Best Direct Drive Washing Machines of 2025

Denise Buck Avatar
Denise Buck
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Direct drive washing machines are a popular choice for consumers seeking a reliable and efficient laundry solution. These machines feature a motor that is directly connected to the drum, eliminating the need for belts and pulleys. As a result, direct drive washing machines are quieter, more energy-efficient, and require less maintenance than traditional models. They also offer a range of advanced features, including multiple wash cycles, automatic water level adjustment, and customizable settings. With their cutting-edge technology and superior performance, direct drive washing machines are a smart investment for any household.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kenmore 20362 Triple Action Agitator Top-Load Washer Cover #TOP 1
Kenmore 20362 Triple Action Agitator Top-Load Washer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Samsung 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer Cover #TOP 2
Samsung 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer
ftb score rating icon 9.8
West Bend WB220FLWVW Compact Washer Cover #TOP 3
West Bend WB220FLWVW Compact Washer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Direct Drive Washing Machines

#TOP 1

Kenmore 20362 Triple Action Agitator Top-Load Washer

20362
White
3.8 cu. ft.
Kenmore 20362 Triple Action Agitator Top-Load Washer Cover
Kenmore 20362 Triple Action Agitator Top-Load Washer, 3.8 cu. ft, White

The Kenmore Triple Action Washer is a top-load washer with a spacious 3.8 cu. ft. capacity. Its triple action agitator combines spray jets, wash basket motion, and agitator action to effectively clean ground-in dirt and tough stains. With 12 wash cycles and multiple wash temperatures, you can easily customize each load for the right type of cleaning. The washer uses just the right amount of water for each load, and the deep fill option allows you to increase the water level for larger loads. It also features odor-resistant stainless steel tub that won't snag or pull fabrics, and looks great after each wash. Additionally, the bleach and fabric dispensers add convenience to your laundry routine. Pair it with the Kenmore 62332 Electric Dryer or Kenmore 72332 Gas Dryer (sold separately) for a complete laundry set.

What We Like
Spacious 3.8 cu. ft. capacity
Triple action agitator for effective cleaning
Customizable wash cycles and temperatures

Samsung 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer

WW25B6900AW/A2
White
Samsung 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer Cover
Samsung WW25B6900AW/A2 2.5 cu. ft. Smart Dial Front Load Washer

The Samsung Front Load Washer offers powerful stain removal without pre-treating, washes a full load in just 40 minutes for quick laundry, reduces noise and vibration for quiet washing, and provides easy troubleshooting through your smartphone with Smart Care.

What We Like
Steam Wash Stain Removal
Super Speed Washing
Vibration Reduction Technology

West Bend WB220FLWVW Compact Washer

WB220FLWVW
White
2.2-Cu.Ft.
West Bend WB220FLWVW Compact Washer Cover
West Bend WB220FLWVW Front Load Washing Machine, Compact Washer, Stackable Option, 15 Automatic Cycles, Adjustable Water Temperatures, LED Display, and See-Through Door, 2.2 cu.ft, White

The West Bend Compact Washer is perfect for anyone with limited space or small laundry needs. With a capacity of 2.2 cu. ft., it handles smaller loads efficiently. You can choose from 15 automatic cycles and five different water temperatures, ensuring you have the right settings for every type of fabric. The LED display makes it easy to select your options, while the see-through door allows you to monitor your laundry without interrupting the wash cycle. This washer can be placed freestanding or stacked, providing flexibility in how you set up your laundry area.

What We Like
Space-saving design
Multiple wash settings
Easy monitoring
User-friendly controls
#TOP 4

Auertech Portable Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine

AU8590
White, Blue
28lbs capacity
Auertech Portable Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine Cover
Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs

Auertech Portable Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine is an ideal solution for small living spaces, such as dorms, apartments, and RVs. It has a large capacity of 28 pounds and two separate tubs, washing tub and spin tub, allowing you to wash and dry clothes simultaneously. Equipped with a 1300 rpm powerful motor, clothes can be washed quickly and efficiently. It is user-friendly with separate time control, lint filter, and adjustable inlet hose. Additionally, it is lightweight, easy to move, and the washing cycle is up to 15 minutes and the spinning cycle is up to 5 minutes each load, saving you valuable time.

