More than 85% of American households own a washing machine, yet most people have no idea which brands will leave them stranded with piles of dirty laundry. The worst part? Some of the most popular names in the business are also the most problematic. Before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a new washer, knowing which brands to avoid can save serious headaches. Some machines look great in the showroom but fall apart after light use, while others come with customer service so bad that getting help feels impossible.
Samsung washers have serious reliability problems
Samsung washing machines look impressive with their sleek designs and smart home features. The brand offers Wi-Fi connectivity and AI fabric sensors on select models. Many people are drawn to features like the SuperSpeed cycle that promises a full load in 30 minutes. However, the story changes dramatically after purchase. In December 2022, Samsung recalled over 663,000 top-load washers due to fire hazards. The company received 51 reports of machines smoking, melting, overheating, or catching fire. Ten incidents caused property damage, and three people suffered smoke inhalation injuries.
The problems extend beyond safety concerns. Many customers report that Samsung washers have drum bearings that wear out prematurely. Door locks fail frequently, trapping clothes inside or preventing cycles from starting. Squeaking noises during operation are another common complaint. One frustrated owner online summed it up by saying their machine needed fixing every six months. While Samsung performs decently at stain removal, the frequent breakdowns make it hard to recommend this brand for anyone wanting a reliable appliance.
Whirlpool machines break more often than others
Whirlpool washing machines are everywhere, and that wide availability is probably the brand’s biggest advantage. The company has been around since 1911, so there is plenty of name recognition and a massive service network. Finding a repair technician is easy if something breaks. The problem is that something tends to break more often than it should. Customer reviews consistently report unreliable performance and machines that simply do not last. Some owners report poor stain removal and soapy residue left behind on clothes after a full cycle.
The build quality has also drawn criticism from many users. Some feedback suggests that a Whirlpool washer lasts only about four to five years on average. That is significantly shorter than what anyone expects from a major appliance costing several hundred dollars. Models like the WTW8127LC look great on paper with a 5.3-cubic-foot capacity and fancy features. But reports of machines breaking after light usage are too common to ignore. If a tight budget forces a quick purchase with plans to replace soon anyway, Whirlpool works. Otherwise, saving up for something better makes more sense.
Maytag lost its reputation after Whirlpool bought it
Maytag built its reputation on durability over many decades. Older models from the 1980s and 1990s are still running in basements across America. However, Whirlpool acquired the brand in 2006, and quality dropped significantly after that. To most customers today, newer Maytag models are simply rebranded Whirlpool machines with a premium price tag. The brand coasts on a reputation it no longer deserves. This is frustrating for people who remember when Maytag meant reliable, long-lasting appliances that could handle anything thrown at them.
The Maytag brand receives a poor 1.1-star rating on Consumer Affairs, with users citing frequent mechanical failures and poor customer service. Some owners describe having to manually unload and reload clothes because balance issues prevent proper drying. Best Buy customers complain about long wash cycles and very high noise levels. If finding an older Maytag model from before the acquisition is possible, that would be a great bargain. But newer models show that this once-great brand has clearly lost its way and should be approached with caution.
Amana offers budget prices but budget quality too
Amana is Whirlpool’s budget line, and that shows in both price and performance. The company has been making appliances since 1934, and Whirlpool acquired the brand in 2006. Machines are priced between $500 and $700, which makes them attractive for tight budgets. The problem is that buyers often get exactly what they pay for. The brand’s store page features only two models, but their popularity shows that value for money still matters to many shoppers looking for affordable options.
The NTW4516FW top-loader has a respectable 4.4 stars on Home Depot, with praise for ease of use. However, the control board is apparently a common failure point. Multiple users report that their machines do not start the wash cycle or get stuck and never advance to rinse or spin. Water sensor issues cause overfilling or premature draining in other models. The general complaint is poor reliability, with machines breaking just after the warranty expires. For anyone needing an appliance to last more than a few years, Amana may not deliver on that expectation.
Frigidaire makes great fridges but terrible washers
Frigidaire excels in the kitchen, at least for budget brands. The company is known for making decent refrigerators that offer good value. However, the same cannot be said about their washing machines. Between online forums and repair service rates, the Frigidaire washer lineup is more known for its unreliability than its durability. This is one brand where the kitchen expertise simply does not translate to the laundry room. People expecting the same quality they got from a Frigidaire fridge will likely be disappointed.
