The best washing machine of 2026
We ran more than 400 loads with 12 washing machines. The CleanWash 8 removes the most stains on cold and is efficient with water and power.
Sarah Miller
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
September 19, 2026
10 weeks · 12 models
We choose products independently. We may earn a commission through links on this page; your price stays the same. Affiliate policy
In this guide
Our picks at a glance
CleanWash 8
Best cleaning on cold and the lowest power use of all machines tested.
Read the full review
Drum Basic 7
A solid machine without bells and whistles for a small household.
Read the full review
CleanWash 9 Pro
With a steam cycle and a motor the manufacturer warrants for ten years.
Read the full reviewPrices checked September 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Prices may change.
Why you can trust us
Sarah Miller has tested home appliances since 2017 and previously spent five years at a consumer advocacy group. For this guide we tested 12 models over 10 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.
Who is this for?
This guide is for anyone looking for a front-loader for a household of two to five people.
How we tested
Each machine washed stain strips with wine, grass, blood and makeup on cold and warm. We measured water and power use per cycle, remaining moisture after the spin cycle and noise.
Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: BrasQ
Our full test methodTest results compared
| Model | Rank | Test score | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| CleanWash 8 | Our pick | 8.9 | $579 |
| Drum Basic 7 | Budget pick | 7.8 | $379 |
| CleanWash 9 Pro | Upgrade | 9.2 | $849 |
Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is washing on cold clean enough?
For most laundry, yes. In our test, our pick removed 94 percent of stains on cold. Wash towels and bedding on hot every now and then.
What capacity do I need?
For two people, a standard drum is enough; for a family of four, choose a large-capacity model.
- Test protocol for washing machines, BrasQ (2026)
- Manufacturer specifications and manuals
- Prices and availability checked.
- First version published after testing 12 models.
Sarah has tested vacuums, mops, air purifiers and dehumidifiers since 2017. Before joining BrasQ, she spent five years as a test coordinator at a national consumer advocacy group. She studied industrial design at Ohio State and lives in Columbus with her family and a long-haired cat.
Profile and all articles