A testing apparatus is provided for opening and closing a door of an appliance being tested. The apparatus includes a framework; a first actuator attached to the framework, the first actuator having a retracted position and an extended position; a first attaching bar attached to the first actuator and to the door; and a controller for controlling the first actuator such that the first actuator causes the door to move to an open position when the actuator moves from a first one of the extended position and the retracted position to the other of the extended position and the retracted position, and the first actuator causes the door to move to a closed position when the actuator moves from the other of the extended position and the retracted position to the first one of the extended position and the retracted position.