Best Budget Washing Machines
Top 10 Budget Washing Machines
Looking for a washing machine on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have sacrifice quality or efficiency. Generally top loaders are less expensive than front loaders, but there are models in both styles that offer high efficiency and good performance for a reasonable price. Here’s an overview of ten of the best washers you can find for $700 or less. See the budget washing machine comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.
$629.99 |
With a tremendous 4.3 cubic foot capacity, the LG WT1101CW is perfect for houses with constant, heavy laundry needs. Its roomy stainless steel drum can fit bulky comforters, towels, and sleeping bags…read more
Color: White |
LG introduced another handsome top loader with 5.2 cu. ft. drum capacity, the greatest capacity I’ve come across. With that much space you’ll greatly cut down on the number of loads you have to do. A sanitizing … read more
Color: White |
This budget model from Samsung just barely squeezes into the category, but it’s for good reason. This one offers all the convenience and extra features of a high end top load washer…read more
$494.99 |
The GE GTWN4250DWS is another basic, no-frills top load washer that delivers high performance and a variety of washing options. With sixteen wash cycles, including jeans, towels, sheets…read more
Color: White |
If you have a large household with a never-ending stream of laundry, you’ll greatly appreciate the LG WT1701CW, which has a 5.0 cubic foot capacity tub. With that much space, you’ll find yourself cutting down… read more
Color: White 8 Cycle Count |
Maytag put out a high quality top loader at the excellent price of $499. That makes this a very affordable budget washing machine. Ranked highly by reviewers… read more
Color: White |
This Whirlpool top loader offers a deep cleaning and can be found as low as $335 online. It’s Energy Star rated, so it uses less water and energy. Note also that it requires HE detergent to run properly. With 3.4 cu. ft. capacity … read more
Color: White |
For $650, this top loader from GE cleans laundry very well and is highly water efficient. You can adjust the water level for each load so no water is wasted … read more
Color: White |
This budget front loader offers a wide variety of cycle options for a less expensive price (roughly $650). It’s quite efficient, using at least 50% less water and 30% less energy than ordinary washers … read more
$245.99 |
Ideal for single people or couples with minimal laundry needs, this portable Haier HLP21N is large enough to hold up to six pounds of laundry. It has three water levels…read more
Budget Washing Machine Buying Guide
How to Select the Right Washer
There are at least five main factors you should consider when picking out your next washing machine: the washer’s durability, performance, efficiency, and affordability, and your washing needs. If you know what to look for in a washing machine, you can avoid some of the common mistakes buyers make and find a product that satisfies your laundry needs for years to come.
Durability
Nothing’s more frustrating than buying a machine that works fine for the first year or so, and then starts to fall apart conveniently after the warranty expires. Know before you buy a particular brand if there is a service company in your area that can fix your washer should it someday have problems. Read up on the model, including customer reviews, to be aware of any red flags. Sometimes it’s better to go with a trusted model that’s been on the market a few years than to risk purchasing a brand new, expensive washer with lots of fancy features that are prone to breaking.
Performance
How well does a washer actually clean laundry? Again, read reviews before making your final choice. Customer reviews are usually good about lavishing praise where it’s due and forthcoming about any flaws. Do you need a washer that can handle big, bulky loads, gentle on delicates and tough on highly soiled garments? Look for performance features that match your specific laundry needs.
Efficiency
Everyone is concerned about energy efficiency today. Not only are efficient washers better for the environment, they help you save on your electric bill. Compare the EnergyGuide stickers on different models to see which is most efficient: the lower the EnergyGuide rating, the more efficient the machine. Also look for Energy Star label, which indicates a washer meets or exceeds the government energy standards. Both top load and front load washers have highly efficient models that help conserve water and energy.
Affordability
How much you should pay for a washer depends on the level of quality you expect from the machine. The least expensive models, with only the most basic features, typically run from $250 to $350. Modestly priced machines that can handle the laundry needs of most families can cost up to $700. The priciest, most sophisticated models with advanced features and high efficiency usually exceed $1000. Decide how much you can budget for a washer and figure out which washing features you will actually need and use. Be aware that the cheapest models are generally the least efficient and roughest on your clothes, and avoid washers with only one water level, as these waste the most water.
