Cleaning ability has little to do with price, according to Consumer Reports’ latest washing-machine tests, which revealed great values among top- and front-loaders.

Three top-loaders by Estate, GE and Maytag washed well and quickly for $500 and less. For a few hundred dollars more, shoppers can purchase front-loaders for better energy and water efficiency.

Whether shoppers are browsing the aisles or surfing the Web, CR notes that they need to be cautious of high-priced machines loaded with anti-vibration technology and allergen-removal cycles. Both proved to be little more than hype during testing. Front-loaders spin faster, drying clothes more quickly, but a new vibration test from CR found those higher speeds can cause pictures to rattle. Several front loaders’ overall scores dropped because they vibrated so vigorously.

LG’s premium front-loaders include an option that claims to achieve water temperatures above the 130 F recommended to kill allergens such as dust mites and germs in pet dander. But consumers can reduce their exposure to allergens and spend hundreds less by vacuuming more often; using dust-mite covers on mattresses, box springs and bedding; and replacing bedding with materials that resist allergens.

CR recommends that consumers in the market for an affordable washer check out top-loaders. They take less time per wash cycle than a front-loader, but tend not to be as energy or water efficient. Two CR Best Buys, the GE WJRE5500G (WW), $480, and the Maytag MTW5800T(W), $500, scored high and performed well without breaking the budget. Another option is the Estate ETW4400T(Q), $400, which is made by Whirlpool, a reliable brand.

Front-load washers can run a few hundred more than a top-loader, but they are more energy and water efficient.

For consumers looking for an efficient front-load washer, CR suggests the GE WCVH6800J (WW), $900, and the Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F(S), $650; both vibrate less noticeably. CR also recommends the GE WBVH5200J (WW), $700, and the Amana NFW7200T (W), $600. Both are fine as front-loading washers, but because they vibrate vigorously, should only be installed on concrete slab or floor.

How to choose

When consumers are looking to purchase a new washer, CR suggests keeping the following in mind:

• Top- or front-load? For better energy and water efficiency, CR’s experts recommend that consumers look for a front-loader. All front-load washers have a small mold problem, but if the washer is going to be located in a dry space, mold is less of a concern. Top-loaders are faster to finish, and many high efficiency models use less energy than standard models.

• Take the long view. Owners tend to keep their washers and dryers for about 10 to 13 years, so a high-efficiency model can end up costing the same as or less than standard models in the end.

• Be choosy about features. Auto temperature controls offer consistent water temperature and wash performance. In general, you might never need more than four or five wash cycles.

• Keep the old dryer. There is no reason to replace a working dryer because the technology has not changed. But if it dies, get one with a moisture sensor. If it is near the bedrooms, make sure the end-of-cycle signal can be turned off.

• Skip extended warranties. Most washers and dryers do not break during the extended warranty period. When they do break, on average repairs cost the same as the warranty.