7 washing machine types: a washer buying guide

Available in a variety of styles, washing machines offer a multitude of features designed to simplify laundry day, freeing up more time for you to spend with your family. With so many options, you may wonder how to choose a washer to fit your home. This washer buying guide explains different washing machine types, important features and the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

What are the different types of washing machines?

The main washing machine types include front load washing machines, top load models, with an agitator, impeller or 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, stacked laundry centers, all-in-one combination washers and dryers, as well as compact or portable washing machines.

Learn about the 7 types of washing machines plus sizes and features:

1. Front load washing machines 

This type of washing machine has a door on the front to load and unload clothes. When cleaning fabrics, front load washers tumble laundry in a horizontal drum which creates friction between items. This washer type also generally uses less water per wash cycle compared to top load washing machines. 

Since you access this type of washer from the front, you can use a stacking kit to place a dryer above the washer for a space-saving stacked setup.

Pros of front load washing machines:

• Wash action provides a thorough but gentle clean

• Typically uses less water per load compared to top load washer models

• Higher spin speeds can help wick away moisture and lead to shorter dry times

• Available in energy efficient and ENERGY STAR models

• Available in compact or large capacity models

• Save space by stacking select models, including stackable options from Whirlpool brand
• Compatible with pedestals for extra storage that doesn’t take up extra floor space

Cons of front load washing machines:

• Wash cycles may be longer than top load washing machines

• No deep water soak settings

• Some models may need to be cleaned more frequently 

• May require bending down lower to access the drum, although pedestals are available for select models

• Model prices can be higher

Shop Whirlpool^® Front Load Washers

Find the right front load washing machine for your family with compact and large capacity options from Whirlpool brand. Choose from a range of features and sizes to help you get the ideal fabric care and cleaning for your laundry in a streamlined look.

2. Top load agitator washers

Top load washing machines have a door on the top of the unit where you drop in or lift out loads. A top load washer with an agitator, uses a tall spindle, vaned or finned, in the center of the wash basket that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help break down and loosen soils.

This vertical setup allows for options like deep water wash that you won’t find on a front load washing machine. Learn more about the differences between front load washing machines and top load washing machines.

Pros of top load agitator washers:

• Wash action provides a thorough clean

• Generally has shorter wash times than front load washing machines

• Water levels can usually be adjusted

• Deep water wash and soak options on select models

• Familiar functionality—this style has been around for many years

• Models generally have a lower price point vs. front load washers

• Often available with greater capacity than other types of washers

• Select models can be energy efficient and ENERGY STAR certified

Cons of a top load agitator washer:

• Generally uses more water than front load models

• Less room for bulky items to move around inside

• Cannot be stacked with a dryer

Shop Whirlpool^® Top Load Agitator Washers

Give clothes a deep clean with select Whirlpool^® Top Load Washers featuring a 360 Wash Agitator on agitator models which gently moves clothing up, down and side to side throughout a wash cycle for a thorough clean. This cleaning motion helps loosen soils and moves fabrics smoothly through the wash to help you care for all of your family’s laundry. Get more room inside when you want it with a 2 in 1 Removable Agitator washer from Whirlpool brand.

3. Top load impeller washers

For this washing machine type, you can load and unload clothes from the top just like top load washers with an agitator. The difference is that the washing action is facilitated with an impeller instead of an agitator. An impeller is a low-profile cone or disc that spins to rub clothes against each other to get them clean. 

Top load impeller washers generally have the same dimensions as agitator models. However, impeller washing machines sometimes offer a little more capacity since the impeller takes up less space inside the wash basket than an agitator. This can make these machines a good choice if you frequently wash large or bulky items. For the best of both worlds, consider a 2 in 1 Removable Agitator washer from Whirlpool brand.

Learn more about agitator vs impeller washing machines.

Pros of top load impeller washing machines:

• Wash action provides a thorough, gentle clean
  

• Allows control over water level with a Deep Water Wash Option on some models

• Extra room in the wash basket for bulky items

• More large capacity options are usually available

• Available in energy efficient and Energy Star certified on select models

• Models generally have a lower price point vs front load washers

Cons of a top load impeller washer:

• Generally uses more water than front load models, though less than older agitator models

• Loads can become off-balanced if not loaded carefully

• Deep fill may not be available on all models

• Cannot be stacked with a dryer

Shop Whirlpool^® Top Load Impeller Washers

Give clothes a thorough yet gentle clean with Whirlpool^® Top Load Impeller Washing Machines. Smooth impellers on select models are designed so clothes have more room to move. The seamless surface and vanes also help drive clothes from the outer rim to the center, where the deepest cleaning happens. Select models feature deep water wash options that let you customize your water level.