What We Like
Large capacity of 28 pounds with two separate tubs for washing and spinning clothes simultaneously.
Equipped with a powerful 1300 rpm motor, achieving low consumption and saving water, while free your hands.
User-friendly design with separate time control, lint filter, and adjustable inlet hose, easy to operate.
Lightweight and easy to move, suitable for small living spaces, such as dorms, apartments, and RVs.
Time and space saver with washing cycle up to 15 minutes and spinning cycle up to 5 minutes each load, saving you valuable time.
#TOP 5

Midea Compact Front-Load Washer MLH25N7BWW

MLH25N7BWW
white
2.5 Cu.ft
Midea Compact Front-Load Washer MLH25N7BWW Cover
Midea MLH25N7BWW Compact Front-Load Machine, 24" Energy & Space-Saving Washer, Steam Care and Cold Wash Stackable Laundry, for Family Daily use, 2.5 Cu.ft, White

The Midea Front-Load Washer is designed with powerful steam for gentle cleaning, ensuring your clothes are treated delicately while effectively removing stains. Its Brushless Inverter Motor guarantees quieter and efficient operation, backed by a 10-year warranty. With the Cold Wash Cycle, you can prevent color fading and shrinking, saving energy in the process. Additionally, the internal heater raises water temperature to 152Fº, tackling tough stains and pet dander effectively.

What We Like
Powerful Steam Cleaning
Brushless Inverter Motor
Cold Wash Cycle for Energy Saving
#TOP 6

Hamilton Beach HBFW3205 Washer

HBFW3205
White
Hamilton Beach HBFW3205 Washer Cover
Hamilton Beach HBFW3205 Fullsize Washer-LED Digital Display Panel-5 Wash Cycles-Front Load Design-2.2 cu ft, 24 inch Wide, White

The Hamilton Beach Washer offers six fully automatic wash cycles, including options like Normal and Quick, ensuring you can select the perfect setting for your laundry needs. Its stainless-steel tub prevents rusting and snagging of clothes, protecting your garments. Operating at a quiet level of less than 72dB, this washer allows you to do laundry without disturbing your household or neighbors. Additionally, the user-friendly design means you just have to press "Start" to begin washing, with easy access to adjust settings as needed, making laundry day a breeze.

What We Like
Multiple wash cycles
Quiet operation
Stainless-steel tub
User-friendly controls
#TOP 7

KRIB BLING Full Automatic Washing Machine

ZTXQB201B-GREY9
Grey White
25lbs
KRIB BLING Full Automatic Washing Machine Cover
KRIB BLING Full Automatic Washing Machine with LED Display, 25 lbs Portable Washer Drain Pump, 10 Programs & 8 Water Levels Selections, Ideal for Camping, Apartment, Dorm, GREY, ZTXQB201B-GREY9

Introducing the KRIB BLING Washer, a compact 2-in-1 full automatic washing machine with a portable design. By selecting the washing & spinning program and water level, this mini laundry washer can operate independently, saving you time and effort. Ideal for small spaces like RVs, Camping, Dorms, and Apartments, it features a drain pump for easy drainage from various angles. With 10 washing programs, 4 water level modes, and an LED display, laundry time is clearly visible. The child lock ensures safety during operation, while the imbalance adjustment system reduces noise and ensures safety.

What We Like
Compact & Portable
10 Washing Programs
Child Lock for Safety

Midea MLTW37A1BWW Agitator Machine

MLTW37A1BWW
White
3.7 Cu.ft
Midea MLTW37A1BWW Agitator Machine Cover
Midea MLTW37A1BWW Agitator Machine, Auto Top Load Sensing Washer, 12 Washing Cycles, Dial Control Panel, 3.7 Cu.ft, White

The Midea Agitator Washer offers a Big Transparent Lid for easy laundry viewing. With 12 Pre-Set Wash Cycles, it provides various cleaning options. The Load Sensing Technology adjusts water levels based on load size, enhancing wash efficiency. The POWER BOOST AGITATOR generates powerful water flow for better cleaning performance. The DEEP CLEAN 360° Treatment ensures heavy clothes are thoroughly cleaned. This washer simplifies your laundry routine, optimizes wash cycles, and delivers exceptional cleaning results.

