The 5 Best Washer and Dryer Brands, According to Experts
Updated: Apr. 17, 2024
In the market for some new appliances? These are the best washer and dryer brands around.
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Like every other appliance you own—your dishwasher, refrigerator and oven included—a great washer and dryer can majorly improve your life. Having a high-quality washer and dryer set from one of the most reliable appliance brands can simplify the process of washing and drying your clothing, cutting down the time it takes you to get the chore done, extending the life span of your clothes and linens and, if you opt for a high-efficiency washer, saving you money on future energy bills. In short, buying from one of the best washer and dryer brands pays off, even if you spend more initially.
But choosing the right washer and dryer isn’t as simple as splurging on the most expensive model. Just because a washer or dryer costs more doesn’t mean it’s the best. You also have to consider your needs and requirements. For example, if you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space dedicated to doing laundry, you shouldn’t buy an oversized set. On the flip side, if you have a big family and regularly do large loads of laundry, you will need units with extra capacity.
Just as some refrigerator brands are better than others, some washer and dryer brands have a better reputation than others. We spoke to a few esteemed experts, who revealed the best washer and dryer brands to invest in this year. Need more advice? Here is the best time to buy a washer and dryer and a step-by-step guide to doing the laundry.
Courtesy Maytag
Best overall washer and dryer brand
Maytag
According to the latest J.D. Power survey, Maytag earns the highest customer-satisfaction ratings of all front-loading washers and dryers. Reviewers maintain that you get a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to quality. Aside from the assurance that your appliance will last, you’ll get some other great features with Maytag washers and dryers. They come with a 10-year warranty, and many models have an Extra Power button to boost the washer’s stain-fighting ability and get clothes drier faster.
Other perks include a 16-hour Fresh Hold option, which keeps wet clothes from smelling like mildew, moisture sensing in dryers to more evenly dry clothes and an app to make management easier. Pet parents will especially love the Pet Pro washer and dryers—because nobody likes pet hair.
Two of the highest-rated units of the bunch are Maytag’s 4.8-cubic-foot high-efficiency washer and 7.3-cubic-foot electric dryer, which work as a stackable set. (Bonus: They’re currently part of Best Buy’s Black Friday sale.) Reviewers note that the washer is “whisper quiet” and equipped to wash everything from delicate sweaters to bulky rugs. As for the dryer, multiple cycle options make drying fast and efficient, while reviewers praise the Steam Refresh option as an easy way to get rid of wrinkles quickly. Make sure to keep your new appliances in good shape by learning how to properly clean a washing machine.
Pros:
- Highest customer satisfaction rating for front-loading washers and dryers
- Built to last
- Pet Pro line tackles pet hair with ease
- 10-year warranty
Con:
-
Not the most budget-friendly options
Courtesy Miele
Best high-end washer and dryer brand
Miele
Miele rules the day as a luxury washer and dryer brand, says Kelso. Not only do these appliances come with a two-year warranty, covering parts and labor, but they’re also Energy Star qualified and some of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market. “The washer spins at 1600 rpm [revolutions per minute], making sure your clothes don’t hold a lot of moisture,” he says. And you can easily stack the washers and dryers, which helps you save space.
There’s plenty in the way of convenience with Miele. Washers have an automatic detergent dispenser that will hold three months’ worth of detergent in your machine. And dryers plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and use a ventless system, “meaning you don’t have to worry about installing a vent system in your laundry room,” Kelso says.
The tech features are top-notch too: You can link up all of your Miele appliances (including your washer and dryer) on a networked system operated by voice, an app or a smart home system. And you can even display information in your language of choice.
Pros:
- High-end features, including the ability to network devices and delay a start time
- The dryers can plug into any outlet and don’t need a vent
- You can easily add items to a load after the washer or dryer has started
Cons:
- Prices start around $1,400 and can go as high as $4,000 per unit
- The warranty is a bit short
courtesy Samsung
Best budget washer and dryer brand
Samsung
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can snag a top-performing and reliable washer and dryer set, says Flamer. What, exactly, qualifies as a budget-friendly washer and dryer? Look in the $600 to $900 range for each appliance, he suggests. Samsung offers a variety of options in this price range. “Many of them are water- or energy-efficient, too, so your investment will save you money in today’s economy and long term,” he says. “And if you combine these eco-friendly machines with cold-water washing and an Energy Star–certified dryer, you can save about $170 per year.”
Another way to cut costs? Buy a washer and dryer pair during annual sales to save a few bucks. For instance, this Samsung set, which has a 4.5-star rating on Best Buy with more than 1,700 reviews, includes a 4.5-cubic-foot high-efficiency stackable front-load washer (with vibration-reduction technology to minimize noise) and a 7.5-cubic-foot electric sensor dryer.
