A washer comparison goes wrong when each machine is judged on a different set of facts. Pick the questions first, then read each label and install sheet against the same list. The list below is short on purpose.
Load type and drum
Top-loading and front-loading machines differ in how they load, how the drum is accessed, and how much clearance the lid or door needs. Read the rated capacity on the label, which is usually stated in cubic feet. A bigger drum is not always the right answer if the space or the door swing is tight.
Spin and water use
Look for the spin speed and the water use figure on the label or the energy guide. Spin speed affects how dry the load comes out, which changes dryer time later. Water use matters most where water is metered or where the hot water heater is small. Compare these as stated figures, not as guesses about how you will run the machine.
Fit and clearance
Measure the opening, the depth with the hoses attached, and the space needed to open the door or lid fully. Check the height if the machine will sit under a counter or on a pedestal. Note whether the machine can be stacked and whether the stacking kit is sold separately.
Hookup needs
Compare the supply hose length and the drain hose height rules on each machine's install sheet. Check whether the machine needs a dedicated outlet and what voltage it requires. A model that fits the space on paper can still need work you did not plan for, so read the install section before you compare prices.
Controls and cycles
List the cycles you will use and check whether each machine offers them. Look at how the controls are laid out and whether the display is easy to read from where you stand. Note any cycle that is only in one model.
Warranty and service terms
Read the warranty as a contract. Find the coverage line, the length of each part of the coverage, what is excluded, and what you must do to make a claim. Ask who holds the paperwork and whether the warranty transfers if you sell the house.
How to use the list
Fill in the same answers for each machine. If a machine leaves a box empty, ask the seller or the installer for the missing figure before you decide. The clothes washer service life is covered in Clothes Washer: typical service life and when to plan, which helps you judge how long any choice should last.