If you’ve got a large family, you’ll know the struggle that comes with tackling the ever-growing mountain of laundry that seems to gather at lightning speed. And, just when you think you’ve got through it all, it’s suddenly back and looming larger than ever!
It’s not just the size of the laundry pile that’s difficult to tackle either. Each piece of clothing is almost guaranteed to be stained or soiled in a very unique way, making the job even harder.
So, how can you keep on top of your family’s laundry and wage the war against tough stains and ingrained dirt? The solution is to look for a washing machine that is specifically designed to handle whatever your family can throw at their clothes, can handle doing huge loads of laundry at once, and will leave your clothes looking and smelling as fresh as the day they were bought.
Finding the perfect washing machine for your family’s needs can be a daunting task, though. But don’t panic! We’ve done the hard work for you, and have listed some of the best washing machines for a large family below.
We’ve also put together a super useful buying guide that’s packed with information on what to look out for before making your final decision, helping you find the perfect washing machine for a large family the first time around.
Sit back, relax, and join us on our journey through the features and benefits of purchasing a washing machine for a large family, and pretty soon you’ll be showing that mountain of laundry exactly who’s in charge!
Top 5 Best Washing Machine for Large Family
OUR TOP PICK
Summary
Featuring Super Speed technology that can thoroughly wash a load in as little as 36 minutes, the WA50E5400AW High-Efficiency Washing Machine from Samsung is the perfect choice for a large family with a high turnover of laundry.
The 5.0 cubic foot capacity also allows you to wash larger loads at the same time so you can power through your washing pile and stop it from getting out of control.
The tub is also designed in a deep-fill style and loads from the top, while the EZ Access system allows you to reach the bottom of the drum and retrieve your garments without overstretching.
With a large family comes the increased chance of stained clothing as well, but the Active Water Jet feature has got you covered here, allowing you to easily pre-treat heavy stains with just the touch of a button.
Matched with the 12 preset washing cycles, 8 additional washing options, and 5 temperature levels, your clothes will be cleaner than ever before.
This fantastic washing machine also features VRT Plus technology which reduces noise and vibration for a much quieter wash, which is ideal for a family with babies or toddlers that need sleep throughout the day.
There’s even a self-clean function so you won’t have to worry about making the time to clean your machine yourself, and it’s energy star certified for eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
Pros
Has a large 5.0 cubic foot capacity and can wash a full load of laundry in just 36 minutes
The deep-fill design allows you to wash more at once, and the EZ Access system prevents you from overstretching when retrieving your washing
An Active Water Jet feature allows you to pre-treat heavily stained or soiled clothing super easily
12 preset washing cycles, 8 additional washing options, and 5 water temperature levels give you ultimate control over your laundry
Is certified for energy-efficiency, has a self-cleaning function and operates at a reduced noise level
Cons
Although the EZ Access system is great for retrieving clean washing from the machine, particularly short people may still struggle to reach the bottom of the drum
EDITORS CHOICE
Summary
Available in three different colors to suit any personal preference, the GFW850SSNWW Front Load Washing Machine from GE is packed with features that make it a great choice for any large family that accumulates a lot of laundry.
Let’s start with the SmartDispense™ system. This clever function allows you to add up to 50 ounces of liquid detergent to the washing machine’s drawer, and then dispenses the correct amount for each load, saving you time and effort.
Simply place your laundry in the machine, choose from the multiple washing options including quick wash, power clean, and time saver, then let the machine do the rest.
Another fantastic thing about this washing machine is the integrated ventilation system that prevents odors from building up within the machine and ensures your laundry comes out smelling fresh and clean every time.
There is also antimicrobial technology integrated into the drum that adds further protection against odor-causing bacteria.
You can even keep an eye on your washing when you’re out of the house thanks to the machine’s built-in WiFi that allows you to monitor it’s progress directly from your smart device! And, to top it all off, the Wash & Dry feature allows you to dry a small load of laundry without needing to transfer it to a separate machine.
Pros
Features several washing cycles including quick wash, power clean and time saver that can thoroughly wash a full load in just 35 minutes
The SmartDispense™ system allows you to store up to 50 ounces of detergent and automatically dispenses the correct amount for your chosen cycle
A ventilation system and antimicrobial Microban technology kills odor-causing bacteria and ensures your washing smells fresh every time
Built-in WiFi allows you to keep an eye on the progress of your washing from your smart device
The innovative Wash & Dry feature allows you to dry a small load directly in the machine without needing to transfer it to a separate dryer
Cons
Some people that purchased this washing machine had issues with setting up the WiFi feature initially, however, the included troubleshooting guide helped to resolve any problems
BEST VALUE
Summary
If you’re looking for a washing machine that can handle a high turnover of laundry and give you clean clothes in record time, then the WM3700HVA from LG Electronics could be exactly what you need.
