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The Spruce / Marisa Viglione
- Top-loading washers are often spacious, cost-effective, and long-lasting, but can create wear on your fabrics and are not stackable. Front-loading washers are more gentle and accessible, but require regular maintenance.
- Electric dryers are easier to install than gas dryers, and are often more wallet-friendly upfront. However, cycle times may be longer, adding to overall operation costs.
- A standard washing machine has 4.5 cubic feet of space, which is enough to wash a king-sized comforter, while a standard dryer has 7 cubic feet of space.
Buying a new washer-and-dryer set can feel a lot like buying a new home. You head into your search with a laundry list of "must-have" and "nice-to-have" features, hoping the set you land on checks off as many boxes as possible—for as little as possible.
Every household's list can look a little different, but we've tested 31 different washer-dryer sets (and counting!) in The Lab and our own homes for over 2,000 hours of adding detergent, selecting cycles, and moving clothes from one machine to the other, so we feel extra qualified when we say that there are some things you have to find in your new washer-dryer set.
First, you need a set that has a decent selection of settings, including delicates, normal, and quick wash. These cycles don't need to be short, but they should be easy to customize and efficient. You also need a set that's reliable, so you don't end up shopping this list again in a few months—as much as we love having you here. Reliable washers and dryers don't require maintenance or repairs often, and don't crack under the pressure of 10 loads (or more) per week.
Whether you're casually shopping for a new laundry duo or in need of a set fast because yours just quit unexpectedly, we feel confident that these top-loading and front-loading sets from top-rated brands like Whirlpool, LG, and Electrolux check off those "must-have" boxes and more that we detail in our What to Look for in a Washer and What to Look for in a Dryer sections below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer & Dryer
Efficient washing and drying times
15-minute, speed-wash cycle and FreshCare tumble cycle
Great for washing bedding
App features aren't very intuitive
Louder spin cycle
I'm on the record saying that front-load washing machines can be a pain to keep clean. However, this washer-dryer set from LG is a high-capacity duo that's a game-changer for never-ending laundry piles and hard not to recommend, especially if you're looking for a front-loading set.
We've tested this set at home and in the lab, where we use it to regularly support cleanup after our tests. We've come to really love the washer's 15-minute speed-wash cycle, and that the drum is free from an agitator—as is the case with all front-loading machines—which can sometimes take up a lot of space in top-load washers. The drum is, as a result, maximized for multiple bedding sets—which we've seen firsthand when washing dozens of sets of sheets for testing.
What is a washing machine agitator?
An agitator is the central post in a washing machine that twists back and forth to rub against clothes and break apart stains. Shaped like a screw or an auger, an agitator typically moves clockwise and then counter-clockwise, sloshing the clothes in water to clean them.
We also love that these machines can be stacked for a more compact arrangement in apartments or small laundry rooms. Plus, if you forget about your load, the washer will tumble your wet clothes periodically in a FreshCare tumble cycle to prevent any unwanted smells from developing. The dryer has a similar feature to prevent wrinkles, and will periodically tumble for up to three hours after a cycle has been completed. It also features AI technology that selects a compatible drying cycle based on the settings you selected during the wash one.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: The Spruce / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: The Spruce / Ashley Craiger PHOTO: The Spruce / Ashley Craiger
While this duo is efficient at washing and drying, the spin cycle on the washing machine is a bit loud. The app was especially great for monitoring remaining cycle time, too, though we found that the remote start feature is not truly "remote," since the machine has to be turned on before you can activate anything in the app (which is counterintuitive in our opinion).
That said, smart features are always on our "nice to have" list, and this set continues to prove itself as a solid and long-lasting investment, with a mixture of basic and advanced cycles and features.
Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 12 | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 12
Best Under $1,000
Insignia NS-TWM35W1 & NS-TDRE67W1
Dryer has a reversible door
Separate dispensers for bleach, detergent, and softener
Does the basics very well
Machines have smaller capacities
Dryer doesn't have four-way venting
These machines from Insignia (Best Buy's very own brand) are excellent for washing and drying clothes in a small household, as long as you don't require super high-tech features or a higher drum capacity. The Insignia NS-TWM35W1 top-loading washer has a 3.7-cubic-foot capacity and a stainless steel drum, which will prevent snags, won’t wear over time, and isn't common for more budget-friendly machines—but is common on our list. It also features a central agitator.
