Inside Consumer Reports Test Labs: Frigidaire FTW3014K[W] top-loader doesn't top our charts

Conventional top-loading washing machines are less expensive than high-efficiency top-loaders and front-loaders, but they typically use more water and tend to be relatively noisy. These same drawbacks beset the Frigidaire FTW3014K[W] top-loading washing machine, $550, which we recently tested for our continuously updated ratings of top-loaders and front-loaders (available to subscribers).

The FTW3014K[W] was only good overall, delivering mediocre cleaning, water extraction, and energy and water efficiency. This machine, which has a center-post agitator, scored a good in gentleness tests and, despite the addition of what the manufacturer calls "Sound Silencer Plus" technology, was noisy. While claimed capacity is 3 cubic feet, the plastic wash basket on the FTW3014K[W] held only a 12-pound load, on the low end for top-loaders. Cycle time was 50 minutes.

The FTW3014K[W] did excel in our vibration tests and offers PowerPlus Clean, a convenient feature that automatically advances a load from the soak or prewash cycle to the wash and extra rinse cycles. This option means you can start a load and not have to manually advance the machine from soak or prewash, which you might use when you're tackling heavily stained loads.

Conventional top-loaders perform the least impressively of all washer types, but as the ratings show, you can find a model that delivers very good or excellent washing performance for the same price as the Frigidaire. Or spend $100 more for the Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F(S), an impressive CR Best Buy front-loader.—Kimberly Janeway | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Check out our free buyer's guides to washers and dryers and review of the best laundry detergents. And read our recent looks at the LG WM2010C[W] and the Estate ETW4400W, Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6500W, and Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8400T washing machines.