Capable of thoroughly washing small loads in just 15 minutes with the SpeedWash cycle, it’s ideal for large families with young children.
It also has a massive 4.5 cubic feet capacity that can hold mountains of laundry, so you can do more at once. Each wash cycle features LG’s innovative 6Motion™ technology, which combines six different washing motions for a revolutionary cleaning experience.
This machine also uses the power of steam to blast through dried-on dirt and remove stains with minimal effort, as well as reducing wrinkles to help cut down on your ironing time.
This washing machine is also equipped with SmartThinQ™ technology that allows you to keep an eye on the progress of your laundry through your smart device. You can even start a load simply by asking your voice-activated home assistant to power the machine on and begin washing!
There are also energy-efficient features such as cold wash technology that is engineered to provide you with a deep clean without needing to warm up any water, and a SenseClean™ system that automatically sets the water level depending on the weight of your laundry.
It’s also highly durable and features a stainless steel, NeverRust™ tub, and a TrueBalance™ anti-vibration system that reduces the amount of noise the machine makes when in use.
Pros
Can wash a small load of laundry in as little as 15 minutes with the SpeedWash cycle
Has a huge 4.5 cubic feet capacity, allowing you to do more laundry in one go
6Motion™ technology and steam cleaning leave your clothes super clean and also helps reduce ironing time by eliminating wrinkles
Integrated SmartThinQ™ technology lets you keep track of your laundry’s progress through your smart device and even allows you to start a load simply by asking your voice-activated assistant
Is super quiet when in use, and has energy-efficient features such as SenseClean™ and a specially-designed cold wash cycle
Cons
The LCD touchscreen can be a little difficult to read if your washing machine is in a particularly bright room
RUNNER UP
Summary
Designed to tackle stains with ease, the MVW7232HW Washing Machine from Maytag is an ideal solution for any large families that often find themselves battling against stubborn dirt and persistent stains.
The ‘Heavy Duty’ cycle is the hero of the day here, packing an extra-powerful cleaning punch and saving you time and effort.
You also won’t need to worry about getting rid of stains on items that can only be washed in cold water, thanks to the Extra Power button that gives you the best stain-removing performance possible no matter what temperature you’re washing with.
There are several washing cycles to choose from, giving you ultimate control over your laundry, as well as a wrinkle control feature that dramatically reduces your ironing time. And, if you’re in a rush, the Quick Wash cycle will give you a clean load in just 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, built-in shock absorbers and springs help to reduce the noise of the machine when it’s in operation.
Integrated smart features allow you to keep track of your washing machine’s progress via your smart device, and even allow you to start and stop your machine when you’re not at home.
The lid of this washer is constructed from super-tough, slow-close glass too, so you can keep an eye on your load throughout the washing process. Complete with a 10-year limited parts warranty, this is a washing machine that is built to last!
Pros
Can tackle stubborn stains with ease at any temperature thanks to the Heavy Duty cycle and Extra Power button
A variety of washing cycles give you full control over your laundry, while the Quick Wash cycle can deliver a clean load in just 30 minutes
Built-in shock absorbers and springs reduce noise and vibration whilst the machine is running
Integrated smart features allow you to start and stop the machine, as well as keep an eye on its progress, directly from your smart device
Comes with a 10-year limited parts warranty
Cons
The machine is top-loading and the drum is quite deep, so shorter people may have an issue retrieving laundry from the bottom of the washing machine
RUNNER UP
Summary
We’ve all been in the situation where our washing cycle has finished, our laundry is clean, but we’ve forgotten to take it out of the machine and we end up having to wash it all over again. It’s an easy mistake to make. However, the Whirlpool WFW9620HC Washing Machine makes this a thing of the past!
This is due to a genius addition of a built-in fan that activates once your load has finished, keeps your clothes tumbling periodically over twelve hours, and makes sure that they are kept smelling fresh even if they’re accidentally left in the machine.
It’s not just this function that makes it a great choice of washing machine for a large family, though. The 5 cubic foot capacity also gives you the ability to do more washing at once, and the front-loading design makes filling and emptying the machine quick and easy.
Meanwhile, the 35 customizable wash cycles give you more control over your washing than ever before.
Smart features allow you to keep track of your laundry’s progress when you’re not in the house and stop and start a wash from the convenience of your smart device.
This machine also features a sanitize cycle that eliminates harmful and odor-causing bacteria, keeping your washing machine smelling fresh and ensuring that your clothes always come out as clean as possible.
