Almost everyone in the world uses washing machines for laundry purposes. You use washing machines because they are convenient and make doing laundry a breeze.

When you live alone or with your partner, any washer will suffice. However, when you start a family, you will need a washer to accommodate the additional family member.

This means you need to look into washers that are energy efficient and with larger capacities. So, if your family includes four members, you need to know the best washing machine for family of 4.

Let’s start and discover the best washing machine brands without any further ado!

source: freepik.com

How I Made This List

When I started researching the best washing machines for a family of four, I saw a big choice on the market. Therefore, I set some standards that a high-quality washer should have.

I have included top-loading and front-loading options in my list so that you can choose per your preference.

Reliable brand

When I chose the washing machines presented below, I ensured to pick brands known for their reliability. I have read through the reviews of existing customers to see what they think of the washers and whether they are satisfied with the performance. 

Materials

Another important factor was that the washing machine is built of durable materials that will last you for years. 

Durability is especially important for the washer’s drum, which should be made from stainless steel as it is a non-rusting material.

The strong, stainless steel drums of all the washers in my rankings are what you should look for. 

Cycles 

For convenience when doing laundry, washers include pre-programmed wash cycles. These can include standard cycles and cycles designed to eliminate a particular kind of stain. 

Although these are typically not entire loads of laundry, quick cycles can clean a load of clothes in under 30 minutes under several titles. Therefore, I included washers that provide a range of wash cycles.

Best Washing Machine for Family of 4

  1. Kenmore 27″
  2. LG WM4000HBA
  3. SPEED QUEEN LWN432SP115TW01

Kenmore 27″

Kenmore is a company that has been developing home appliances for over 100 years. When a brand has such longevity and success in the industry, you know it’s one you can trust to meet your needs. 

The brand has consistently delivered high-performing appliances, especially washing machines, with new and innovative features that have greatly lessened the workload for homemakers. 

With Kenmore’s appliances, consumers can enjoy better performance, cooking, cleaning, and longer lifespan. All of this is backed up by the brand’s numerous awards, including those from Consumer Digest, Reviewed.com, and Women’s Choice. 

One of the brand’s best washing machines is the Kenmore 27″ top loader, which has an impressive capacity of 4.8 cubic ft. The Kenmore washing machine has a built-in water faucet and impeller. 

Features

  • Large capacity top-loading washing machine, perfect for families, as it can clean more clothes in one laundry load. 
  • Features a built-in faucet to pre-treat your clothes or to add more water to your wash load.
  • The washer has a triple-action impeller for optimal cleaning. Spraying action with nine spray jets to attack dirt from all angles. Wash basket action, which moves the laundry in a circular pattern. Impeller action, which moves the wash basket back and forth.
  • The washing machine is incredibly convenient to use as you can load your laundry from the top of it. 
  • You can use the LCD screen with touch controls to easily set up the wash cycle and choose the load suitable for the laundry fabric. Also, the LCD screen will tell you the remaining time and cycle status. 

Pros 

  • Large capacity 
  • Triple action impeller 
  • LCD screen 
  • High-efficiency washer
  • Convenient to use 

Cons 

  • It might be too big for some spaces

LG WM4000HBA

LG is a well-recognized name among most people on the planet as it is one of the most popular electronics and appliance manufacturers. The brand considers innovation to be the way to a better life. 

The company was established in 1958. Thanks to its expertise and dedication to creating new technology, it has become a leading global technology brand at the forefront of ushering in the digital era.

LG is constantly upgrading and enhancing its products with new and innovative features to improve the customers’ lives significantly. In fact, the brand’s philosophy greatly revolves around understanding its customer’s needs and providing solutions. 

The company is a favorite for home appliances such as washing machines due to the effort put into them. LG’s washing machines are all high-efficiency and equipped with smart technology to reduce the needed manual labor.

One of the best LG washing machine models is the front-loading LG WM4000HBA with an impressive 4.5 cubic ft. with built-in intelligence and a two-year warranty.

Features

  • The LG WM4000HBA front-loading washer is perfect for families due to its capacity, allowing you to wash larger laundry loads at once. With this washer, you can wash up to 20 lbs per wash cycle.
  • The front-load washer is equipped with TurboWash 360, which enables the washer to clean large loads in under 30 minutes. This is possible due to the five powerful jets that spray your laundry from multiple angles. 
  • Incredibly modern and sleek design that enhances your living space. The glass doors are made with tempered glass that is scratch resistant.
  • The deep cleaning steam Allergiene Cycle on the washing machine removes up to 95% of pet dander and dust. LG washing machines are certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
  • With the built-in intelligence, you do not have to worry about which cycle to select for what load. The AI technology will select suitable wash settings. You can keep track of your LG washer with the help of the ThinQ app.
  • Save on warm water by using the LG ColdWash technology, which can penetrate deep into fabrics. 

