Best Top-Load Washers for 2024 - Ranked

[@lynntomk]

I wondered why Maytag has slipped from 1st place. Good to know. I used my mother-in-laws Maytag for over 35 years. Dumping my front loader and electric LG dryer. The washer (15 years old) is a battle to keep the stink down and the dryer now takes twice to dry. You couldn't give me an LG. Happy to see them both go. The Whirlpool looks good. Good video, thanks.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Maytag was sold to Whirlpool and has never been the same

[@W0lfReaper]

@@YaleAppliance1 True! R.I.P. to my 1996 Maytag Dependable Care Washer (28yrs.)

[@MauriceEVA]

As a relatively new salesman in the appliance industry, I can say I love the Yale videos and I always love the insights you both provide with these videos. Much appreciated every time!

[@YaleAppliance1]

Thank you Maurice......Good luck

[@stevemoore9951]

Bought a SQ TC 5003 SIX MONTHS AGO BEST CLEANING EVER WIFE THOUGHT I BLEACHED THE WHITE TOWELS AFTER THE FIRST WASH. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@edkaempf906]

I appreciate what it takes to put together a clear video on any subject, including on washers. So my comments are not intended to diminish the research, planning, and work you both did to make the video. It seems to me that you blended the two completed different styles of Speed Queen washers (TC5 and the three TR models) into one "washer" for your ranking platform. You were very clear that the TC5 has an actual agitator that aggressively cleans and rinses clothes, while the TR models have the tub and agitator are fixed to each other, and merely move water around gently. For this reason, it seems that it would be more fair to rate the TC5 washer separately from the three TR models because there really are two completely different approaches to build and cycles. Now, one clothes-cleaning advantage that SQ's model TR7 has over the TR3, TR5, and TC5 models is that it is the only one that can use warm water for the RINSE cycle. But it till can't fill the tub all the way with water, and it uses the much weaker movement of water through the clothes methods (what SQ labels as "Perfect Wash"). Also, pushing SQ washers as a group down to a B in your rankings in part because of their price seems unfair . . . . . especially because price reflects a washer's ability to clean clothes, and to last. I think rational people will know that to get a washer that is so much better at cleaning clothes (primarily because it fills the entire tub with water AND it uses a real agitator) would be willing to pay more money, than what they might pay for washers that don't fill the tub, merely move the water around, and have short cycles to save energy . . . but which may have to run twice to get the clothes clean and rinse out all the detergent.

[@YaleAppliance1]

I love the SQ story. Built in the US with commercial pedigree. Heavier than a small tank. It sounds so good, but the reliability numbers dont match the promise. I am sorry to say it but we logged over 37,000+ service calls last year and well over 100,000 in less than three years. Now the other issue is most servicers will not touch anything under warranty because the reimbursement from the factories is so low. So getting a 7 year warrantied product fixed is a real chore.

[@edkaempf906]

@@YaleAppliance1 Were all those service calls just for Speed Queen washers? Or were they mixed among multiple brands? Again, good video on the washers.

[@LameduckAof1]

I would take A SQ TC5 OVER EVERYTHING IN THEIR LIST! AND IT WILL DEFINITELY LAST FOR 5HE NEXT 25 PLUS YEARS UNLESS IT IS MISUSED AND ABUSED

[@michaeldaugherty1933]

We love our speed, queen TC five set

[@midnightexpress1567]

Me too. It's fast. I use regular big bag powder detergent. Works soo good.

[@jenniporras0312]

what kind of detergent?​@@midnightexpress1567

[@hispeed8500]

You mentioned earlier in the vodeo you guys prefer front load washers. My understanding is that they are gentler on clothing, but more susceptible to mold/mildew. We currently have a front load and are considering a top load for our next machine. Would you mind sharing your thoughts? Thanks!

[@YaleAppliance1]

I think front loads are better for many reasons...energy, capacity, and water usage, better spin, etc...Mold can develop in the gasket, but keep it dry and opening the door mitigates the issue

[@chantaljacques7664]

Always great reviews. Very useful information. Thanks for doing this!

[@bluedrummajor2876]

Do you all sell any of Speed Queen's front loan washers? How's their reliability?

[@user-gz4ve8mw9l]

Thats what I'd like to know. I've heard nothing but great things about them. They are rather expensive though.

[@alicemurry1128]

🎉😅

[@artblackwood7936]

I have one of those no agitator top loaders. It's horrible in every way. It's getting replaced soon. Thanks for all the great information.

