Front load washers may the unofficial mainstream choice for today’s homeowners, but there’s still a good chunk of buyers that prefer the robust of a traditional top load washing machine. Not much has changed from the original design—but that doesn’t mean the top loaders of today are as sturdy as the models from before. The reality is there are plenty of brands that are notorious for producing machines of inconsistent quality and issues, making them less reliable, less desirable choices for homeowners. washing machine brands to avoid
If you want to know which top load washing machine brands to avoid, we’ve got you covered in this quick guide. Inside, we’ll let you know which brands to skip as well as recommendations for the best agitator washing machine brands that offer superior durability, cleaning performance, and overall value.
Discover the Best Agitator Washer Deals
Fred's Appliance are the experts to help you learn about top agitator brands to keep your clothes clean.
Shop Agitator WashersExperts Say These Are the Worst Washing Machine Brands
There’s nothing worse than a washer that makes you wash clothes multiple times to remove a stain. Or a top load washing machine that bundles clothes in a knot. The bottom line is there are plenty of ways manufacturers can make a bad top load washing machine, and these washers to avoid are prime examples (click the ➕to learn more).
➕Why Kenmore Agitator Washers Are Bad
Kenmore is a well-known appliance brand, but when it comes to agitator washers, it has been found to be less desirable than others. One of the biggest issues with Kenmore agitator washers is that the brand doesn’t have its own manufacturing facilities. Instead, its washers are built by a mix of major appliance brands like Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux, leading to inconsistent quality across models. Additionally, some Kenmore agitator washer models suffer from durability issues, with users reporting that components wear out quickly. Since different manufacturers produce Kenmore washers, customer service and repair support can also vary widely, making repairs a frustrating experience
➕Why Danby Agitator Washers Are Bad
Danby is a popular that specializes in compact appliances, so it’s common sense the brand appeals to apartment tenants of small homeowners. However, there are plenty of other compact washing machine brands that provide better quality. That’s because Danby washers are made from low-quality materials, which can lead to frequent breakdowns and performance issues. Washing machines from Danby also tend to have very small capacities, making them less practical for families or individuals who need to do larger loads of laundry. But if you think a smaller appliance means a more affordable one, think again. Danby’s compact washers can cost as much as some full-size models from brands like Whirlpool or Frigidaire. This means you might be spending more money on a machine with limited capacity and questionable durability, making it a less-than-ideal choice for long-term use.
➕Why Haier Agitator Washers Are Bad
In recent years, Haier washers have been gaining popularity, but their agitator models have struggled to meet customer expectations. One of the biggest complaints about Haier agitator washers is their poor cleaning performance. Many users report that these machines do not agitate clothes effectively, leaving behind stains and residue even after a full wash cycle. In addition to lackluster performance, Haier agitator washers are also limited in the number of features offered. Unlike other brands that offer advanced agitation technology or multiple wash cycles, Haier models often lack the flexibility and customization that homeowners need. If you’re looking for a washer that provides deep cleaning and reliable results, Haier agitator washers don’t cut it.
The Best Agitator Washer Brands Fred’s Recommends
If you want the best top load washer with agitator that delivers excellent performance and long-lasting durability, consider these agitator washer reviews from our most reliable brands. These washers are built with high-quality components, feature powerful agitation systems, and receive high marks from industry experts and customers alike to handle your laundry needs with ease.
GE Top Load Washers
This household name is a reliable choice in the laundry room with plenty of incentives for today’s homeowners. For one, the lineup is affordable with prices starting under $700. GE agitator washers also come with an exclusive Heavy-Duty Agitator, especially designed for effective stain-fighting and durable performance. GE washer tubs add an extra level of protection with stainless steel construction built to last for years. With up to 90% of appliance parts made in the U.S.A., GE top loaders are also easy to service. All in all, GE sits comfortably in the middle of our list of the best top load washing machines with agitator to buy.
Our Pick: GE® 4.5 Cu. Ft White Top Load Washer
This GE washer with agitator features a dual-action agitator, which provides a deep clean that’s being gentle on fabrics. It has a Deep Fill option, allowing users to add more water for larger loads or heavily soiled clothing. With multiple wash cycles, it accommodates different laundry needs, from delicate fabrics to bulky towels. The stainless steel drum ensures durability, reducing wear and tear over time.