4. Top load washers with 2 in 1 agitator and impeller 

Select top load washing machines let you switch up the washing action with a 2 in 1 agitator and impeller design. These types of washing machines usually feature a removable agitator with a permanent impeller disc. Whirlpool brand offers an industry-first 2 in 1 Removable Agitator that lets you customize any load to care for your clothes the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. With two ways to wash, it’s twice the washer you have at home.

Top load 2 in 1 agitator and impeller washers feature:

• Removable agitator that provides greater flexibility in customizing laundry loads like bulky items

• Two ways to wash so there’s no need to choose between an agitator or impeller model

• Models available with greater capacity than other types of washers

• Available in energy efficient and ENERGY STAR certified models

• Combines the advantages of both impeller and agitator washers

Shop Whirlpool^® 2 in 1 Removable Agitator Washers

Customize your loads the way you want in the Whirlpool^® Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator. This innovative washing machine also features the Whirlpool^® Load & Go^™ Dispenser that lets you skip adding detergent every time. A Pretreat Station features a built-in, dual temperature faucet and brush so you can soak, scrub and wash all in one spot.

5. Stacked laundry centers

Stacked laundry centers usually feature a top load washing machine and dryer built into one continuous frame. If you prefer a top load washer but only have space for a stacked setup, this is a great option. This combined appliance simplifies installation with no need for a stacking kit since the washer and dryer are already built as one unit. 

You can find different types of washing machines in laundry centers, including agitator and impeller styles.

Pros of stacked laundry centers:

• Fits into smaller spaces and those requiring vertical stacking
  

• Offers a stacked option with a top load washing machine

• No stacking kit needed

• Usually lower priced than purchasing a washer and dryer separately

Cons of stacked laundry centers:

• Typically has fewer options and features than other types of washers
  

• Can have a smaller range of capacities than other styles

• Can’t separate the units for alternate configurations

Shop Whirlpool^® Stacked Laundry Centers

Get the capacity you want in the space you need with a stacked washer and dryer combination in gas or electric. Select models feature dual action agitator cleaning with a convenient fabric softener dispenser and an AutoDry^™ Drying System that senses when clothes have reached the right moisture content and stops the cycle.

6. All-in-one combo washer and dryer

A combo washer and dryer is a type of washing machine that also dries laundry in the same drum. This eliminates the need for two separate appliances and provides an excellent space-saving option. All-in-one combos usually feature a front load design and include more settings and options than stacked laundry centers.

Combo washer/dryers may have similar dimensions to a front load washer, but there are also more space-efficient versions available. The Whirlpool^® Smart All-In-One Washer & Dryer provides a compact option at 33 ¼ inches high, 28 inches deep and 24 inches wide with a capacity of 2.8 cu. ft.

Pros of an all-in-one washer and dryer combo:

• Space-efficient design combines two appliances into one
  

• Whirlpool brand offers a ventless design that can be installed nearly anywhere¹

• Compact models available

• Typically more options and settings than stacked laundry centers

• No need to transfer loads from one machine to another

Cons of all-in-one washer and dryer combos:

• Can’t wash a load while another dries

• Generally offers less capacity than some stand-alone options

• Dry cycle times may be longer

Explore Whirlpool^® Smart All-In-One Washer & Dryer

Reinvent your laundry routine with the Whirlpool^® Smart All-In-One Washer & Dryer. At 24” wide, this compact two-in-one combo fits in small spaces to replace an apartment washer and dryer. The ventless design allows installation virtually anywhere.¹ You can even do laundry from your smartphone², and the Load & Go™ Plus Dispenser lets you skip detergent and fabric softener refills for 20 loads.³

7. Compact and portable washing machines

If space is at a premium, compact and portable washing machines may be the best type of washing machine for you. You can usually find a compact option among different types of washers including top and front load, stackable, stacked laundry centers or all-in-one to fit your preference. 

Portable washing machines are usually the smallest option and are designed to be stored in a closet or other area until needed, though some can be installed permanently. These washers typically feature an inlet hose that connects to kitchen or bathroom faucets along with a drain hose you can set inside a tub or sink.

