A washing machine will set you back between $600 – $1500 and we’ve seen every kind during our home inspections. But imagine spending all that hard-earned money only for the washing machine to break down after a few months. To help save you some time and frustration, here are 13 washing machine brands to avoid.

A washing machine is only worth buying if you can depend on it to serve you for many years without giving you any trouble. This makes it important for buyers to know which washing machine brands to avoid before making a purchase. If you want to see our top 10 picks for best washer and dryer, check out our guide.

There are dozens of washing machine brands, each offering several models. Since washing machines are one of those home appliances you expect to use at least every couple of days, it’s also important to know what features to look for in washing machines.

In this post, we discuss the washing machine brands to avoid and briefly cover factors to consider when buying a washing machine, along with essential details about using a washing machine safely.

How to Identify a Bad Washing Machine Brand

There’s no chance of determining the quality of any household appliance by one simple look at a store or online. But if you find a reputable brand that you come to trust over time, you will never hesitate to buy any of its products.

A reliable brand offers well-engineered products built with durable parts. The best washing machine brands also offer a long warranty.

On the other hand, the worst washing machine brands have a reputation for having a high failure rate, which means frequent breakdowns. Washing machine brands that offer poor after-sales service and don’t have a large network of customer service professionals across the country are also some of the washing machine brands to avoid.

The best way to identify bad washer brands is to search for customer reviews online. Reading blog posts (such as this one) that compile customer sentiments is also a good way to learn which washing machine brands to avoid.

When you shortlist your washing machine options, doing your due diligence and reviewing the warranty policy is a great way to narrow down your options further.

13 Washing Machine Brands to Avoid

Here’s a list of the washing machine brands you should avoid and why.

#1 Whirlpool

Whirlpool washing machines are some of the most advanced washing machines you will find on the market. While the brand’s most expensive washing machines typically work well, the lower-priced machines tend to have problems. Customers’ most common complaint with these machines is that the washer won’t spin properly.

Poor performance is a recognized issue for Whirlpool’s WTW5000DW, WTW8700EC, WFW862CHC, and WTW6300WW0 models.

Whirlpool WTW5000DW Issues

The WTW5000DW model is a 4.3 cubic feet top-loader that doesn’t perform as well as the company claims. Many customers complain that it leaves spots on the clothes and doesn’t fully clean them. It takes much longer than expected to wash the clothes, with the clothes often getting tangled due to the low water level.

Some customers complain that the machine makes grunting noises during the sensor wash, which can be a sign of poor design and engineering. It also brings the quality of the components into question.

Whirlpool WTW8700EC Issues

The WTW8700EC model is a 5.3 cubic foot top-loader that boasts efficiency and advanced features. Customers love the look of the machine and the remote control that comes with it. This certainly makes doing laundry a little more convenient. The washing machine also allows users to make a custom wash cycle suited to their needs.

But when customers bring the WTW8700EC home, they find issues with it. There are many reports of the washing machine failing to remove stains and leaving soap spots on the clothes.

What’s more disappointing is that the remote control and the phone app frequently don’t connect with the machine properly. With the remote control functions being hit or miss and the app often losing its connection with the washing machine, it’s appropriate to conclude that the model is one of Whirlpool’s worst top load washers.

Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6300WW0 Issues

The Cabrio WTW6300WW0 is one of those washing machines that any reasonable customer will steer clear of. There are dozens of reports of the machine’s mainboard failing within months of purchase. Many of the customers that complained about the failure also reported that getting replacement parts for the model was an unduly challenging and lengthy process.

The WTW6300WW0 is known to leave residue on clothing since it has a lower-than-average water fill level. You can expect this washing machine to clog up frequently, leaving customers no option but to use low-sud soap.

Customers that put larger loads in the machine found that it doesn’t stay balanced, and the machine throws a UL error. This means customers need to keep an eye on the machine constantly and shift the laundry manually for the machine to continue washing.

The idea behind buying a washing machine is to leave it up to the machine to do the hard work. Constantly tending to the washer is annoying and leaves customers feeling like they wasted their money.

Whirlpool WFW862CHC Issues

Customers complain that the WFW862CHC sounds like a jet, producing a high-pitched noise that often travels beyond the laundry room. This can be a nightmare for some.

The washing machine is also known to have a faulty balance mechanism, resulting in the machine violently shaking, making more noise, and making the floor wobble.

Although the WFW862CHC comes in the category of front load washing machines, it has a lower than average water fill level. Customers often complain of the washer leaving residue on their clothes. Using powdered soap and booster beads in the washer is a big no-no since the soap clumps up and sticks to the clothes.

