Criterion Washer Reviews: Are These Budget Washers Actually Worth It?

Shopping for a washer on a tight budget? You’ve probably come across Criterion at Menards already. Most buyers don’t just want specs — they want the real story. Does it clean well? Does it last? That’s exactly what we’re breaking down here.

These Criterion Washer Reviews pull from real customer feedback, common complaints, and honest feature analysis. We’re not here to sell you anything — just to help you decide smarter before opening your wallet.

Criterion is Menards’ own house brand, sitting comfortably in the $400–$800 range. They make both top-load and front-load machines. For homeowners and renters who need clean laundry without a luxury price tag, these washers keep showing up as a solid option.

What Is Criterion and Who’s Behind It?

Criterion is owned by Menard Inc., a Midwest home-improvement giant headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They manufacture these washers right here in the US.

Both South Carolina and Iowa plants handle production, which keeps quality under tight company control.

The brand’s goal was simple: give everyday families a washing machine that performs well without demanding a premium price. No flashy marketing, no celebrity endorsements — just functional, affordable appliances on Menards shelves.

You’ll find them at Menards stores primarily, but also at retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, AJ Madison, and Costco, depending on the model.

Criterion Top Load Washer: What You Actually Get

Top-loaders are Criterion’s bread and butter. The 4.1 cu. ft. white model is their most popular.

It comes with a stainless steel tub, 8 preset wash cycles, automatic water level sensing, and an LED cycle countdown display.

That stainless steel tub is genuinely a big deal at this price. Plastic tubs crack, smell, and stain. Stainless holds up better, runs quieter, and resists corrosion over the long haul.

The central agitator does a solid job on heavy, dirty loads — think gym clothes, work gear, and kids’ muddy jeans. It’s aggressive, though, so delicate fabrics need the gentler cycle to avoid early wear and tear.

Temperature control is automatic, switching between cold, warm, and hot settings depending on your cycle choice. Water level sensors adjust fill based on load size, which genuinely helps keep your water bill down. When the sensors work right, most users report noticeable savings.

The delay start feature lets you schedule a wash up to 24 hours ahead — perfect for running loads on off-peak electricity rates.

Criterion Front Load Washer: Bigger, Quieter, Smarter

Front-loaders go bigger, with drum sizes ranging from 4.5 to 5.2 cubic feet across models.

That extra space is a game-changer for families. You can throw in a king-size comforter, a pile of towels, or a week’s worth of clothes in one go — fewer cycles, less energy waste.

The steam cycle is a standout feature. It deep-cleans tough stains, sanitizes baby clothes and gym gear, and helps remove allergens — great for households with sensitive skin or allergies.

A built-in water heater takes cleaning further by maintaining precise temperatures, improving detergent performance, and killing bacteria on heavily soiled fabrics effectively.

Across Criterion Washer Reviews, front-loaders consistently get praised for one thing: how quiet they run. Even during spin cycles, the noise level stays impressively low compared to most budget-tier washers.

How Criterion Stacks Up Against the Competition

Before you commit, it’s smart to see how Criterion compares to other budget-friendly brands in the same price range. Here’s a quick side-by-side of the most common alternatives buyers consider:

The truth? For the same price as a Criterion, you can sometimes find an Amana or entry-level GE with better long-term reliability. It’s worth checking sales at Home Depot and Lowe’s before making your final call.

Criterion Washer Pros and Cons — No Sugarcoating

The Wins ✅

Criterion nails affordability. You’re getting a stainless steel tub, solid wash cycles, and decent energy efficiency for well under $600 in most cases.

• Stainless steel tub on both top and front-load models
• 8 preset wash cycles — handles everything from delicates to heavy duty
• Automatic water level sensing cuts down on water waste
• Energy Star certified on most front-load models
• Quiet operation on front-loaders — ideal for apartments or open-plan homes
• Washer and dryer sets are available starting around $900

The Concerns ⚠️

Here’s where things get real — and why you should read before you buy.

• Durability complaints stack up fast — some units show issues within months
• E4 error code (imbalance detection) is a frequent headache for owners
• Customer service is one of the most common complaints across reviews
• Replacement parts can be hard to find — some techs call these ‘throwaway’ units
• Central agitator is rough on delicate fabrics over time
• No Wi-Fi or smart home integration — unlike LG or Samsung at similar prices

Common Criterion Washer Problems (And Quick Fixes)

The most talked-about issues in Criterion Washer Reviews are consistent. Knowing them upfront saves you a repair call — and might even make these problems easy to fix yourself at home.

Excessive shaking during spin cycles is usually a leveling issue. Grab a level tool, adjust the feet until the machine is balanced, and the problem often disappears completely.

The E4 error means the machine detected an imbalance three-plus times in one spin. Redistribute your clothes evenly and retry the cycle.

Water drainage slowdowns? Check the drain pump filter monthly — lint and debris build up fast. A quick clean usually solves sluggish draining without needing a technician or a service call.

Control panel glitches — buttons not responding or cycles not adjusting — typically point to a faulty sensor or a loose connection inside the machine. It’s worth calling Criterion support directly before assuming a full repair is needed.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy a Criterion Washer

After digging deep into Criterion Washer Reviews, the picture becomes clear. These machines make sense for specific buyers — and can be a frustrating purchase for others. Here’s how to know which camp you fall into:

Buy One If You’re…

• A renter who needs something functional without a long-term commitment
• On an extremely tight budget, and need a washer right now
• Setting up a first apartment and don’t need a machine for 10+ years
• Okay with the idea that it might need replacing in 3–5 years

Skip It If You’re…

• A homeowner planning to stay put for many years
• Running a large family household with heavy daily laundry loads
• Someone who values strong customer support and easy part availability
• Comparing the total cost of ownership, a slightly pricier Amana or GE often wins long-term

The sweet spot for Criterion is temporary or short-term use. It’s a solid stopgap — not your forever washing machine.

Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Criterion Washer

If you’re going ahead with the purchase, these habits will extend your machine’s life significantly.

Level the machine perfectly on day one using a bubble level — don’t eyeball it. This single step prevents shaking, reduces noise, and stops the E4 error from becoming a recurring nightmare down the road.

Never overstuff the drum. Even with that generous 4.1 or 5.2 cu. ft. capacity, leaving room for clothes to tumble freely, means cleaner results and less mechanical stress overall.

Clean the drain filter monthly. Leave the lid or door open after each wash to prevent mildew smells inside.

Most importantly, consider buying an extended warranty if it’s offered at checkout. Given the reliability concerns flagged in customer reviews, that extra coverage could save you hundreds if something goes wrong.

Final Verdict

Here’s the bottom line from everything we’ve covered in these Criterion Washer Reviews: this brand delivers real value for specific buyers, but it’s not the right call for everyone. Your situation matters more than the price tag alone.

When the machine works right, it cleans well, runs efficiently, and saves you money upfront compared to premium brands. But the durability concerns, customer service frustrations, and hard-to-find replacement parts are real issues that have tripped up too many buyers.

If your budget is firm and your timeline is short-term, Criterion is a reasonable choice. Just go in with clear eyes.

Need long-term reliability? Put an extra $100–$200 toward an Amana or entry-level GE instead.

Bookmark this page, share these Criterion Washer Reviews with anyone in your circle who’s washer-shopping, and drop your own experience in the comments — your real-world insight helps the next buyer decide with confidence.