Experts specifically mention Frigidaire washers as models to avoid when shopping for laundry appliances. High service rates and negative customer experiences dominate discussions about this product line. While the brand offers competitive pricing similar to other budget options, the long-term costs of repairs and replacements make it a poor investment. Sticking with brands that have proven track records in the laundry space makes much more sense than gambling on a company still trying to figure out washing machines.
Midea is still learning what Americans need
Midea is an overseas brand that is still learning the needs of the American market. The company deserves credit for offering more features than many counterparts at similar price points. However, high service rates quickly cancel out those bonus points. The brand sells a handful of models through retailers like Amazon, including both top-load and front-load options. Features like 12 presets and what Midea calls a PowerBoost Agitator sound promising on paper. The reality often disappoints.
Reliability data on Midea washers suggests caution is warranted. User reviews are mixed, with some folks perfectly happy and others reporting problems shortly after purchase. The brand simply has not established itself enough in the American appliance market to inspire confidence. When spending hard-earned money on a major appliance expected to last a decade or more, gambling on a brand without a proven domestic track record seems risky. Better options exist at similar price points from companies that understand what American households need.
Electrolux has good machines but awful customer service
Electrolux is a trusted Swedish brand that makes exclusively front-load washers. This immediately limits options for anyone who prefers top-loaders. The brand positions itself in the mid-to-premium range, with models starting around $1,000 and climbing to $1,450 for the highest-end units. The machines themselves strike a balance between durability and finesse. Energy Star Partner of the Year recognition and use of recycled materials show the company cares about quality. Standard 10-year warranties on all models provide extra peace of mind.
The problem with Electrolux is not the machines but what happens when something goes wrong. Customer support is notoriously difficult to reach. Reviews are filled with complaints about high repair costs and poor customer service experiences. Cycle times also run long, with normal loads taking 51 minutes and Heavy Duty stretching over two hours. Longevity does not seem to be a problem, but that should be expected at this price point. Anyone considering Electrolux should factor in the possibility of frustrating service interactions down the road.
LG and Speed Queen lead the reliability rankings
Speed Queen produces the longest-lasting washers on the market with an undefeated 25-year lifespan. While they keep true to classic designs that modernists might hesitate about, these appliances are durable and offer commercial-grade quality. The brand has a loyal customer base with buyers who keep coming back generation after generation. LG washers are praised for advanced technology that effectively removes stains without damaging clothes. The lineup is one of the most common in households, and buyers frequently give the brand top marks.
LG washers use sensor technology to identify how dirty clothes are and how full the drum is. This helps save time on cycles while using less water. For extra peace of mind, reliable LG washers come with a 10-year warranty on the Inverter DirectDrive Motor. Speed Queen might be the most reliable washing machine brand available, while LG offers the best combination of modern features and dependability. Both brands consistently rank at the top when experts and consumers rate washing machine reliability.
Miele and GE Profile offer premium quality for a price
Miele has built its reputation on a 20-year lifetime guarantee for its machines. The company tests appliances for 10,000 hours, running approximately 5,000 wash programs. That equals about five programs per week for 20 years. Spare parts remain available for at least 15 years, even after a series ends production. Some owners report their Miele washer still running strong after 30 years. The main drawback is cost, with machines starting around $1,600 and going up to $2,500 depending on features and model.
GE Profile has become a breakthrough name in the laundry segment with innovative products. While buyers might think GE and GE Profile washers are the same, the latter takes reliability to the next level with higher-quality materials. The result is a full lineup of machines that excel at cleaning clothes and lasting for years. Dedicated customer service through the Bodewell brand makes GE a rarity among major appliance makers. These premium brands cost more upfront but often save money over time through fewer repairs and replacements.
Choosing a washing machine comes down to balancing budget with reliability expectations. Brands like Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag offer attractive prices but come with documented reliability issues that could lead to costly repairs or early replacements. On the other hand, Speed Queen, LG, Miele, and GE Profile consistently deliver machines that last for years with minimal problems. Spending a bit more upfront on a proven brand often saves money and frustration over the long run. The worst thing anyone can do is buy based on looks alone without checking real-world performance data first.
