Many of us rely on washing machines several times a week to ensure that our clothes, bed sheets, towels, and other fabric items are clean and sanitary.
But some washing machine brands and models aren’t as good as others.
A malfunctioning washing machine isn’t just bad news for the cleanliness of your laundry – it can actually be dangerous.
Choosing a good-quality washing machine is important for your laundry schedule and your safety.
This also involves knowing which washing machine brands you need to avoid.
In today’s guide, we will be listing 12 brands (complete with model numbers) that you should avoid when buying a new washing machine.
We also have guidance for recognizing low-quality and high-quality washing machines as well as choosing better washing machines in the future.
Table of Contents
Q&A With Consumer Complaints
WaterHeaterHub (WHH): Good afternoon, Marianne. Today, we’re hoping to delve into the topic of washing machine brands to avoid. With the plethora of washing machine brands out there, it’s imperative for our readers to know which ones might be problematic.
Marianne Holt (MH): Absolutely, and I’m glad to shed light on this topic. It’s important for consumers to be informed.
WHH: Let’s start with the most direct question. Based on consumer complaints, which are the worst washing machine brands currently?
MH: Well, it’s essential to understand that the nature and volume of complaints vary. However, among the reported issues, some bad washing machine brands frequently have complaints related to machine breaking, poor spin cycle, and reported internal leaks.
WHH: Can you name a few popular washing machine brands that have been flagged by consumers recently?
MH: Certainly. While Samsung washing machines, especially the Samsung washer, are a popular washing machine brand, we’ve seen a rise in customers’ report concerning their machine failure and some cases of poor customer service. This doesn’t mean all Samsung washers are problematic, but there’s been a noticeable trend.
WHH: Interesting. What about the types of washing machines? Do front load washers or top loaders have more complaints?
MH: Front loaders, in general, tend to have more reported issues related to bad odor and potential mold. On the other hand, top load washers, especially top load washer models, occasionally face complaints about their load capacity and wash cycle efficiency.
WHH: With all these potential issues, what are some reliable washing machine brands?
MH: Speed Queen is often lauded for their durable and reliable washers. In terms of energy efficiency and smart features, some best washing machine brands include brands that prioritize energy-efficient cycles and even remote control functions.
WHH: How about washing machine safety tips for consumers?
MH: Great question. It’s crucial to ensure the laundry room has proper ventilation. Regularly check for internal leaks, especially in front load washers. Make use of sensor wash to ensure optimal water usage, and never overload your machine. Overloading can lead to machine failure.
WHH: What about the hybrid models, the washer and dryer in one? Any feedback on those?
MH: They’re convenient, especially for small spaces. However, some consumers report that the dryer cycle isn’t as efficient, leading to longer drying times.
WHH: Are there any washing machines that come with a particularly good hot wash cycle or energy-efficient features?
MH: Absolutely. Many reputable washing machine brands focus on energy efficiency. The key is to look for those with a good Energy Star rating. Some also have an efficient hot wash cycle that ensures thorough cleaning.
WHH: Any final tips or suggestions for our readers when it comes to selecting a washing machine brand?
MH: Yes, always research and read reviews. Don’t just go for a popular washing machine brand or the least expensive option. Consider your home appliances as an investment. Ensure that the brand offers good customer service, and always prioritize safety and energy efficiency over smart features.
WHH: Marianne, given the advancements in technology, have smart features in washing machines contributed to some of the complaints, or are they generally viewed positively by consumers?
MH: That’s a good point. While smart features like remote control functions and sensor wash capabilities have indeed been appreciated for the convenience they bring, they can also be a double-edged sword. Some consumers find these features to be overly complicated, and in certain cases, they have been linked to machine failure when they malfunction.
WHH: With so many machine brands in the home appliances sector, how does one distinguish a reputable washing machine brand from a bad washing machine brand, especially when some of the top names have had complaints too?
MH: It’s all about consistency and the nature of the complaints. While even the best washing machine brands might have occasional issues, it’s the frequency and severity of these issues that matter. Reliable brands typically have fewer complaints, and when they do arise, the company’s response in terms of customer service and rectifying the problem is swift.
WHH: What are your thoughts on energy efficiency? Has the drive for energy-efficient machines compromised their durability or performance?
MH: Energy efficiency is undeniably important, both for the environment and for consumers’ utility bills. Generally, the push for energy efficiency has led to innovations without compromising performance. However, like any innovation, there can be initial hiccups. It’s essential for brands to balance energy efficiency with machine durability and performance.
