The best top-loading washing machine

When comparing the popularity of automatic washing machines, front-loading washing machines (with the door in the front) are the clear winner. However, sometimes people opt for top-loading washing machines (with the door in the top). There are many reasons for this, but today we're not going to discuss the reasons for choosing such machines, but rather how to make the choice. What should the best top-loading machine look like? That's what we'll discuss in this article.

How to evaluate?

When considering purchasing a top-loading washing machine, consumers are almost immediately confronted with a vast array of models with varying specifications and prices. Even without visiting stores in your city or town, a quick look online will reveal a vast selection, but it's unclear what to realistically buy without breaking the bank.

A savvy consumer immediately starts checking ratings on sales websites, looking at models of top-loading washing machines that have received high ratings. This approach is not considered correct, as sellers often create and use fake ratings to steer consumers away from the best products, instead focusing on those they need to sell quickly.

 

Our website doesn't sell anything or advertise washing machines. We're interested in finding unbiased information, and believe me, we'll find it!

A top-loading washing machine should not be evaluated based on the opinions of a group of people, but on the basis of an objective assessment of a group of criteria, preferably a professional assessment. Our experienced repair technicians have identified a number of criteria to consider when evaluating a top-loading washing machine. These criteria, coupled with their expert opinions on each worthy model, will help you determine which washing machine is best and worthy of your choice. Let's list these criteria.

• The cost of the model and its technical characteristics.
• How well does the machine wash clothes?
• How long can the machine last?
• Is it easy to repair and how expensive are spare parts?

While this may seem straightforward at first glance, each of the above criteria actually has a significant meaning, which we'll explore in the following sections of this article. Let's start with the most complex: price and technical specifications.

Specifications and price

After reviewing dozens of top-loading washing machines, it's not difficult to choose a few models that are reasonably priced and have more or less decent technical specifications. That's the mindset of an amateur. In reality, the only thing you can quickly decide on is price; everything else can sometimes baffle even a professional. When we discuss the "technical specifications" selection criterion for a top-loading washing machine, we're referring to those related to the technical specifications.

1. Overall dimensions. These are especially important to consider when you have limited space; we look at the height, depth, and width of the model.
2. Drum or wash tub capacity. This parameter lets you know what kind of drum your washing machine has and how much laundry (in kilograms) it can hold to ensure a thorough wash.
3. Number and composition of washing modes. It's important to consider not only the number of washing programs, but also their popularity and effectiveness.
4. Useful features. Modern top-loading washing machines have a ton of useful features that help speed up washing, make it more efficient, and protect your laundry.

Don't go for models with dubious advertised features like "bubble wash" or "smart wash." Firstly, they'll cost you more, and secondly, they're not necessarily as effective as advertised.

5. The information content and functionality of the control panel are much more appreciated by users. Top-loading washing machine models with a clear and informative control panel with a good display and responsive switches and buttons.
6. Noise. Top-loading washing machines are traditionally quieter than their front-loading counterparts, but it's still important to keep an eye on this feature to avoid running into some roaring monster.
7. Spin speed. It's generally accepted, and not without reason, that the faster the drum spins during the spin cycle, the drier the laundry will be. Our experience suggests that if the maximum spin speed for a particular washing machine model is less than 1000 rpm, it's best to avoid that machine.
8. Height adjustment. A good modern top-loading automatic washing machine should have four, or at most two, adjustable feet to help level the machine. If you have problems with the feet, don't buy the machine.
9. Protection. A modern top-loading automatic washing machine should have at least partial protection against leaks. It would be better if the protection were complete, but frankly speaking, in some cases, even seemingly complete protection of the car from leaks will not protect against flooding.
10. Include long hoses and adapters. It's best if your washing machine comes with long enough hoses and adapters to connect it to the water supply and sewer system. If you don't have any, that's okay, but it would make your life easier in the future.

The hoses can be extended if necessary, but you will have to purchase additional adapters and other components, which will increase the overall cost.

Now that we've covered the main technical parameters, let's find out what's a reasonable price for a "home assistant" these days. How much money will you need to spend on such a purchase?

Prices vary widely, but on average, the best top-loading washing machine will cost $300–$400; good models can be found in the $200–$300 range. Anything cheaper often falls short of the mark. As sad as it is to admit, price still affects the quality of the product, because good spare parts and reliable electronics, coupled with high-quality assembly, cannot be cheap. But let's not dwell on the sad stuff, let's move on to the most interesting part - washing machine models and determining which one is better in terms of technical parameters and price.