#2 Summit

Summit is one of those washer brands that win over customers by offering washing machines with many features at reasonable prices. However, the company’s washing machines often miss the mark in terms of customer satisfaction.

Let’s look at two of the washer brands’ models that are notoriously underwhelming and considered a complete waste of money.

Summit SPWD2201SS Issues

The 2 cubic foot washer and dryer combo offers 7 wash cycles and 3 dry cycles. It is designed to appeal to customers with smaller homes. But it is one of the worst compact washing machines money can buy.

Customers complain that the machine takes too long to finish a simple wash. What’s more infuriating is that the dryer cycle can run for between five and six hours for a single load.

Additionally, the washing machine offers no way to detect the water level. Initially, this gives customers the impression that the machine automatically fills up with enough water. But customers get disappointed when they find stain spots on their clothes.

Summit SPWD2201SS Issues

Featuring a two cubic foot stainless steel wash drum, the 24″ washer/dryer combo is notorious for tearing holes in clothing. Many customers report finding rust in the drum, which stains their clothes. There’s a good chance you can expect to throw away your precious white clothes if you put them in this washer.

There are also many reports that the dryer takes hours to complete its task, which is quite disappointing.

#3 Samsung Washing Machines

Samsung brought its first washing machine to market in 1974 and has a history of introducing innovative features in its washers. This fact alone makes Samsung the go-to brand for many.

While the brand offers decent washing machines overall, some models are complete disasters. There are some Samsung washing machines that you must avoid purchasing at all costs. The fact that the brand image can be so deceiving sometimes makes Samsung one of the washing machine brands to avoid.

Here’s an overview of two of the worst washing machines the brand has recently brought to market.

Samsung WA45M7050AW/A2 Issues

Disappointment is almost guaranteed if you buy this washing machine. The build quality is terrible, with the machine constructed out of thin metal that warps and rusts within months of use. There are loads of reports of this top load washer being out of commission with no chance of repair in under 12 months.

Besides being paranoid about the machine breaking down every time it’s used, customers are also annoyed with the faulty timer on the machine. The timer sets the wash cycle to a couple of hours and offers no way of stopping the cycle. This eventually leads to burnout.

Samsung WF45R6300AV Issues

This stainless steel front load washer has many serious mechanical issues. Analyzing customer reports, we found that every part, from the control board and assembly to the drum, required replacement within months of purchase.

Customers get more frustrated when they find that Samsung doesn’t have any spare stock parts for the model. It’s common for customers to feel cheated, especially when the washing machine shakes itself into a U6 error code because it’s not balanced well.

#4 Equator

US-based home appliances brand Equator is known for its exquisitely designed washing machines. However, the attractive design fails to make up for poor customer service and failing washing machines.

The Equator EZ 4400 24 is likely one of the worst washing machines ever sold. The 1.6 cubic foot front load washer/dryer combo boasts an attractive look. The compact washing machine controls the water level and dry level automatically. The color-coded screen makes using the washing machine that much more enticing.

But several customers complain that the dry cycle doesn’t function properly, and the washer often stops randomly, displaying multiple error codes that make no sense.

Making matters worse, the small load washing machine does not work well with heavy loads. If you put slightly more load than the machine can handle, all of your clothes will be badly wrinkled when the cycle ends.

#5 Farberware

Farberware is best known for its cooking utensils and high-quality knives, but its washing machines don’t have the same quality. It’s as if the brand puts most of its resources into manufacturing cookware and very little into its washers.

For instance, the Farberware portable top load washing machine looks unique but has some significant issues.

The most annoying problem with the washer is that it doesn’t drain well enough, and customers need to drain it manually. If customers don’t drain the washer fully, they will be washing their clothes with stagnant, dirty water. The washing machine is small, which at least makes draining it easy, but you won’t be able to get all the water out.

The second most annoying problem is that the machine often squeals horrendously when it runs, so you can forget about doing anything else peacefully until it stops.

Some customers can’t even set up the washing machine because they have trouble connecting the washer to a faucet. One consumer complained that their brand new Farberware 1 cubic foot washer would stop mid-cycle, and when they restart it, the machine stops mid-cycle again.

The high severity of the issues with the washers makes it apparent that this is one of the washing machine brands to avoid.

#6 Danby

If you recognize Danby, you may know that it is focused on selling small washing machines. Danby is one of the top brands to consider buying from for consumers in the US and Canada looking for decent compact washing machines.