Pros
Integrated fans automatically start up when your load comes to an end and keep your washing fresh in the drum for up to 12 hours
Has a 5 cubic foot capacity so you can do more laundry at once
The front-loading design makes filling and emptying the machine easy and convenient
Integrated smart features allow you to keep an eye on the progress of your washing through your smart device
Features 35 customizable cycles and a sanitize cycles that kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria
Cons
Is at the higher end of the price scale for a washing machine, however, the features and benefits are definitely worth the money
Best Washing Machine for Large Family Buying Guide
As a family grows in size, so too does the need for a washing machine that can handle large loads of laundry, battle tough stains, and leave your clothes looking and smelling clean and fresh.
However, no two families are ever the same, so it’s important to give some thought to the different features each washing machine has to offer. Below, we’ve outlined some key points that will help you find the perfect washing machine for your family’s needs the first time around.
Capacity
Perhaps the most important thing to think about when researching your washing machine is what capacity it has. A large family gets through a lot of laundry, and so it stands to reason that you’ll need a washing machine that can handle a large load.
Remember, also, that the more laundry your machine can clean at once the fewer loads you’ll have to do. This will save you a lot of time and prevents you from having to do multiple washes throughout the day.
For a large family of four or more people, the perfect capacity of your washing machine would be around 4.5 - 5 cubic feet.
Load-Style
You’ll need to give some thought to the load-style of your washing machine as well, and what will work best for the space that you’re looking to install your machine into.
Top-loading washing machines are a popular choice as the opening isn’t restricted by surrounding walls, giving you the optimum amount of space for loading and unloading. You can also simply drop your laundry into the machine directly from your basket, rather than having to load it all in by hand.
One issue with top-loading machines, however, is that they can be difficult to unload, particularly if you’re a shorter person. Some top-loading machines have thought about this issue though, and feature special design technology such as an EZ Access System that makes reaching the bottom of the drum much easier.
Front-loading washing machines are much easier to unload and you won’t have to overstretch to reach the bottom of the wash basket. They can be a little more restrictive when it comes to installation, and you’ll have to give some thought to surrounding walls and obstacles that might reduce the opening space.
If you feel like this might be an issue, look for a front-loading machine that comes with reversible doors. This will allow you to place the door on either the left or right-hand side of the machine and allows you to customize the installation of the machine to your space.
Energy Efficiency
We’re all aware that we need to be doing our part to help protect the planet and reduce our carbon footprint, and washing machines are no exception to this rule. Luckily, there are loads of machines available that are energy efficient and don’t help the environment but will also save you money on your energy bills too.
Any washing machine that is Energy Star Certified will have been tried and tested for energy efficiency, so this is a good thing to look out for.
Some machines also have their own energy-saving features, such as specially engineered cold wash cycles that give you the results of a warm wash without needing to use any extra energy to heat up the water. SenseClean™ is another great energy-efficient feature and allows your washing machine to use only as much water as needed for each individual wash.
Cycles
The many different activities that a large family will get up to also mean that you’ll need specific washes to remove stains, deep clean, and bring your laundry back to its original state.
With that in mind, it’s a good idea to find a machine that has a wide variety of washing cycles. This will give you ultimate control over your laundry and will take all of the hard work out of cleaning your clothes.
Multiple wash cycles will also take a lot of the guesswork out doing your laundry, and each one will have been programmed to care for the specific needs of the fabric, as well as making sure that it’s restored to its clean, original glory.
Among the large number of wash cycles available, one good one to look out for when you’re doing laundry for a large family is a Speed Wash or Quick Wash. This gives you the ability to do a small load of laundry in as little as 15 minutes, which is ideal when your child reminds you that their gym kit isn’t clean and you need it the same day!
Smart Features
In an age of modern technology and smart homes, it only makes sense that your washing machine joins the game as well. There are loads of machines available that have integrated smart features that are designed to make doing the laundry easier than ever before.
WiFi-enabled machines allow you to track the progress of your laundry through your smart device, and you can even start and stop some machines through your cellphone or voice-activated assistant. This is ideal for a large, busy family and takes the stress out of remembering to manually activate your machine before you leave the house for the day.
Extra Features
As with any home appliance, it’s always worth seeing what else you can get for your money and what extra features your washing machine has that can make doing the laundry for a large family as pain-free as possible.
One really great feature to look out for is a SmartDispense™ system. This allows you to store up to 50 ounces of liquid detergent in the machine’s tray, and will only dispense as much detergent as needed for each specific wash cycle.
There are also machines available that feature built-in faucets and water jets that allow you to pre-treat any heavily stained or soiled laundry directly in the machine before commencing with your chosen washing cycle.
Self-cleaning machines are also really good and will kill off any odor-causing bacteria that can accumulate in the drum for you, leaving your clothes clean and fresh and taking the hard work out of cleaning the machine manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best washing machine for a large family?
There are several things to look out for when purchasing a washing machine for a large family. The capacity needs to be large enough to handle big loads, and it’ll also need to have some serious cleaning power behind it to blast through stains and dirt.
Check out our buying guide above for everything you need to know about buying a washing machine for a large family.