Wondering what type and size washing automobile you need? This washing machine buying guide breaks down the different types of washing machines, sizes and features to assist you make up one's mind.

What are the different types of washing machines?

The main washing machine types include front end-load washing machines, top-load models with an anarchist or impeller, stacked laundry centers, all-in-one combination washers and dryers, as well as compact or portable washing machines. Some washing machine models are also energy-efficient or Energy Star certified.

Wet clothes tumbling in a front load washer with arrows showing the direction

1. Front load washing machines

This blazon of washing machine features a door on the front of the unit to load and unload clothes. In order to clean fabrics, front end-load washers tumble laundry in a horizontal drum which creates friction between the items. This washer type also more often than not uses less water per wash wheel compared to peak-load washing machines.

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

Front load washing machines come in a range of capacities from compact models that offer around 1.ix cu. ft. to large capacity five cu. ft. models, and beyond. Standard-sized front load washing machines are usually around twoscore" high ten 28" wide 10 31–34" deep, but this tin can vary past make and model. You can also add together a pedestal to front load washers, which can increase overall height by nearly fifteen inches.

A front load washer and dryer pair in a modern laundry room

Pros of front load washing machines:

  • Wash activeness provides a thorough but gentle clean

  • Typically uses less h2o per load compared to pinnacle load washer models

  • College spin speeds can assistance wick away moisture and pb to shorter dry out times

  • Often available with greater chapters than other types of washers

  • Available in energy efficient and ENERGY STAR models

  • Bachelor in compact or large capacity models

  • Save space past stacking select models, including stackable options from Whirlpool brand.

Cons of forepart load washing machines:

  • Sometimes accept longer wash cycles than pinnacle load washing machines

  • No deep water soak settings

  • Might need to be cleaned more than frequently

  • May demand to bend over lower to access, though pedestals are available for select models

  • Model prices can be higher

Shop Whirlpool® Forepart Load Washers

Find the right front load washing machine for your family with compact and big chapters options from Whirlpool. Choose from a range of features and sizes to help y'all get the ideal fabric care and cleaning for your laundry in a streamlined expect.

A top load agitator washing machine open with clothes inside

ii. Summit load agitator washers

Top load washing machines take a door on the top of the unit of measurement where you drop in or lift out loads. This type of top load washer uses an agitator to movement apparel within the wash basket. An agitator is a alpine spindle, vaned or finned, in the center of the launder basket that twists back and forth, rubbing against clothes to help suspension down loose soils.

This vertical setup allows for options like deep water launder that you won't detect on a front load washing machine. Learn more about the differences with our guide to front load washing machines vs top load washing machines.

Top load washing machines are usually available with capacities ranging from effectually 1.5 - 5.5 cu. ft. In general, standard height load washing machines are about 40" high ten 28" wide x 31–34" deep, but vary past brand and model.

A top load washer and dryer pair in a modern laundry room

Pros of height load anarchist washers:

  • Wash action provides a thorough clean

  • Mostly has shorter wash times than front load washing machines

  • H2o levels can normally be adjusted

  • Deep water wash and soak options on select models

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

  • Models by and large take a lower toll point vs front load washers

Cons of a top load anarchist washer:

  • Mostly uses more water than front end load models

  • Less room for bulky items to move around inside

  • Cannot be stacked with a dryer

Store top load washers from Whirlpool

Give clothes a deep clean with select Whirlpool® Top Load Washers featuring a 2-mode launder action agitator which turns one manner while the handbasket turns the other. This cleaning motion moves fabrics smoothly through the wash to aid you care for all of your family's fabrics.

A top load impeller washing machine open with clothes inside

3. Top load impeller washers

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

The dimensions for top load impeller washers are generally the same as agitator models. However, impeller washing machines sometimes offer a lilliputian more capacity since the impeller takes up less space inside the launder handbasket than an agitator. This can make them a good selection if yous often wash large or bulky items.

Learn more about agitator vs impeller washing machines.