⭐Featured GE GTW485ASWWB Review:
“Great washing machine! So happy with this model. From my first load of delicate sweaters to the king comforter! Everything comes out clean. So happy I can lift the lid and check the water level. Yeah!!”
LG Top Load Washers
Did you know LG is rated one of the most reliable brands with top ratings in the washer segment? In fact, the line up of LG agitator washers features picks endorsed by Consumer Reports, and according to J.D. Power, consumers rate LG top load washing machines as the second-best brand in its class. But that’s hardly a surprise, considering LG has created a unique niche its class with intelligently designed top loaders fully equipped with smart features and designs. Prices for LG top load washing machines begin under $800.
Our Pick: LG 4.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This LG Washer with agitator features TurboDrum™ technology, which enhances the agitator's motion to deliver a powerful yet gentle clean. To help households save on water and energy costs, the ColdWash™ technology is a smart addition that’s still effective at removing stains. On top of its smart inverter motor with quiet performance, the special design uses fewer parts, which makes it more durable and easier to repair if servicing is needed. Additionally, it includes multiple wash cycles, offering different cycles for different fabric types. Like its users, we also love the auto-sensing feature thatadjusts water levels automatically, ensuring efficiency while maintaining excellent cleaning power.
⭐Featured LG WT7005CW Review:
“Works great! Have had this washer for about two weeks, and it works great. The first time I kept looking in the window to see what it was doing. Was surprised at how little water it seemed to use. It took months for me to decide what to buy, but I knew I wanted an LG and so far [sic] am pleased.”
GE Profile Top Load Washers
Modernization has arrived—and GE Profile has embraced it with an upgraded line of laundry appliances to meet the needs of today’s buyers. This deluxe appliance line takes everything buyers love about GE appliances and amps it up with smart integration, higher performance, and the looks to match.
Plus, consumers will be happy to know all GE Profile agitator washers come with ENERGY STAR certifications and ample tubs with capacities ranging from 5 to 5.4 cubic feet of wash volume. Prices start under $900 and go up to $1,300 for premium models from the series.
Our Pick: GE Profile 4.9 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Shop This GE Profile Agitator Washer
With SmartDispense Technology, automatically dispensing the right amount of detergent based on load size using this GE Profile is a breeze. The Power Pre-Wash feature is designed to tackle tough stains before the main wash begins. With QuietWash technology, this washer operates at reduced noise levels, making it ideal for open living spaces. And with nearly 5 cubic feet of wash space, this GE Profile washer with agitator handles big loads efficiently with breeze, making it a great option for families.
⭐GE Profile PTW605BSRWS Review:
“Seeing is believing! Loving this washer. Efficient, smart, clear top loading machine lets me see the action. More features than I will ever use, but have them for the “what if” moment! Thank you for thinking like a homemaker, GE!”
Maytag Top Load Washers
Warranties are often overlooked when it comes to washer shopping, but they’re a big deal. While many brands might offer one or two years of protection, Maytag washers with agitators offer an impressive 10-year limited warranty. Coupled together with commercial-grade builds and parts (which are mostly made in the U.S.A, by the way), these machines are built to last. With prices starting around $650, the Maytag top load washer series is one the best values on the market.
Our Pick: Maytag 4.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Maytag Agitator Washer
Maytag built this model with commercial-grade components for long-lasting performance that sets the bar for laundry care. Its PowerWash Agitator delivers intense cleaning action that tackles tough stains and heavy-duty loads better than standard top loaders. With Wi-Fi connectivity, this Maytag washer with agitator lets users monitor and control cycles remotely, adding convenience to everyday laundry routines.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW6230RHW Review:
“We love our new Maytag washer. Does a great job of washing the clothes and came with a 5-year warranty. We also like the terrific salespeople where we bought it.”
Whirlpool Agitator Washers
Whirlpool doesn’t fall too far behind from the competition, sitting comfortably at the fourth position for the most reliable top load washers, according to J.D. Power. And that makes sense, considering these affordably priced machines offer a lot for the price (which ranges from around $550 to $1,050). Overall, Whirlpool top load washers are a solid choice, relatively simple to repair when service is needed, and engineered with handsome features and capacities for today’s lifestyle.
