The Best Washer and Dryer Sets for 2021
Updated: Nov. 30, 2021With technology that will save you time and money, these top-rated sets are about to become your new best friends—and there’s no better time to welcome them to your home.
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The best washer and dryer sets you can get right now
Having a high-quality washer and dryer can be a total game changer. They can get the job done faster and more efficiently—and save you a bundle in the long run. If you haven’t invested in a new set for a few years, now’s the time. According to Eric Hagerman, Consumer Reports‘ Home & Appliance Editor, washers and dryers have undergone some serious technological improvements over the last few years. “Research shows that consumers say doing laundry takes too much time,” he explains. “Manufacturers have been trying to address this problem with machines that have bigger capacities, speed cycles, or built-in pretreat features.”
Companies have also been attempting to create dryers that simplify the experience for consumers. “The dryer also isn’t as humdrum as it once was,” Hagerman adds. “You’ll see multitasking dryers that allow you to dry two loads at once, all-in-one machines—front-loading washers that go straight into dryer mode—and dryers with movable control panels.”
So, how should you begin shopping for a pair? Start with the washing machine. “We recommend you pick based on the washer. The washer does most of the work and is a more complicated machine than the dryer,” Hagerman says. But make sure you do your research before buying your washer’s drying counterpart: “Manufacturers design some dryers so that they can be paired with a matching washer, but we’ve found in our testing that not all make a great couple.” No matter which models you choose, though, make sure you’re not doing any of these things that shorten the life of your washer and dryer.
We know—it’s a lot to look through and process. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and compiled this list of the best washer and dryer sets for 2021. You’re welcome! After looking through this list, make sure to read up on other key things to do to make doing laundry easier and more efficient, like learning how to clean a washing machine, how to choose the best dryer settings, what temperature to wash clothes in, and the best laundry detergents experts recommend using.
Best overall front-loading: LG Front Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer and Electric Steam Dryer
This high-tech washer and dryer duo from LG is Hagerman’s top choice overall. The washer features a whopping 14 wash cycles and five temperature cycles, and it’s big enough for a large family. Both the washer and dryer feature the brand’s Smart ThinQ technology, allowing you to control the machines from your smartphone. And, get this: They also are equipped with LG’s TWIN Wash System. In addition to the main washer, there’s a Sidekick pedestal washer so you can add an additional load. As for the dryer, there are 14 preset drying cycles, each of them super quiet for minimal disruption. Here are some key tips for how to do laundry.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 5.2 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Front load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 14 |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 9 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Electric |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 14 |
Best overall top-loading: GE High-Efficiency Top Load Washing Machine with FlexDispense and Electric Vented Dryer
Front-load washers generally use less water and take a little longer than top-load washers. However, top-load washers are generally more efficient and have a longer lifespan. If you prefer a top-loading washer, then you aren’t going to do any better than this GE set, where functionality meets simplicity. The 4.8-cubic-foot appliance offers myriad features, including a Tide Pod dispenser, a stain removal guide that targets the five most common stains every cycle, and a Sanitize with OXI cycle. The matching dryer, which is 7.4 cubic feet, offers four drying and temperature settings and HE sensor dry, and it even alerts you when your clothes are amply damp to be removed for air drying. The set is also reasonably priced—ringing in at around $1,200 for both. Having problems with your current dryer but not sure it’s time to make the switch? Here’s how you can try to fix a clothes dryer that isn’t working.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 4.8 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Top load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 15 combined |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 7.4 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Electric |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 12 |
Most energy-efficient: Electrolux Front Load Washer with SmartBoost Technology and Electric Dryer
