What capacity do I need

Looking for the best washer on the market? CNET editors help you choose between pressure washers, washer dryer combos, and other washing machines to meet your needs.

How much room do you have in your home or apartment? How large of a load of laundry do you need to do each week? A washer should last you 8 years to 12 years, but overstuffing it can shorten its lifespan--so size does matter. Also, the larger the washer's capacity, the fewer loads you'll do and the more energy and water you'll tend to save. Here are the average capacity ranges on the market:

Front-loading washers
Width: 27 inches or more
Capacity: 12 pounds to 20 pounds/3 cubic feet to 4.2 cubic feet

Full-size top-loading washers
Width: 27 inches or more
Capacity: 12 pounds to 16 pounds/3 cubic feet to 3.8 cubic feet

Compact washers
Width: 24 inches or less
Capacity: 8 pounds to 12 pounds load/2.5 cubic feet to 3 cubic feet

Two-in-one
Width: 23 inches
Capacity: 8 pounds/2.11 cubic feet to 2.44 cubic feet