[@The-Friendly-Grizzly]

I am generally open to new things and tried one with good reviews. It was finicky in how it was loaded, got out of balance easy. and was annoying as can be. Sold it and went back to front loaders and never looked back.

[@Its_Me0000]

Thank you for doing this. Your videos are always interesting.

[@W0lfReaper]

I'm looking for the best top-loading washer with an agitator that's ideal for tall people with large clothing (over 6ft tall / 290lbs). It needs to have a deep-fill option to ensure all the clothes get thoroughly cleaned and an extremely large capacity to hold a significant amount of laundry. Durability is also crucial-I want a washer that will last for years with minimal maintenance. My 1996 Maytag Dependable Care washer just gave out after 28 years, so I'm hoping to find a replacement with similar longevity.

[@justme8649]

I think I'll stick with Speed Queen 😄

[@laraffinee]

These reviews are excellent and so helpful!

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Is GE still very reliable?

[@YaleAppliance1]

On a top load...yes

[@Pete_or_Peter4Long]

How is Speed Queen reliability worse then LG? Do you mean in the first year? I can't imagine how any box store brand washer could outlast a Speed Queen. A Speed Queen could last 25 years. You would be lucky to get 10 years out of an LG.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Well....I only read the numbers. I dont have any ulterior motive other than to sell and service reliable appliances

[@Pete_or_Peter4Long]

@@YaleAppliance1 So are you saying your numbers for reliability for these top load washers is only for the first year?

[@ericmann7945]

@YaleAppliance1 I maintain 9 top loading washers at a large multi- unit building in Newton. My Whirlpool Commercial top loading washers end up failing due to overloading & thus unbalanced wet clothes during spin cycle. I've been replacing them with Speed Queen top loaders . Residents can't break my Speed Queens as easily now. I think an "end user" distinction should be made between heavy use/large families/apartment buildings... vs single family residential users. We love our LG front loaders for our home use. We appreciate YALE Appliance for delivering our LG machines and providing excellent service for older out of warranty appliances as well.

[@rich2209]

Please answer Pete's question. ​@@YaleAppliance1

[@albertcarello619]

@Pete...or...Peter4Lo... I certainly agree with you! I have a 2018 SPEED QUEEN TR5 SERIES WASHER and no maintenance issues at all. Reliability seems stellar! I always use the Auto-fill feature for best washing results. Also use top quality detergents like PERSIL OR TIDE HE STAIN RELEASE TURBO LIQUID.

[@Dts-r6y]

I just want one that fills up cleans and drains all this technology is terrible

[@midnightexpress1567]

Speed Queen. I likey new TC5. Fast. Gets the kob done quietly. No nonsense features.

[@WthrLdy]

I'm going back to a top load after 3 of my LG front loads all died from blown bearings one at 4 years old, one at 5 and one at 6 years. The last one died at 4 years old and will cost 500$ even under warranty to fix. I can get a new machine, albeit a simple LG for $600. We're a family of two and I'm not washing rocks. I'm going back to a top load, and a simple one with an agitator.

[@jeffreyjourdonais298]

Speed Queen generally last 25-30 years with no maintenance. The "A"s you picked are cheaply made and might last 6 years.

[@YaleAppliance1]

25-30 years based on.....their marketing. Their first year service rates are higher than the ones mentioned here. I love SQ, but we also service what we sell. The facts don't jive with reputation.

[@Dts-r6y]

I've been wanting to get a Speed Queen but they're so small

[@69Dartman]

The Kenmore/Whirlpool top load HE we bought in early 2013 lasted 3 years before the main shaft bearings and seal went out. I figured the parts were cheap so I bought the bearing tool and seal bearing kit and redid it. First one leaked immediately being cheap Chinese parts that didn't fit right. I bought a better OEM kit and redid it, lasted a little over a year and was noisy again. I redid the setup 3 more times about once a year and got tired of tearing the whole basket etc out to redo it every year. I did some research on who makes the most reliable yet easy to service top load and LG came out on top. Bought a new 7900 LG from Costco on sale with a 2 year warranty, used their credit card for 2 more years and it's been washing and running fine for 3 years. From what I could tell the bearing/shaft setup is self contained and sorta just drops and bolts in vs trying to get the bearings and seal seated properly on the shaft and seal seated and sealed up properly, even with the proper tools. So far I'm happy and I have a while before I have to deal with it on my own, it has a huge capacity and seems to balance well too.

