Black Friday 2026 Washing Machines: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a washing machine, decide between front load and top load, check the drum capacity and measure the space, including the hookups. Then compare spin speed, cycles and how the machine handles water. More in the large appliances department.

Front load or top load

A front-loading washer opens at the front, and its drum turns on a horizontal axis. Many people find them gentle on clothes and they can be stacked under a dryer. They need you to bend or kneel to load, unless a pedestal raises them.

Top loaders open from above. Some have a center agitator and others use an impeller plate or wash plate instead. They are easy to load, and you can add a forgotten sock mid-cycle on many models.

Sizes and capacity

Capacity is listed in cubic feet. A small drum suits a couple or an apartment. A large drum handles bedding, towels and family-sized loads in fewer cycles.

Do not judge only by capacity. Measure the width, depth and height, plus the clearance for the lid or door. Leave space behind for hoses and the drain.

Washer types compared

Spin speed, cycles and sensors

Spin speed is measured in revolutions per minute. A faster spin takes out more water, which helps clothes dry sooner. It can also cause more vibration, so a solid floor helps.

Look at the cycle list: normal, heavy duty, delicates, bedding, quick wash and sanitize are common. Some machines sense the load size and adjust the water level, and many offer a steam option.

Washing Machines to compare

Decide on front or top loading first, then check the capacity and the space you have. Listings by type and brand are below.

Shop washing Machines→

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

• Front loadBrowse →
• Top loadBrowse →
• Washer dryer comboBrowse →
• PortableBrowse →
• StackableBrowse →
• CompactBrowse →

Water and energy use

Washers differ in how much water and energy they use per load. An ENERGY STAR label indicates an efficiency rating, and high-efficiency detergent is usually called for on high-efficiency machines. Check the product notes for the correct detergent type.

Hookups and installation

You need hot and cold water supply valves, a drain and an outlet. Check that your hoses are in good shape, and that the floor is level. Many installers recommend new hoses with a new washer.

Measure the path to the laundry space, including doors and stairs. Ask about haul-away of your old machine, and read the manual before the first load.

Cleaning and care

Front loaders often have a rubber door seal that traps moisture, so leave the door open after a wash. Both types benefit from occasional cleaning cycles. Look for a removable filter or a clear drain pump access panel in the listing.

Noise, vibration and floors

A washer spinning a full load can shake. A level, solid floor and adjustable feet reduce movement. If the laundry area is above a bedroom or near living space, look for notes about quiet operation or vibration control.

Do not overload the drum. Clothes need room to move, and a drum packed tight cleans less well and puts more strain on the motor. Follow the manufacturer’s load guidance for each cycle.

Detergent and drum care

Use the detergent type the maker recommends, and measure the dose. Too much soap leaves residue and can cause odors. Wipe the door seal or lid now and then, and run the clean cycle if the machine has one.

Buying online

For marketplace listings, look for photos of the actual machine, the drum and the model label. Confirm the model number, the capacity and the loading type. Read the seller’s feedback, the delivery terms and the return policy. A new machine should be sealed or in original packaging with a warranty, and a used one should be described as tested and working.