At a Glance:
Front Load vs. Top Load Washers
8 Best Top Load Washers Under $900
When considering a washing machine for your home, top load washers frequently come up as a favorite for their ease of use and convenience. They make laundry days more forgiving, letting you add that forgotten sock mid-cycle, and often come with a price tag that's gentle on the wallet. But with so many options available, how do you find a top performer that doesn’t break the bank? After diving deep into the pros and cons, and addressing common questions about top load washers, we've narrowed down the best options under $900. Read on to find a machine that fits your needs and budget, ensuring a more efficient laundry experience.
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Looking for a new washer? Find top load washers from top brand like GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, and more at John's Appliance and Bedding, today!
Shop Top Load WashersFront Load vs. Top Load Washer
When shopping for a new washing machine, one of the first choices you'll face is between a front load vs. a top load washer. Both styles have their unique advantages, but they operate quite differently.
Top load washers are the traditional choice for many households. With a door on the top, you simply lift the lid and drop your clothes in. They also often come with an agitator in the center, which moves the laundry around to get it clean. A significant advantage for this appliance is its ability to add clothes mid-cycle in case you forget something. However, they can sometimes be rougher on clothes and less energy efficient.
Front load washers, on the other hand, have a door on the front instead of the top, but they often require more energy to load and unload because you have to bend down to access it. However, because they use tumbling actions rather than an agitator, front load washers often clean clothes more gently, resulting in longer fabric life. They also typically use less water and detergent and spin at higher speeds, extracting more water and reducing drying time. A downside? They can be pricier upfront, and some users report issues with mold if the door isn't left open to dry after use.
Top Load Washer Pros & Cons
Here are some advantages and disadvantages to buying and using a top load washer in your home:
Pros
Here are the pros of using a top load washer:
✓ Ease of Loading and Unloading: Without the need to bend down, placing and removing laundry is straightforward and ergonomic. This design is especially beneficial for those with back problems or mobility issues.
✓ Add Mid-Cycle: Forgot a sock or a shirt? With top loaders, you can often lift the lid and toss in forgotten items even after the cycle has started.
✓ Less Upfront Cost: Generally, top load washers tend to be more affordable initially than their front-load counterparts, making them accessible for a broader range of budgets.
Cons
Here are the cons of using a top load washer:
✗ Rougher on Clothes: The central agitator can be harder on your garments, leading to wear and tear over time.
✗ Bulkier Items Issue: Washing bulky items like comforters or large blankets can be trickier, as they may not agitate or spin as effectively.
8 Best Top Load Washers Under $900
Here are eight of the best top load washers under $900:
GE 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the GE 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
A GE top load washer, though more budget-friendly, still comes with a number of features to improve your laundry tasks. That includes a 700 RPM spin speed, which removes more water than other top load models, six different settings for water temperatures, and a 14 different wash cycles to choose from.
It also comes with other features, like the deep fill option, which allows you to customize the water levels, and a deep clean cycle, which hits even your dirtiest loads with 67% more cleaning power than the most commonly used cycle.
Here’s what a verified buyer had to say about this washer in the reviews, “Great washing machine! The tub is larger than I expected and the variety of features (size, temperature, color, choice of rinses and spins, etc.) are amazing. Most of the time I use the "double rinse + double spin" option and the clothes come out barely damp which means I don't have to run the dryer very long at all!”
→ Learn more: GE Front Load Washer Review
Amana 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Amana 3.8 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Amana top load washer is perfect for those who want a high-efficiency washer in their laundry room. That’s especially thanks to its high-efficiency agitator and wash system, which hits dirt hard, but stays gentle on the fabric of your clothes.
It also comes with other expert features, like an automatic fabric softener dispenser, which releases the fabric softener at just the right time, so you don’t have to worry about missing the rinse cycle. It also comes with a large 3.8 cubic foot capacity, allowing you to tackle even some of your largest loads.
One of the wonderful reviews said, "Our new Amana washer is quiet and cleans great. We are so happy with our new clothes washer. It is [quiet] and the large capacity allows fewer overall loads needing to be washed as more clothes can be washed at once. The washer cleans clothes very well."
LG 4.1 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the LG 4.1 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
If you’re looking for expert performance and simultaneous care for your clothes, this LG top load washer might be the perfect choice for you. With its four-way agitator and TurboDrum, this washer provides a unique wash action to move your clothes in every direction during a cycle. That way, you get a thorough, yet gentle clean for your clothes.
It also offers other efficient features, like the deep fill option, which lets you control the water levels of your wash cycles, and SmartDiagnosis, which allows you to connect your washer to your smartphone in order to monitor its performance and maintenance needs.
Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Samsung top load washer comes jam-packed with features to improve your laundry tasks. That includes an ActiveWave agitator, which is designed to reduce noise and vibration, all while delivering a powerful clean to your clothes.
It also comes with eight preset washing cycles, which cover almost every washing need for an active household that requires a lot of laundry during the week. Lastly, this washer also comes with a self-clean mode, which will keep your washer tub clean and notify you every 20 cycles when it’s time for a cleaning.