[@EileenJOfficial]

Maytag Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. Top Load Washer with Deep Fill Cycle Option Item 1694219 Model MVW4505MW complete junk. 4th load it stopped in the middle of the cycle and wouldn't unlock . Unplugged for 30minutes, finally got it to unlock, but it wouldn't start back up, not even to drain and spin. Returned it

[@marloon88]

Yessssssss. Moreeeeeeeee videos please!!!

[@pault.5744]

These guys gave speed queen a B? Either they are being disingenuous and just want you to buy brands that will be obsolete or need to be replaced in 3 to 4 years, or they really truly don’t know what they’re talking about. If you do any research at all you’ll notice that yes speed queen is more expensive, but it is by far the most reliable brand for washers and dryers that there is. And there is a good reason for that. My in-laws have a speed queen washer and dryer combo that they have had for 25 years. Still going strong my wife and I just bought the TC5 and the DC5 and it truly is an incredible machine.

[@YaleAppliance1]

You forgot way more expensive iwth far less capacity. Their reliability is good but based on over 100,000 service calls we perform over three years, others are better. Still, you can decide for yourself...

[@mzdwinnie2339]

If there isn’t constant water flow; can you pour water in a top load or front load?

[@YaleAppliance1]

Good question...I suppose so, but washing is rinsing as well.....

[@Judith33]

More and more people are buying top loaders because they are just better: they have better features, and they don't stink. And yet these guys act like top loaders are akin to dragging your clothes through a mud puddle compared to front loaders. Get over it, guys: front loaders are declining in popularity for many, many reasons. Sure front loaders are "more energy efficient and more water efficient"....and yet, in the end, your clothes and the front loader STINK. Kind of defeats the purpose of all the "efficiency" if you have to wash your clothes TWICE to get them clean.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Can't say I agree....Keep the door open and wipe down the gasket and you will be fine. GE has their odorblock fan and Microwban to completely eliminate the problem as well

[@glammav14344]

How true! Clothes stink, especially towels! I am buying a top loader soon!

[@zebrazee5797]

@@YaleAppliance1 The nose KNOWS! No getting past that skunky smell. Nothing eliminates the smell but a new washer.

[@brigittelehmann9749]

I have noticed that you dont have the temperature on the machine on how hot you have to wash your wash, like 60 degrees or 40 degrees, in Europe they have the temperature on the machine

[@YaleAppliance1]

Bosch does here as well......

[@brigittelehmann9749]

@YaleAppliance1 you mean putting the temperature on the machine

[@YaleAppliance1]

yes

[@Rob-hv9kt]

Ok questions for moms Im a senior guy widowed so i need a a top loader washing machine . Its just me . I through everything in at once mix colors! I need a brand name .

[@YaleAppliance1]

LG

[@ladylyonteeth3952]

I like the top loader because heavy things are easier to drop in, instead of stuff across, then drag out onto the floor, or try to catch.

[@TheAdrian7826]

I hate my LG front loader,it takes 90 minutes for a basic load and barely uses any water at all.Plus the routine maintenance to keep the mold smell down is a pain.We are a large family and Do a lot of Big loads,I will go back to speed queen.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Try leaving the door open and wiping the gasket

[@TheAdrian7826]

I do that on a reg basis,I drain the water out and clean the filter,and do Tub cleans twice a month,it still smells.My clothes don't come out smelling clean at all,It just doesn't use enough water.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Rub the tub clean cycle?

[@TheAdrian7826]

​@@YaleAppliance1Wipe the gasket down regularly,do the tub clean,I even add a lil vinegar to my loads,It still smells.I didnt have to do all tha t extra maintenance on my speed queen and could wash a load in like 22 mins versus 90 minus plus on this front loader.So much for high efficiency.

[@marloon88]

Dual fuel non pro ranges please

[@YaleAppliance1]

Buy induction.....

[@Tay675]

sounds like you have to service the SQ more the first year but that doesn't explain the cost, complexity or difficulty of what you're fixing. Many service techs around my area would much rather touch a SQ over and LG, Samsung and etc.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Thats because SQ pays a better labor rate...ask them.

[@bettermost]

Speed Queen a B? It’s the best washer you can buy today.

[@annettea6402]

Ripon WI for Speed Queen, not Racine.