Portable washer sizes vary widely but can come with as little as 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for very tight spaces. Whirlpool brand offers a portable washing machine with 1.6 cu. ft. of capacity and a narrow 21-inch width design. Compact washers generally offer between 1.5 and 3.5 cu. ft. of capacity with widths around 24 inches. These tend to be permanently installed options.

Pros of portable and compact washers:

• Saves space in an apartment or small laundry area

• Front load models can be stacked with a dryer

• Portable washers can be disconnected from hookups and stored away when not in use

Cons of portable and compact washers:

• Offers less washing capacity than other types of washers

• Cannot wash large loads or bulky items like a comforter

Shop Whirlpool^® Compact Washers

If saving space is the most important factor for your household, Whirlpool brand has plenty of compact washer options to choose from. Find 24-inch-wide washers, all-in-one options and stacked compact pairs, all with a range of settings and cycles to take on your daily loads.

What to look for when buying a washing machine

Washing machine features vary widely depending on the type of washer, brand, size and more. You can find everything from lower-priced models that help you keep up with laundry needs, to advanced smart appliances that help streamline your routine. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best type of washing machine for your household:

Size and capacity

Washer sizes run from space-saving compact options to large capacity models. In general, here are some capacities you can expect to find with each size washing machine:

Compact: 1.5 -3.4 cu. ft. 

Standard (or medium): 3.5-4.4 cu. ft.

Large: 4.5+ cu. ft.

Standard-sized washing machines can usually wash a full 2-bushel laundry basket of clothes per load, while some larger capacity washers can fit three baskets or more. For example, 5.0 cu. ft. front load washers from Whirlpool brand clean over three baskets of clothing4 in a single load.

Consider the size of your household, the largest or bulkiest items you’ll wash and the space available for installation to decide what washer size is best for you.

Cycles and options

Every family has different laundry needs whether it’s a sanitize cycle to help fight bacteria on workout clothing, or deep water wash options for heavily soiled loads. Select Whirlpool brand washers feature both options plus quick wash cycles for small or lightly soiled loads. You’ll also find select models with specialized cycles for delicates, bulky items, towels and more. Some models also have a clean cycle to clean the washing machine in-between uses. Check the cycles and options for whatever washer you’re considering to make sure it meets your laundry needs. 

Intuitive touch controls

Easily find the right cycle with intuitive touch controls on select Whirlpool brand washing machines. Let the washer guide you to the right cycle combinations or customize up to 36 of your own to get the right type of fabric care for whatever you’re washing.

Convenience features

Spend less time on laundry with features that help you finish chores sooner. 

• Smart or wifi-connected appliances can enable you to control your washer remotely. Smart capable washers from Whirlpool brand help guide you to the right cycle combinations or let you customize your own and manage laundry from your smartphone to stay connected from anywhere.²

• Choose top or front load washers from Whirlpool brand with a Load & Go^™ Dispenser that holds 20-40 loads of detergent to skip adding it every time. If you wash five loads per week, that’s up to two months’ worth of laundry on select models.⁵

Pretreat station

Some washers feature built-in faucets to help treat stains, soak garments or scrub trouble spots. Select Whirlpool^® washers feature a Pretreat Station or Pretreat Station Plus that lets you soak, scrub and wash all in one spot. The Pretreat Station Plus features a built-in, dual temperature faucet and pretreat brush for quick, easy access to tools that help you get it all done at once. Plus, you can add detergent to the water stream to spot-treat stains before they set in.

Pedestals for extra storage and height

If you opt for a front load washing machine, consider adding a pedestal to make access even easier. A pedestal will raise the height of the door so you can load and unload laundry with less bending. Pedestals from Whirlpool brand also function as storage drawers for laundry supplies to help you keep organized.

What type of washer is best for you?

The best washing machine for you depends on your family size, lifestyle, budget and how much space you have for a washer and dryer. Whether it’s a compact all-in-one option for an apartment or a large capacity top load washer with smart, connected features, you have plenty of options to choose from. 

Need more help deciding? This appliance finder can help you choose the best Whirlpool^® Washer for you.

Shop all Whirlpool^® Washing Machines

Whirlpool brand offers a selection of washing machines in various sizes, capacities and styles to help you find the right fit for your family’s laundry needs. Browse the full collection of washers by Whirlpool brand to explore innovative features that align with your family’s routine to help keep laundry day running smoothly.

1. 240V electrical connection required.
2. Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect.
3. Based on an 7-lb load.
4. Based on 7-lb per basket.
5. Based on an 8-lb load. Actual dispenser capacity varies by model.