Control panel of a top load washer from Maytag brand

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE FOR YOU

Laundry day runs more smoothly with the right washer. Use this guide to walk through the benefits of top load washers compared to front load models; what features, settings and finishes to keep in mind; and how to choose the best Maytag® top load washer for your space. 

WHY CHOOSE A TOP LOAD WASHER INSTEAD OF A FRONT LOAD WASHER

Top load washers help you take on tough laundry days. They often feature shorter cycle times compared to front load washers, and may offer capacities over 5.0 cu. ft. to take on heavy loads, versus their front load counterparts, which don’t usually exceed 5.0 cu. ft.

Loading and unloading at waist height may also make top load washers more comfortable to use for some people. There’s the added opportunity to choose between a model with an impeller or an agitator.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TOP LOAD WASHER

Choosing a new washer can feel overwhelming, but a few key factors can help you narrow down your search. From size and capacity to features, finishes and more, explore what to look for in a top load washer below to help find the right fit for your home.

Person loading clothes into a white Maytag® top load washer

PICK THE RIGHT SIZE AND CAPACITY

Make sure your new top load washer fits both your laundry space and your laundry pile. Most standard washers offer a capacity of three to five cubic feet, while large-capacity models can handle more than five cubic feet and offer plenty of room for bulky loads. Whatever size you choose, leave enough space for proper installation and ventilation. Top load washer sizes generally fall within the dimensions below, though exact measurements can vary by model.

 

  • Width: 27 inches

  • Depth: 27 to 28 inches

  • Height: 42 to 44 inches

  • Capacity: 3 to 5 cubic feet

Clothes agitating inside of a top load washer with an agitator

CHOOSE AN AGITATOR OR IMPELLER

Choosing between an agitator or impeller washer often comes down to your family’s laundry habits. Agitators are tall spindles in the center of the drum that move clothes around to help loosen soils, offering a clean that’s often shorter and familiar. 


Impeller washers, on the other hand, use a low-profile cone or disc at the bottom to gently rub clothes against each other. They create more room for bulky loads, offer easy loading and unloading, and often feature high spin speeds that help remove excess moisture for shorter dry times.

Laundry in a top load washer with Power™ Agitator

MAYTAG® POWER AGITATOR

KNOCK THE STUBBORN OUT OF STAINS

Maytag® washers with the Power Agitator use a 360-degree wash action to keep clothes moving and help break up messes

Person selecting Extra Power on a Maytag brand washer

SELECT YOUR FEATURES

When comparing top load washers, a few key features can help you decide which model best fits your home and laundry habits. From smart connectivity and durable parts to specialized cycles and finishes that complement your space, today’s top load washers offer a range of options designed to make every load easier. Explore some of the most useful features found on select models below.

  • Energy and water usage: ENERGY STAR® certified washers—like these from Maytag brand—use about 20% less energy and about 30% less water than regular washers so your clothes can get a thorough clean with less energy consumption.

  • Cycles and features: Many top load washers offer customizable settings for spin speed and water temperature, along with preset cycles for everything from colors and whites to sanitize, presoak, quick wash and sensor-driven options that help take the guesswork out of cleaning. For instance, select Maytag® top load washers with the Sanitize with Oxi Cycle remove 99.9% of household bacteria.1 Increased wash temperatures and oxygenated additives work together to clean tough messes.

  • Transparent lid: Some top load models feature a clear lid so you can check on your laundry mid-cycle without interrupting the wash. Select Maytag® top load washers feature a Slow-Close Glass Lid that offers a clear view of laundry and closes softly without slamming shut.

  • Color and finish: The right washer can work hard and look good doing it. Choose from classic colors like white or black, or modern finishes like Metallic Slate and Midnight Steel on select Maytag® models.

  • Durable parts: Your washer is only as strong as its parts. Look for a top load model with reliable construction, like the Stainless Steel Wash Basket on select Maytag® washers that’s designed for years of washes and built with sturdy materials to last for the long haul. 

