Top 10 Washing Machines

Frigidaire's Affinity FAFS4474LR

• The front-loading family-friendly Frigidaire Affinity steam washer includes special features to clean items such as pet beds and stuffed toys. "Good Housekeeping" claims the washing machine works effectively and cleans everything from delicates to heavy duty materials.

GE WBSR3140GWW

• The top-loading GE product features an ExtrAction wash basket that extracts high levels of water from clothes. Deemed a “Top 5 Editor’s Pick” by Consumer Guru, the washing machine includes 14 wash presets and four temperature levels.

GE WCVH6800JWW

• This GE machine offers 26 wash cycles, as well as energy efficiency, low noise and limited vibration tendencies. The front-loading washing machine also features five temperature settings, including a sanitize option. Consumer Search named it the best budget front-loading washer.

Haier HWF5300AW

• The Haier HWF5300AW provides a budget-friendly option for a front-loading machine, costing approximately $800 as November, 2011. In a "Good Housekeeping" test, the machine effectively removed ink.

Kenmore 4779

• The Energy Star compliant Kenmore 4779 offers presets designed for wool, hand-wash items and delicates. Dubbed a “Top 5 Editor’s Pick” by Consumer Guru, the front-loading machine reaches 1,300 rpm and includes six different water temperatures.

LG SteamWasher WM3875HWCA

• Named the “Best Front-Loading Washer” by Consumer Search, the LG SteamWasher comes outfitted with 14 wash programs, including allergen removal features and deep steam cleaning functions. The fastest speed reaches 1,400 rpm to quickly remove excess water from clothes.

LG WT5101HW

• At 4.5 cubic feet, the top-loading LG product features one of largest capacities of its kind. The extra-hot cycle aims to kill excess bacteria and remove stains found on clothes. Consumer Search, which named it the “Best Top-Loading Washer,” notes the Energy Star washer operates quietly.

Samsung WF448AA

• The front-loading Samsung WF448AA offers five spin speeds and temperature settings. Named a “Top 5 Editor’s Pick” by Consumer Guru, the extra-large capacity measures at 4.5 cubic feet, accommodating up to 28 bath towels in one load.

Whirlpool Duet WFW97HEX

• Based on a "Good Housekeeping" test, the front-loading Whirlpool Duet steam washer offers an effective stain-fighting delicate cycle. To stave off mildew, the FanFresh feature periodically tumbles loads left in the machine for up to 16 hours.

Whirlpool WTW57ESVW

• According to Good Housekeeping, the top-loading Whirlpool machine effectively removes stains when using just the ColdWash option. The affordable washer (coming in at around $700 as of 2011) fits large comforters.