TOP 5 CHEAPEST WASHING MACHINE

But, I have to say…I’m excited to get a new washer

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When you were a kid, did you ever think you’d be excited to get a new appliance?  I can’t recall a time when I was happy that my parents purchased a new washer, dryer or refrigerator. Boy.  Times have changed.  My oldest child graduated from college and is now on her own.  Her ‘first place’ has a washer and dryer hook up.  Grandma tossed in a dryer and well, the kid needs a washer.  Lucky for her, I’ve got one that is just her price: Free. So I’ve had this washer for about 8 years.  It’s been a good washer.  It does the job it was hired to do.  But, I have to say…I’m excited to get a new washer! This time around, I really only have two items on my wish list: ENERGY STAR compliant and cheapest washing machine that will do my basic needs.

ENERGY STAR complaint appliances are said to save you money while they operate in a more efficient manner.  According to the ENERGY STAR website, if you don’t use an ENERY STAR washing machine, you’re wasting 10 gallons of water each time you wash clothes.  I’ve done the math in my head and I can imagine how much that adds to the water bill every month! Even with one less kid at home, I still feel a large capacity washer is the way to go.  You never know when you’ll need to toss in a comforter.   I’ve always had one and always will.  It makes me feel better knowing I have the ability to use it when it’s necessary.

I’m always looking for a great deal and when it comes to purchasing the cheapest washing machine, I’ll be on the hunt for a deal as well.  In this case, ‘deal’ is in the eye of the beholder.  Because this is a high value appliance, one that I will have for many years, I want to make sure it meets my needs.  Although my needs are few outside of it cleaning clothes, I want to make sure the ‘bells and whistles’ are worth the money and a justifiable spend.

I started my search on Amazon.  I have to say, I wasn’t overjoyed with their cheapest washing machine (budget friendly options).  Most of them came in the form of compact of portable washing machines which was not something I was looking for.  I did look at online ads for local appliance dealers.  I must say that most stores that sell appliances have sales during each and every holiday.  Don’t forget your local stores as an option.  Even if you paid a delivery and set up fee, you’d possibly come out far ahead than with online delivery fees.

Let’s dig in to the cheapest washing machine options.  My review goes in order of price.

1, HOTPOINT GIDDS-289537 / $441.01

3.7 Cu. Ft. capacity

This washer is a top load model with manual hand dials to select your cycles.  It includes an agitator and reminds me of the type of model that would be ‘your first’.  There are few bells and whistles but it has a decent capacity and various wash cycles.

 Pros: Removes more moisture with smooth baskets; Doesn’t bang or walk when loads get off balance; Variety of temperatures; 8 cycles; Galvanized steel cabinet.

 Cons: Very basic looks; Manual hand dial; You select the water level based on load size; Not ENERGY STAR complaint.

2, WHIRLPOOL GIDDS-53-8725 / $477.96

3.5 Cu. Ft. capacity

This white machine also features a top load door with manual hand dials.  It also has an agitator but it looks more sleek and modern.  The washer adapts to large or small loads and the ‘quiet spin technology suspension system’ senses and adapts to each load.

Pros: Porcelain enamel wash basket resists odors and rust; Pick a cycle and fabric type and the machine matches to the most optimal wash temperature, time and agitation speed; 9 cycles.

Cons: Smaller capacity; Suggests cleaning the drum; Not ENERY STAR compliant.

3, GE DOE / $499

3.7 Cu. Ft. capacity

This model is similar with the first two as it is a top loading washer with manual hand dials. It also has a very basic look and has only a few premium options like the HydroWave quiet dual-action agitator washing system and PerfecTemp water temperature system.

Pros: Larger capacity; 13 wash cycles; PreciseFill with 5 water level selection which automatically measures the load and adds the correct amount of water; ENERGY STAR qualified.

Cons: Manual hand dials; Basic look.

4, Samsung WF42H5200AW / $589

4.2 Cu. Ft. capacity

This is by far the largest capacity washer with the most bells and whistles while having the looks of a modern piece of furniture.  It boasts ‘VRT’ or vibration reduction technology, self-cleaning option and Smart Care which lets you diagnose issues from your smart phone.

Pros: Front load; Electric dial; ENERGY STAR compliant; Steam settings; Self-cleaning technology keeps the front load washer fresh without the use of harsh cleaning chemicals; Sensors keep all loads balanced; 8 pre-set options; Child-lock

Cons: 9 wash cycles; Maybe too many options.

5, GE GTW485ASJWS / $609

4.2 Cu. Ft. capacity

This model is not the cheapest washing machine out there but the only one to have a stainless steel drum but few premium options for the price.  It looks like another basic model with manual hand dials.

Pros: 13 wash cycles; 6 temperatures; ENERGY STAR compliant; Automatic load size measurement to adjust water level.

Cons: Manual hand dials; Price.

My conclusion on the cheapest washing machine

After reviewing my options, I was really torn.  I think option 4, the Samsung model, has a lot of great features but I think option 3 isn’t bad either.  Will I use the steam setting and the self-clean options on the Samsung?  Will 3.7 cubic feet capacity be enough on the GE model?

In the end, I went back to my must have list: An ENERGY STAR complaint model and large capacity.  My top pick for the cheapest washing machine was option 3, the GE DOE model.  No, it was not the largest capacity washer but it was ENERGY STAR complaint.  It has a larger number of wash cycles and it also has the option to automatically fill the washer based on the weight of the load.  Not bad if you ask me.

Sometimes something new and shiny with all of the bells and whistles is worth the extra money and sometimes it is not.  In the end, when you’re making a big ticket purchase, go back to your must have list and think about what you really need versus what you think you need.

— Amanda Pokorny