Washing Machines

Best Washing Machine Brands

Stumped over models and options? Shopping by brand may help cut through the confusion.

By Keith Flamer
Home & Appliances Writer

Data analysis by Kristen Dorrell

Updated June 8, 2026

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LG WM4000HWA washing machine and LG DLHC4002W dryer in laundry room with wood floor and cabinets, clothes hanging to the left of machines — CR tests hundreds of washing machines. These brands top the list.

Shopping for a washing machine can be as time-consuming as laundry day itself. Wading through different washer types, models, and features can leave you feeling like a wayward sock—completely lost.

At Consumer Reports, we currently rate more than 120 washing machine models, including front-loaders, high-efficiency top-loaders, agitator top-loaders, and compact models. But there are still many more options in the market that don’t make it into our ratings.

That’s why CR has created brand scores for front-load, top-load agitator, and high-efficiency top-load washing machines. By identifying the brands that consistently offer high-performing, reliable washers with the features consumers want, we can help you choose wisely even if the specific model you’re considering isn’t one we’ve tested.

In this article

Best Front-Load Washer Brands
Best Top-Load Agitator Brands
Best High-Efficicency Top-Loader Brands
How to Use Consumer Reports to Find the Perfect Washing Machine
How CR Tests Washing Machines

Best Brands CR Badge — A Best Brand receives the highest Overall Score in its product category based on the brand's aggregate performance, reliability, and satisfaction data across the model lineup tested by CR. Look for the CR Best Brand mark in stores and online to help in your shopping journey.

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Keith Flamer

Keith Flamer has been a multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports since 2021, covering laundry, cleaning, small appliances, and home trends. Fascinated by interior design, architecture, technology, and all things mechanical, he translates CR’s testing engineers’ work into content that helps readers live better, smarter lives. Prior to CR, Keith covered luxury accessories and real estate, most recently at Forbes, with a focus on residential homes, interior design, home security, and pop culture trends.