothes, access the machine's settings, and take the clothes/garments out without bending/sitting down. As you would imagine (and probably know from experience), that's not that case with front-load washers. Sometimes, front-loading models come equipped with pedestal stools but even then these machines require some bending. Plus, you almost always end up dropping socks and having to pick them up from the floor, which is sometimes downright infuriating.
Spacing
Of course, different places have different layouts. Generally speaking though, top-load washers are more compact and accessible. More often than not, these appliances are less bulky. Plus, you don't have to consider which way the door swings open. With front-load machines, you have to take that into account because these doors can sometimes obstruct movement.
Performance
Front-loaders almost always outclass top-loaders performance-wise. They're usually able to remove more soil and tackle the toughest stains. That's the case because the tumbling motion that front-loaders incorporate puts gravity to work. These machines knock clothing items against each other. Also, the clothes scrub themselves against detergents' abrasive elements and against the drum/tub. The twisting motion that top-loaders use cannot muster this much action and energy.
That being said, that's not necessarily important for most customers. Generally speaking, most half-decent top-loaders will be able to remove most stains and keep most fabrics 100% clean. Even work/sports uniforms usually look great after one wash in these top-load machines.
Mold/Mildew Problems
Sometimes, it is the wrong detergent. Other times, it is too much detergent or too much softener. The drums and gasket sometimes stay wet between uses. That's why front-loaders are prone to accumulating mold and mildew, making these machines stink. That's seldom the case with top-load washers since moisture easily evaporates from the unsealed top door.
Longevity
Of course, it all depends on how you treat the machine. That being said, top-load washing machines are usually less demanding maintenance- and upkeep-wise. More often than not, overloading is what wears these machines out. The extra weight puts excess strain on the rear bearing(s). Again, that's not the case with top-load machines because there's no drum there, so you won't be putting any pressure onto the bearing(s) behind the drum.
Needless to say, top-loaders come equipped with bearings too. These bearings are not under as much pressure though, so you won't have to worry about them wearing out all that easily. Plus, they're usually cheaper and easier to replace.
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