But many of their models are rife with basic design issues, so you might want to reconsider buying a Danby washing machine. Let’s get into some specific issues in a handful of their portable washing machines.

Danby DWM99W Issues

Boasting four water level settings, five cycles, three temperature settings, and fabric selection options, the DWM99W seems like an enticing product, especially considering that it’s a 20-inch portable washer that weighs about nine pounds.

But as the idiom goes, when something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When you set up the washing machine and put your laundry load in it, you will find that it doesn’t fill up to the required water level. You will need to pour more water into it manually.

Additionally, the spin cycle is quite weak, unsurprising for such a small machine. There’s no telling how good or bad the dirt removal is with this model, but it will not get rid of the stains on your clothes.

The worst part is that if it breaks down, you can expect to pay a lot of money to repair it. Danby’s customer service is hit or miss, so it’s best not to expect to have a good experience with the brand and especially this particular model.

Danby DWM030WDB-6 Issues

Unlike the DWM99W model, the DWM030WDB-6 top load washer spins too fast and is rough with clothes. Customers say that while their clothes come out clean, it also rips their garments from time to time.

Customers complain that the washing machine is so rough that water sloshes over the edges of the washing machine. The poorly designed agitator invites mold between the drum and the washer’s body, so there’s a chance that your clothes will begin to smell bad after being washed with this washing machine.

Danby DWM120WDB-3 Issues

The DWM120WDB-3 has issues similar to the ones on the DWM030WDB-6. Consumers say that it shakes so violently that it unplugs itself during a spin cycle. Many customers say that they could feel the washing machine’s vibrations when standing many rooms away.

What’s more, the DWM120WDB-3 has one belt that spins the agitator. When it runs, the laundry space may smell like it’s burning. Over time, the belt burns out, and since the belt is embedded, the company cannot fix it without destroying the motor.

In other words, the hundreds of dollars customers spend on the machine will go down the drain since the machine has no possibility of being repaired.

#7 Siemens

Siemens washing machines and other home appliances were considered some of the best on the market up until a few yards ago. But the brand seems to have lost its glory.

The brand’s current range isn’t as impressive as it used to be, and with most of the washers having design or technical issues of some kind, it’s best to avoid buying Siemens washing machines.

One example of the poor quality washing machines the brand has brought to the market in recent years is the Siemens UltraSense WFXD5202UC. Customer reviews across websites convey deep dissatisfaction with the product, with one of the most common complaints being that the matching shorts out during cycles.

The shorting issues in the washing machine reportedly occur due to the poor quality of the electric board and power supply.

Many customers also report a burning smell when the machine runs and fear that the machine is a fire risk.

#8 Deco

Deco is a US-based washing machine brand known for its low-cost home appliances. Its washing machines are generally designed for compact residences. That said, a lot of its machines have flaws that will make you have to keep the repair technician on speed dial.

Deco 4000 Issues

One of the worst washing machines the company sells is the Deco 4000. The 1.5 cubic foot washer/dryer has an attractive look and boasts that it supplies both ventilation and condensation in its dryer cycle.

However, consumers complain that the machine stops working randomly during a wash cycle. Its screen often blacks out, leaving the user with no control over the machine, and as far as power consumption, the Deco 4000 is not energy efficient.

Add the short warranty and poor customer support offered by the brand to this equation, and you have a definite answer to whether you should buy Deco washers.

Deco DC 4400 Issues

Like the Deco 4000, the Deco DC 4400 also has a great look that makes it stand out from other similarly sized washing machines. It also boasts that it has a dry sensor and a ventless/vented dryer.

But many consumers complain that the washing machine stops working randomly after the wash cycle begins. The display on this front-load washing machine is prone to malfunction and often blacks out when the machine is running.

It’s best to avoid all the front loaders that Deco offers since most of them are known to malfunction.

#9 Electrolux

While Electrolux products are generally well received by consumers, the state of their washing machine range is a bit shocking. Not every washer by the company is bad, but there are some washers that you should avoid.

Steer clear of their top load washers since customers report that they break down quickly, sometimes in a matter of weeks, and even on day one in some cases.

It’s reasonable to assume that the design or components are not up to the mark. There are numerous bad comments about their after-sales service as well.

Many consumers say that the company’s washing machines are difficult to use — and some of these reviews are by professional cleaners!

The 4.3 cubic foot high-efficiency front load washer is probably the company’s worst-rated washing machine. The complaints about this product should give you an idea about the quality of Electrolux washing machines.

Many consumers report that the washer’s drum wore out in under a year of use. More shockingly, the water seems to escape from the drum, leading to mold growth on the inside of the machine. Once the mold begins to grow, it is hard to control it, and customers often have to deal with smelly clothes because of the mold.