Saving energy isn’t just good for your bank account, as less power equates to less money—it’s also good for the environment. Investing in an energy-efficient washer and dryer might cost more up front, but you will save money in the long run. This washer from Electrolux has been endorsed by Energy Star as the most efficient on the market. According to the brand, it uses only 60kWh of energy annually, which is equivalent to $6. (Yes, you read that right!) The electric dryer also ensures efficiency with an automatic drying sensor. But don’t worry: It still gets the washing and drying done and offers a bunch of cool features, and reviewers rave that it has top-notch stain-fighting abilities. Don’t miss this guide on how to separate laundry for the cleanest, brightest colors.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 4.4 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Front load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 19 combined |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 8 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Electric |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 9 |
Easiest to use: Maytag Large-Capacity Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer
In today’s “smart” world, many of us have a tendency to believe that the most high-tech products are the best. However, when it comes to washers and dryers, some people swear that the more basic models not only get the job done but also have fewer issues and are much easier to use. This reasonably priced Maytag set may look like the one you grew up with decades ago, but the washer actually boasts 3.8 cubic feet of wash space and a few efficient cycle options, including PowerWash and Quick Wash, which manages to clean a load in just 30 minutes. Maytag’s matching dryer is similarly simple, with 7 cubic feet of drying space, an IntelliDry sensor to track moisture, and a winkle-control option. Both feature extremely easy-to-use dial controls. Don’t forget to read up on HE washers and how they differ from traditional washers.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 3.8 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Top load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 14 combined |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 7 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Electric |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 12 |
Best for small spaces: LG Compact Front Load Washer and Stackable Electric Ventless Dryer
If you live in an apartment or small house, or just don’t have room for a larger washer and dryer, there are plenty of smaller-sized options for you to choose from. This 24-inch high-efficiency front-load washer from LG offers 2.3 cubic feet capacity—perfect for a single person or couple. It boasts features such as a stainless steel tub, a Direct Drive Motor (which uses fewer moving parts, making it more efficient), and nine wash programs. The LG dryer that goes with this model offers a whopping 14 cycle choices and is totally ventless—meaning it can be used in situations where external venting is not possible. The dryer also comes with a kit that allows you to stack the machines. By the way, check out this guide on laundry symbols and what they mean—it’s a total laundry game-changer.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 2.3 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Front load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 11 combined |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 4.2 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Electric |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 14 |
Best splurge: LG Signature Front Load Smart Wi-Fi Washer and Gas Dryer
If you are one of those people who will settle for nothing less than the best and are willing to pay for it, then the LG Signature collection is a no-brainer. This luxurious washer and dryer set is basically the Mercedes-Benz of the bunch. The black stainless steel washer is sleek, sophisticated, and feature-heavy, offering 5.8 cubic feet of space and 14 cycle options, while the 9-cubic-foot dryer has 14 drying options with a Turbosteam function. Both also boast super smart features that have Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. And did we mention they are both absolutely gorgeous? They’re truly the perfect addition to an impeccably designed laundry room. This set, combined with a great steam iron, will take your clothing care to a new level.
| WASHER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 5.8 cubic feet |
| Washer load type: | Front load |
| Number of Wash/Rinse Cycles: | 14 |
| DRYER STATISTICS | |
| Capacity: | 9 cubic feet |
| Heating source: | Gas |
| Number of Drying Cycles: | 14 |
What to look for—and when to look for it
Generally speaking, there are certain times of the year when it’s best to buy household appliances. Hagerman says that the best deals on washers and dryers are usually on or around Black Friday. It’s also better to look at this purchase as a long-term investment and not be tempted by super low prices. “For example, agitator top-loaders are typically the least expensive type of washing machine. But we’ve found that models under $500 usually earn mediocre ratings or worse in most of our washer tests, and they’re pretty noisy, too,” he warns. “If you can spend about $100 to $150 more, you’ll find more options and better overall performance.”
He also recommends sticking with reliable brands. You’ll definitely want to check Consumer Reports‘ latest Appliance Brand Reliability Rankings, which include LG, Speed Queen, and Miele in the top spots. And here are more of the most and least reliable home appliance brands on the market, according to other experts.
Sources:
- Eric Hagerman, Consumer Reports‘ Home & Appliance Editor
- Consumer Reports: “Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances?”
- Consumer Reports: “Best Large-Capacity Washing Machines of 2021”
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