Whirlpool 5.2-5.3 Cu. Ft. 2-in-1 Removable Agitator White Top Load Washer
Shop This Whirlpool Agitator Washer
Buyers in the market for the best top load washer with removable agitator only have to look for one name: Whirlpool. This model uses a craft spindle that can be removed, providing additional space for comforters, full loads of jeans, or towel washes. The secret to its performance is Adaptive Wash Technology, which adjusts wash actions based on load size and level of dirtiness. This Whirlpool agitator washer with agitator is a great option for those who want customizable washing options in a single machine, and with more than 1,100 5-star reviews, the ratings prove it.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WTW8127LW Review:
“We purchased a little over a month ago, and we are very happy with this product. The removable agitator is the best thing ever, and its so easy to remove and install. The auto detergent dispenser is something I did not know I needed; its a great idea, and it works very well.”
Speed Queen Agitator Washers
As far as durability goes, no other washer brand outdoes Speed Queen and its 25-year lifespan, making it hands-down the most reliable top load washer with agitator. While not flashy by design, Speed Queen’s focus on performance over aesthetics pays off—big time. To achieve its level of quality, Speed Queen uses top materials such as stainless steel baskets, as well as clever engineering such as specially designed drive motors that are more resistant to tear and use. And while a Speed Queen top load washer will require spending more with entry prices starting around $1,275, these machines are built to last with performance that no other brand on the market can compete with, and for that, it’s our pick for the best agitator washer to buy.
Speed Queen TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer
Speed Queen is a leader in commercial-grade washers and dryers for household use. The TC5 washer is designed with a full metal drive system and a solid mount suspension, ensuring longevity and stability during wash cycles. With fast cycle times, it completes loads efficiently in under an hour while maintaining an exceptional clean. Buyers appreciate its deep fill wash cycles, which allow you to use the traditional soaking wash method, making it ideal for heavily soiled clothes and workwear. Overall, more than 2,000 perfect reviews make this model one of the best top load washer with agitator picks of any class.
⭐Featured Speed Queen TC5003WN Review:
“This is my first Speed Queen washer. And I must say it is, by far, the best washer on the market. I love that it is 100% manufactured in America so the quality is top notch. I would recommend this machine to anyone who would be absolutely pleased with it's performance. Thank you for the recommendation. I love it!”
Is an Agitator Washer the Better Choice?
Agitator washers are great for households that need a deep-cleaning washer that can handle bulky loads like towels and bedding. They are also better suited for users who prefer less bending while doing laundry. Plus, in most cases, top load washers are the more affordable option compared to front load washing machines. In fact, buyers can save around a few hundred dollars by opting for a top load washing machine.
Agitator vs. Front Load Washers
Pros
Faster cycles
Lower initial cost
Better for tough stains
Cons
Higher water usage
Rougher on delicate fabrics
What about impeller washers, the latest variation on the classic top load washer design? Everything, considered, these are great too, but they also come with their drawbacks, cost being the principal consideration. Here’s how impeller washing machines compare to top loaders.
Agitator vs. Impeller Washers
Pros
Superior deep cleaning
More water per load
More useable capacity
Cons
Use more energy and water
Can be noisier than agitator washers
Cost more than agitator washers
Sometimes, classic design does it better. While the verdict is still out on whether a front-load or top load washer is the ultimate champ in the laundry room, the agitator washer brands recommended in this guide have no problem delivering great performances time and time again. Best of all, we have them in stock and available for you to explore and compare at one of our Fred’s Appliance showrooms near you in the northwest area. Visit us today to learn more about the best and worst washing machine brands with agitators on the market.
Learn More: What is an Impeller Washer?
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, no, an agitator cannot be removed from a top load washer. However, the Whirlpool’s 2-in-1 removable agitator model is the only kind in the industry designed specifically for this purpose, allowing users to switch between an agitator and an impeller.
Yes, many washers are designed without agitators and instead use impellers, which are low-profile discs that rotate to create a strong water current. These washers tend to be gentler on clothes and allow for larger load capacities. However, agitator washers are generally better for deep-cleaning heavily soiled items, such as work clothes and bedding.
To clean mold from an agitator washer, follow these steps: Run a hot water cycle with no clothes, adding 1 cup of white vinegar to remove buildup. Use a brush or cloth to scrub around the agitator, paying attention to crevices where mold may accumulate. Remove the agitator (if possible) and soak it in warm, soapy water before scrubbing away any residue. Run a second rinse cycle with baking soda to neutralize any remaining odors. Leave the lid open between washes to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Agitator Washers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop laundry appliances online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you shop for the best agitator washer. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: 8 Best High-Efficiency Washers