Separate dispensers for all of your washing needs—laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softener—ensure that each agent is released at the right time during a cycle, too. And, among the washer’s 12 cycles, there's a handy activewear setting for washing gym clothes that are primarily made of delicate fabrics like spandex and quick-wash setting for small loads that you need ready, fast. There are no steam or hand-wash options.
The matching dryer (the Insignia NS-TDRE67W1) offers 6.7 cubic feet of space and a wrinkle care mode for your delicates. A filter indicator reminds you of when the dryer’s filter should be cleaned, and is also a signal of what these machines do best: the basics. While we haven't tested this set yet, the machines are known to operate at less than 69 decibels, making them about as loud as an upright vacuum and comparable to many other options we recommend.
The placement possibilities for the dryer are a bit limited since it doesn't have four-way venting; however, we don’t consider that a deal-breaker since the door is reversible to accommodate different room layouts. We think this washer and dryer are ultimately a great choice for anyone who just wants basic functions paired with very reliable cleaning.
Washer Mechanism: Agitator | Washer Capacity: 3.7 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 12 | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 6.7 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 12
Best Top-Loading
Whirlpool WTW5057LW & WED5010LW
Prioritizes clean clothes and easy maintenance over features
Built-in faucet and removable agitator
Hamper-style door on the dryer
No dispensers for detergent or fabric softener (but it's easy to work around this)
Washer is loud when it's running
This is my current washer-dryer set, and let me tell you, it gets a workout. I have a household of three, including an almost 2-year-old toddler, and we do at least five loads of laundry per week. We've washed bedding, clothes, and towels—using mainly the normal, quick wash, delicate, bulky items, and color cycles on the high-efficiency washer—and have been thoroughly impressed with the results every single time. My husband even noted that our clothes smelled too clean one time, even though we use unscented laundry detergent pods.
What really sets the top-load washer apart from the rest, though, is the removable agitator. As I've mentioned thus far, the perk of front-load washers is that you aren't limited by an agitator if you want to wash a ton at one time. This top-load washer gives you the option to use an agitator or an impeller plate, which will maximize the drum for comforters, bedding, and any other bulky items. I've found myself using the agitator more, but ldo ove the option to expand the drum at just a twist of the agitator.
The washer also has specialty cycles like activewear and jeans, but does not have a suite of dispensers. At first, the lack of dispenser made me nervous, but it actually gives you once less thing to clean. I use a pod version of my favorite liquid laundry detergents (All Free Clear and Dreft), dropping the pod at the bottom of the tub, then loading in my items. Instead of fabric softener, I opt to use dryer sheets in the dryer—but, you can also use wool dryer balls to soften your clothes in the dryer, or purchase a Downy Ball.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione PHOTO: The Spruce / Marisa Viglione
The washer's cycles are a bit long, and mainly because the spin portion is quite extensive. I always find our load pressed up against the sides of the washer's drum and spun out very well, which means the dryer is that much more effective at its job. The washer is also quite noisy; my family can hear it from the top floor of our split-level house, even though the washer-dryer set is in the basement.
That said, the dryer produces just a low hum, and dries most loads in just one go. I like to add a touch-up cycle here and there, but find myself throwing items in it that I would've normally hung up on our clothes-drying rack because it's that gentle. The whole set-up also includes a built-in faucet for pre-treating stains in the drum of the washer, a deep-fill setting that I activate for larger loads that I want to really soak, and a hamper-style door on the dryer that's great for folding clothes.
But, beyond those features, this set really isn't feature-packed. It doesn't have smart features, but is very good at its job of cleaning clothes and making your laundry routine easier. Beyond being a reliable, top-load set from a well-loved laundry appliance brand, this set is also the best one to go for if you just want a set that prioritizes functionality and long-lasting laundry care.