WHH: We’ve also heard reports about certain washer brands having issues with their dryer cycle, where clothes aren’t dried efficiently. Is this a widespread problem?
MH: It’s not widespread, but it’s not uncommon either. It typically occurs in washer and dryer combo units, where the dryer cycle might not be as robust as standalone dryers. Consumers should ensure they don’t overload these machines and consider their laundry habits before investing in such units.
WHH: Lastly, are there any warning signs consumers should be on the lookout for that might indicate a potential machine failure or issue?
MH: Definitely. Unusual noises, poor spin cycles, prolonged wash cycles, or any visible leaks are immediate red flags. It’s also wise to periodically inspect the machine for wear and tear, especially in high-use areas like the door seal on front loaders.
WHH: Once again, Marianne, thank you for your insights. This information is invaluable for anyone looking to invest in a new washing machine.
MH: My pleasure. Being informed is the first step to making wise purchasing decisions. Always happy to help.
Signs Of A Low-Quality Washing Machine
If you suspect that your current washing machine isn’t working as well as it should, you might be considering getting a new one.
But how do you know that your washing machine is low-quality, or that it’s time to replace it?
It’s not always easy to tell a low-quality machine from a high-quality one, but by observing patterns in your machine’s operation, you can get an idea of whether your current model is lacking in certain areas.
Poorly-Cleaned Clothes
Have you noticed that sometimes, when you take your clothes out of the washer, they’re not as clean as you expected?
Maybe they still smell slightly off, or maybe a stain you were hoping to wash out is still there.
Your first response might be annoyance that you have to wash your clothes again before you can wear them, but that’s only part of the problem.
Having to rewash your clothes isn’t just a waste of time but also energy – not just your own, but the kind you pay for.
A washing machine can have a good energy star rating, but if it’s not cleaning your clothes thoroughly, your energy consumption is going to increase because of all the extra washes.
Nobody wants to have to pay extra in bills because of a washing machine that isn’t energy-efficient, so next time you take a load of washing out of your machine, pay attention to how clean it is.
Malfunctioning Spin Cycle
Noticing that your clothes are still soaking wet after what was supposed to be a spin cycle is another sign that you have a low-quality washing machine.
The spin cycle is also the time when you’re most likely to notice strange ‘behavior’ from your washing machine.
If the machine is vibrating excessively or even seemingly jumping around during the spin cycle, you definitely need to get a new machine.
This kind of malfunctioning isn’t just annoying and loud, but it could actually be dangerous depending on how violently the machine shakes, so you should look into getting a higher-quality washing machine as soon as possible.
We’ve got some tips for choosing a better washing machine listed below, so stay tuned!
Longer Wash Cycle
The whole reason the washing machine was invented in the first place was to make washing your clothes quicker and easier.
If your wash cycles are taking too long, that’s basically defeating the purpose of owning a washing machine in the first place, especially if this malfunction is combined with the other points of concern on this list.
Plus, long wash cycles also mean more energy consumption, which is something you want to avoid.
Short Warranty
The shorter the warranty period on your washing machine, the more likely it is that you’re dealing with a low-quality machine.
Think about it this way: manufacturers of high-quality washing machines will provide their customers with longer warranties because they know that the machine should work for many years barring a serious and unexpected fault, or external damage.
However, when manufacturers produce low-quality machines, they’ll use shorter warranty periods because they know the machine won’t last long.
So, if your washing machine only came with a 6-month warranty period (as opposed to the standard minimum of 12 months), you can be fairly certain that you have been sold a low-quality appliance.
How To Critique A Washing Machine
Did you know that there are people who critique washing machines professionally?
Washing machine critics look for specific features on washing machines as well as overall functionality to determine whether a machine is constructed to a high standard.
However, you don’t need to hire a professional washing machine critic to see if your machine meets the right standards.
Just go through the following criteria and see how your washer compares.
If you can’t say ‘yes’ to all of these points, you could definitely find a better washing machine:
- Smooth, quick machine cycles
- Water levels high enough to cover clothes
- No wrinkling or tangled clothes
- Even distribution of detergent
There are more factors to consider, of course, but if your washing machine meets all of these criteria, the chances are that you’re using a good washing machine.
The Most Popular Washing Machines You Should Avoid
LG Machines
LG is a very popular home appliance brand, so many people understandably assume that LG washing machine models are high-quality.
