Top-loading washing machines are great because you don’t need to bend down while loading them. Though front-loading washers are great space-savers because they can be stacked with a dryer, a top-loading model can clean your clothing just as well if you have the space for one. While older top-loaders once used a lot of water and energy, newer models are almost, but not quite, as efficient as their front-loading counterparts. To figure out the best washing machines, the experts and analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab perform rigorous tests on each machine to determine cleaning performance, stain removal ability, gentleness on clothes, and ease of use. Ahead, you'll learn more about the top-loaders that have aced our tests, plus get the lowdown on which style of machine is best for you and what you should consider when shopping for your next machine.