Washer Mechanism: Agitator or impeller plate | Washer Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet (with agitator), 4.8 cubic feet (with impeller) | Washer Cycles: 12 | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.0 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 11
Best Stackable
LG WashTower Laundry Center
Accessible control panel for both washer and dryer
Impressive capacity for a laundry center
Dryer has a steam setting
Wi-Fi setup can be challenging
Dryer lacks an "air only" setting
Most front-loading washers and dryers are stackable. But, if you're looking to stack your washer and dryer, we recommend opting for this laundry center that's a departure from the traditional laundry center. It's not basic in form and function, and features a front-loading washer and dryer with a central control panel that makes it extremely easy to reach for your favorite settings.
Load capacity is improved, too. The washer features 4.5 cubic feet of drum space, which is on par with many standalone washing machines. The dryer keeps up with 7.4 cubic feet of room. In both appliances, you’ll have plenty of cycles and options to choose from, but you can also let AI fabric sensors do the work for you; it will automatically detect the texture and size of your load to select the right cycle.
What is a laundry center?
Popular in apartments and condos, a laundry center is a vertically stacked washer and dryer that are joined as a single unit. Unlike other stackable washers and dryers, where two models are two separate appliances and can also be positioned side-by-side, a laundry center is a single appliance.
One of the more innovative design features of the LG WashTower is, again, the central control panel. While some laundry centers or stackable washer-and-dryer sets have hard-to-reach controls for the dryer, LG put the 10 unique washer cycles and 9 unique dryer ones at about the height of your average countertop—so options are easy to see and controls are simple to use.
The "catches" with this pick is that setting up the Wi-Fi function can be challenging, if you're after a machine with smart features. The dryer also lacks an air-only setting, which some people like for freshening up items and drying heat-sensitive items like pillows. That said, the machine doesn't vibrate much and the dryer has a steam setting, which also sets it apart from other picks on our list.
Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 10 | Dryer Fuel: Gas or electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 9
Best for Large Family
Whirlpool WTW8127LW & WED8127LW
Built-in faucet with scrub brush and removable agitator
Can program up to 36 customized wash cycles
Load & Go detergent dispenser
Limited retailer availability
It’s hard to know where to begin with the number of features loaded into these Whirlpool machines, but all of the features have been truly functional and handy in our experience, which makes them worth the price tag. One of our favorite features from testing has been the Load & Go dispenser that stores days', or even weeks', worth of detergent inside the machine and automatically dispenses it based on the weight of your wash load (and any specific settings you select). For a large family who does five to 10 loads per week, this is a massive game-changer.
Like our best top-loading pick, you can also make use of a removable agitator and built-in faucet in the washer that gives you more space and a place to treat stains, respectively. There's even an included brush with this pick for more stubborn stain treatments, which our top-loading pick doesn't have.
When you’re ready to load your clothes, but want to wait to wash them until a certain time, simply schedule your wash cycle on the Whirlpool app. You can also customize up to 36 different wash cycles, so you’ll truly have your routine down to the garment. This washer currently resides in the home of a family of four with a couple pets, and the washer and its features have helped cut their amount of loads per week in half.
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The Spruce / Dena Ogden
The matching dryer is packed with just as many features, like a drying rack (shipped after product registration) that can be placed in the drum to dry pillows and shoes without tumbling. Advanced moisture sensors allow the dryer to track moisture and temperature for optimized dry times, too, and a steam cycle releases wrinkles without the need for rewashing.
While this dryer has many features, it does not include a check lint screen light or a self-cleaning lint trap, and instead recommends that the trap be emptied with each load (which isn't too hard to do since it's right inside the door). Overall, what we love the most is that the many smart features of this duo are actually practical and useful.
Washer Mechanism: Impeller or agitator | Washer Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet (with agitator) or 5.3 cubic feet (with impeller) | Washer Cycles: 11 | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 6
Best for Tough Stains
Electrolux Smartboost Washer & Dryer
Energy-efficient routine that saves water and resources
Compatible with several detergent types, including pods
Intuitive controls and stackable design
Titanium finish scratches easily
Difficult to reverse the door
This Electrolux set has proven to be incredibly efficient at cleaning even the toughest of stains, and doing so while saving water, energy, and space. The front-loading set can be stacked, and was able to remove stains from soiled cloth diapers and spit-up-covered swaddles that we had previously dubbed a lost cause.
