How to Choose a Washing Machine for Your Home

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you choose a washing machine that fits your routine?
2. Which washing machine type suits your home?
3. What capacity should you choose?
4. Which washer features are worth comparing?
5. How should you measure the laundry space?
6. Which washing machine examples fit different needs?
7. How do you compare installation needs and ongoing care?
8. What is the simplest way to decide?
9. How to choose a washing machine: common questions

Choose a washing machine by matching its type and capacity to your laundry routine, then confirm it fits the space and hookups. Compare top load, front load, compact and combo options before weighing cycles and special features.

Start by listing the loads you wash most often, such as daily clothes, towels, delicates or bulky bedding. Then measure the room and the delivery route so you can rule out machines that will not work in your home.

This guide walks through the main choices and shows examples for different spaces and routines. For a direct capacity estimate, use our guide to what size washing machine you need.

How do you choose a washing machine that fits your routine?

Choose a washer around the loads you wash most often and how often you do laundry. A household that runs small loads often may need a different capacity and cycle mix than one that waits to wash several large loads.

Write down what you wash in a typical week. Include towels, bedding, work clothes, delicates and any bulky items that need special care.

Think about how often you want to run the washer. A larger stated capacity may help you combine loads, while a smaller unit can make sense if you wash a few items at a time or have little space.

Also consider who will use the machine. Controls that are easy to read, cycles that match your fabrics and a door or lid that is simple to access can matter more than a long list of features.

Choose features you will use regularly. A steam option, extra rinse, quick cycle or delay start can be useful when it suits your routine, but each one should solve a real need.

Which washing machine type suits your home?

Choose the washer type that fits your room layout, laundry habits and installation options. A top load or front load machine is common for a dedicated laundry area, while compact, portable and combo models address tighter spaces or different setups.

Top load and front load describe where you place laundry in the machine. Within each type, models can differ in capacity, cycles, controls and cleaning features.

Compare the trade-offs in our top load vs front load washer guide. If you already know you prefer top load, see our best top load washers for family laundry.

How do you choose a washing machine type for a small space?

For a small space, first compare the machine’s outside dimensions with the full area available. A compact or portable washer may fit where a full-size model cannot, and a combo can reduce the number of appliances.

Measure width, depth and height, then check the opening needed for the door or lid. Account for hoses and any clearances required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

A portable washer may be moved or stored between uses, but it still needs a workable water connection and drain plan. For more options and setup considerations, read our best washing machines for apartment living.

A combo combines washing and drying in one unit. Its wash and dry capacities may differ, so check both numbers against the loads you plan to run.

What capacity should you choose?

Choose washer capacity by considering your usual load size and the items you wash at home. Capacity alone does not tell you whether a machine will fit bulky bedding or match your weekly routine.

Compare the manufacturer’s stated capacity across the models you are considering. Also look at the machine’s outside dimensions, since a larger drum does not guarantee that the cabinet will fit the room.

If you wash bedding at home, check the item’s care instructions and compare its size with the washer guidance. Our guide to what size washer fits a king comforter covers that specific question.

Household size can help you estimate how often you wash, but it cannot account for sports uniforms, work clothes, reusable diapers or frequent towel loads. Use your own laundry pattern as the deciding factor.

Which washer features are worth comparing?

Compare the features that match your fabrics, schedule and preferences. Cycles and options vary by model, so check the full cycle list instead of assuming two washers with similar capacity work the same way.

Useful details to compare include:

• Cycle choices: Look for cycles you expect to use, such as delicates, bulky, towels or quick wash.
• Temperature options: Check whether the machine offers the settings your fabric care requires.
• Extra rinse: This can be helpful if you want an additional rinse option.
• Steam treatment: Some models include a steam option for stains.
• Delay start: This can help you plan when a cycle begins.
• Controls and display: Check whether the buttons, knobs or display are easy for you to use.
• Cycle time features: Some washers offer a quick cycle or a feature that reduces wash time under specified conditions.

Compare the exact program names and any limits attached to a feature. A quick cycle, for example, may be intended for a small load rather than a full basket.

A top load washer with an agitator may suit someone who wants that wash action. Our agitator vs impeller washer guide explains how those designs differ.

How should you measure the laundry space?

Measure the washer’s location, the door or lid clearance and the delivery path before choosing a model. The cabinet must fit at its final location, and the machine must reach that spot.

1. Measure the space’s width, depth and height.
2. Check where hoses, valves, outlets and drains sit.
3. Include the space needed to open the door or lid fully.
4. Measure doorways, hallways and turns along the delivery route.
5. Check the installation instructions for required clearances and hookup needs.
6. If pairing with a dryer, measure for both appliances and the space between them.

Use the washer’s exact outside dimensions rather than its capacity label to check the fit. Also make sure you can reach the controls, load laundry and access the connections after installation.

For a side-by-side pair, see our guide to how much space to leave between a washer and dryer. If you are considering a front loader, our article on whether you need a pedestal for a front load washer covers the access question.

Which washing machine examples fit different needs?

These four examples show how type, capacity and features can narrow your choices. Compare each model with your measurements and routine, then confirm that its installation requirements work for your home.

Kenmore 4.4 Cu Ft Top Load Washer with Agitator

This top load model has a 4.4 cu ft capacity and a Triple Action Agitator. Its cycles include Heavy Duty, Whites, Towels, Delicates and Express, with 4 temperature options and an Extra Rinse option.

The washer also has Express Wash for small loads and Accela Wash, which Kenmore says can clean full-size loads up to 51% faster under its stated comparison conditions. Those claims use specific load and cycle settings, so compare them with your own routine.

