Usually not for stain removal alone. In Consumer Reports’ 2023 test of seven washers, steam did not improve stain removal; all tested machines used more energy with steam, most used more water, and some cycles took substantially longer. Steam may be worth paying for if you will use a particular model’s refresh or wrinkle-reduction program. Treat it as a convenience feature, not a guarantee of better cleaning.
What the independent test found
Consumer Reports compared steam and non-steam performance on seven washers from five manufacturers: five front-loaders, one high-efficiency top-loader, and one agitator top-loader. Its stain-removal results were about the same with and without steam. Rich Handel, who oversees Consumer Reports’ laundry-appliance testing, summarized the result: “The steam option didn’t improve a washer’s cleaning ability.” Consumer Reports’ 2023 test is evidence about those tested models, not every washer or every program sold today.
The test also found a resource and time tradeoff: all seven used more energy when steam was enabled, most used more water, and some steam cycles took substantially longer. One tested washer added 18 gallons of water and nearly 600% more energy on its steam option. That is the largest example highlighted by Consumer Reports, not a typical figure to expect from every steam washer.
Steam wash and steam refresh are different features
A steam option added to a wash cycle is not the same as a standalone steam-refresh program. Manufacturers offer different functions on different models, so the cycle name and manual matter more than the word “steam” on the control panel.
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Steam added to a wash cycle
Some models offer steam on selected wash cycles and promote it for cleaning, wrinkle reduction, or other purposes. LG, for example, says steam is available only on certain listed cycles on supported models. Its Allergiene cycle carries LG’s claim of reducing over 95% of common household allergens; that is a manufacturer claim tied to that specific cycle, not independent evidence that steam washers generally remove allergens. LG also cautions against using steam with wool, silk, or easily discolored fabrics. Check the manual for your exact model before selecting a cycle or applying those fabric cautions. LG’s steam guidance
Standalone refresh programs
A refresh program may use steam to ease creases or light odors without running a full wash. Electrolux UK describes this use for selected models. It recommends a 1 kg load, says its program takes up to 30 minutes, and advises removing clothes promptly to avoid creasing. Electrolux also claims up to 96% less water than a regular wash cycle, based on its internal test comparing a 1 kg load on Steam with Delicates. That qualified manufacturer comparison applies to the specified program and load, not to steam settings generally or to a normal wash. Electrolux UK’s steam-program guidance
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Whirlpool distinguishes Steam Clean, which it describes as using increased wash action and heat to help remove everyday stains, from Steam Refresh, which uses water and heat to release wrinkles without rewashing. Its separate claim that a Sanitize Cycle eliminates 99.9% of three named common household bacteria—K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus—is a claim about that sanitize cycle, not Steam Clean. Whirlpool’s front-load comparison chart
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether the premium is worthwhile
Pay for the cycle you will use
If your main goal is removing stains, the test does not support paying extra for a steam setting by itself. Consumer Reports recommends treating a tough stain with detergent or stain remover and letting it sit before washing. If you would regularly use a specific refresh program to reduce light odors or creases, compare that program’s instructions and limitations with your routine before deciding whether it justifies a higher-priced model.
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Compare the complete washers, not the steam badge
Steam is often bundled with other options. Consumer Reports senior market analyst Mark Allwood said: “The steam option is bundled with other features, like specialty cycles or WiFi.” So a price gap between two models may reflect several differences, not steam alone. Compare the washers’ ordinary-cycle performance, capacity, efficiency, physical fit, useful cycle options, and total price. The historical price example in Consumer Reports’ article is not a current price comparison.
Use energy and water labels for the whole machine
ENERGY STAR says certified clothes washers use about 20% less energy and 30% less water than regular washers. These are certification-category comparisons, not measurements of steam versus non-steam cycles. For full-sized washers, ENERGY STAR gives a comparison of 14 gallons per load for an ENERGY STAR model versus 20 gallons for a standard machine. Its current guidance also estimates about $530 in lifetime energy-cost savings for models that earned certification; actual household savings are not guaranteed. ENERGY STAR clothes-washer guidance
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To compare particular models, review the yellow EnergyGuide label and look for a higher Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) and a lower Integrated Water Factor (IWF), as ENERGY STAR advises. Match capacity to your typical loads and check the washer’s dimensions against the installation space. ENERGY STAR estimates that the average American family washes about 300 loads each year, but your household’s use will differ.
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A practical buying checklist
- Stains: Look for credible performance information about the exact model; do not assume its steam option cleans better.
- Refresh: Confirm whether the feature is a standalone program or steam added to a wash, what load size it allows, and whether it addresses needs you actually have.
- Resources and time: Check the selected cycle’s instructions and the model’s energy information. Steam-related effects vary by washer and cycle.
- Fabric care: Follow the model’s manual for fabric restrictions and cycle selection.
- Value: Compare the full feature bundle, capacity, standard wash performance, fit, and price rather than assigning the whole premium to steam.
- Maintenance: Follow the owner’s manual, including moisture-management and care guidance for front-load models.
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.
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