Of all the cycles that the washer has, we found the 15-minute fast-wash and the heavy-duty cycles to be most helpful for tackling a never-ending pile of laundry from a newborn baby. (The heavy-duty one, especially, was great at cleaning diapers with minimal staining left behind—and no odors left behind.) The controls are very easy to understand, and once you change the cycle from factory settings, the washer will remember what you previously selected, making the task of starting your next load that much easier.
Unlike our experiences with other dryers, this dryer has a powerful auto-sensing feature that was accurate for drying most clothing in one go. Some bulkier items—like towels, blankets, and even cloth diapers (which are layered)—were still damp after a cycle, but a quick stint in a timed-dry cycle helped finish the job.
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The Spruce / Laura Miller
As much as we love this washing-and-drying duo, there are a few design issues to point out. We tested the titanium finish, which easily scratches over time if you place laundry baskets on top. Although we love the high-end aesthetic of the silver finish, we recommend opting for the white finish instead if you typically put your laundry baskets on top of your washing machine.
We also struggled to reverse the doors on these machines. The screws were very hard to re-install and a trip to the hardware store for longer screws was necessary. We recommend asking an installation expert to complete this task for you to avoid any frustration.
Washer Mechanism: Not applicable | Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Cycles: 11 | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Dryer Capacity: 8 cubic feet | Dryer Cycles: 11
Final Verdict
Our top pick for a washer-and-dryer set is the LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front-Load Washer & Dryer Set. It's a full-featured pair that won't disappoint. The units have plenty of capacity and innovative features. But, if you're shopping for a laundry center—where the washer and dryer are connected—the LG WKEX200HWA WashTower is a winning model. The control panel is located in the center of the appliance for easier access.
Hilary Allison / The Spruce
How We Tested the Washer-and-Dryer Sets
To date, we've tested over 30 washers and dryers in The Lab and in our own homes. Our most recent washer-and-dryer test included over 60 loads of laundry, and we've tested top models for over 2,000 hours to find the best ones. Our testing includes receiving and installing the machines and testing all of their cycles and features to determine how helpful, efficient, and effective they are.
When testing models at home, we wash at least two loads per week—more if our household's routine calls for it. We be sure to wash a mix of items, including bedding, towels, and clothes. If our machine has them, we load up dispensers, and listen to how loud the machines are while they're operating. If there are smart features available, we download apps and try out all the features, including saving or selecting new cycles or receiving notifications.
For clothes dryers, we focus on how loud they are, what settings are available, and how quickly our items are dried. We zero in on the lint trap and whether it's easy to clean it, and also the door style; is it reversible or hamper-style to make folding clothes a bit easier?
We keep an eye on our water and energy bills after months of testing to see if they drastically change while we're using the machines, and we rate the overall value of each washer-dryer set based on our entire, months-long experience. All of the models we recommend here have been tested for at least one month, and some have been tested several years.
What to Look for in a Washing Machine
The Drum Capacity
You’ll want to find a washing machine with a capacity that matches your average load size, because over-filling your washer will prevent your clothes from getting as clean as they can be, and under-filling it often means a waste of water and energy (unless your washer has load-sensing technology).
Capacity is usually measured in cubic feet, and a standard washing machine typically has a drum with about 4 to 4.5 cubic feet of space. Compact washers will have up to 2.5 cubic feet of space, and super-capacity, front-loading washers offer as much as 6 cubic feet of space.
You might not know how many cubic feet of space your average load of laundry takes up, so keep in mind that:
- A washer with a capacity of 3 to 4 cubic feet can usually wash up to 12 pounds of laundry.
- A 4.5-cubic-foot washer can also comfortably hold a king-sized comforter.
You can adjust all these approximations up or down for washers with smaller or larger capacities. You can also check out our washing machine load-size reference chart for more information on machine capacity and laundry load sizes.
The Agitation Type
Every washing machine relies on some form of agitation to clean clothes and loosen dirt. When you peek inside a washer, you’ll typically find a central agitator, impeller plate, or neither in the case of a front-loading washer.
For front-loading washers...
In a front-load washer, you’ll see a big drum with small fins protruding from all sides. These very low-profile paddles, combined with the turning of the drum, provide gentle agitation that is better for the longevity of garments. However, this gentler agitation also means longer cycle times to ensure that clothes are clean.
