A washing machine is a significant investment, which is why customers want to buy from brands they trust. First instinct might be to explore the best brands, but knowing the worst washing machines is just as valuable. This washing machine buying guide dives into the washing machine brands to avoid while also highlighting the most reliable ones on the market. Keep reading to learn about the most and least reliable washing machine brands before you buy one for your home.
The short answer: The washing machine brands we recommend avoiding are Danby, Galanz, Midea, and Frigidaire, due to limited capacity, unproven durability, high service rates, or a reputation for unreliability. For a washer that lasts, our experts point buyers to Speed Queen first for commercial-grade durability, followed by LG, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Samsung, GE Profile, and Maytag, which balance reliability, features, and value at different price tiers.
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Save Your Money | Washing Machine Brands to Avoid
While it’s hard to choose the worst washer machine brand since every buyer has different needs, we generally agree these washing machine names could use some time back on the drawing board to design longer-lasting machines. Here’s a quick breakdown of the washing machine brands we say skip (click the brand logo to learn more).
Reasons Not to Buy Danby Washers
While Danby appliances are decent for smaller households, the brand’s lineup of compact washers doesn’t keep up with the demands of today’s families. It doesn’t help that models start around $500, which is about the same as core models from more recognizable names like Whirlpool and even GE, in some cases.
Reasons Not to Buy Galanz Washers
While this company is known for its microwaves, its offerings of washers is less talked about. They are affordable, but buyers and experts don’t have much to say about their durability and performance.
Reasons Not to Buy Midea Washers
This overseas brand that is still learning the needs of the American market. We’ll give it points for offering more features than their counterparts, but high service rates dock those points.
Reasons Not to Buy Frigidaire Washers
Frigidaire excels in the kitchen (for budget brands, at least), but we can’t say we recommend a Frigidaire washer. Between online forums and repair service rates, the Frigidaire washer lineup is more known for its unreliability than its durability.
Most vs. Least Reliable Washer Brands at a Glance
Here’s a side-by-side summary of every brand in this guide, so you can see at a glance which washing machines to skip and which ones deserve a spot in your laundry room.
| Brand | Our Verdict | Why | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danby | Avoid | Compact-only lineup doesn’t meet the needs of most families | Budget |
| Galanz | Avoid | Affordable, but little proven durability or performance data | Budget |
| Midea | Avoid | Feature-rich, but high service rates | Budget to Mid-Tier |
| Frigidaire | Avoid | Known more for unreliability than durability in laundry | Budget |
| Speed Queen | Top Pick | Commercial-grade build and the longest-lasting washers on the market | Premium |
| Electrolux | Recommended | Balance of durability and finesse with standard 10-year warranties | Mid-Tier to Premium |
| LG | Recommended | Advanced stain-fighting tech and smart features with strong durability | Mid-Tier to Premium |
| Samsung | Recommended | Innovative tech and top J.D. Power customer satisfaction marks | Mid-Tier |
| GE Profile | Recommended | Higher-quality materials and advanced wash features than standard GE | Premium |
| Maytag | Recommended | Workhorse washers with advanced motors and tubs | Mid-Tier |
| Whirlpool | Recommended | Plenty of features for the cost and easy to service | Budget to Mid-Tier |
Red Flags: Signs of a Washer to Avoid
Brand reputation is only part of the story. Even within good lineups, a few warning signs can point you away from a washer that won’t hold up:
❌Bare-Minimum Warranty: A 1-year warranty with no extended coverage on the motor or tub suggests the manufacturer isn’t betting on long-term durability.
❌Limited Service Network: Newer or overseas brands can be harder to repair if local technicians and replacement parts aren’t readily available.
❌High Service Rates: Frequent repair calls and recurring complaints in reviews and online forums are one of the clearest signs of an unreliable washer.
❌Little Transparency: If a brand shares few details about where or how its washers are made, it’s harder to judge build quality.
On that last point, origin can be a helpful signal. Speed Queen washers are made in Ripon, Wisconsin, and Whirlpool builds many Maytag washers in Ohio and Iowa. Our guide to US-made appliance brands covers more names that manufacture domestically, and the editors at Reviewed describe Speed Queen’s metal construction as “built like a tank.”
Shop Reliable Washing Machine Brands
After you know which washing machine brands to avoid, you can pivot your research to learn about top-rated brands that sell quality products. Here are the most reliable washer brand options and some of their leading products.
Speed Queen Washers
Speed Queen is known for producing the longest-lasting washers on the market with an undefeated 25-year lifespan. While they keep true to classic designs that modernists might hesitate about, these appliances are durable and offer commercial-grade quality. Speed Queen might be the most reliable washing machine brand you can find and is known for having a loyal customer base with buyers who keep coming back.
Speed Queen® TC5 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This Speed Queen washer comes with six cycles to accommodate different load types. The durable tub is made with stainless steel designed to last, while the suspension system keeps your washer in place while minimizing noise and vibrations. Like over 2,000 owners, we give this model 5/5 stars.
⭐Featured Speed Queen TC5003WN Review:
“Very happy with my purchase so far. The washer is much quieter than my last one and you can tell it was designed with durability in mind. Not having the lid lock to deal with is great, too.”