But Samsung isn’t just your best budget option. It’s also a customer favorite, according to J.D. Power. And it’s the best washer and dryer brand for tech-savvy users. (Though it’ll push you out of budget territory, the brand’s AI-powered appliance is one of the most technologically advanced washer and dryer sets on the market.)
Ready for laundy day? Before you power up your new washer and dryer set, make sure you’re using one of the best laundry detergents.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Lots of high-tech options
- Various colors and finishes to match your decor
- Can control via an app
- High customer satisfaction
Con:
- 20-year warranty limited to select models
courtesy GE
Best compact washer and dryer brand
GE
Not all GE washers and dryers are fit for small spaces, but if you’re looking for a compact washer-dryer combo, GE is your brand. While all-in-one washer and dryer units aren’t typically ideal, some small spaces—RVs and tiny apartments included—can’t accommodate a stacked set or don’t have vents for a vented dryer. GE sells a line of space-saving units, and because the company has spent the last century proving itself a trusted brand for appliances, you can rest assured you’re getting a washer-dryer combo that won’t break the first time you take it for a spin.
All of GE’s compact washer-dryers have a small footprint, and two are even portable. You’ll find units that plug straight into the wall (no vent required) and offer steam washing and multiple wash cycles. One smart pick: GE’s high-efficiency all-in-one ventless washer-dryer. Not only is this an Energy Star–qualified unit, but it also has a 2.4-cubic-foot capacity, boasts 14 cycles (including rinse and spin settings) and allows for the use of detergent packs. It may not score as high as separate washer and dryer sets, but it’s the highest-rated all-in-one unit on Home Depot’s website, with a solid four-star rating.
Pros:
- Good for small spaces
- Ventless
- Select all-in-one units are a steal, considering you’re getting both a washer and dryer
Cons:
- Won’t accommodate large loads
- Drying may take longer
courtesy Whirlpool
Best large-capacity washer and dryer brand
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is rated high for customer satisfaction on the J.D. Power survey—for dryers as well as for both front- and top-loading washing machines. Those looking for a reliable large-capacity set won’t be disappointed with this brand. Many models offer helpful features like a Load-and-Go dispenser to store detergent, a removable agitator and smart features that let you control the appliances via an app.
Whirlpool’s highly rated 5.3-cubic-foot washer and 7.4-cubic-foot steam cycle electric dryer make for a smart combo for families with lots of laundry. The washer features a built-in, dual-temperature faucet with a brush for pretreating, so you can easily spot-treat stains. The dryer is equipped with three sensors that track the drying progress and “intuitive controls” that enable you to create custom cycles for convenience.
Looking for more laundry advice? Here’s how to fix a dryer that isn’t drying.
Pros:
- A variety of washers and dryers that can handle large loads
- Smart features to improve efficiency and save money
- High customer satisfaction
- Brand known for reliability
Con:
- On the pricey side
What to consider when buying specific washer and dryer brands
Keith Flamer, a home and appliance writer for Consumer Reports, explains that most people start the shopping process for washers and dryers by looking at the price. “In this era of inflation, who can blame them?” he says.
But while the price is key, reliability and performance are also crucial when it comes to selecting the best washer and dryer brands. “You can find a budget washer, but you may pay more in the long run if it’s a water guzzler that jacks up your utility bill,” he says. “You’ll also pay more if your clothes are still wet at the end of the dryer cycle.”
Even worse? You’ll waste money if either of those machines lasts only a few years. This is why he stresses the importance of buying a washing machine and a dryer from a reliable brand that can last up to 10 years or more—you’ll save in the long run.
“Overall, for washers, people should consider reliability, performance, water and energy efficiency, noise level and whether the washer is gentle or rough on clothes,” Flamer says. It’s simpler for dryers: Is it quiet, easy to use and well-performing? Then it’s a good choice for your home.
Another pro tip: Get the extended warranty, suggests technology expert Burton Kelso. Even if you’ve purchased one of the best washer and dryer brands, your units may need repairs. An extended warranty will save you money in the end.
Why you should trust us
I’m a seasoned shopping writer and researcher, covering various home-related topics for Reader’s Digest, such as cleaning hacks and consumer products. In addition to my own expertise, I reached out to technology expert Burton Kelso, as well as Keith Flamer, home and appliance writer for Consumer Reports.
How we found the best washer and dryer brands
We spoke to experts familiar with the appliances to determine the best washer and dryer brands. Then, we considered factors like cost, user reviews, star ratings and the latest results of a J.D. Power survey. We also chose various options, so there’s something for everyone here.
FAQ
What is the average lifespan of a washer and dryer?
A laundry machine’s life is dependent upon the frequency of its usage. Expect a solid run of 10 to 14 years for washers and 10 to 13 years for dryers. If a family runs eight loads of laundry weekly, a washer and dryer will likely yield a lifespan in the lower double digits. With proper maintenance and the occasional tweak, you may squeeze a few more years out of your washer and dryer!
Originally Published: March 11, 2024