Unfortunately, customer testimonials for certain models tell a different story.
The problem with LG washing machines isn’t that they malfunction particularly often, but when they do, the malfunctioning is quite severe.
For example, buyers have noticed the machine jumping during the spin cycle, and sometimes it lands on its cord, which can present an electrical hazard.
When this happens, it’s very difficult to safely get close to the machine to stop it.
One particular LG model that has been causing problems for buyers is the LG WT7200CW 5.0 C.u.
Reviewers have had a lot to say about this model, from attributing a failed marriage to its constant malfunctioning to noting that it only worked just over half the time.
Many customers have had positive experience with LG washers and dryers, but it’s understandable that those who have purchased the above model have been put off the entire brand after such an experience.
Samsung (Top And Front-Loading)
There are also several Samsung washing machine models that we would recommend avoiding, especially the front-loading and top-loading ones.
Samsung is a highly-recommended brand, so it may come as a shock to some readers that you can’t always trust Samsung washers to work properly.
It definitely came as a shock to the buyers who found themselves in very stressful situations when their washing machines started to act out.
Lab testing has shown that Samsung top-loading machines aren’t very efficient when it comes to cleaning clothes.
These machines use a lot of water (nearly 200 liters for every load). The top-loaders sometimes refuse to run altogether.
When it comes to front-loading washing machines from Samsung, you’ll find a lot of bad reviews from dissatisfied customers.
Many of these are 1-star reviews, particularly for the WF42H5000AW and the WF45K6500.
The former has 25% of these 1-star testimonials, which is a significant portion, but the latter fares even worse, with a massive 71% of the reviews being 1-star.
The main reason for the outrage surrounding these models is due to the fact that they tend to fail much earlier than expected (within a year) and in some of these cases, Samsung has refused to honor the warranty agreement.
Siemens And Bosch
If you thought that washing machines refusing to work and not being able to benefit from the warranty policy was bad enough, wait until you hear about the trouble some buyers have been having with their Siemens and Bosch washers.
Customers have left reviews of both Bosch and Siemens washing machines detailing the alarm and panic they felt when their appliances began to act ‘possessed’.
That’s right – these machines aren’t just bad at the purpose they have been designed for. Sometimes, they’re downright scary.
People have noticed these machines jumping around and even spinning in circles.
Sometimes, the agitation is violent enough that the appliances actually start to damage themselves, hitting walls and furniture and causing pieces to fall off.
It’s pretty telling that Germany has actually started outsourcing the lower-quality Siemens and Bosch washing machines to other countries that don’t have especially high standards when it comes to testing appliances.
Equator Super Combo Washer And Dryer (EZ 4400)
The Equator Super Combo Washer and Dryer, also known by its model number, EZ 4400, is often marketed as a budget-friendly washing machine.
While it’s definitely sold for a budget price, many customers report having less-than-friendly experiences with this model.
Part of the reason the Equator Super Combo is affordable is that it’s a compact washing machine.
This makes it a popular choice with RV owners who want a practical way to wash their clothes.
Unfortunately, this model is known for malfunctioning and presenting users with error codes that won’t go away unless you literally unplug the machine and restart it – only to see the same error code again soon enough.
Reportedly, Equator’s customer support services are not always responsive to complaints and requests for refunds, which makes an already bad situation worse.
While we understand the appeal of a compact, space-saving washing machine, there are other models on the market that won’t bug out all the time.
Speed Queen (AWNA62SN305AW01)
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to prioritize short cycle times when purchasing a washing machine.
For this reason, a washing machine called Speed Queen is understandably appealing to a lot of people.
With that being said, speed isn’t the only important factor in a washing machine.
In fact, if the machine cycles so quickly that it neglects to clean clothes properly, you’ll find that doing your laundry takes longer and that you use more energy in the process.
This is exactly the issue that customers are facing with the Speed Queen. If that wasn’t bad enough, the cost of this machine has gone up as well.
Electrolux (EFLW317TIW)
The Electrolux EFLW317TIW is riddled with technical faults that leave customers pulling out their hair in frustration.
This seems to be a quality control issue because some customers have rated this model 5 stars, but 21% of the reviews are only 1 star.
If customer support from Electrolux was responsive, this might not be such a big issue, but sadly, many buyers of this model have reported that they have not received the support they need from the team, with one reviewer even claiming that they had the phone put down on them.
Models like these demonstrate how poor customer service can be as equally damaging to a washing machine’s reputation as faultiness.