LG Washers
LG washers are praised for their advanced technology that effectively removes stainswithout damaging clothes. Overall, the lineup is one of the most common in households, and buyers frequently give the brand top marks for its durability and intuitive designs. Plus, LG is one of the leading smart washer names, so if the idea of a washer you can control directly from a smart device that is also durable sounds like your kind of thing, this lineup is definitely worth exploring.
LG 4.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This washer uses sensor technology to identify how dirty your clothes are and how full the drum is. This can help you save time on the cycle while using less water. The Deep Fill option is ideal if you have heavily soiled clothes. For extra peace of mind, this reliable washer comes with a 10 year warranty on its Inverter DirectDrive Motor.
⭐Featured LG WT7005CW Review:
“Very quiet and I love the smart technology. The tub is much bigger than my other washer. This is my first LG and I will continue to buy LG in the future.”
Electrolux Washers
Electrolux is a trusted Swedish brand that is known for producing quality appliances for the American market. The brand’s washing machines strike a balance between durability and finesse, so customers don’t have to choose between those top features. This is also one of the most-reviewed brands, as well as our pick for the best brand for washing machine that is not Speed Queen with standard 10-year warranties on all models.
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
This ENERGY STAR washer is known for using less water and electricity while still getting your clothes clean. The SmartBoost® system can remove food, dirt, and other stains without damaging your clothes. The Optic Whites™ cycle is ideal for light clothes that you don’t want to fade. If you’re in a hurry, run the 15-minute fast wash cycle.
⭐Featured Electrolux ELFW7637AW Review:
“The spin cycle is very quiet and the features are exactly what we needed. We especially like the handwash cycle. The cycle saves so much time with bathing suits or any other hand-washable items.”
Whirlpool Washers
Whirlpool is one of the most well-recognized brands in the United States. While more on the budget side, we still recommend Whirlpool washers to buyers because they’re decently priced and offer plenty of features for the cost. While service rates aren’t high, if problems do occur, Whirlpool washing machines are one of the easiest lineups to take care since most appliance repair shops service the brand. With an average washer lifespan of 12 years, buyers will get plenty of juice out of a Whirlpool washer.
Whirlpool® 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
You don’t have to venture into the luxury market to find a quality washing machine with bells and whistles. This Whirlpool washing washer is full of great upgrades, including a tumble mode that tosses clothes for up to 12 hours to avoid set-in wrinkles. The Cold Wash Cycle saves energy by removing stains without needing hot water. Overall, it’s a great setup for under $1,000 that will provide years of quality fabric care.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WFW5605MW Review:
“I always liked Whirlpool appliances. This set replaced my smaller one. Now that I figured out how to customize the washer and dryer settings to my needs, I really love it.”
Samsung Washers
Like LG, Samsung washers are widely sought after for their innovative tech, including Wi-Fi connectivity and AI fabric sensors on select models. While features are great, buyers can also count on Samsung to deliver quality performance with intelligently designed machines built to stand the wear and tear of everyday use.
Samsung also has an impressive roster when it comes to buyer satisfaction, currently running a winning streak for J.D. Power customer satisfaction awards, including top marks in front load and top load washer segments.
Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This washer comes with advanced vibration technology, so you won’t be disturbed by your washer throughout the day. It has an impressive capacity that is perfect for families. This smart appliance was ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction by JD Power and won the KBB readers choice award.
⭐Featured Samsung WA45T3200AW Review:
“It’s large enough to wash a king-size comforter. It has a waterproof cycle which is nice for mattress pads and raincoats. Easy to use and cleans my clothes.”
GE Profile Washers
Recently, GE Profile has become a breakthrough name in the laundry segment with innovative products. While buyers might be quick to think GE and GE Profile washers are the same, the latter takes the reliability of GE washing machines to the next level with higher-quality materials and advanced wash features. The result is a full lineup of top load and front load washing machines that excel at cleaning clothes and at lasting.
GE Profile™ 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
This ENERGY STAR washer has an impressively large capacity. You can wash fewer loads and save both water and electricity. The SmartDispense™ technology adds up to 32 loads of detergent for you, ensuring the perfect amount is added each time. Control this appliance through the SmartHQ™, which is easier to navigate than ever.
⭐Featured GE Profile PFW870SSVWW Review:
“The GE Profile washer and dryer set offers solid performance with a variety of cycles for different fabric types. The washer handles large loads quietly, and the dryer includes energy-saving features like sensor drying. Both are durable and easy to use so far!”
Maytag Washers
There’s Speed Queen, which is well-known for its commercial-grade performance, and then there are Maytag washers—the other lineup that buyers forget also provides industrial-grade cleaning for the home. While they don’t last as long as Speed Queen, Maytag washing machines are still workhorses, and their designs are made to last with advanced motors and tubs.
Maytag® 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
This front-load washer by Maytag comes with an Extra Power button for when you have dirty clothes. It is a smart appliance with different settings you can choose through the app. The 24-Hr Fresh Hold® option is ideal if you forget about your laundry. Features aside, owners will enjoy the 10-year Direct Drive Motor warranty that extends the lifespan of this model.
