Top load washing machine buying guide

What is a top load washing machine?

A top load washing machine has a door on the top that opens upward, with an agitator or impeller inside the wash basket to help clean clothes. These appliances let you load laundry at a comfortable waist height, so there’s no need to bend down as you might with a front load model.

Top load washers can also be a good choice for families that tackle large laundry loads, since many models offer capacities around or above 5.0 cubic feet. They generally don’t require much bending to load and unload, which may make them more comfortable for some households.

6 features to consider before you buy a top load washer

When choosing a new washer, it’s important to think about what you need for your home, laundry habits and budget. Factors like size, capacity, energy use, features and cycles can all play a role in finding the right match for you. In the list below, discover six key features to consider before making your decision.

1. Cycles and settings

The cycles and settings on a washing machine determine how your clothes are cleaned and cared for. Most washers include a mix of everyday options and specialty cycles to match different fabrics, soil levels and laundry needs. Here are some of the most common settings found on many washers across the broader market:

• Normal cycle: A balanced option for cottons, linens and mixed fabrics.

• Colors: Uses cooler water to help protect darks and bright colors.

• Whites: Hot water and higher spin speeds for heavily soiled white garments.

• Quick wash: A faster setting for small or lightly soiled loads. When you pair select Whirlpool® models, like this one, with corresponding dryers, you can wash and dry in under 1 hour with the Quick Wash and Quick Dry Cycles, so you can keep up with laundry within your busy schedule.

• Rinse and spin: A short cycle that refreshes items without detergent.

• Drain and spin: Removes excess water from hand-washed or soaked clothes.

• Delicate cycle: Lower spin speeds and cooler water for gentle care.

• Bulky/sheets cycle: Uses a higher water level for bedding, comforters and large items.

• Heavy duty: Hot water and a strong spin to power through tough soils.

• Sanitize cycle: Uses extra hot water to help remove bacteria. On select Whirlpool^® Washers, like this one, the Sanitize with Oxi Cycle removes 99.9% of household bacteria¹ with increased wash temperatures and oxygenated additives. Using oxygen bleach provides a gentle solution to sanitize colors.

• Presoak: Adds extra soak time before the main wash to help lift stubborn stains. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, like this one. The Presoak Option gently helps release soils with a 30 minute Presoak and Wash all in one cycle.

• Cold wash: Uses lower water temperatures to help preserve fabrics and colors while saving energy. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, such as this model, you can get a thorough clean and save up to 90% of energy by switching to cold water. The Cold Wash Cycle combines gentle temperatures with adjusted wash actions and time to help you save energy and get a thorough clean.²

• Clean washer: A maintenance cycle to freshen your washer drum. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, such as this top load model, the Clean Washer with affresh^®3 Cycle uses an affresh^® washing machine cleaner tablet or liquid chlorine bleach to thoroughly clean the inside of your washer.

• Sensor cycle: Many washers feature automatic sensors that adjust water levels, temperature and cycle time based on the load. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, like this top load model, Adaptive Wash Technology with Active Bloom^™ Wash Action senses the size of each load and adapts wash actions and water levels for optimal cleaning.

The cycles and settings available on your washing machine will vary depending on your model and manufacturer. Many washers also let you choose water temperature settings such as hot, warm, cool, cold or tap cold, giving you flexibility for different fabrics.

2. Size and capacity

Getting the right fit for your washing machine starts with understanding both the dimensions of the appliance and the size of loads it can handle. Standard top load washers typically hold around three to five cubic feet of capacity, while large-capacity models can offer a little more than five cubic feet, enough to wash a king-size comforter and sheets in one load. Front load washers generally do not go above five cubic feet, making top load models a strong choice for families with larger laundry needs.

When measuring for your new washer, remember to check the height, width and depth of your space, and leave extra room for installation and ventilation. Be sure to also measure doorways, hallways and entry points to confirm the appliance can be moved into place.

3. Features

Many top load washers include design elements and convenience features that go beyond basic cycles. These details can help protect fabrics, improve cleaning performance and make laundry day easier. Some of these features may include:

• Stainless steel wash basket: Many washers feature stainless steel baskets that are durable and gentle on fabrics. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, like this top load model, the Smooth Spiral Stainless Steel Wash Basket helps protect fabrics by gently guiding clothes during the wash.

• Agitator: Traditional agitators are tall posts in the center of the basket that move back and forth to clean. On select Whirlpool^® Washers, such as this one, the 2-in-1 Removable Agitator lets you choose how you wash—easily swap in the agitator to help with soils or remove it for extra capacity to fit large and bulky items.

