You expect a washer to get your clothes clean. So the results of Consumer Reports latest tests are mighty surprising.

"A lot of the machines we tested just didn't do very well," says Consumer Reports deputy editor Steven Saltzman.

Today's washers must meet new federal energy standards. Since January all new washers must use 21 percent less energy. Many manufacturers are doing that by lowering wash water temperatures, which can reduce cleaning performance.

Consumer Reports says traditional top loaders - with that familiar center agitator post -are having a tough time keeping up with front-loaders when it comes to cleaning ability.

"Some of these machines basically did nothing," Saltzman tells me. "They left the stained test swatches nearly as dirty as before washing."

Consumer Reports says if you can afford it, go with a front-loader. They use less water, less energy and they get clothes cleaner. But they're pricey, about $900.

If your machine is working well and you don't need to replace it right away, the editors say you may want to wait till front-loaders prices come down.

The magazine named the Whirlpool Duet Ht GHW9400P, Bosch Nexxt 500 Series, and the LG WM0642H as CR Quick Picks.

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