⭐Featured Maytag MHW8630HW Review:
“I have always always trusted Maytag. They continue to keep their brand competitive without compensating or falling short on the engineering of the product. It is quiet and my wash comes out the way I expected every time!”
What Makes a Washer Reliable?
A washer buying guide can help you identify good and bad brands, but it helps to learn what makes a washing machine reliable and what makes it a bad investment. Here are a few criteria to identify washing machines not to buy and what to look for in a washing machine that’s good quality.
✅Long Washer Warranties: Good washer brands offer longer warranties with their products if they trust their longevity. Whereas 1-year warranties are standard for many manufacturers, 10-year warranties typically mean an appliance that’s built to last longer (i.e., at least 10 years).
✅Upgraded Washer Features: Look for brands that offer complimentary bonus features like Wi-Fi compatibility, multiple wash options, automatic detergent dispensers, durable drums, and advanced drive motors.
✅Quality-Tested: The best washer brands boast about their quality appliances and the processes in the factory to maintain quality control. If a brand doesn’t provide details about how their products are made, that may be a tell-tale sign about its quality.
✅High Washer Ratings: If you don’t trust companies, see what other customers have to say. Reviewers will mention the washer brands to avoid while highlighting the brands they love.
If you are an optimist, you might be more likely to search for which brand of washing machine is best instead of looking for the worst ones. The bullet points above are green flags that will help you discover quality brands.
Are Front Load or Top Load Washers More Reliable?
In your search for the most unreliable washing machine to avoid, you might be wondering whether the style of the machine affects its reliability. High-quality brands can produce lasting top-load and front-load models. Your personal preference shouldn’t matter as long as you are buying from a brand you trust.
Focus on finding a washing machine that matches your style. If you often forget items or want to easily dump clothes into the drum, consider a top-load model. If you want to prioritize energy efficiency, opt for a front-load machine. With that said, top load washers typically last longer than front load washing machines, with a 13-year and 11-year average, respectively.
At the end of the day, the worst washer brands will sell low-quality products no matter their layout. To find a trusted brand, the place with the friendly experts and selection of products is Don’s Appliances. Visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores today to learn more about top washing machine brands (and the models to avoid).
Agitator vs. Impeller: Does It Affect Reliability?
Among top-load washers, the wash system is another factor worth weighing. Agitator washers, like the Speed Queen TC5 and LG WT7005CW in this guide, use a central post for a more aggressive, thorough clean, while impeller washing machines like the Samsung WA45T3200AW use a low-profile disc that frees up drum space and is gentler on fabrics. Both designs can be reliable from a trusted brand, so the better choice depends on whether you prioritize cleaning power or capacity. Our full breakdown of agitator vs. no agitator washers walks through the trade-offs in detail.
| Factor | Agitator Washer | Impeller (No Agitator) Washer |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | More aggressive wash action | Gentler wash action |
| Capacity | Smaller, since the post takes up drum space | Larger, with room for bulky bedding |
| Fabric Care | Harsher on clothes over time | Less wear and tear on fabrics |
| Examples in This Guide | Speed Queen TC5, LG WT7005CW | Samsung WA45T3200AW |
How to Buy a Reliable Washer for Less
Choosing a reliable brand doesn’t have to mean paying top dollar. The biggest discounts on washing machines on sale typically arrive on holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday, and early fall is another sweet spot when retailers clear out the previous year’s models. Clearance appliances, open-box, and scratch-and-dent models can also bring premium brands into a lower price tier.
Buying your washer and dryer together is another way to save, since bundles often cost less than buying each machine separately and come with coordinated cycles and a matching look. Our guide to the best front load washer and dryer set options includes pairs from several recommended brands here, including Maytag, Electrolux, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Speed Queen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Machine Brands
Our experts recommend avoiding Danby, Galanz, Midea, and Frigidaire washers. Danby’s compact lineup doesn’t fit most families, Galanz has little proven durability, Midea has high service rates, and Frigidaire washers are better known for unreliability than durability.
Speed Queen is the most reliable washing machine brand, known for commercial-grade construction and the longest-lasting washers on the market. LG, Electrolux, Maytag, and Whirlpool are also dependable choices with more modern features.
Frigidaire excels in budget kitchen appliances, but its washers are better known for unreliability than durability based on online forums and repair service rates. For laundry, a brand like Whirlpool or Maytag is a more dependable choice in a similar price tier.
Midea washers offer more features than many competitors, but the brand is still learning the needs of the American market, and high service rates make it a riskier buy than more established names.
Speed Queen washers are made in Ripon, Wisconsin, and Whirlpool manufactures many Maytag washers in Ohio and Iowa. Both are strong picks for shoppers who prefer American-made appliances.
Top-load washers last about 13 years on average, while front-load washers last about 11 years. Speed Queen washers are built to last significantly longer thanks to their commercial-grade components.
Generally, yes. Brands that offer 10-year coverage on key components like the motor are signaling confidence in their durability, while a standard 1-year warranty with no extended coverage can be a red flag.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Top Rated Washers at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop laundry appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy clue you in on which washing machine brands to avoid — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: 7 Best Stacked Washer and Dryer Brands