The 8 Best High-Efficiency Washers of 2020

The Samsung WA50R5400AV is a popular choice for a high-efficiency top load washer. This model includes features that save you time, reduce energy consumption, and finish your laundry faster. 

This top load washer has a capacity of 5.0 cubic feet, so there’s plenty of room for even oversized loads or bulky blankets. Like most high-efficiency washers, the machine utilizes load sensing technology to determine how much water is required for the wash cycle. If you frequently need to pre-treat stains, then you’ll also appreciate the efficiency of the Samsung Active WaterJet—a built-in faucet that gives you an easy, mess-free way to scrub shirts, pants, and more. 

The biggest complaint about the Samsung WA54R7600AW seems to be the fact that the cycles take longer than conventional top load washers with an agitator. Remember that this HE washer is doing more with less—and that sometimes means longer wash cycles. However, this high-efficiency model also includes a SuperSpeed cycle that cuts cycle times to a respectable 36 minutes if you’re in a hurry.

Many of today’s high-efficiency washers utilize an impeller plate for its gentle yet effective wash action. The Whirlpool WTW5000DW combines this efficient design with simple, easy to use controls and a sizable 4.3 cubic foot wash basket for a machine that is high on value without giving you sticker shock. 

The Whirlpool WTW5000DW is praised by users for its combination of high-efficiency features, like an automatic load size sensor that fills the washer with just the right amount of water, and a 660 RPM spin speed that effectively wrings out laundry without causing the washer to shimmy and shake across your laundry room. And despite being a HE washer, people appreciate having the option of ‘Deep Water Wash’ to fill up the wash basket for especially large or bulky loads. 

There’s no automatic fabric softener or bleach dispenser on this high-efficiency washer, but users say it’s easy to pause the cycle at the right time for these wash additives. If you’re looking to spend less than $500 on a high-efficiency washer but you want newer features and design, such as an impeller plate and stainless steel wash basket, then the Whirlpool WTW5000DW is a great buy. 

If you’re looking for a high-efficiency washing machine that is also highly energy-efficient, then check out the Electrolux 4.4 cubic foot Front Load Washer.

This front-load washing machine carries a CEE Tier III rating from EnergyStar for its energy efficiency and water usage. There are a number of high-efficiency washers that share this distinction, but this model from Electrolux outperforms nearly all of them in terms of energy consumption. When used with an electric water heater, this front load washer is estimated to use only about 85 kWh per year. Many models are estimated to use 100 or more kWh per year.

While this high-efficiency washer is known for being energy-efficient, it’s not short on useful features or handy options. It includes a dispenser for single-dose laundry packs—a new feature that is popping up on washers. It also includes a shortened wash cycle for when you need clothes in a hurry and a steam option that will help you banish odors and allergens.

There are few washers that can challenge the capacity of the Maytag MVWB965HC. Despite having an oversized wash basket of 6.0 cubic feet, this high-efficiency washer is designed to save on water and energy costs. Just add a teaspoon or two of HE detergent (depending on load size) and the machine will use load sensing technology to fill with just enough water to get the job done. However, if you really want to take advantage of this high capacity washer and are concerned about everything getting thoroughly saturated, you can opt for the ‘Deep Fill’ setting to raise the waterline. A PowerSpray system helps to circulate water and detergent up to the top of the wash basket so that everything comes out clean.

Users searching for a high-efficiency washer that could also keep up with high volume laundry needs have been very happy with this machine. It’s an ideal choice for large families or if you frequently wash large loads of bedding or bath towels.

There are plenty of high-efficiency front load washers on the market, but few earn as much positive praise as the LG WM3900HWA. This washer includes conveniences and features that will make your laundry routine easier and leave your clothes cleaner. Most significantly, this HE front load washer uses up to 30 percent less energy and half the amount of water when compared to similar models. 

To further boost the energy efficiency of this model, a ColdWash option gives you the ability to conserve energy without compromising a thorough clean by combining six unique wash motions. This is a well-built and solid washing machine according to users and most people describe it as being very quiet. It also is stackable, meaning you can save space with the matching dryer. So if you’re looking for an efficient washer that is easy to load and unload, look no further than this model from LG. 

If you want the most innovative and smart high-efficiency washer, stop your search with the GE GFW850SPNDG. As you’d expect for a smart washer, this model is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi—but wait, there’s more. Not only does it provide you status updates to your smartphone but it also syncs with compatible GE dryers—transmitting cycle settings from one machine to the other. Just unload your freshly washed clothes into the dryer and you’re ready to go without needing to repeat cycle settings or add options. 

But the really smart thing about this washer is the fact that it features GE’s UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock. Forget about stinky front loader issues with this model that includes an in-door vent to keep mold and mildew away. In addition, the gasket, drain, and pump utilize Microban technology to help prevent the growth of bacteria that turns into odors. And while this machine isn’t smart enough to do your laundry for you, it’s smart enough to wash and dry a load of 2 pounds or less. Using an internal fan for circulation, it will dry small loads right in the wash drum without the use of any heat. Innovative design and appliance technology features that help you work smarter (not harder) are the top reasons to buy this high-efficiency washer.

HE washers get a bad rap for being slow, but the LG WT7300CW aims to solve this problem with a cycle selection that can wash a load in under 30 minutes. This high-efficiency top load washer offers up to 5.0 cubic feet of space for large loads but also caters to your need for speed with an express cycle that will have your favorite shirt or pants drying in no time. 

Real-world users find that this top load washer does just about everything fast—short cycle times, fast spin speeds, and efficient draining. The glass lid gives this traditional top loader a more modern feel and also lets you take a peek at your laundry in progress.  

The Amana NTW4516FW is an affordable yet efficient washer to tackle laundry in a fuss-free way. As a high-efficiency washer, this model uses load sensing technology to conserve water usage and it also requires just a teaspoon or so of HE detergent to do its job well. 

Inside this budget high-efficiency washing machine, you’ll find a conventional agitator that seems to do an excellent job creating water movement and ensuring clothes get thoroughly cleaned. And while the load sensing technology fills the tub with just enough water to get the job done, this HE washing machine includes a ‘Deep Fill’ setting that is especially useful for washing fluffy or bulky items, like throw blankets. 

Reviewers have little to complain about with this budget high-efficiency washing machine. One minor inconvenience that is sometimes noted is the fact that the lid is slow to unlock after the cycle is over, but the extra few minutes is a minor inconvenience when compared to the cost and energy efficiency of the Amana NTW4516FW.