The Top Five Washing Machines

Samsung

• The Samsung WF330ANW front-loading washing machine was rated as one of the top washing machines in 2011 by the Top Ten Reviews website at a cost of $799.00. This is a massive washing machine that will wash up to 31 towels at one time. The Samsung features an end-of-cycle signal, an LED display to track your load's progress, nine preset wash cycles, a child lock and an add-a garment option. The specially designed drum helps to protect fabrics by keeping them from snagging. According to the Samsung's energy guide rating, this unit is designed for water and energy efficiency and will cost only $12 a year to run when used with an electric water heater and $7 with a natural gas heater.

LG Top Loading

• Rated as the best top-loading washing machine in September 2011 by Consumer Search's website, the LG WT5101HW is packed with quality features. This unit has 12 wash cycles, runs quietly and has a large 4.5 cubic foot capacity. The LG is energy-star compliant, featuring a design to enhance cleaning while using less water and energy. A sanitary cycle heats the water to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, killing bacteria and fighting stubborn stains. Conversely, a special cold wash cycle boosts the cleaning performance when clothes are washed in cold water. The LG was available on Amazon's website for $977.06 in October 2011.

GE Front Loading

• The GE WCVH6800JWW was rated by Consumer Search in September 2011 as the best budget, front-loading washing machine. This 3.5 cubic foot washer is energy star rated, featuring 26 wash cycles. The GE was given high marks for low vibration and noise, good washing performance, gentleness to fabric and low water and energy use. Lowe's offered this washing machine for sale in October 2011 at $719.10.

LG SteamWasher

• Ranked as the best front-loading washing machine in September 2011 by Consumer Search's website, the LG SteamWasher WM3875HWCA boasts convenient steam-cleaning power. The unit's steam-cleaning feature can remove odor and wrinkles to provide a quick touch-up, deep clean soiled laundry or remove 95 percent of common allergens, like pet dander, when used with the machine's allergiene cycle. The steam feature can help to power out tough stains better than a standard wash cycle. This model operates quietly and has a large 4.2 cubic foot capacity. The LG SteamWasher was offered on Amazon's website in October 2011 for $1,489.00.

Maytag Front Loading

• The Maytag MHWE250XL front-loading washing machine earned a top ranking in 2011 by the Top Ten Reviews website at a cost of $752.99. This unit features 10 wash cycles and a delay-start option. Expected energy costs are about $17 annually with an electric water heater, or about $12 with a natural gas water heater. The Maytag has a fresh spin option that continually tosses washed clothes for up to six hours if you aren't available to put them immediately into the dryer. This cycle helps to keep clothes from matting and mildewing by keeping them moving.