Although revamped models with some refinements and an added convenience or two arrive every few years, the basic top-load design has remained the same. The tub spins on a horizontal axis, as a dryer does, dunking clothes in and out of a small pool of concentrated soapy water up to 50 times per minute. They also spin faster and extract more water for quicker drying, saving significant amounts of water and energy in the process. They also require more stooping and bending - and special detergents. But rather than taking sides in the great debate, begin your search for a new washer by focusing on the features that make the most sense for the way you do laundry.
All manufacturers base the size of washers on tub capacity.
The larger the tub, the more it holds and the less time you spend on laundry. A larger tub also allows the same amount of clothing to tumble more freely for better cleaning and fabric protection. Manufacturers describe tub size differently. So ignore pounds or pieces and focus on tub volume. The smallest domestic unit is 1.7 cu.