The Best Washer and Dryer Sets for 2022
Updated: Apr. 18, 2022With technology that will save you time and money, these top-rated washer and dryer sets are about to become your new best friends.
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When it comes to doing laundry, 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 several years, now’s the time to score the best washer and dryer.
According to Eric Hagerman, Home & Appliance Editor for Consumer Reports, 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 the problem with machines that have bigger capacities, creating speed cycles, and building in pretreat features.” After all, there’s nothing worse than an inefficient washing machine or one that doesn’t get smells out, not to mention a dryer that doesn’t dry properly or shrinks clothes.
Companies have also created innovations with dryers. “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.” Gone are the days of having to run a load twice, getting creative with dryer sheets, or relying on dryer balls!
What to look for in a washer and dryer set
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.”
It’s also better to look at the purchase as a long-term investment and not be tempted by 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.”
If you want to score the best washer and dryer set, he also recommends sticking with the most reliable appliance brands, including LG, Speed Queen, and Miele.
When to shop for a washer and dryer set
Generally speaking, there are certain times of the year when it’s best to buy household appliances. Hagerman says the best deals on washers and dryers are usually on or around Black Friday. Holiday weekends, including July 4th, Labor Day, and of course, President’s Day, are also times to get deals on the best washer and dryer sets.
How we chose the best washer and dryer sets
We know—it’s a lot to process. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and compiled this list of the best washer and dryer sets for 2022. We took into account a variety of factors, including customer reviews, star ratings, expert recommendations, and Consumer Reports rankings.
After looking through this list, make sure to read up on other key ways 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 washer and dryer set: Electrolux SmartBoost High Efficiency Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
- Best smart washer and dryer set: LG Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer and Smart Electric Steam Dryer
- Best budget washer and dryer set: Amana Top-Load Washer with Electric Dryer
- Best top-loading washer and dryer set: GE Profile High-Efficiency Top-Load Washing Machine with FlexDispense and Electric Dryer
- Best large-capacity washer and dryer set: Maytag Large-Capacity Top-Load Washer and Electric Dryer
- Best compact washer and dryer set: LG WashTower
- Best all-in-one washer and dryer: GE High Efficiency All-in-One Washer and Dryer
- Easiest-to-use washer and dryer set: Samsung Smart Dial Front-Load Washer and Dryer
Best overall washer and dryer
Electrolux SmartBoost High Efficiency Stackable Front-Load Washer and Dryer
Saving energy isn’t just good for your bank account—it’s also good for the environment. Investing in an energy-efficient washer and dryer might cost more upfront, but you will save money in the long run. This 4.5-cubic-foot washer from Electrolux has been endorsed by Energy Star for being one of the most efficient on the market.
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, plus reviewers rave that it has top-notch stain-fighting abilities. Lowes shoppers also love it, giving it an average 4.8-star rating with over 5,000 reviews. And, an added bonus: It’s stackable. Don’t miss this guide on how to separate laundry for the cleanest, brightest colors.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Energy-efficient, so you will save money in the long run
- Lots of features
- Has a whopping 11 wash cycles
Cons:
- Might not be big enough for large families
- Might be too feature-heavy for those looking for a simple appliance
Best smart washer and dryer
LG Front-Loading Smart Washer and Electric Steam Dryer
This high-tech washer and dryer set from LG is Hagerman’s top choice overall. The washer features a whopping 14 wash cycles and five temperatures, 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. By the way, here’s how to clean a dryer if yours gets dirty.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Sleek, stainless design
- Boasts lots of features and progressive technology
- Big enough for a large family
Cons:
- It is more expensive than most other units on the market
- Might be difficult to operate for those who are not technologically savvy
Best budget washer and dryer
Amana Top-Load Washer with Electric Dryer
Those on a budget don’t have to compromise quality and efficiency with Amana’s bundled set, consisting of a 3.5-cubic-foot top-load washer and 6.5-cubic-foot dryer. The washer features a dual-action agitator to get your clothes as clean as possible and boasts 8 wash cycles and five temperature settings.
The dryer is also easy to use, featuring a reversible door. The set retails for less than $1,000; however, you can also buy the appliances a la carte.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Budget-friendly but high quality
- Easy to operate
- Clean look
Cons:
- Those seeking a high-tech appliance will be disappointed
- Washer might not be large enough for bigger families
Best top-loading washer and dryer
GE Profile 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 5-cubic-foot washer 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 five drying and temperature settings and HE sensor dry, which alerts you when your clothes are amply damp to be removed for air drying. The set is also reasonably priced.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Clean, versatile look
- Good value considering all the functionality
Cons:
- Those seeking a super high-tech appliance might be disappointed
- Dryer requires vents
Best large-capacity washer and dryer
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 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 wrinkle-control setting. Both feature extremely easy-to-use dial controls. Don’t forget to read up on HE washers and how they differ from traditional washers.
What we liked:
Pros:
- The set retails for under $1,200
- Easy to operate
- High capacity for larger loads
Cons:
- Those desiring super high-tech appliances may be disappointed
- Limited cycle options
Best compact washer and dryer
LG WashTower
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 sleek washer and dryer tower only takes up 27-inches of space and includes a high-efficiency front-load washer with 4.5 cubic feet capacity—perfect for a single person or couple. It boasts features such as AI sensors, tempered glass doors, a stainless steel tub, and a SpeedWash cycle that gets clothes clean in just 15 minutes.
The included dryer offers 7.4 cubic feet capacity with 9 cycle choices. It’s also a smart machine and can be controlled via a downloadable app. Home Depot shoppers offer their stamp of approval. Not only is it one of the best-selling washer and dryer units at the big box store, but it boasts nearly 1,500 5-star ratings. By the way, check out this guide on laundry symbols and what they mean—it’s a total laundry game-changer.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Ultra-large capacity while taking up minimal space
- Smart technology features
- AI sensors remove the guesswork of water temperature, times, and cycles
Cons:
- Might be difficult to operate for those who aren’t tech-savvy
Best all-in-one washer and dryer
GE High Efficiency All-in-One Washer and Dryer
While all-in-one washer and dryer units are never ideal, some small spaces—RVs and tiny apartments included—can’t accommodate even a stacked unit. This ventless unit is a great space-saving option. The energy-efficient appliance has a 2.4 cubic feet capacity, boasts 14 cycles including rinse and spin settings, and allows the use of detergent packs.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Very little space required
- Ventless
- Surprisingly feature-focused for an all-in-one
Cons:
- Longer cycle times
- Better suited for singles or couples
Easiest-to-use washer and dryer
Samsung Smart Dial Front-Load Washer and Dryer
Imagine a washer and dryer set that completely eliminates the guesswork. The people at Samsung did, releasing their Smart Dial series in April 2021. The intelligent, large-capacity, stackable units learn and recommends your preferred cycles and settings. The washer can sense the load’s weight and even the dirt level, and washes accordingly. It even dispenses exactly the right amount of detergent to use, so no need to measure! Both the washer and dryer connect to your smartphone via the Smart Things app.
What we liked:
Pros:
- Progressive technology
- High capacity for large families
- User friendly
Cons:
- Those who are accustomed to choosing speeds and cycles may be disappointed
- May be too bulky for some spaces
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Source: Eric Hagerman, Consumer Reports, Home & Appliance Editor
