8 Best Energy Star Washing Machine of 2026 For Faster Cycles and Lower Bills

1

Samsung WW25B6900AW/A2 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  10.0
• Brand
  Samsung

Key specs2

Compact laundry capacity

The 2.5 cu. ft. front-load tub provides adequate room for everyday clothing loads while keeping the overall cabinet sized for tight closets and smaller living areas.

Smart dial control

Front-mounted digital dial interface

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Compact 2.5 cu. ft. capacity fits tight laundry closets while handling daily essentials
• Smart Dial interface simplifies routine cycle selections directly from the front panel
• Front-load design allows under-counter installation or vertical stacking

Cons

• Small 2.5 cu. ft. tub limits single-load capacity for bulky comforters or king bedding
• Spin speed and cycle times are not listed and require verification on the product page

2

Frigidaire FFTW4120SW 4.1 cu. ft. High Efficiency Top Load Washer,

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.2
• Brand
  Frigidaire

Key specs2

Water fill options

The MaxFill option provides maximum water depth when selected, helping rinse away stubborn mud or heavy grime that standard low-water efficiency cycles might miss.

Agitator wash action

• Central agitator post provides continuous turnover
• Stainless steel drum resists chipping and snagging
• Five soil levels adjust wash duration to dirt levels

Pros & cons42

Pros

• MaxFill feature adds extra water volume on demand to rinse heavy dirt from workwear
• Built-in central agitator and stainless steel drum provide thorough mechanical scrubbing
• Twelve dedicated wash programs and five soil settings accommodate diverse fabric types
• Dedicated Quick Wash cycle speeds through lightly soiled garments in less time

Cons

• Top-load layout with 43.3-inch cabinet height prevents stacking in compact utility closets
• Maximum spin speed is not listed and requires verification before buying

3

SAMSUNG 6.0 Cu Ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer, Wash

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.8
• Brand
  SAMSUNG

Key specs2

Dual-drum washing

• 5.0 cu. ft. lower drum handles king bedding and family loads
• 1.0 cu. ft. top washer handles delicates or single garments
• Independent cycle controls run both tubs at the same time

Cycle duration

28 minutes with Super Speed mode

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Dual FlexWash compartments wash two independent loads simultaneously in one machine
• Super Speed setting completes a full wash cycle in 28 minutes to eliminate laundry delays
• Steam stain removal loosens tough dirt without demanding chemical pretreatment
• Combined 6.0 cu. ft. volume handles large family laundry piles in fewer cycles

Cons

• Heavy 303.6-pound cabinet weight and 34-inch depth demand reinforced floors and deep closets
• Tall 46.94-inch profile cannot be stacked underneath a companion dryer

4

SAMSUNG 2.2 Cu Ft Compact Front Load Washer, Stackable for

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.6
• Brand
  SAMSUNG

Key specs2

Fast cycle options

40 minutes for full load

Tub maintenance

The Self Clean cycle alerts you every 40 loads to run an internal cleaning cycle, preventing musty smells and detergent residue from lingering in the drum.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Super Speed cycle cuts standard 58-minute laundry runtimes down to 40 minutes
• Compact 23.6-inch width and stackable design slip easily into narrow apartment closets
• Steam wash lifts heavy stains out of fabric fibers without chemical pretreating
• Built-in Vibration Reduction Technology stabilizes the drum for quieter operation

Cons

• Compact 2.2 cu. ft. capacity requires multiple cycles for large bedding or heavy blankets
• Smart Care app performs diagnostic readouts but lacks remote cycle start controls

5

LG WM4000HBA / WM4000HBA / WM4000HBA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Ultra

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  6.8
• Brand
  LG

Key specs2

Drum capacity

4.5 cu. ft. front load

Wash motion technology

TurboWash 360 utilizes multiple spray jets to penetrate fabrics quickly, helping cut down wash times while maintaining thorough dirt removal across full loads.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Spacious 4.5 cu. ft. capacity easily holds bulky family bedding and large towel loads
• TurboWash 360 uses targeted jets to thoroughly clean laundry in less time
• Built-in intelligence optimizes drum wash patterns based on detected load qualities
• Wi-Fi connectivity allows tracking cycle completion and alerts from a mobile device

Cons

• Exact cabinet dimensions and weight are not provided and should be verified before buying
• Specific spin speed rating in RPM is omitted from the product specifications

6

Bosch WAT28400UC 300 2.2 Cu. Ft. White Stackable Front Load

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  5.6
• Brand
  BOSCH

Key specs2

Moisture extraction

1400 RPM spin speed

Vibration management

The circular Anti-Vibration side panel design increases cabinet rigidity, dampening drum vibration during the high-speed 1400 RPM spin to keep upper-floor laundry quiet.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Powerful 1400 RPM spin speed pulls maximum water from laundry to shorten dryer cycles
• Anti-Vibration side walls stabilize the cabinet to reduce floor vibration in apartments
• Fifteen wash cycles include dedicated Allergen and Quick Wash programs for varied needs
• Energy Star certification and ADA compliant dimensions fit accessible closet spaces

