Your first choice is frontloader vs. toploader. Many people avoid frontloaders on point of their susceptibility to develop mold on the door seal (it's also in hidden areas one can't see) and odor but that's largely a matter of proper usage habits. Toploaders also catch mold/smutz in hidden areas.

Next decision if toploader is the choice is between an HE/impeller model or an old-style centerpost agitator model (there aren't many). Both types nowadays typically don't have a water level control.

HE/impeller machines operate at an an auto-sensed reduced fill level in HE mode, or an auto-sensed higher level on some cycles such as for bulky items. The user has no direct control.

Some agitator models may also not have a water level control, operating at a fixed reduced level (1/2 full) for the "eco" cycles, and a full tub on all "deep wash" cycles, no user choice for between-levels. There are a few that offer multiple load size choices, such as Speed Queen's TR3/5/7 models.

Almost all washers nowadays have computer boards, even those with old-style rotary knobs on the panel ... the knobs are selectors for the computer board. A clue that an electronic control is involved is if the timer/cycle control knob is a selector that doesn't progressively rotate through from start to end of the cycle ... and if there are cycle progress lights on the panel.

Great info to get me going, thanks!

I do need a top loader and simply because I'm used to it I'd gravitate towards an agitator. I wonder if the HE/impellers are as effective, and hence why people are saying newer machines don't clean well?

There are many videos on YouTube of washing machines. Several appliance dealers, test-reviewers, and typical home users. Some of the HE/impellers models work reasonably well. Others are awful.

I have the GE GTW465, and I'm very happy with it. https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-4-5-cu-ft-High-Efficiency-Top-Load-Washer-White/1000757220. It has a lid lock, but you can pause the cycle if you need to unlock and open it. During some portions of the cycle it's not locked and you can open it without pausing. It plays a short gentle little tune at the beginning and end of the cycle. It can't be turned off but it's not annoying at all. When I'm in the next room and the door's closed, I can't even hear it. The washer makes different sounds than older ones, but that's normal. It automatically determines the water level, but also has a manual adjustment option. The automatic levels have worked out fine for me.

There's also a less expensive version, GE GTW335, with a slightly smaller tub. https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-4-2-cu-ft-Top-Load-Washer-White/1000757210. I opted for the 4.5 for the larger tub and the extra features.

My biggest gripe is with the manual. It covers 10 different models, and you have to sort through items to figure out what does or doesn't apply to yours.

I wonder if the HE/impellers are as effective, and hence why people are saying newer machines don't clean well?

Maybe because they're not using them right? They are as effective in my hands (I've been using front loaders for almost 20 years), and they use less water and require less drying (so less energy use). In fact, I think they work better, and they are certainly gentler on my clothes without an agitator.

Hibiscus check out Kirk Rivas on you tube. He has videos of various washers, using different cycles. If I were to purchase a new machine, I would probably go with Amana or the Maytag commercial.

Read the manual for whatever machine you buy. Check what it says about capacity. It will say how much of that capacity you can actually use. Try to find out the maximum temperature you can get for “hot”. It might only be 90°-100°F. Even an onboard heater may not be what you think. I was reading about one that boasted a heater but it only raised the temperature by a small amount. Look for increased temperatures on allergy cycles or sanitize. Sometimes an allergy cycle only means an extra rinse. I would want at least 135°F.

I would try to fix the machine you have or possibly replace it with an old school machine that has been reconditioned. We have a huge demand where I live for those machines.

Consider what is important for you in cleaning. I think you can find a front loader that cleans well, especially if it has an onboard heater that really heats.

I think unless you have water restrictions, it is much easier to hit the mark with an old school machine.

Some of these other things are important to me. I have an older SpeedQueen TL machine at home and we have 10 residential models we use commercially. The TC-5 they make now is the closest to it with a true agitator. The TR models have a tub agitation system that does not clean as well. SQ added to the agitation time on some cycles with the TRs, but it still does not clean as well and you lose one of the great SQ benefits, a 35 min full heavy duty wash cycle time. SQ also has ungoverned hot water, so the “hot” is as hot as you have your hot water heater set minus the water in the pipes between the hot water heater and the machine unless you use the ECO/NORMAL cycle. It is there to meet government mandates. SQ is full fill except on the ECO/NORMAL cycle. This is really important in rinsing which has been way underestimated in its role in cleaning. Some manufacturers are starting to have better rinsing now with HE machines. Some machines have deep fill and extra water but you have to see exactly what it means.

That is why you need a machine with no lid lock. The TC-5 allows you to look at any time. It does stop the agitation and spin and I believe the fill but you can easily check how the laundry is moving, the temperature, the water level and add your laundry products and clothing. You can soak.

SQs are extremely dependable. We have never had one down for repairs and they are abused.

The downside for the TC-5 is limited load size selection. There are two choices for water levels on each cycle.

They also have computer boards. I like my mechanical controls so I can reset the agitation time to make it longer or just rinse. Older machines still have variable load sizes and mechanical controls.

Oh the pain. I just went thru this to replace my big, beautiful, expensive “commercial” grade top loader Maytag that lasted barely 3 years. It replaced my 20 year old Maytag before that. Repair guy said new Maytag wasn’t worth it to fix. Bearing went. Have a friend that had a similar style Whirlpool, bearing also went. Repair guy said stay away from Samsung and LG. So, I decided to look at GEs because the speed queens were a bit too small. I had a larger style picked out with some features I wanted, but months of backorder due to COVID. So, I bought the GE that appears to be the same one Mo mentions above. Not in love with it, doesn’t even have a soap dispenser or other features I enjoyed, I really didn’t want a style with a big agitator, but it works for now. These things may not bother you. Can fit a comforter. I suggest seeing what your stock choices are. And buy the extended warranty. They don’t make them like they used to.

Check out the Yale Appliance website, which generally updates washers/dryers reviews, quarterly. You'll also need to review (online) the user manuals for the washers in which you are interested. One thing to note with the newer SQ is to use half the recommended HE detergent, to extend the life of the machine. You'll find You Tube videos discussing these issues. Remember to avoid using fabric softener (felted wool balls soften clothes just as well, and leave no residue in your machines), and pay strict attention to recommended load sizes. Wipe out machine as recommended and insure installation is done per manufacturer's directions.

@ceilsan32

”One thing to note with the newer SQ is to use half the recommended HE detergent, to extend the life of the machine.”

Where specifically did you see this and how does using recommended amounts shorten the life of the machine? Is this only on the TRs or TC-5?

I have used a very similar machine to the one that Mo mentioned, and it has actually left me shocked every time I have used it. It actually does a decent job.

I did, however, use my grandparent's Maytag Bravos XL today. I selected hot water, but it added cold and hot in an alternating fashion. So, I closed the cold water valve nearly all the way, but just open enough that a trickle of cold would come it. Believe it or not, the machine filled with about 95% hot water. Performance using the Deep Water Wash cycle was actually not too bad.

Also, I am a big fan of the LG built Kenmore front loading washers. If you can still manage to get your hands on one, you should snatch it up! The AutoSoak option will boost cleaning big time! We have one on the way in the next few weeks, so I will certainly be able to tell you more about it!

@wekick-a You Tube video on the newer SQ machines and my retailer warned about not overusing detergent as it causes excessive wear on machine's parts. YaleAppliance.com has repeatedly mentioned using too much detergent as shortening machine's life, for a variety of brands.