The likely cause of mold growth is the weird gap between the drum and the body of the washer. It is a definite sign of poor engineering, and often, socks and underwear escape into this gap and plug the drain.

The machine is also known to break down seemingly for no reason. The breakdowns occur due to different reasons for every customer, so there is no way to pinpoint one issue with the machine that can be repaired for good.

#10 Speed Queen

Speed Queen is one of the oldest washer brands that has established itself in the market, and it can be hard to conceive how a washing machine brand like Speed Queen ended up on this list.

The washing machines offered by the brand don’t seem to be better than those offered by any other company, but some models are awful, plain and simple.

The brand’s washing machines are not very energy efficient, and even though they consume a lot of power, the cleaning performance is sub-par at best and unsatisfactory at worst. Many customers report the water volume being too low and their clothes getting tangled badly.

Some of their washing machines come with a remote control and can pair with phone apps, but both of these controls don’t always work.

The Speed Queen TR3003WN top load washer is one of the worst washing machines offered by the company. Nearly all customers complain that the regular wash cycle is too short to clean the clothes adequately.

Apparently, the spin cycle is too weak and leaves the clothes dripping wet, and with no option for an extra spin, consumers are left to do the wringing themselves.

The TR3003WN is notoriously loud, and overloading it is not an option since the load will likely break the flaps on the agitator, tearing your clothing.

#11 Indesit

Italian brand Indesit manufactures a massive range of home appliances and is renowned as one of the first big appliance brands in the market. When new products came to market, Indesit was always one of the first brands to launch them.

But the brand isn’t as competitive as it used to be. While its washing machines do a good job, the machines lack the features that top manufacturers offer. This is the primary reason that the brand isn’t as popular these days. The other reason why consumers started to avoid the brand is poor customer service.

#12 Maytag

Maytag is also an older brand many have come to trust over the years. But in recent times, Maytag has brought some of the worst washing machines to the market. Nearly all of their washing machines cause several problems for customers.

Lackluster performance, undue heaviness, bad water level settings, and noisy operation are common issues across Maytag’s washing machine range.

#13 Costway

While the brand is relatively new, it has established itself in the market well. Costway washing machines are known to be easy to use with simple controls.

That said, all of their washing machines are also quite noisy, don’t drain water properly, and don’t dry the clothes well enough with their poor spin cycle. Nearly every washing machine offered is built in a way that makes lint stick to your clothing.

The smart features on the washing machines feel like a gimmick, with the app control and remote control failing to connect and control the machine. Among the Costway washing machines, the top load washers are the most unreliable.

A nice example of this is the Costway 15-inch portable top-load washing machine. Many consumers complain that it’s the noisiest washing machine they have ever owned. The machine is particularly noisy during the spin cycle, making a thumping noise that will boom throughout your home.

Moreover, the washer has extremely poor balance, doesn’t wash clothes thoroughly, and leaves large amounts of residue on your linens and clothing.

Washing Machine Safety Tips

Picking the best washing machine is not as straightforward as finding one that fits your budget. You need to consider the type of washing machine (top load washer, front load washer, or impeller washer) that will work best for you.

The load capacity (or washing capacity), size, weight, energy efficiency, and available wash cycles (hot wash cycle, cold wash cycle, and quick wash cycle) are also factors you must consider.

Any other features such as WiFi connectivity, stainless steel wash drum, and auto detergent dispenser are bonuses.

Once you find the right washing machine, you must follow these safety tips:

Always keep the washer’s door closed to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Check the pockets of your clothes for sharp items such as pins, screws, and pocket knives that may damage the washing machine.
Disconnect the power supply from the outlet when the washing machine is not in use to prevent fires.
Lint filters clog up quickly, and cleaning them regularly is important so the water pipes can drain the drum efficiently.
More detergent doesn’t equate to cleaner clothing. Avoid using more than required.
Never overload your washer. It puts undue pressure on the motor, causing the machine to overheat, and lowering the appliance’s life. Use the rinse feature if you need to put a heavy load.

Conclusion: Do Reliable Washing Machine Brands Exist?

If you’re looking for a reputable washing machine brand to purchase your washer from, LG and GE are your best bet. Check out our guide to the best washer and dryer for 2023. We also compare the best 6 stackable washer and dryer sets here.

Samsung is also considered one of the most reliable brands, but not all of its products work as expected. If you’re considering Samsung washing machines, it’s best to look at every customer review you can find online before paying hard-earned money.