For a U.S. budget of $600, Consumer Reports’ 2026 buying guide lists two top-load agitator washers to compare: the GE GTW385ASWWS at $559 and the Maytag MVW4505MW at $599. These are guide-listed reference prices, not confirmed current offers. The available model details do not establish a clear overall winner, so check today’s price and compare fit, features, and service terms before choosing.
Which washing machines are listed under $600?
Consumer Reports’ 2026 buying guide lists these two models in its top-load agitator washer table. The listed prices may not match current retailer offers.
| Model | Guide-listed price | Details in the guide |
|---|---|---|
| GE GTW385ASWWS | $559 | Listed in the top-load agitator table. The available guide details do not establish category-level strengths that would justify calling it the best cleaner, quietest, or most reliable. |
| Maytag MVW4505MW | $599 | Listed cycle time: 60 minutes. Listed dimensions: 44 × 27 × 28 inches. |
The guide evaluates overall score, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, washing performance, energy and water efficiency, gentleness, noise, vibration, and cycle time. The model-level details available here are not sufficient for a reliable head-to-head performance ranking. Treat both as candidates, then consult the full current ratings and retailer listings before buying. Consumer Reports washing machine buying guide.
Is a top-load agitator washer the right budget choice?
Consumer Reports describes top-load agitator washers as a lower-cost category. Its 2026 guide gives the category a typical price range of $450–$1,500, cycle times of 35–105 minutes, and capacities up to 5.4 cubic feet. It says these washers use about 20 gallons per load and can have shorter cycles, but may be rougher on fabrics and noisy. Those are category-level observations, not measured claims about either specific model above.
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- Tough Action for Tough Stains: Our top load clothes washer features a Triple Action Impeller to tackle your toughest loads in three powerful ways: Spraying Action to attack dirt from every angle with a concentrated detergent mix, Wash Basket Action to move the wash basket back and forth, and Impeller Action to move clothes in a circular pattern
- More Laundry, Less Time: Our high-efficiency top load washer features Express Wash to clean small loads in just 30 minutes (based on a 3-lb load, default cycle setting), and Accela Wash to clean full-size loads up to 51% faster (compared to a standard 8-lb load, normal cycle, warm wash temp, extra heavy soil setting) - so you spend less time doing laundry
- Wash Your Way: Features 10 wash cycles to custom wash your loads including Heavy Duty, Whites, Towels, Delicates, and Express Cycles. Select from 4 temperature options and rinse with Extra Rinse to help protect sensitive skin. Soft Close lid has tempered glass and won’t slam shut
- Easy to Operate: Use the intuitive light-touch controls to select the load and cycle options that match the fabric types in each load. Plus, the convenient LED lights provide time remaining and cycle status information
- Reduce and Save: Energy savings includes Cold Clean which cleans gently & completely while using up to 90% less energy (when compared to the normal cycle, default settings, 8-lb load)
Would an HE top-loader or front-loader be a better fit?
Category averages can help set expectations, but they do not predict a specific washer’s results. Consumer Reports’ 2026 guide lists these ranges and tradeoffs:
| Washer category | Typical price range | Cycle time | Capacity | Guide-described tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top-load agitator | $450–$1,500 | 35–105 minutes | Up to 5.4 cu. ft. | About 20 gallons per load; shorter cycles, but can be rough on fabrics and noisy. |
| HE top-load | $500–$1,200 | 35–105 minutes | Up to 5.5 cu. ft. | About 13 gallons per load and very good to excellent washing performance, but cycles may be longer and clothes can tangle at high spin speeds. |
| Compact front-load | $880–$2,900 | 45–125 minutes | Up to 2.8 cu. ft. | The cited typical price range is above $600; sales or used machines may differ. |
For a strict $600 ceiling, agitator top-loaders are the most directly supported options in the guide’s model listings. An HE top-loader may suit buyers who prioritize lower water use, but the guide’s typical price range extends above the budget and a particular model’s price must be checked. Compact front-loaders are not a default fit at this budget based on the cited range.
