When I compiled over 15,000 data points for CNET's list of the best washing machines, I didn't expect to see such a strong case for front-load washers being better long-term investments than top-load washers.
I knew there had to be more to the story, so I dug deep into the data to see how long it takes for a pricier -- yet very efficient -- washer to offset the lower price of a top-loader through energy savings alone. In other words, the payback period.
The average payback period for front-load versus top-load is 6.5 years. This means front-load washers -- which last an average of 12.6 years -- are generally the best way to save money long term. Now that this anticlimactic fact is out of the way, let's see how practical it is with CNET's entire washing machine lineup.
Armed with pricing, efficiency and utility rate data, I've calculated the payback period for the top washer pick, Electrolux ELFW7738A, compared with every other product in the lineup -- plus a notable top washer that didn't make the list.
But why is this Electrolux model a prime candidate for my baseline? It's simply the most efficient washer in my dataset and on our best list. Let's jump in to see how it stacks up.
How I did the math: Collecting data and calculating the payback period
I compared the payback period of our most energy-efficient washing machine pick to the others on our best list. John Carlsen/CNET
I collected almost all of this baseline data in June 2025, ahead of my comparison of the best washers -- this includes Energy Star information and most retail prices. However, the retail prices for the models below are current as of January. Here are the statistics behind the math.
Brand Electrolux Samsung LG Insignia GE LG Maytag Whirlpool Model number ELFW7738A WA45T3200AW WT8200C NS-WMT41WA5 GFW550SSNWW WT7250C MHW5630 WFW4720RW Load configuration Front Top Top Top Front Top Front Front Retail price $1,099 $579 $749 $500 $866 $729 $749 $699 Capacity 4.5 cu. ft. 4.5 cu. ft. 5.0 cu. ft. 4.1 cu. ft. 4.8 cu. ft. 5.0 cu. ft. 4.5 cu. ft. 4.5 cu. ft. Water usage 3,452 gallons/yr. 8,552 gallons/yr. 6,330 gallons/yr. 7,856 gallons/yr. 4,239 gallons/yr. 4,720 gallons/yr. 4,267 gallons/yr. 4,248 gallons/yr. Water costs $58.10/yr. $143.93/yr. $106.53/yr. $132.22/yr. $71.34/yr. $79.44/yr. $71.81/yr. $71.49/yr. Electricity usage 74 kWh/yr. 240 kWh/yr. 120 kWh/yr. 186 kWh/yr. 158 kWh/yr. 110 kWh/yr. 128 kWh/yr. 140 kWh/yr. Electricity costs $12.21/yr. $39.60/yr. $19.80/yr. $30.69/yr. $26.07/yr. $18.15/yr. $21.12/yr. $23.10/yr.
To calculate water costs, I divided the Energy Star water usage figures by 1,000, then multiplied the result by $16.83. The EPA's WaterSense report says this was the national average rate for Combined Water & Wastewater in 2024. (This covers the water a washer uses and the sewer rates to remove it.)
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