Person loading laundry into a Maytag® washer

6 TYPES OF WASHING MACHINES AND FEATURES TO CONSIDER

When shopping for a new washing machine, it's important to understand the different types that are available and their unique features. This guide will help you navigate various washer options that can help make laundry day less of a chore.

1. FRONT LOAD WASHING MACHINES

Front load washing machines, many of which are also stackable washers, have a door on the front of the appliance for loading and unloading laundry. During the wash cycle, these washers tumble your garments to create friction to help loosen and remove soils and stains.

Front load washers:

  • Typically use less water per cycle compared to standard top load models

  • Are gentle on clothes due to tumbling action

  • Often have higher spin speeds than top load washers, resulting in shorter drying times

  • Can often be stacked with a dryer to save space

SHOP MAYTAG® FRONT LOAD WASHERS

Front load washers from Maytag brand help take the effort out of laundry day. Explore options that are designed to tackle tough messes.

2. TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINES

Top load washers are a familiar and convenient option for many households. These washers clean your clothes using either an agitator or an impeller. Agitators twist back and forth against your laundry to create the friction needed to break down soils, while impellers spin your clothes so they rub against themselves to create friction.

Top load washers:

  • Are generally less expensive than front loaders

  • Generally have shorter wash cycles than their counterparts

  • May have an option for deep-water wash on some models

SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS

Maytag® top load washers offer agitator or impeller options, deep clean options, steam-enhanced cycles, optimal dispensers and stainless steel wash baskets on select models. Explore top load washer options to find the model that works best for you.

3. HIGH-EFFICIENCY (HE) WASHING MACHINES

If you find yourself in a nonstop loop of laundry, you may want to consider a high-efficiency washer. HE washers are designed to use less water and energy while still providing excellent cleaning performance, which can help you save on energy bills over time. These washers use high-efficiency detergent designed to work with reduced water levels while still giving your laundry a thorough clean.

HE washers:

  • Use less water and energy compared to standard washers

  • Have ENERGY STAR® certified options available

4. LARGE CAPACITY WASHING MACHINES

Large capacity washers are appliances with a capacity larger than 4.5 cu. ft. They come in top and front loading configurations. Large capacity washers are ideal for families or households that frequently wash bulky items like bedding, sports equipment and large loads of towels.

Large capacity washers:

  • Can handle large loads, reducing the number of cycles needed to get laundry done

  • Are great for washing bedding, towels and other bulky items

SHOP MAYTAG® LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS

Maytag® large capacity washers are designed to tackle laundry day. Explore front and top load options with the capacity to handle even your bulkiest loads of laundry.

5. COMPACT WASHERS

Compact washers are designed for small spaces, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited laundry areas. They typically offer capacity between 1.5 and 3.5 cu. ft. and come in front and top load configurations. In addition to compact washers, stacked laundry centers and all-in-one washer-dryer combinations can also be great space-saving solutions for small laundry areas.

Compact washers:

  • Have a convenient space-saving design
  • Are typically more affordable than full-size pairs

6. PET-FRIENDLY WASHERS

You love your pets, but they can make laundry messes that are tough to tackle. Pet-friendly washers are designed to tackle pet hair and dander, making them ideal for pet owners.

Some advantages of pet-friendly washers may include:

  • Special cycles or filters to remove pet hair
  • Sanitize cycles to help kill bacteria

  • Larger capacity for bulky pet bedding

SHOP MAYTAG® PET PRO WASHERS

The Maytag® Pet Pro System lineup has powerful pet hair1 removal for a clean you can see.

Maytag® front load washer and dryer on laundry pedestals

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WASHING MACHINE FOR YOU

To choose the best washing machine for you, consider your laundry habits, space constraints and budget. Factor in load size, frequency of washing and specific needs like energy efficiency or pet hair removal.

When selecting a washing machine, keep these factors in mind:

  • Size and capacity: Measure your space and consider your typical load size.
  • Energy efficiency: Look for ENERGY STAR® certified models to help save on utilities.

  • Special features: Consider options like steam cleaning, sanitize cycles or pet hair removal.

  • Lifestyle: Think about your laundry habits and specific needs (large family, pet owner).

  • Ease of use: Consider control panels and additional features like automatic dispensers.

EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES

When you choose a washing machine from Maytag brand, you add major cleaning muscle to your laundry room. Shop select Maytag® washers with features like Extra Power,  which boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation, or Steam Option that gets deep into fabric fibers for potent cleaning action.

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EXPLORE MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND

1. Comparing Normal cycle with Pet Pro Filter and option to cycle using traditional agitator without Pet Pro Filter and option. Results will vary based on fabric and type of pet hair.