[@Shell-s4d]

Thank you❤

[@JGrizzel]

The problem I am seeing with reviews from companies like these, are they thrive off of service calls. 40,000 service calls in one year at $130/call that's $5.2M in just the call, not to mention the parts and labor charges. Thats why these guys gave Speed Queen a B the same as Samsung.

[@YaleAppliance1]

If it is that profitable, then why doesnt every company offer it? Here is the reality: You are paid about $110 per call for warranty. Thats a completed call. You aren't paid extra no matter how many times you need to fix. So here is whats needed: 1. You need a call center to schedule the call 2. a router to route the call 3. You need a tech to pre diagnose the call and order the right parts 4. Purchasing to order the part/or a parts department to remove/replenish the part 5. You need a qualified service tech to install part. 6. You need workmans comp, general liability, and auto insurance pl,us managers to oversee all these techs If you get it wrong, the process starts over with an unhappy customer. So for all that, you think $110 is fair?

[@indianoutlaw5702]

LG, have they solved their lawsuit problems? Why did this not get them less than an A?

[@deevine1818]

Not thorough at all on Maytag… like to see review of Maytag Pet Pro (top load) washer (with agitator) dryer (front load) which feature collection for pet hair in both.

[@georgetteetourneaux3350]

Do not buy Maytag 4505- absolute JUNK

[@mwcleaning]

Maytag BRAVOS are junk too. Shift actuator failure very common at $85 a pop just for the part. Looking to replace this unit soon.

[@thomasozemko5024]

I was surprised at mention of the GE commercial and nothing about the Maytag commercial which I think is closer to the Speed Queen. After taking a look at the GE not impressed in the cheap lid, the One Piece agitator that's also found in their cheaper residential units. Interesting if a tear down which show heavy duty or simply more residential parts reuse. Like they say a 5-year warranty is only as good as how many times you need repair.

[@kinger21]

😂😂😂😂…..these guys Speed Queen review….don’t listen to anything these 2 are saying

[@YaleAppliance1]

Why would you? We talk about capacity and reliability based on real service calls. The other influencers get affiliate commissions to prop up everything

[@garypillischafske1425]

LG, seriously? Sold appliances for years. Would give an LG to my worst enemy.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Cant comment on when you sold appliances. For years, LG is the most reliable for laundry based on over 37,000 service calls just last year. It isnt even close. So I would and have sold it to my best friends

[@Dts-r6y]

I kind of agree my grandmother has an LG and she's only had one problem with it and we fixed it and it's been fine

[@Brittany.Anderson]

I refuse to own another whirlpool laundry set

[@gabriellacoop4681]

the amount of speed queen propaganda is overwhelming on YT. yet my neighbors with speed queens have so many complaints

[@YaleAppliance1]

I am not part of the propanganda. Its too expensive for what it is

[@lorcashine]

On Reddit too, it's a SP cult! No one wants to accept anything bad about them.

[@jamestorregrossa1185]

A very small, definitely unscientific sampling of speed, queen, quite ridiculous. Everyone in the real round world knows speed Queen is tops in reliability and function.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Its good, but not the most reliable. Its also the smallest. I like and sell the brand, but its one of many to consider

[@stevesmith1493]

Seriously? LG is crap! Speed Queen is the absolute best. Expensive but 25 years plus.

[@imawoodgrain]

Samsung have more software issues than anything I've ever bought with several of their products including their washers. Front loads, sounds systems, tvs, refrigerators. They suck. Poor designs for functions as well as their software issues. :(

[@AnthonyCuozzo-dd4yj]

Guys - really? Get your facts straight with Speed Queen. Where are you getting your data that shows Speed Queens are very repair prone. This is the first time I have ever heard of that issue. They are one of the most reliable brands according to independent testing laboratories. The only repair on my 16 year old model was replacing a belt every 5 years. As for warranty repairs, there is no shortage of reputable repair companies out there. How can you recommend Miele appliances (granted, not washers, but ranges, ovens and dishwashers) when several people I know in my area have had significant issues getting any service for their Miele appliances - and these are not people living in remote areas. This the New York metro area. Between issues of finding someone to repair them properly, parts availability and issues dealing with Miele corporate, you couldn't pay me to buy a Miele appliance. And Samsung I am told is a recurring reliability and service nightmare. Granted Speed Queen is pricey, but so is everything else today, and it isn't for everyone. But you were pretty dismissive to the brand and your prejudice is clear. And for the record, that nonsense of front loaders washing better than traditional agitator equipped top loaders is a lot of crap. I know many people with front loaders and I don't notice that their laundry is any cleaner or fresher than mine. That may be due to most people not having the common sense God gave a dog on how to wash properly. No one likes laundry but more washer features don't eliminate the need for being an active part of the process. Wi - Fi, pre loading dispensers, etc.., come on! Are we that lazy? That's just more stuff to break. I have always had a traditional top loader as did my parents - and for over 67 years and regardless of the brand our family laundry was always pristine. And between my parents and myself, we have washed our way through every major brand- Norge, Frigidaire (GM - not White Consolidated), Philco-Bendix, GE (Filter-Flo design), Whirlpool, Kenmore (which was just Whirlpool), Maytag and now Speed Queen. And as for "gentleness" - my clothes don't look any more worn out from washing in a traditional top loader than those of friends washing in a front loader. Again, common sense.