• The Electrolux EWT1266FOW is a top-loading freestanding washing machine with the best technical specifications in its class. It has everything you need and more: a 6 kg load capacity, 1200 rpm spin speed, a medium noise level, full leak protection, a child safety lock, and low water and energy consumption. It also features an excellent digital display and an easy-to-use control panel. Dimensions are 40 x 60 x 85 cm (W x D x H). The only thing that might put you off is the high price of $670, but as the saying goes, good things are worth the money.
  
• The AEG L 86560 TL is a top-loading freestanding washing machine with the best technical specifications in its class. It even surpasses the Electrolux EWT1266FOW in terms of technical specifications. For example, the AEG boasts a spin speed of up to 1500 rpm, automatic drum positioning, and an energy-efficient motor. Dimensions are 40 x 60 x 89 cm, and it costs $780.
• Whirlpool TDLR Another top-loading automatic washing machine with the best parameters in its class. What is noteworthy is that this washing machine can hold 7 kg of laundry at once, and it spins at 1200 rpm. Dimensions: 40x60x90 cm, direct drive, super-efficient motor, and complete leak protection. This model is excellent in every way, and the price is amazing – just $460.

Wash quality

We've identified the three best washing machines based on technical specifications. Now let's highlight the favorites in terms of wash quality. It's worth noting that this wasn't an easy task, but our experts succeeded. Here are the models that came out on top in this regard.

1. Electrolux EWT1367VDW. This top-loading washing machine features a special drum, optimized wash programs, and a spin speed of approximately 1300 rpm. This machine has many advantages and is capable of washing wool, jeans, sportswear, cotton and delicate fabrics perfectly. It has a program that prevents wrinkles from forming on clothes, as well as a “steam treatment of clothes” mode.
2. We've already touched on the characteristics of this model, but we'll just note that this washing machine does an excellent job of cleaning calico bed linens, even those with heavy soiling. Provided, of course, that you use a high-quality laundry detergent.
3. Indesit ITW E 61052 G. At first glance, this unremarkable washing machine has mediocre technical specifications: 6 kg load capacity, 1000 rpm spin, 14 standard washing programs. It performed very well during testing, flawlessly washing a mountain of laundry.

Even relatively inexpensive top-loading automatic washing machines can deliver excellent wash results, but to properly evaluate a model, you need to pay attention to all the key criteria.

Durability and maintainability

Now let's look at the washing machines that have proven to be the most durable and easy to repair. To evaluate washing machines based on these parameters, we turned to statistics published by leading washing machine repair service centers. Overall, it's safe to say that most verticals are pretty sturdy, but if they break, it can cause significant problems.

AEG L 86560 TL4. The model we described above is considered one of the most reliable in the world. Judging by the quality of its assembly and components, this model can operate without problems for at least 10-15 years, but if it breaks down, repairs will be very expensive. So, it's worth noting that this model is reliable, but there are clear issues with repairability.

Bosch WOR 16155. This washing machine has proven to be one of the most reliable and easy to repair. It's a shame its technical specifications are rather ordinary, even low, and its price is exorbitant. Specifically, it has a 6 kg load capacity, 800 rpm drum rotation, partial leak protection, and no child safety lock. This model costs $646, which is clearly a bit steep even for a washing machine that even a non-professional can repair.

Important! The reliability of top-loading washing machines is influenced by the country of assembly. European machines perform excellently, Chinese ones are a bit worse, although not by much, and Russian-made ones are considered the worst.

We come to a common denominator

So, we've covered all the most important criteria and identified several top-loading automatic washing machine models that meet them. Now comes the experts' verdict: which washing machine proved to be the best based on all criteria?

The final decision was not easy; there was a heated discussion, and the opinions of our experts were divided. The final vote decided everything, and the washing machine won by a margin of one vote. Whirlpool TDLR70220. It's worth noting that this model can't be called outstanding, but it's a decent piece of equipment with average reliability, average maintainability, an attractive price, and good performance.

The washing quality is slightly inferior to the Electrolux washing machine, but not by much, which allows us to make the Whirlpool TDLR70220 the absolute favorite in the competition. The bottom line is that the top-loading Whirlpool TDLR70220, according to our experts, is the best mass-market washing machine on the Russian market in 2016. If you'd like to see more of our original article, Top-loading washing machine ratings, read the article of the same name posted on our website.

   

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