• Impeller: Impellers are low-profile cones or discs that create wash action to rub clothes against each other for cleaning. On select Whirlpool^® Washers, like this top load model, the Smooth Impeller provides wash action that cleans by rubbing the fabrics together, while its surface design drives clothes from the outer rim to the center, where the deepest cleaning happens.

• Flexible capacity: Some washers let you adjust how you use the basket to handle larger loads. On select Whirlpool^® Washers, such as this top load model, the 4.2-4.3 cu. ft. Flexible Capacity Design allows you to keep the agitator in for everyday loads or remove it for extra space to wash bulky items like king-size linens.

• Bleach dispenser: Built-in dispensers help add bleach at the right time in the cycle for the best results. On select Whirlpool® Washers, such as this one, the Bleach Dispenser adds and dilutes liquid bleach at the beginning of the wash cycle, so you don’t have to worry about adding it later.

• Glass lid: Some washers feature clear lids so you can check on laundry without interrupting the cycle. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, like this top load model, the Soft-Close Glass Lid makes it easy to look in while closing gently and quietly.

• Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers: Many top load washers include separate compartments to ensure detergent and softener are dispensed exactly when needed. On select Whirlpool^® Washing Machines, like this one, the Single Load Dispenser Drawer lets you add detergent and fabric softener to their designated compartments so each gets dispensed at just the right time during the cycle.

• Smart features: Many washers now offer smart connectivity to help you manage laundry from anywhere. On select Whirlpool^® appliances, Smart Features allow you to connect to more. You can enjoy smart features that help you streamline your laundry routine and keep your day moving.

4. Energy-efficiency

When comparing washers, keep in mind that front load models generally use less water and often spin faster to help shorten drying times, while top load washers may use more water but can sometimes complete cycles more quickly. 

To help offset water and energy use, look for models with eco-friendly settings. On select Whirlpool^® Washers, ENERGY STAR^® Certified models exceed government standards to conserve natural resources, and the Cold Wash Cycle, also found on select Whirlpool® models, can help save up to 90% on energy⁴ by combining gentle temperatures with adjusted wash actions and time.

5. Budget

Budget is an important factor when choosing a new washer. Top load washing machines can vary widely in price, depending on the features, cycles, color, finish, manufacturer and the capabilities you’re looking for. The good news is that, with so many options available, you should be able to find a model that suits both your laundry needs and your budget. Whirlpool^® Top Load Washing Machines typically range from about $500 to $1,000.

6. Color and finish

Top load washing machines are available in a variety of colors and finishes depending on the manufacturer, making it easy to match your appliances with your laundry space. Whirlpool brand currently offers top load washers in classic White, Volcano Black and Chrome Shadow finishes so that you can select the best fit for your laundry room aesthetic.

Shop Whirlpool^® Top Load Washing Machines

When it comes to caring for your family, the right top load washer can make all the difference—shop Whirlpool^® Top Load Washing Machines built with the capacity, finishes and features to match your home and laundry needs. Select Whirlpool^® Top Load Washing Machines include features like the Presoak Option, which gently helps release soils with a 30 minute presoak and wash all in one cycle.

Are top load washing machines worth it?

Top load washing machines are worth considering if you want a washer that’s easy to load, offers familiar operation and often completes cycles more quickly than front load models. Many also provide large capacities, making them a strong choice for busy households.

In addition to their convenience, top load washers can be more comfortable for some people to use since they load at waist height without requiring excessive bending. With options on select models for eco-friendly cycles and a variety of features, they balance everyday dependability with the flexibility to meet different laundry needs.

What top load washer should I buy?

Choosing a washing machine is going to come down to your personal preferences and household needs. The best top load washer for you depends on your laundry habits, household size and preferred features. Top load washers come in a variety of sizes and options, so you can find one that balances performance, capacity and convenience.

Here are some Whirlpool^® Top Load Washers to consider:

Explore Whirlpool^® Washers and Dryers

Keep your family’s laundry routine running smoothly with Whirlpool^® Washers and Dryers designed to deliver the capacity, style and features you need in every load. Whirlpool^® Washing Machines come in top and front load configurations and with a variety of features to meet your laundry needs. Select Whirlpool^® Dryers are equipped with features like Adaptive Dry, which uses one built-in sensor to measure temperature levels to help prevent over-drying and automatically stops the cycle when the load is dry. On other Whirlpool^® Dryers, enjoy features like the Wrinkle Assist^™ Option that minimize wrinkles from setting into clean, dry fabrics by keeping clothes tumbling for up to 30 minutes after the cycle ends or until you open the door.