If it's just basics that you want for your laundry needs then take a look at the top-loading Kenmore 28532 Super Capacity Washer. There aren't a lot of bells and whistles on this priced-to-sell model, but it's sufficiently equipped to wash a typical home's laundry with ease.

There are models on the market that offer much larger capacities, so calling the Kenmore 28532 a super-capacity washer may be a stretch. But with 3.2 cubic feet of interior in this machine, you can wash as many as 16 regular-size bath towels at one time. Equipped with ten wash cycles, Kenmore's 28532 offers enough variety for most households. We found the settings to be up to the job of handling typical laundry stains. Cycles include hand-washables, pre-wash for your dirtiest challenges and extra-rinse for removing excess soap residue.

The two-speed motor, with four combinations, allows you to easily wash anything from a delicate to a heavy-duty item -- and at just the right speed. Four temperature settings and four water level choices offer lots of flexibility for differing laundry loads. Convenient as well as versatile, this model has both fabric softener and bleach dispensers.

On the flip side, you can expect this model to operate with more noise than higher-end washers. There is no quiet package of added insulation or special suspension, so the 28532 is subject to more vibration and noise. Equipped with basic rotary controls, this model is not high-tech or especially attractive, but it has a familiar traditional style and is easy to use. This model's wash basket was upgraded from plastic to white porcelain, so you can expect the interior surface of this washer to be durable yet gentle on your fabrics.

Produced by Kenmore, the largest selling appliance brand in the United States, this washer should prove to be of better-than-average reliability and easy to repair should anything on it break. A fairly risk-free model, Kenmore's 28532 makes a good selection for those who are on a budget and looking for a workhorse washing machine.


Pros: Budget-friendly price, back-to-basics simplicity, pre-wash, auto-soak, four temperatures, four water levels, 10 cycles
Cons: Not Energy Star compliant, a bit noisy