Indesit Moon (SIXL146)
This front-loading washing machine might not be as poorly-reviewed as other models that jump in place or refuse to turn on, but it’s fair to say that the design for the Indesit Moon SIXL146 was not thought out very well.
For one thing, despite being a front-loading model, the door doesn’t have a window that allows users to see inside.
This is one of the reasons many people prefer front-load washing machines even though they’re sometimes more difficult to get clothes into and out of, so the lack of a window is a real downside.
Water and detergent distribution is another commonly-reported issue with the Indesit Moon.
Water accumulates in unexpected areas, sometimes leading to unpleasant odors, and users have noticed detergent collecting on the seal around the door, indicating that it isn’t being used effectively to wash laundry.
Whirlpool (WTW5000DW And WTW8700EC)
There are two Whirlpool washing machines we recommend avoiding if you want an appliance that washes your laundry efficiently.
These are the WTW5000DW and the WTW8700EC.
Both of these machines reportedly make loud noises during certain cycles. Additionally, water levels in these machines are inconsistent.
Depending on the cycle selected, they may use too much or too little water, resulting in ineffective cleaning, soap stains, or overly wet laundry.
Maytag (MVWB750YW)
The Maytag MVWB750YW washing machine is notorious for not using enough water, which means that a load of laundry is usually not cleaned to the fullest extent.
Some users have reported that the water is sometimes 9 inches too low in this machine.
There have also been some complaints about clothes getting tangled or creased in this washing machine because of the overly-aggressive mechanism.
Deco (DC 4400 CV)
If you don’t want to have to deal with a machine that glitches randomly and forces you to manually drain it mid-cycle, you might want to steer clear of the Deco DC 4400 CV.
This machine has been known to stop working in the middle of a wash, leaving users unable to open the door to access their partially-washed laundry.
It often doesn’t even show anything on the display screen, not even an error code, so customers have no idea what’s wrong or how to fix it.
Danby (DWM045WDB)
Despite its appealing design, the Danby DWM045WDB washing machine is not the sturdiest of models.
When larger loads are inserted, the body of the machine visibly struggles, and there have also been a lot of complaints about the agitators not working properly or damaging clothes.
Costway Models
Two Costway washing machines in particular have been the subject of negative customer reviews: the 14-inch 1.5 CFT and the 15-inch 1.4 CFT.
These compact washing machines might save space in your home, but they don’t automatically shut off, and they’re not particularly effective, so there are many better options out there.
Washing Machine Functions Associated With Malfunctioning
It’s easy to tell if a washing machine is low-quality by observing its functionality, but you can also narrow down your options to high-quality appliances by knowing the features that are associated with washing machines malfunctioning.
Front-Loading Designs
Front-load washing machines tend to malfunction more often than top-load, so choosing top-loading machines is the wiser option.
Pedestals (Combined With Front-Loading)
If a front-loading machine requires a pedestal, it is more statistically likely to break down.
Narrow Drain Hose
If you’ve ever noticed a bad odor coming from your washing machine, this is probably because the drain hose is clogged with something.
This is more likely to happen if the drain hose is narrow.
Impractical Detergent Trays
Detergent trays that look ‘different’ or ‘unique’ are often less effective than your standard, less interesting-looking detergent trays.
This can result in poor detergent distribution and dirty clothes.
How To Choose Better Washing Machines
Now we know what not to look for when choosing a washing machine, we want to discuss some things to prioritize if you want to get the best value for your money on these appliances.
Clear Energy Star Rating
A high-quality washing machine should have an energy star label clearly positioned on the front or top of the machine.
Affordability
While it’s true that high-end washing machines are often more functional, there are exceptions.
It’s better to choose an affordable, reliable washing machine with fewer bells and whistles than an expensive model that has too many confusing functions and a short warranty period.
Consistent Preset Functions
Preset functions make using your washing machine much easier.
As long as they work consistently, preset functions are a sign of a reliable and user-friendly washing machine.
Large Size
If the body of your washing machine is too small, it won’t be able to handle large loads.
If you have the space in your home, it’s a better idea to choose a larger washing machine that can wash more clothes at once without sustaining damage.
Conclusion
Choosing a washing machine is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your new home.
The right choice will help keep your family safe and healthy while saving you time and money.
To find the perfect washing machine for your needs, it sometimes helps to start by ruling out the ones to avoid, and hopefully, this article has helped you to do just that.