For top-loading washers...
Inside of a top-load washer, the familiar sight of a tall, center agitator is being increasingly replaced with an impeller plate on the bottom of the wash tub that performs a similar action while taking up less space.
"There are two main types of agitation in top-load washers," says Gary Childers, P&G Fabric Care scientist and appliance expert. "The first is a traditional agitator that helps move clothes in the bath of water and is typically positioned to help in better cleaning. The other is an impeller designed as a rotating plate with fins/ridges in the bottom of the machine."
Childers notes that having an impeller plate in your top-load washer will increase its capacity, and give you more flexibility to add bulky comforters or sheet sets. Typical top-loaders with a tall agitator are said to shorten the longevity of garments. Notably, some washing machines, like the Whirlpool WTW5057LW (our best top-loading pick) and the Whirlpool WTW8127LW (our best for large families pick), have a removable central agitator. That way, you can get the best of both worlds.
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The Spruce / Marisa Viglione
The Available Cycles
While all washing machines have basic cycles to handle everyday laundry needs, some machines go above and beyond with specialized cycles for oversized items like comforters, or items labeled for hand-washing. "The number of cycles is not an indication of overall washing power—different cycles just provide options to meet the needs of many different consumers," says Jennifer Ahoni, P&G Fabric Care principal scientist and laundry expert.
A popular option appearing on many front-loading washers, and some top-loading washers, is a sanitizing cycle that uses high heat to kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria—perfect for dirty dish rags or pet bedding. Allergen-related cycles are also a hot commodity, especially for allergy sufferers, since they promise to eliminate pollen, dust, dander, and other potential triggers. Our top picks also include specialty cycles for activewear, jeans, colors, and bulky items.
A Closer Look at Our Favorites | |
---|---|
Product Name | Cycles |
LG WM4000HWA | Normal, delicates, sanitize, allergen, heavy-duty, permanent press, pre-wash, speed wash, whites, colors |
Insignia NS-TWM35W1 | Normal, eco, quick wash, colors, bulky, delicates, towels, tub clean, drain and spin, rinse and spin, activewear, whites, heavy-duty |
Whirlpool WTW5057LW | Normal, activewear, bulky items, tub clean, colors, delicates, drain and spin, heavy-duty, jeans, quick wash, towels, whites |
LG WashTower | Normal, bedding, delicates, extra rinse, extra spin, heavy-duty, pre-wash, sanitize, speed wash, tub clean |
Whirlpool WTW8127LW | Normal, bulky items, cold, colors, delicates, drain and spin, heavy-duty, rinse and spin, sanitize, towels and sheets, whites |
Electrolux Smartboost | Normal, activewear, allergen, colors, delicates, extra rinse, handwashable, heavy-duty, rinse and spin, sanitize, soak, speed wash, towels and sheets, tub clean, whites |
The Drum Material
Because your clothes are about to get washed and whirled inside of a machine, you'll want to be sure that nothing will snag the fabric of your favorite blouse. Stainless steel drums are always considered the smoothest and most durable choice for washing machine drums.
Porcelain-enameled steel tubs are also popular and cost less, but over time the porcelain finish can chip or wear away—leaving exposed steel that may rust, and stain or snag clothes. Less commonly seen, but sometimes used in low- or mid-range machines, are heavy-duty, plastic washtubs. While durable enough to last for many years, they may not be well suited for high-speed spin cycles, and they can develop rough spots that might catch clothes over time.
Whether the Washer Has Dispensers, or Not
Not all washing machines come with a dispenser for your adding your favorite laundry detergent or fabric softener to your load, or bleach for when you want to make your fabrics bright. If your washer does have these dispensers, then you're good to go.
If doesn't have a dispenser, then you can add your detergent directly to your load either via pouring it or adding a laundry pod to the base of the drum. Most brands recommend adding the detergent to the bottom of the wash tub, before you add your clothes, so that the water can really dissolve and mix it in quickly. This helps prevent any laundry detergent stains on your clothes. (That said, follow any instructions that are in your washer's manual first.)