What We Like
Transparent Lid
12 Wash Cycles
Load Sensing Technology
Powerful Agitation
Deep Cleaning
#TOP 9

Avanti STW30D0W Portable Washing Machine

STW30D0W
White
Avanti STW30D0W Portable Washing Machine Cover
Avanti STW30D0W Portable Washing Machine 3.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Top Loading with Hot and Cold Water Inlets, 6 Cycles, Compact for Apartments Dorms and RVs, White

The Avanti STW30D0W Portable Washing Machine is a 3.0 Cu.Ft. top load washer that is ideal for compact spaces such as dorm rooms, RVs, apartments and more. It features six automatic cycles, three water temperatures, and three load size selections. It also has an ADA Compliant design for freestanding use with a stainless steel tub, bottom pulsator wash action, soft close glass lid, and control lock-out. Customers have praised its quiet operation and efficient cleaning capabilities.

What We Like
Compact design is easy to store and move
Six automatic cycles and three water temperatures
ADA Compliant design with stainless steel tub
Quiet operation and efficient cleaning
Soft close glass lid and control lock-out
#TOP 10

BLACK+DECKER Front Load Washer

BFLW27MW
White
BLACK+DECKER Front Load Washer Cover
BLACK+DECKER Front Load Washer, 2.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Washing Machine with LED Display & 16 Cycles

The BLACK+DECKER Front Load Washer is a compact washing machine with an impressive 2.7 cu. ft. interior stainless steel tub. It has 16 cycles to choose from, including My Cycle, Quick Wash, Delicates, Wool, Baby Wear, Sanitary, Cold Wash, Tub Clean, Normal/Cotton, Permanent Press, Heavy Duty, Bulky/Large, Sports Wear, Spin Only, Drain Only and Rinse & Spin. It also features auto unbalance detection, a 1300 RPM max spin speed, easy-to-read LED control panel, Add a Garment & Extra Rinse selections, Child Lock and Door Lock safety features, and a transparent front loading lid. This washer offers the highest quality and is perfect for any home.

What We Like
16 cycles to choose from
Impressive 2.7 cu. ft. interior stainless steel tub
Auto unbalance detection, 1300 RPM max spin speed, and easy-to-read LED control panel
Child Lock and Door Lock safety features
Transparent front loading lid
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the disadvantages of direct drive washing machine?

While direct drive washing machines offer many benefits, there are some disadvantages to consider. Repairing a direct drive machine can be more expensive because it involves dismantling the attached motor. Additionally, if there is any leakage in the washtub, it can affect the motor's functioning due to water seepage.

2. Is direct drive better in a washing machine?

Yes, direct drive is generally considered better in a washing machine. Direct drive machines are more efficient and can reach higher RPMs than traditional belt systems. They also operate with less vibration and noise, providing a smoother and quieter washing experience.

3. Does direct drive clog less?

Direct drive washing machines, particularly those with shorter sections of filament, are less likely to experience clogging. The shorter section of filament is stiffer, reducing the likelihood of it bunching up and causing clogs. This makes direct drive machines suitable for printing flexible filaments and may also require less retraction distance for regular filaments.

4. What is the difference between smart inverter and direct drive washing machine?

The main difference between a smart inverter and a direct drive washing machine lies in their motor systems. Conventional models use motors that drive the belt to spin the gears and the drum, leading to wear and tear over time. Inverter washing machines, on the other hand, have a variable motor connected to a clutch-driven system that engages the drum. This design reduces the number of moving parts and potential issues associated with friction.

5. How long does LG direct drive washing machine last?

With regular use and proper maintenance, an LG direct drive washing machine can last approximately 10 to 15 years before showing signs that it needs to be replaced. During this time, minor repairs may be required to keep the machine functioning optimally.

Editor's Notes

During our direct drive washing machine research, we found 24 direct drive washing machine products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,911 customer reviews through our big data system to write the direct drive washing machines list. We found that most customers choose direct drive washing machines with an average price of $506.10.

The direct drive washing machines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of direct drive washing machines, including Kenmore, SAMSUNG, West Bend, Auertech, Midea. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Denise Buck Avatar

Denise Buck is an excellent content writer. She has the ability to look for great deals on Home & Kitchen appliances and office products on the Internet for various customers, then she can write a complete buying guide to help you find products that fit your budget and the best bargains.