Pros 

  • Wash up to 20 lbs
  • TurboWash 360 
  • Certified by the AAFA
  • Built-in intelligence
  • ENERGY STAR certified

Cons 

  • Weak internet makes it difficult to sync it with your smartphone

SPEED QUEEN LWN432SP115TW01

Speed Queen is an American washing machine company on a mission to create the highest-quality laundry equipment on the planet. Unlike other companies producing various home appliances, Speed Queen’s sole focus is laundry, washing machines, and dryers. 

This focus has led them to put all their energy into producing some of the highest-quality washers and dryers available on the market. The company has been building its brand’s quality for over 110 years, meaning you can count on its equipment performance and reliability.

Speed Queen has received kudos from Good Housekeeping and the Women’s Choice Award for several years. In 2021 Speed Queen was the most recommended luxury Washer and Dryer.

Speed Queen’s home-style mechanical top load washer is an incredibly convenient and reliable washing machine that will last a long time. You can use your seven-year warranty and contact Speed Queen for repairs if there are any issues.

Features

  • The Speed Queen mechanical top-loading washing machine has a 14 lbs capacity making it perfect for a family of four. It can handle large laundry loads during a single wash cycle.
  • The washing machine has heavy-duty components, including stainless steel tub and all-metal transmission, to ensure long-lasting and reliable performance. 
  • This Speed Queen top-loading washer has an advanced suspension system that removes the possibility of an unbalanced load.
  • The washer’s curved four-vane agitator delivers a 210 degrees wash stroke for incredible cleaning results.
  • If you have a pet, you will like Speed Queen’s Pet Plus cycles that effectively eliminate pet dander and dust. 

Pros 

  • American brand 
  • 14 lbs capacity 
  • Seven years warranty 
  • Stainless steel tub
  • Pet Plus wash cycles

Cons 

  • Not water control

Buying Guide: Best Washing Machine for Family of 4 

Capacity 

The washing machine capacity is expressed in cubic feet. Look for a machine with at least 4.5 cubics. ft. if you frequently wash heavy loads.

If you have a family of four or more, a low-capacity washer will be inefficient, and you will need to run more loads. However, with a large-capacity washer, you can wash much larger loads.

Energy and water efficient

Kilowatt-hours is the unit of measurement for energy use in washers (kWh). The washer is more energy-efficient the lower the number. 

Go for a washer with the HE mark on the control panel if you want to save water. The term “high efficiency” is used for a washer that is manufactured to be more water and energy efficient than a regular washing machine.

Design

A washer and dryer that can be stacked together is a fantastic method to maximize your space if you have little floor space for your laundry setup. However, only a washer with a front-loading design is stackable. 

On the other hand, the design of top-loading washers is more convenient. With a top loader, you will not have to bend down to load and unload the washer or spend money on a pedestal to raise it higher.

Cost 

Washing machines are costly appliances, and if you go for a HE one, the price will be even higher. The high price tag is expected as washers are machines that need to last a long time, but that does not mean you should buy the most expensive one.

The cost can also be affected by the color of the washing machine, with white finishes typically being the least expensive. The cost of your washer may increase by $100 or more, depending on the different colors.

Deep cleaning cycles 

You should pick a washing machine with a deep cleaning mode to sanitize your laundry if you want to get rid of bacteria from your clothes. Frequently, a cycle is used in conjunction with this to get rid of allergens such as pet dander and dust mites.

The steam feature on the washing machine aids in removing stains from clothing, which is why it is important to look for washers with a steam feature.

Dispenser for detergent

Many brands have begun integrating a range of detergent dispensers into their washers. Others pre-mix the fabric softener and water from the dispenser before transferring it to the drum for more even distribution. Some detergent dispensers can hold enough detergent for multiple loads.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between a front-loading and a top-loading washer? 

The main difference between the two is how you load and unload them. For example, you need to load a top-loading washing machine from the top, which is why many consider them more convenient.

On the other hand, front-loading washing machines have a glass door on their front side, behind which is the drum.

Which is better, a front-loading or a top-loading washing machine?

There is not one right answer, as it largely depends on preference. If you want a washing machine that uses less water, you should buy a front-loading one as they are more water-efficient. 

However, if you want a washer that will take less time to run a wash cycle and is more convenient to load, go for a top-loading one. 

What does HE stand for in washing machines?

The term HE stands for high efficiency. HE washing machines are incredibly popular among consumers due to their water and energy-saving abilities. Both top-loading and front-loading washers can be high efficiency. 

Related: What Is The Best Washing Machine For A Large Family?

Conclusion

There you have my top choices for the best washing machine for family of 4. If you are looking for a new washing machine, you will not go wrong if you choose any of those mentioned above.

All you need to decide is whether you want a top-loading or a front-loading washer.