  • Pet hair removal: For households with furry family members, certain top load washers are designed to help capture and rinse away pet hair from clothing, bedding and toys. Select Maytag® models feature the Pet Pro System to help you conquer pet hair in your laundry.

  • Smart features: Smart capabilities—such as those found on this Maytag® top load model—let you stay in control and efficiently manage laundry from anywhere.2 Remotely start or stop your appliance and get end of cycle notifications so no load is left behind.

Maytag® top lop laundry pair

PICK YOUR COLOR

The color of your washer can help make your laundry room feel both functional and personalized. Top load models often come in timeless shades like white, black, and stainless steel. Maytag brand also offers some unique options on select washers with modern finishes such as Classic Silver, Volcano Black, Metallic Slate or Midnight Steel.

Maytag® 10 Year Limited Parts Warranty badge

CONSIDER WARRANTY AND DEPENDABILITY

Every washer is built differently, so it’s worth checking the warranty before bringing one home. Some warranties on select models—like the 10-Year Limited Parts Warranty from Maytag brand3—cover key components such as the drive motor and wash basket to give you added confidence with every load.

SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS

Maytag brand builds washers ready to take on any laundry challenge, whether it’s mud-caked sports gear or delicate fabrics that need a softer clean. Explore Maytag® top load washers below, from smart models that fit busy family routines to large-capacity options and designs made to tackle pet hair with ease.

IDEAL FOR BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BUYERS: NO-FRILLS MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS

Entry-level top load washers from Maytag® brand offer plenty of power without the extra cycles and settings your family may not need. Extra Power on select Maytag® models boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away. Plus, Auto Sensing on select Maytag® washers adjusts the water levels for each load to provide efficient cleaning.

IDEAL FOR LARGE FAMILIES: MAYTAG® LARGE-CAPACITY WASHERS

Large-capacity washers typically feature 4.5 cubic feet of capacity or more, and can help you power through mountains of laundry in less time. Maytag brand offers large-capacity top load washers with the Deep Fill Option that uses extra water and robust wash action to help break down and rinse away loosened stains and soak away everyday tough messes. You can wash large loads with confidence, as Advanced Vibration Control Plus helps keep your load balanced with a six-point suspension system, while the advanced technology adjusts and recalibrates for each load.

IDEAL FOR BATTLING STAINS: MAYTAG® WASHERS WITH EXTRA POWER

Maytag® top load washers give you the confidence you need to stand up to stains on laundry day. Extra Power on select Maytag® models boosts stain-fighting performance on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash. The Built-In Water Faucet on some Maytag® top load washers allows you to rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer.

IDEAL FOR TECH-SAVVY HOUSEHOLDS: MAYTAG® SMART TOP LOAD WASHERS

Take laundry to the next level with smart top load washers from Maytag brand. Select models allow you to remotely start or stop your appliance and get end-of-cycle notifications so no load is left behind. Troubleshoot select issues to avoid unnecessary service calls and help ensure dependable performance, year after year. Get personalized tips to help you best clean your clothing and help maximize the power of your Maytag® appliances.2

Person holding the Maytag® Pet Pro Filter

TOP LOAD PET PRO WASHER

BRING ON SERIOUS STAINS, PET HAIRS AND ODORS

The Pet Pro Washer is engineered to remove loads of pet hair with the Pet Pro option and built-in Pet Pro Filter

IDEAL FOR PET OWNERS: MAYTAG® WASHERS DESIGNED TO HANDLE PET HAIR AND ODORS

Maytag® top load washers are designed with every family member in mind. The Pet Pro Option on select Maytag® models unleashes additional water and a deep rinse to assist the Pet Pro Filter, which lifts and captures pet hair from clothes. Once removed, pet hair is caught in the built-in Pet Pro Filter for a clean you can see.

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LEARN MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND

1. Bacteria tested were K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus.
2. Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at maytag.com/connect.
3. See product warranty for details.