A white top load washer and dryer pair in a modern laundry room

Pros of top load impeller washing machines:

  • Wash activeness provides a thorough, gentle clean

  • Generally uses less water than older agitator models

  • Deep water wash and soak options on select models

  • More room in the wash handbasket for beefy articles and easy loading/unloading

  • More large capacity options are normally available

  • Available in energy efficient and Energy Star models

  • Models more often than not take a lower price point vs front end load washers

Cons of a meridian load impeller washer:

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

  • Loads can become off-counterbalanced if not loaded carefully

  • Deep fill up may not be available on all models

  • Cannot be stacked with a dryer

Shop Whirlpool® Height Load Washers

Give clothes a thorough still gentle clean with Whirlpool® Top Load Impeller Washing Machines. Smooth impellers on select models are designed so dress accept more room to motion. The seamless surface and vanes besides aid drive clothes from the outer rim to the eye, where the deepest cleaning happens. Select models characteristic deep water wash options that permit you lot customize your h2o level.

A Whirlpool 2-in-1 removable agitator washer with a window cutout

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

Select top load washing machines let you switch upwardly the washing activity with a two-in-1 agitator and impeller design. These types of washing machines usually characteristic a removable agitator with a permanent impeller disc. Whirlpool make offers an manufacture-first 2 in 1 removable agitator that lets yous customize whatsoever load to treat your apparel the way yous desire by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. With two ways to wash, it's twice the washer y'all have at dwelling house.

Pros of 2 in i anarchist and impeller washers:

  • Removable agitator provides greater flexibility

  • No need to choose between agitator or impeller

  • Can remove anarchist to wash bulky items like comforters

  • Provides all the pros for both impeller and anarchist models

Cons of 2 in one agitator and impeller washing machines:

  • Generally uses more than h2o than forepart load models

  • Loads can become off-balanced if not loaded carefully

  • Can't be stacked with a dryer

Shop Whirlpool® 2 in 1 Removable Anarchist Washer

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

A stacked laundry center washing machine open with clothes inside

v. Stacked laundry centers

Stacked laundry centers ordinarily feature a superlative load washing automobile and dryer built into one continuous frame. If you prefer a top load washer merely merely have space for a stacked setup, this is a peachy selection. This combined appliance simplifies installation with no demand for a stacking kit since the washer and dryer are already built as ane unit.

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

Illustration of a stacked laundry center with dimension measurement marks

These units typically offer smaller capacity ranges than stand-alone units with between roughly ane.five and 3.v cu. ft. washer chapters. Notwithstanding, you'll as well normally discover smaller outer dimensions, making stacked laundry centers a popular choice for apartments or other small spaces. Make certain you have roughly 74-76 inches of vertical space, 27-33 inches of depth and 24-28 inches of width to install this type of washer and dryer middle.

a white stacked laundry center tucked into a closet in a modern house

Pros of stacked laundry centers:

  • Fits into smaller spaces and those requiring vertical stacking
  • Offers a stacked selection with a top load washing machine

  • No stacking kit needed

  • Commonly 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 Eye options

Go the capacity you lot desire in the space yous need with a stacked washer and dryer combination in gas or electric. Select models feature dual action agitator cleaning with a convenient textile softener dispenser and an AutoDry drying system that senses when dress have reached the right wet content and stops the cycle.

An all-in-one combo washer and dryer open with clothes inside

6. All-in-one combo washer and dryer

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

Combo washer/dryers may accept similar dimensions to a front load washer, but in that location are too more space-efficient versions available. The Whirlpool® Smart All-In-1 Washer & Dryer provides a compact option at 33 ¼ inches high, 28 inches deep and 24 inches wide with a capacity of ii.8 cu. ft.