Consider it if you want top access and an agitator. Measure the height and lid clearance, and confirm the hookups before making a decision.

Kenmore 4.5 Cu Ft Front Load Washer

This front load washer has a 4.5 cu ft capacity, 12 cycles and 5 temperature options. Features include Steam Treat, Extra Rinse, an LED display and ENERGY STAR certification.

Kenmore says Accela Wash can clean full-size loads up to 26% faster under its stated comparison conditions. The model also has an Express Wash cycle for small loads.

Consider it if you want front access and a steam option. Check the door swing, the depth and whether the washer’s position works with your planned dryer setup.

If you want to compare more front loaders, see our best front load washers for bigger, gentler washes.

Hamilton Beach 2.65 Cu Ft Washer Dryer Combo

This front load combo brings washing and drying together in a 24 in design. It has a stated 2.65 cu ft washer capacity, with wash and dry capacities that differ.

The machine offers multiple wash temperatures and programs such as Delicate, Bulky/Large and Speed Wash. Its published wash capacity is 26.4 lb, while its drying capacity is 17.6 lb, so plan loads around the lower drying limit when you want a full wash and dry cycle.

Consider it if one appliance suits your available space. Measure the route, hookups and final position, and compare its capacities with the size of your usual loads.

BLACK+DECKER 3.0 Cu Ft Portable Washer BPW30MW

This portable top load washer has a 3.0 cu ft capacity and 6 cycle selections: Normal, Heavy, Delicate, Quick, Bulky and Spin Only. It offers 3 water level choices and cold, warm and hot water cycles.

The machine has a stainless steel tub, auto unbalance detection and auto shutoff features. Its drain hose and quick-connect sink adaptor support a temporary faucet connection, and its roller wheels and side handles help with moving it.

Consider it if you need a portable setup and can use its faucet connection. Confirm that the machine’s dimensions, weight, drainage and storage plan suit your home.

How do you compare installation needs and ongoing care?

Compare the hookups and room requirements before you settle on a washer. The right machine must work with the water supply, drain, power and available space at its installation point.

Read the installation instructions for each specific model. Check connection requirements, clearances and whether you need any additional fittings or help with installation.

Once the washer is in use, follow the care instructions for its model. Keep the area around it accessible so you can check hoses and connections, and use the cleaning cycle or maintenance steps the manufacturer recommends.

A washer that shakes may need attention to its setup. Our how to level a washing machine step by step guide explains the basic leveling process.

What is the simplest way to decide?

Choose the washer that fits your laundry routine, room and hookups at the same time. If you have a dedicated laundry space, compare full-size top load and front load models; if space is limited, consider compact, portable or combo options.

Make your shortlist by type and capacity, then compare cycles and features you will actually use. Confirm dimensions, delivery access and installation needs before deciding.

For a family laundry routine, compare our best washers for a large family. For a small apartment setup, start with the apartment washing machine guide.

How to choose a washing machine: common questions

Is a bigger washing machine always better?

A larger capacity can suit bigger or less frequent loads, but it is only useful if the washer fits your space and matches what you wash. Compare outside dimensions, delivery access and installation needs as well as capacity.

Choose based on your regular loads instead of paying for space you do not expect to use.

What should I look for when buying a washing machine for a family?

For a family, consider how often laundry piles up, which items you wash and whether you want to combine loads. Compare capacity, cycles for your fabrics, controls and the machine’s dimensions.

Check bedding guidance separately, since household size alone does not show whether a particular item fits.

Should I choose a washer with many cycles?

Choose cycles that match the fabrics and loads you wash regularly. Programs for delicates, bulky items or quick washes may be useful if those needs come up often.

Compare the actual cycle list and any stated load limits, then skip features you are unlikely to use.

Do I need a washer dryer combo?

A combo can suit a home where one appliance needs to wash and dry while occupying a single footprint. Check the wash and dry capacities, dimensions, hookups and cycle options before choosing.

If you have room for separate appliances, compare both layouts and routines before making the trade-off.

Should I choose a top load or front load washer?

Choose based on the room layout and how you prefer to load laundry. A top loader needs room above its lid, while a front loader needs space to open its door.

Compare the specific models’ capacity, cycle options and installation needs, then consider the daily access that works best for you.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when buying a washing machine?

Start with the machine type and capacity that fit your laundry routine, then measure the appliance space and delivery route. Check door swing or lid clearance, water and drain hookups, cycles you will use, and any installation limits.

A larger capacity is useful only if the washer fits and suits your loads.

Is a front load or top load washer better?

A front load washer can suit a home that wants a broad range of cycles and a front door, while a top load washer gives you access from above. Compare the door or lid clearance, controls, capacity and features on the specific models.

Your room layout and laundry habits should guide the choice.

How much washer capacity do I need?

Choose capacity based on the size and frequency of your loads, including bulky items you wash at home. Compare the washer's stated capacity and dimensions with your routine, rather than relying only on household size.

If you regularly wash large bedding, confirm both the capacity and the item's care instructions.

Can I put a washing machine in an apartment?

You can use a washer in an apartment if the space, hookups, drainage and building rules support that type of machine. A portable model may suit a temporary setup, while a compact washer or combo may fit a dedicated laundry area.

Measure the route and installation space before choosing.

Should I buy a washer dryer combo or separate machines?

A washer dryer combo combines washing and drying in one appliance, which can help where space is limited. Separate machines let you choose each appliance independently and may suit a home with room for a pair.

Compare capacity, cycle needs, hookups and the space available for the full setup.