Know what you need
Your laundry habits and family size determine what kind of washing machine you should buy. A person living alone who only does a few loads a week has very different washer requirements than a family with several messy children and pets. Don’t pay extra for frills and features you won’t use. Look instead for a reliable, high performing model that conserves water and energy at a reasonable price.
Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany |
Featured Budget Washing Machine Articles
Protecting Washing Machines in Transit: The New LITKIT
For decades past, transporting washing machines required a complicated process of securing the drums to prevent them from being damaged in delivery. Any time a washer is transported, whether by a service company or a moving company, it runs the risk of having the load destabilized or the seal torn. These companies had to keep in stock multiple bolt kits… [more]
How important is Green Tech in Washing Machines and Dryers; Whirpool Asks, Surveys
The public is more attuned to energy saving measures than ever before, as a late 2008 survey conducted by Whirlpool shows. Surveying over 2000 people of all ages and demographics, Whirlpool made a number of surprising discoveries…[more]
New DOE Standards for Calculating Drum Capacity
As of April 30, 2011, all manufacturers of washing machines must report drum capacity using testing procedures established by the Department of Energy (DOE). These standardized means of calculating washer volume…[more]
Preventing Mold and Mildew in Your Front Load Washer
Front load washers are increasingly favored for their energy efficiency and conservation, but there is one potential issue with them that most people are unaware of: the risk of mold and mildew. Because the machines use less water, some have trouble draining away all the … [more]
Putting Your Washer on a Pedestal
Front loaders have become a popular choice in recent years, but people quickly realized they need an easier way to load and unload the washers. Bending or kneeling down to pull out damp, heavy … [more]
What You Should Know About Washer Warranties
Most manufacturers of washing machines offer a one- year warranty, covering all parts and labor for the machine. After the first year, the warranty typically covers specific parts. When you’re buying a new washer, however, you’ll probably hear a sales pitch for … [more]
More Top 10 Lists
Top 10 Washing Machines
As we selected the top 10 washing machines, we looked for a number of important performance features, such as: 1. Variety of washing cycles for different types of fabric, 2. Automatic dispensers that release the best amount of detergents, 3. Adjustable or … [more]
Top 10 High Efficiency Washing Machines
More than ever before, people are looking for ways to conserve energy and water with their washing machines. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s also better for you each month when you pay the bills. Today all the major appliance brands are offering high efficiency (HE) washers, both front loaders and top loaders. The following … [more]
Best Front Load Washing Machine
Front load washers have their advantages over top loading washers. What on Earth could they be might you ask? One of the first things to note is the extra work space that that top of the washer offers. Instead of having to keep the top clear, a front load model lets you iron or fold clothes on the top. There is also the matter of efficiency… [more]
Best Top Load Washing Machine
Price is one of the best benefits of a top load washer. These units come at a much lower price point than their front loading counterparts. If you are in the market for your first washer and are shopping on a budget, a top loader is the way to go. They don’t perform as well in the efficiency category, but they sure do clean clothes just as well… [more]
Top 10 Dryers
As we looked at a variety of dryers to select our top 10 models, we looked for specific features that improve and enhance the drying performance, such as: 1. Moisture sensors that are gentle on fabrics and save energy costs, 2. Large capacity tubs, 3. Useful drying … [more]
Top 10 Gas Dryers
Choosing a gas or electric dryer can be pretty confusing. Each one has their pros and cons, so take the time to weight them and see which would work best for your household. If there is a gas hookup in the laundry room, going that route may be a good choice. It is usually cheaper to run a gas dryer than it is to run an electric one…. [more]
Top 10 Electric Dryers
Choosing between an electric dryer and a gas dryer can be a pretty daunting decision. But don’t forget that it doesn’t have to be. If price is your first factor when weighing the two, you are in luck. You can get a solid electric dryer for a fraction… [more]
More Budget Washing Machines
Filed Under: Appliances • Budget Washing Machines • Top 10 Lists