An all-in-one combo washer and dryer tucked into a closet in a modern house

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

  • Space-efficient design combines two appliances into ane

  • Whirlpool offers a ventless design that can be installed nearly anywhereone

  • Compact models available

  • Typically more options and settings than stacked laundry centers

  • No need to transfer loads from one automobile to another

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

  • Can't launder a load while some other dries

  • More often than not offers less capacity than some stand-lone options

  • Dry out cycle times may exist longer

Store Whirlpool ® Smart All-In-One Washer & Dryer

Reinvent your laundry routine with the 24" Smart All-In-1 Washer & Dryer. This compact two-in-one combo fits in small spaces to supersede an apartment washer and dryer. The ventless pattern allows installation nigh anywhere.ane You can even practice laundry from your smartphone2, and the Load & Go Plus dispenser lets you skip detergent and fabric softener refills for twenty loads.iii

A portable washing machine open with clothes inside

7. Compact and portable washing machines

If space is at a premium, compact and portable washing machines may be the all-time type of washing auto for y'all. You can unremarkably detect a compact choice among different types of washers including elevation and forepart load, stackable, stacked laundry centers or all-in-one to fit your preference.

Portable washing machines are commonly the smallest pick and are designed to exist stored in a closet or other expanse until needed, though some can be installed permanently. They typically feature an inlet hose that connects to kitchen or bath faucets along with a drain hose you tin gear up inside a tub or sink.

Portable washer sizes vary widely but tin can come up with every bit little as 0.9 cu. ft. capacity for very tight spaces.  Whirlpool offers a portable washing machine with 1.half dozen cu. ft. of capacity and a narrow 21-inch width design. Compact washers generally offer between ane.5 and 3.five cu. ft. of capacity with widths of around 24 inches. These tend to be permanently installed options.

A stacked compact washer and dryer tucked into a closet in a modern loft

Pros of portable and compact washers:

  • Saves space in an apartment or pocket-sized laundry area

  • Front load models can be stacked with a dryer

  • Portable washers can be disconnected from hookups and stored away when non in use

Cons of portable and compact washers:

  • Offers less washing capacity than other types of washers

  • Cannot wash large loads or beefy items similar a comforter

Store Whirlpool® Meaty Washers

If saving space is the virtually important cistron for your household, Whirlpool has plenty of compact washer options to cull from. Find 24-inch-wide washers, all-in-ane options, and stacked meaty pairs, all with a range of options and cycles to take on your daily loads.

What are common washing auto sizes?

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

Compact: 1.five -3.four cu. ft.

Standard (or medium): 3.5-iv.4 cu. ft.

Large: 4.5+ cu. ft.

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

A woman with a laundry basket looking inside a top load washer

What size washer do I need?

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. Consider these factors before buying a washing machine:

How large is your family?

A household of 1-2 tin can likely opt for a space-saving meaty washing car. A family unit of around 3 or 4 may want a standard-sized washer to keep upward with everyday laundry needs. A large or active family unit might opt for a big-capacity selection to make sure soccer jerseys, workout dress and office shirts are always clean and set to wear.

Number of laundry loads per week

If yous only do a few loads each calendar week, a standard or small capacity washer is probably plenty. Yet, if y'all do more than seven loads per week, consider a large capacity washer that volition let you lot combine loads and assistance cut downward on time spent in the laundry room. Get help choosing a big washing automobile from Whirlpool with our guide, or get more than data on all washing machine sizes.

How many towels practice you lot launder in a load?

To assist interpret chapters per cubic pes in terms of laundry, think about how many towels yous might launder in a load. A number of factors similar type of washing machine or the verbal size of your towels tin can affect how many you can fit per load, but here are some general ranges:

  • A iii.v–4.4 cu. ft. washing car can agree approximately ix–15 full-sized bath towels.

  • A iv.v–4.9 cu. ft. washing machine tin usually hold between eleven–xix full-sized bath towels.

  • A 5–5.3 cu. ft. capacity washer tin can typically hold between 12–21 full-size bath towels.

Do yous frequently wash large, bulky items like blankets or king-sized comforters?

If so, opt for a large capacity washing machine with an impeller or a forepart load model to maximize usable infinite in the washer pulsate.

