Every machine gets a score from 0 to 100% built from four factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Machines are grouped by type (automatic washers, twin-tub washers, spin dryers and compact dryers) and use the same scale in every group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per pound of load capacity | 40% |
| Performance | spin speed for washers and spin dryers, heater power for dryers | 20% |
| Convenience | automatic operation, a drain pump, a stainless steel tub or drum and the number of programs | 25% |
| Warranty | the maker's warranty | 15% |
Where the numbers come from
Capacity, drum size, programs, spin speed, wattage, weight and warranty come from the product listing text published by the brand or seller, including the title, feature bullets and model details, and from the maker’s spec sheet where one exists. Prices are Amazon prices for a new item. Anything a listing doesn’t state is left blank rather than estimated. Where a listing contradicts itself, the machine is left out or the figure is left blank.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the stated load in pounds, on a log scale, so halving the price per pound always counts the same. $50 per pound scores zero and $5 per pound full marks. For twin tubs the load is the wash tub. A machine with no load in pounds stated gets a neutral value score and is marked estimated.
Performance is spin speed for washers and spin dryers, from 400 RPM (zero) to 1,400 RPM (full marks), and heater power for dryers, from 800 W (zero) to 1,700 W (full marks). A faster spin leaves less water to dry; a stronger heater dries faster. A missing figure gets the neutral score.
Convenience adds up what the machine does for you. For washers it is fully automatic operation (40%), a built-in drain pump (20%), a stainless steel tub (20%) and the number of programs, from 3 to 10 (20%). For dryers it is a stainless steel drum (40%), the number of drying modes from 2 to 5 (30%) and a mode that senses dryness and stops (30%). A spin dryer scores half for a stainless steel drum. A machine whose listing leaves out a feature is marked estimated.
Warranty is the maker’s stated warranty, from none (zero) to 3 years (full marks). Most listings don’t state one; those score zero and are marked estimated.
What isn’t scored
Dimensions, weight, water temperature options and noise are listed but not scored, because few makers publish them and a larger or heavier machine isn’t better or worse. Cleaning or drying performance isn’t scored because no independent testing has been published for these models.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. The exception is warranty: a maker that doesn’t publish one gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero and is marked estimated.
What isn’t ranked
Full-size 27-inch washers and dryers, stackable laundry centers, washer-dryer combos over 2.5 cubic feet, hand-crank and other non-electric washers, steam closets, drying racks and tiny sink-top mini washers aren’t ranked.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.