Rank #2
- Tough Action for Tough Stains: Our top load clothes washer features a Triple Action Agitator to tackle your toughest loads in three powerful ways: Spraying Action to attack dirt from every angle with a concentrated detergent mix, Wash Basket Action to move the wash basket back and forth, and Agitator Action to move clothes in a circular pattern
- More Laundry, Less Time: Our high-efficiency top load washer features Express Wash to clean small loads in just 28 minutes (based on a 3-lb load, default cycle setting), and Accela Wash to clean full-size loads up to 51% faster (compared to a standard 8-lb load, normal cycle, warm wash temp, extra heavy soil setting) - so you spend less time doing laundry
- Wash Your Way: Features 10 wash cycles to custom wash your loads including Heavy Duty, Whites, Towels, Delicates, and Express Cycles. Select from 4 temperature options and rinse with Extra Rinse to help protect sensitive skin. Soft Close lid has tempered glass and won’t slam shut
- Easy to Operate: Use the intuitive light-touch controls to select the load and cycle options that match the fabric types in each load. Plus, the convenient LED lights provides time remaining and cycle status information
- Reduce and Save: Energy savings includes Cold Clean which cleans gently & completely while using up to 90% less energy (when compared to the normal cycle, default settings, 8-lb load). Remove shipping bolts from unit prior to install.
How to choose between the GE and Maytag
Neither guide-listed price alone settles which washer is the better value. Compare the details that affect your household and the total installed cost:
- Delivered price: Check the current item price plus delivery, installation, haul-away, and any required hookup charges.
- Space and access: Measure the laundry opening and available clearance, then check the route through doors, halls, and stairs. The Maytag’s listed dimensions are 44 × 27 × 28 inches; verify the retailer’s current specifications and how dimensions are presented.
- Capacity: Match the machine’s actual capacity to the size of your usual loads. Consumer Reports advises shoppers to consider actual capacity when choosing a washer.
- Noise and vibration: These matter especially when laundry is near living or sleeping areas. Compare detailed model ratings where available and check the installation surface and leveling requirements.
- Cleaning and fabric care: Look for model-level washing and gentleness ratings rather than assuming that category averages apply to an individual washer.
- Water, energy, and cycle time: Consider resource use and how long a normal wash takes alongside purchase price; a cheaper machine may not match your priorities over time.
- Reliability and support: Review current predicted-reliability information, warranty terms, local service availability, and return conditions before placing an order.
What do the washing-performance ratings measure?
Consumer Reports says its engineers assess stain removal by washing stained fabric swatches over repeated cycles, including stains such as red wine, cocoa, and soot. That describes Consumer Reports’ testing method; it is not a test conducted for this article. The guide also evaluates noise, vibration, gentleness, efficiency, and other factors, so a single overall score should be read alongside the categories most important to you. Consumer Reports’ explanation of washer testing.
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Rank #3
- Spacious Capacity: The 4.1 cu. ft. capacity of this washer machine provides ample space for large laundry loads, making it ideal for daily use in homes and for large families
- Agitator Clothes Washer: Top load washing machine with agitator helps provide fast, effective cleaning for tough, heavy duty stains and heavily soiled laundry needs
- Stainless Steel Wash Tub: Durable stainless steel wash tub in this washing machine resists rust and wear. Designed for longevity, providing reliable performance for all your top load washer needs
- Multiple Wash Cycles: Wash your laundry at home with this Black and Decker washing machine. Our clothes washer has 10 cycle selections to choose from for a variety of clothes, washes and needs
- Timed Delay Feature: With a 24-hour delay function, this full size washing machine offers flexibility in scheduling. Perfect for busy lifestyles, simply plan wash cycles at your convenience
What to verify before ordering
- Check the current listing. Confirm the exact model number, price, stock status, and whether the price is limited-time or tied to a promotion. The guide’s $559 and $599 prices are reference listings, not verified live offers.
- Measure the full installation path. Confirm the washer fits the laundry space and can pass through the entry route; account for needed clearance and hookups.
- Read delivery and installation terms. Establish what the retailer includes, whether old-appliance removal is available, and whether extra work or fees apply.
- Review model-specific evidence. Compare detailed performance and reliability ratings, warranty coverage, service access, and the retailer’s return policy before deciding.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