Cons

• Compact 2.2 cu. ft. tub capacity cannot accommodate oversized comforters or king duvets
• Shallow 23.6-inch depth is built for compact laundry and limits total laundry weight

7

Summit Appliance LW2427 24" Wide ENERGY STAR Certified 110-120V Front-loading

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  -
• Brand
  Summit Appliance

Key specs2

Electrical requirements

Standard 110-120V household outlet

Touchscreen controls

A digital touchscreen display works alongside the manual cycle selector knob, giving direct access to 15 program options including delicates, activewear, and quick cycles.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Operates on a standard 110-120V electrical connection without requiring 240V rewiring
• Rapid 1400 RPM spin speed extracts heavy moisture to reduce dampness after washing
• Modern touchscreen display pairs with a cycle knob for quick program navigation
• Child lock feature prevents accidental interruptions or setting changes during cycles

Cons

• Total cabinet weight of 172 pounds makes initial maneuvering in tight closets demanding
• Listing features describe 15 cycle programs with drying terms that require buyer verification

8

LG WKEX200HWA Compact 2 in 1 Laundry and Dryer Combo

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  -
• Brand
  LG

Key specs2

Unitized footprint

27-inch integrated washer and dryer

Steam cycle options

Built-in TurboSteam technology releases steam to refresh fabrics and reduce wrinkles, saving you from running complete re-wash cycles for lightly worn clothes.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Vertical 27-inch WashTower architecture unifies washer and dryer into a single footprint
• TurboSteam technology freshens garments and smooths wrinkles without full rewashing
• Energy Star certified performance keeps utility bills down across wash and dry routines
• Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity supports cycle tracking and remote operational alerts

Cons

• Six wash cycles provide fewer specialized program choices than standalone front-loaders
• Fixed unitized design means both washer and dryer must be installed together

Last update on 2026-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Will low-water wash cycles clean heavily soiled clothes?

Yes, because certified washers use tumbling agitation, steam, and specialized wash profiles instead of drowning clothes in standing water. Features like steam stain removal on the Samsung WV60A9900AV/A5 loosen stubborn dirt without pretreating garments by hand. If you prefer submerged washing for muddy work gear, models like the Frigidaire FFTW4120SW top load washer include a MaxFill option that delivers the maximum water level for your selected cycle. Choosing heavy duty or soil-specific programs ensures thorough cleaning without running repeated wash cycles.

How long do wash cycles take on an energy-efficient washer?

Standard cycles often run between 40 and 60 minutes, but dedicated speed settings significantly shorten laundry time. The Samsung WV60A9900AV/A5 features a 28 Minute Super Speed setting, while the compact Samsung WW22K6800AW finishes a normal 58-minute cycle in as little as 40 minutes. Wash duration depends on your selected cycle, water temperature, and load size. If you need clean clothes on a tight schedule, check the manufacturer cycle chart for quick-wash settings before loading the tub.

Can a 24-inch compact washer handle household laundry demands?

A compact 24-inch washer comfortably handles laundry for one or two people, but larger households may need to run more frequent cycles. The 24-inch Bosch WAT28400UC provides a 2.2 cu. ft. drum with a listed 16 towel capacity, and the Summit Appliance LW2427 accommodates up to 17.6 lbs. of fabric in its drum. For families with higher laundry volume or bulky bedding, choosing a full-size unit like the 6.0 cu. ft. Samsung WV60A9900AV/A5 lets you wash two separate loads at the same time using FlexWash, preventing laundry pileups.

Do high spin speeds cause excessive floor vibration in second-floor laundry rooms?

High spin speeds can shake upper-floor framing if the washer is unlevel or placed on a flexible subfloor. Compact front loaders like the Bosch WAT28400UC and Summit LW2427 spin at 1,400 RPM to pull moisture out of fabrics, though Bosch incorporates a specific Anti-Vibration Design to dampen drum movement. Leveling your machine's legs during installation is essential. Placing an anti-vibration mat for washing machines under the leveling feet also helps isolate spin vibrations and keeps the cabinet from walking across slick flooring.

How do you prevent musty odor and mildew buildup in front-load washers?

Musty odors occur when moisture, fabric softener, and detergent residue remain trapped inside the airtight door seal. Models like the Samsung WW22K6800AW feature a self-cleaning cycle that flushes out residue before mold takes hold. Pairing routine maintenance with a low-foaming detergent for front-load washing machines prevents excess suds from clinging to the drum walls. Leaving the washer door slightly open between loads allows the gasket and stainless steel drum to dry thoroughly.

How do I confirm whether a washer will fit my closet or utility space?

Measure the exact width, height, and depth of your opening, then check the unit's exterior dimensions against your doorframes and hallway turns. Compact units like the Bosch WAT28400UC measure 33.4645 inches high, 24.21255 inches wide, and 23.622 inches long, making them an easy fit for tight closet spaces. Full-capacity units require substantially more clearance: the Samsung WV60A9900AV/A5 measures 46.9375 inches high, 27 inches wide, and 34 inches long. Always verify rear utility clearances in the installation manual so water lines and drain hoses fit without kinking.