10 Washing & Drying Machines to Skip Based on What People Say

Even though the Whirlpool Smart Front Load Washer with Load & Go Dispenser looks fancy, customers don’t think it’s worth the money. The brand claims the appliance will automatically dispense detergent and fabric softener as needed, but several people say the feature either doesn’t work from the start or stops working after a few months. Plus, the touchscreen control panel is hard to use and the Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping. And if you need to get the washer repaired under warranty, you could end up waiting over two months for replacement parts.

With over 100 reviews, this 5.0-cubic feet washer has an average star rating of 3.1, as close to 38% of buyers have given it just 1 star. One reviewer summed it up: “Control board went out after just over a year of use and basically costs as much as replacing the washing machine. Whirlpool is no help. Also the ‘load and go’ was a leaky mess from the beginning. If you are considering buying a washing machine think to yourself: ‘Do I really need an LCD screen on my washing machine?‘”

If you’re considering the Whirlpool Front Load Heat Pump Dryer, there are some major issues to be aware of. First, it has two lint filters that need to be cleaned regularly. Even then, lint and hair can still build up inside, reducing the dryer’s efficiency and creating a fire hazard. Whirlpool recommends professional cleaning every two years, which can cost $200-$350 out of warranty. Many customers also complain that the dryer takes forever to get clothes fully dry, or the clothes come out damp and need another cycle.

After almost 350 reviews, this dryer has an average 3.0 star rating, with 36% giving it just 1 star. As one frustrated buyer put it, “It ran okay for a little but eventually started making this loud screeching noise … The dryer can also take a very long time to dry a relatively small batch of laundry.“

LG claims its Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Compact Front Load Dryer can automatically adjust the drying time, but many customers disagree. They say it takes forever to dry a load, with towels needing over 2 hours and the interior still damp. On the flip side, some report the sensor overdries their clothes. Customers also mention the dryer stops working altogether after a year or two, and repairs can cost at least $349.

With around 230 reviews, this dryer has a 3.4 average rating, and close to 30% of reviewers gave it 1 star. As one buyer put it, “Only have had it for 2 years and it’s not drying.. It always seemed to dry super slow..now it won’t dry at all…so we called for repairs, they came 2 weeks later, now we are being told it’s a difficult job, so they will come back…“

You’d expect a washing machine to get your clothes clean, but many customers say that’s not the case with the LG Top Load Washer. The sensor doesn’t seem to work right, so it doesn’t fill with enough water to fully submerge the clothes. Even running the deep-fill cycle, the agitator doesn’t create enough friction to properly clean the laundry. Clothes often come out still dirty or coated in detergent.

With close to 500 reviews, this LG top-loader has a 3.7 average rating, and over 23% have given it 1 star. As one unhappy buyer put it, “Disappointed. Always have to deep fill to have water cover clothing (poor sensors evidently). Clothes [are] not always clean, leaving lint or residue. Tub dirty on bottom after washing clothes which makes me wonder how clean clothes really are. I suggest: Don’t buy this.“

The Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry combo may save space, but reviewers say it takes forever to wash and dry clothes. Even on the “Super Speed” mode, some say a full cycle took over 5 hours. And the clothes often come out still damp, needing an extra dry cycle. Customers also complain about a hard-to-clean lint trap and faulty sensors leading to error codes and needing repairs within the first year.

With close to 500 reviews, this washer and dryer duo has a 3.9 average rating, and 22% gave it 1 star. As one frustrated buyer shared, “[The machine] only worked about three days … Since then we have been going back and forth with repairs and Samsung customer service trying to get help. We have been without a washer or dryer for coming up on 3 months, and all Samsung offered was a one time use coupon which would result in about $1000 loss.“

You expect a washing machine to drain the dirty water out properly after a cycle. But many customers say the drain pump on the LG Signature Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer fails within a year, causing flooding and mold issues. And getting LG to honor the warranty and send a repair tech can be a real hassle.

Over 250 people have reviewed this LG washer, and 19% gave it 1 star, bringing the average to 3.9. As one exasperated buyer said, “This machine has had more repairs than a 1970s washer. I’ve had this washer for five years and it’s been repaired 12 times. The service repair man even tried to get it replaced and LG refused after the fourth repair… There’s something defective with the drain pump.“

While the Maytag 5.3 cubic feet Smart Top Load Washer with Extra Power has some nice features, reviewers say it goes off-balance way too often. Customers complain the washer makes loud noises, shakes excessively, and doesn’t spin properly, leaving detergent residue on clothes. Even getting it repaired under warranty doesn’t seem to fix the issue long-term.

With close to 800 reviews, this Maytag model has a 3.9 average rating, but 18% of buyers gave it 1 star. As one unhappy user put it, “Frequent fault codes such as out of balance loads. Makes obnoxious noises even with small loads of laundry. We have tried leveling it multiple times. Wouldn’t recommend.“

A key part of a washing machine is the soap dispenser, but reviewers say the one on Maytag’s Smart Front Load Washer with Extra Power is a major problem. They report it doesn’t properly add detergent, constantly fills with water, and can even overflow, leaking all over the floor. This leads to clothes coming out smelling musty and still dirty.

With close to 1,000 reviews, this Maytag washer has a 3.9 average rating, but over 15% gave it 1 star. As one buyer explained, “The machine rattles when it drains. I have a warranty but the repair people cannot fix it and say it is normal. Also the detergent dispenser drawer does not close flush to the washer and again, the repair person says he cannot fix it. I am very disappointed with a brand name that should be top-of-the line.“

Whirlpool’s Top Load Washer with Pretreat Station lands on this list because so many customers have had issues with it. They say it’s incredibly loud, like a “freight train,” and often breaks down within just a few years, needing repairs for problems like a faulty drain pump or control panel.

With over 600 reviews, this washer has an average 3.8 rating, and 15% of buyers gave it 1 star. One unhappy customer summed it up: “Loud, shakes, leaks, and constantly needs repair. I would not recommend this washer to anyone.“