Then, for fabric softener, you can either wait to add the softener in during the rinse cycle, by pausing the cycle and opening the lid, or you can consider an alternative route to softening your clothes like skipping softener and using dryer sheets or wool dryer balls during the dryer cycle instead. Notably, Downy also created the Downy Ball for dispensing fabric softener into your load at the right time when you don't have a dedicated fabric softener dispenser.
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The Spruce / Jodi Espinosa
What to Look for in a Dryer
A Gas or Electric Design
To supply the hot air it will take to dry your clothes thoroughly, you’ll need a dryer with a heater that is fueled by natural gas or powered by electricity.
For gas dryers, keep in mind...
- Does your laundry room have a natural gas line that you can connect a dryer to? If not, you’ll need to install one if you want the efficiency of a gas dryer.
- A gas dryer will cost more initially—especially if you need to pay to have a gas line installed, and there may be additional fees to have a gas dryer hooked up during delivery.
- Still, this type of dryer generally dries clothes quicker, and may cost less to operate, depending on the cost of utilities in your area.
For electric dryers, keep in mind...
- Electric dryers don’t require a separate gas line—just plug yours in, and it's ready to operate.
- You’ll generally find that electric dryers cost about $100 less than their gas counterparts.
- However, they typically have longer drying times, which means greater energy usage and increased costs in the long run.
The Drum Capacity
Make sure that you have a dryer suitably sized to handle the capacity of your washing machine. If not, you’ll have a load of soggy clothes ready for drying, and you'll only be able to fit some of them in your dryer.
The old rule of thumb was to find a dryer with twice the cubic capacity of your washing machine, but increased efficiency in dryer performance means you won’t need to adhere as strictly to that formula anymore. Still, if you have a washer with a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet, look for a dryer with at least 7 cubic feet of drying space. That will also provide enough room to dry larger items, like any queen- or king-sized comforters.
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The Spruce / Marisa Viglione
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Washer and Dryer Set on Sale?
At The Spruce, we know the best places to buy washers and dryers and we stay on top of sales and deals, too. Good news: washer-and-dryer sets often go on sale around holidays and shopping events like Black Friday, and for long weekends, like Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. If you're in the market for a new set, definitely consider the calendar.
Remember, even if you buy your set in person from the store, you likely won't come home with it that day. Plan to arrange delivery and installation with the store or the brand (and make arrangements to get rid of your old set, if you're replacing what you already have).
In general, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a new washer-dryer set. Top-load washers and their matching dryers have often costed less, and opting for a gas dryer usually means a price increase of about $100 with most retailers.
Many retailers, such as Home Depot and Lowe's, offer online and in-store shopping options. There are also retailers that offer a larger online selection than what's limited to showrooms. We cover all the best places to buy a washer and dryer, including both online and in-store retailers.
What Are the Most Reliable Washer-and-Dryer Brands?
Larger brands, like GE and Whirlpool, tend to be reliable and offer basic washer-and-dryer sets and ground-breaking smart appliances. LG often features new technology and smart-pairing features to optimize your entire home's performance, and Speed Queen can be a great option if you're looking for a more commercial-style appliance that has a ton of functionality.
For energy savings, check out brands such as Electrolux, that reliably offer sets that use less water and energy each year.
Generally, a washer and dryer can have a lifespan of over 10 years. Washing machines on average last up to 11 years, while dryers can last between 13 and 15 years. To make the most of your washer and dryer's lifespan, make sure they are properly set up and leveled, used correctly (don't go over the recommended capacity), and cleaned out regularly.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Marisa Viglione is a senior editor for The Spruce, specializing in appliances, cleaning, organization, and home tech. She's been researching, vetting, and testing washers and dryers for four years and has used both top-loading and front-loading machines in her home. For this roundup, she relied on her firsthand experiences with our best top-loading pick and consulted testing insights from over 2,000 hours of hands-on testing we've completed in The Lab and at home for washers and dryers.
She considered each washer-and-dryer set's capacity, performance, design, features, overall value, and noise level, focusing on top-rated and reliable brands like Whirlpool, LG, Electrolux, and more.
Our Experts:
- Gary Childers, P&G Fabric Care scientist and appliance expert
- Jennifer Ahoni, P&G Fabric Care principal scientist and laundry expert
- Erica Puisis, writer for The Spruce specializing in a variety of home topics