Laundry day doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right laundry basket—one that is sturdy, can withstand your and your family’s use and abuse, while still looking presentable—you’re well on your way to a more pleasant task. Think of the hamper as a tool: In addition to having a good washer and dryer, and efficient soap, you need a dependable vessel to carry your items in. A hamper, at its best, will be strong, can hold wet or dry clothes, dirty and clean items, and be the right size for your needs.
The Best Laundry Hampers
What to Consider
Laundry baskets can vary more than you might expect, and are often created with a certain type of user in mind. We’ve outlined key variables to think about before clicking “buy.”
Baskets versus Hampers
While most people (including us) use the terms interchangeably, they’re different. A hamper is generally taller and narrower than a basket, and has a lid. A basket can be used to store and carry laundry around. You may want one of each.
Size
Some laundry baskets are built for one, others are built for large families. Also keep in mind how much real estate they will take up in your closet, bedroom, bathroom, or laundry room—and whether you can spare it.
Material
Several of our selections are comprised of malleable plastic, with venting for airflow. If you work out a lot or like to stick wet clothes in your hamper, you’ll want to consider one of those options. But if you are more interested in aesthetics, you may want to opt for a different kind of material (woven, polyester, cotton, etc.).
How We Selected
We considered the various ways people sort their laundry and where they may be doing their washing while compiling our list. Some people have laundry facilities in their residence, while others may need to carry (or wheel) their laundry quite a distance. We picked a variety of critically-acclaimed styles and types of basket at a variety of our price points. We also looked at thousands of consumer comments to choose the cream of the crop.
For more great additions to your laundry routine, check out our picks for the best laundry stain removers and laundry detergents for sensitive skin.