How big is your laundry room or installation space?

If space is limited, consider front load stacked options, a laundry middle or an all-in-one combo that may provide a lilliputian actress washing and drying chapters per square foot. Need more help choosing a washing car size? Follow our easy 3 stride guide to find the right washer and dryer dimensions for your home.

Laundry detergent being poured into a Whirlpool Load & Go dispenser

What features are available in washing machines?

Features vary widely depending on type of washer, brand, size and more. You can detect everything from bones budget-friendly models that help you keep upwards with everyday laundry needs, to avant-garde smart appliances that aid streamline your routine. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best type of washing machine for your household:

Cycles and options

Every family unit has dissimilar laundry needs whether information technology's a sanitize wheel to help fight leaner on workout clothing, or deep h2o wash options for heavily soiled loads. Select Whirlpool washers feature both options plus quick wash cycles for pocket-size or lightly soiled loads. You'll also detect select models with specialized cycles for delicates, bulky items, towels and more.  Check the cycles and options for any washer y'all're considering to make sure it meets your laundry needs.

Intuitive impact controls

Easily detect the correct cycle with intuitive touch controls on select Whirlpool washing machines. Allow the washer guide y'all to the right bicycle combinations or customize up to 36 of your ain to go the right type of fabric treat whatever you're washing.

Convenience features

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

  • Smart or wifi-continued appliances can enable you to control your washer remotely. Smart capable washers from Whirlpool guide you lot to the right bicycle combinations or let y'all customize your own and manage laundry from your smartphone to stay connected from anywhere.v

  • Choose top or front end load washers from Whirlpool with a Load & Become dispenser that holds 20–40 loads of detergent to skip calculation it every fourth dimension. If you lot launder five loads per calendar week, that'south up to two months' worth of laundry on select models.half dozen

Pretreat station

Some washers feature built-in faucets to help treat stains, soak garments or scrub problem spots. Select Whirlpool ® washers feature a pretreat station or pretreat station plus that lets youssoak, scrub and wash all in i spot. The pretreat station plus features a congenital-in, dual temperature faucet and pretreat brush for quick, piece of cake access to tools that help you get it all done at in one case. Plus, you lot can add together detergent to the water stream to spot-care for stains earlier they ready in.

Pedestals for extra storage and tiptop

If you lot opt for a forepart load washing machine, consider adding a pedestal to make access even easier. A pedestal volition heighten the height of the door so you can load and unload laundry with less bending. Pedestals from Whirlpool also function equally storage drawers to help you keep organized.

a hand pressing cycle buttons on a front load washing machine

Overall, which type of washing machine is best?

The all-time type of washing car for yous depends on your family unit size, lifestyle, budget, and how much space you have for a washer and dryer. Whether information technology'south a compact all-in-i choice for an apartment or a large capacity meridian load washer with smart, connected features, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Need more than assistance deciding? Our appliance finder can assistance you choose the best Whirlpool® washer for you.  Or shop all Whirlpool ® washing machines to browse our full lineup.

Larn more than about Whirlpool® washers and dryers

Stacked laundry pair in a bathroom

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If you thought you didn't accept room for in-habitation laundry, learn near space-saving washers and dryers that will have y'all reimagining the possibilities.

Black front load laundry pair

Why choose a smart front load washer and dryer

Discover a smarter approach to laundry 24-hour interval with everything you need to know about smart front load washers and dryers.

Open washer with clothes in water

How much water does a washing machine use

Washing machine h2o usage depends on the age of your washing car, the model you are using, what you are washing, and how much y'all are washing.

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1. 240V electrical connection required.
2. Appliance must exist set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to alter. Details and privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect.
three. Based on an seven-lb load.
four. Based on 7-lb per basket.
v. Appliance must be prepare to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to modify. Details and privacy info at whirlpool.com/connect.
vi. Based on an 8-lb load. Actual dispenser capacity varies by model.