[@YaleAppliance1]

I only report the numbers of service calls versus sales. I don't pick sides here.

[@AnthonyCuozzo-dd4yj]

@@YaleAppliance1 As a retired CPA, I can tell you that numbers alone don't tell the whole story, so your comments would be more helpful if some actual context was included. I realize that it's not possible to know the details of every service call, or include all level of detail in a video. But a service call to replace a wear item like a belt (and we know this is a fact of life on a Speed Queen) is way different than a "failure" or critical breakdown (more like maintenance than repair). But it still seems that your Speed Queen repair comments are far and away so completely opposite anything that has been published or that I or anyone I know has experienced. Otherwise I always enjoy your videos and find them pretty informative.

[@YaleAppliance1]

You have a point. What are the huge problems versus minor ones. But when we look at the data, the same could be said about every other brand. We are on the opposite side of much conventional thought for two main reasons. 1. I refuse to monetize and accept "sponsorship" and affiliate links to make money on the channel. I am not a socialist, but the $200-300,000 isnt worth it. All those influencers get paid and none of them do any warranty service. 2. Speaking of which, we have performed 105,000+ service calls in less than three years most of which is warranty. So who are you going to believe? Seriously.

[@bradfordstoll5191]

As an hvac service/install tech we have a pretty good idea on what typically goes wrong/fails/needs maintenance with the equipment we sell and service (and the stuff we don’t sell, but service). And while maybe it’s not exactly the info you as a dealer and a service company would like to put out there, you guys know (the techs know and we talk with management) the issues that your recommended products have. That info is as important as the #’s of service calls as is the time to procure and fix the product. Maybe alluding to some of that info would help bridge the gap about why your grading one product higher than another. I’m 💯 sure people will still criticize and complain (it’s our nature now) but would go a long way for a consumer to decide what repairs they’re most likely to encounter and if their equipment will be down for hours, days or weeks (how fast can these repairs be performed)! Thanks for the video. Currently looking at the SQ TR7 after having almost 10 years of no issues with an lg front load (hate the stink and we’ve tried everything, like to be able to add more water and the time to do a load is way too long, currently leaking water from underneath). Cheers

[@YaleAppliance1]

Fair point, BUT we will replace a lot of stuff to get that appliance working....sound familiar?

[@stevesmith1493]

NOBODY services a Speed Queen because they don’t need it and these guys know it.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Unfortunately, we performed 100,000 service calls in less than three years. Every brand needs service including Speed Queen

[@JLNeis]

You guys dont know anything. The Speed Queen are built in RIPON Wi. NOT RACINE! You guys better update your knowledge, everyone says SAMSUNG is the worst washer made, and also you dknt talk about those stupid springs those washers hang from. And boy are you wrong about Whirlpool.

[@YaleAppliance1]

Everyone? I hate Samsung personally. But I am not going to lie and say its awful when its not. Their service is lamentable without question

[@brandoyo9689]

Best is LG and they loved Samsung front loaders? What?!! My Samsung front loaders were GARBAGE, and LG has a ton of bad reviews. They have Speed Queen rated B and talked about hard to find repair men in 5 years?? I’m not taking these guys advice…

[@YaleAppliance1]

Whoa. First, I hate Samsung and especially their service department. I just report numbers. SQ is good, but their initial quality is not as good as LG based on numbers not opinion

[@brandoyo9689]

@ So you made a review video when you have no actual use on any of these machines?

[@YaleAppliance1]

Hey, I respect your passion. Our reviews are based on features and reliability based on 33,000+ service calls in the last 12 months. I really dont pick sides here

[@donnaj.clarke2482]

ALL TO MUCH MONEY