Users love this washer as much as us, one of the glowing reviews says, “So far so good and I'm impressed with the Samsung brand. The washer is simple to use, and it doesn't overwhelm you with trying to be fancy with all the bells and whistles. I bought the dryer and the price was to my liking.”
→ Learn more: Samsung Front Load Washer Buying Guide - Features & Costs
Maytag 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Maytag 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Maytag top load washer is perfect for those on a budget who still want an expert clean for their clothes. That’s especially due to the plethora of features that come with this appliance, including the quick wash cycle, the deep fill option, and the power agitator, which creates a 360-degree wash action that keeps clothes moving and does a perfect job of breaking down the dirt and grime of your loads.
It also comes with other features to help you save, including the auto sensor, which adjusts the water levels for each load to provide more efficient cleaning. That can help you save money on water costs while making sure your clothes still come out perfectly clean every time.
Frigidaire 4.1 Cu. Ft. Classic White Top Load Washer
Shop the Frigidaire 4.1 Cu. Ft. Classic White Top Load Washer
If you’re looking for a classic look to your laundry room, while still getting expert cleaning power, look no further than this Frigidaire top load washer. This washer provides you with all the cleaning power you need thanks to its features like the MaxFill, which gives you the maximum water level for your selected cycle to help you fight tough stains and dirt.
It also comes with other features, like its 12 wash cycles, five soil levels, and a fabric softener dispenser, so you can add your softener at the beginning of the wash cycle and not have to worry about it again.
Here’s what one of the reviewers says about this washer, “This washing machine is fantastic! I like having so many various settings which make almost any combination of wash and rinse possible. It is so user friendly, as well.”
Whirlpool 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Whirlpool 4.6 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Whirlpool top load washer comes with features you don’t normally find in other washers at this price range. That includes its presoak option, which saves you a step by soaking and washing your clothes all in one cycle. That also includes the built-in water faucet, which allows you to easily prewash your clothes and other items inside the washer as you add them.
Lastly, this washer doesn’t come with an agitator, but a smooth impeller, which gives you more room for clothes inside the machine and provides them with a gentler clean compared to other top load models.
Avanti 3.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Avanti 3.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Avanti top load washer sits at a compact 3.7 cubic feet to provide an expert clean for those with a small living space. Its features include 10 automatic cycles, four temperature settings, and four water level settings.
It also comes with an extra rinse option and a delay start option, which can help you fight tough stains, and run your loads when you’re away, having them ready to go when you return. Lastly, this washer also comes with separate dispensers for cleaning solutions, which allows you to add all your detergents and softeners at the start of the load, so you don’t have to worry about adding them later on.
Why Choose a Top Load Washer
Top load washers are more than just a traditional choice, they also offer genuine convenience. Their easy loading mechanism is a great advantage, especially for those who prefer not to bend down repeatedly when loading and unloading their machine. Also, the ability to add forgotten items mid-cycle means laundry day can be a bit more forgiving. And with many models being wallet-friendly, it's an excellent option for families looking for both efficiency and value.
When you're ready to make your choice, head to John's Appliance & Bedding. We have a wide selection of top load washers to suit every home and budget. We also have the experts to help you find the right washer for your laundry and home needs. Upgrade your laundry experience today with John’s Appliance & Bedding.
FAQs
Do top load washers clean as effectively as front load washers?
Yes, top load washers can clean clothes effectively. While the cleaning mechanism might differ (with many top loaders using agitators), they still offer thorough cleaning. The key is to choose a quality machine and follow recommended load sizes and detergent amounts.
Are top load washers more prone to becoming unbalanced?
Top load washers, especially when overloaded or when washing bulky items, can sometimes become unbalanced. It's essential to load the washer evenly and avoid overloading. Modern machines also come with balance sensors to mitigate this issue.
Can I use the same detergent for top load washers as I do for front load washers?
While most detergents are suitable for both types, some are specifically formulated for top or front load machines. Always check the detergent label and your washer's manual to ensure compatibility and achieve the best cleaning results.
→ Learn more: 3 Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine [+1 Bonus!]
Why Trust John’s Appliance & Bedding?
Our family-owned and operated store started with a pick-up truck and a dream. When John Hinton Jr. first opened his storefront in 1972, he never envisioned that over the next 50 years, he would outgrow his flagship location and need to open several other locations. However, that’s just what he did.
Thanks to John and his team, John’s Appliance & Bedding has been able to provide our customers with the best appliances, mattresses, and cabinet solutions in South Florida. We view our customers as an extension of our family and seek to provide the best service and expertise that we always have.
Shop Top Load Washers at John’s Appliance & Bedding
At John’s Appliance & Bedding, we provide high-quality, name-brand products for the best possible price. Shop top load washers online or visit one of our four South Florida showrooms and experience world-class customer service. Our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the perfect top load washer for your home — whether you call us, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
→ Learn more: Laundry Guide: Understanding Washing Machine Cycles