Most and Least Reliable Washing Machine Brands

Kimberly Janeway
Updated

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.

CR's extensive lab testing can help you pinpoint a washing machine that cleans fabric well, is gentle on clothes, runs quietly, and more. But aside from picking a machine with solid performance, you want an appliance that's built to last. 

Consumer Reports’ latest member survey reveals which brands are tops in reliability, and just how likely owners are to recommend their washer to family and friends. And we now factor those results into our washing machine ratings.

Our survey results are based on CR members’ experiences with 76,517 washers, not covered by a service contract, purchased between 2007 and 2017. 

Each model in our washing machine ratings now has a rating for predicted reliability and  owner satisfaction. Our predicted reliability rating estimates the likelihood that newly purchased models from a given brand will break within the first five years. Our owner-satisfaction rating reflects the proportion of CR members who are extremely likely to recommend the washer they bought to friends and family. 

In the market for a new machine? In addition to reliability data, check out our washing machine buying guide to learn the pros and cons of different washer types. Then see our washing machine ratings, and use the filters to narrow your choices among the 100-plus models.

And below, a look at the results for the most and least reliable brands—including names like LG, Speed Queen, GE, Samsung, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and Amana—and a quick glimpse at owner satisfaction. See our complete washing machine ratings for the full picture.

Agitator Top-Loaders

We analyzed 10 brands of agitator top-loaders, still the most popular washing machine type.

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