With 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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The Best Washer and Dryer Sets for 2024
Updated Aug. 30, 2024
When it comes to doing laundry, a high-quality washer and dryer is a total game-changer. They get the job done faster and more efficiently—and help save money in the long run. If you haven’t invested in a new set for several years, now’s the time to score one of the best washer and dryer sets.
Eric Hagerman, Home & Appliance Editor for Consumer Reports, explains 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.
Dryers have also gotten their fair share of upgrades. “The dryer also isn’t as humdrum as it once was,” Hagerman adds. “You’ll see multitasking dryers 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.
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Best value
GE Profile High-Efficiency Top-Load Washing Machine with FlexDispense and Electric Vented Dryer
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Best overall
LG TurboWash Stackable Smart Washer and True Steam Smart Electric Dryer
Getting the best doesn’t always have to involve paying the most. An excellent example of this is the LG WM4000HWA washer and DLEX4000W dryer. As of February 2023, the washing machine came top-rated by Consumer Reports with an 87 out of 100 score, earning five out of five stars in a variety of categories, including predicted reliability, washing performance, energy efficiency and water efficiency.
The washer offers 4.5 cubic feet of space and the dryer, 7.4 cubic feet, meaning you can get your laundry dried faster. However, since the appliances are stackable and designed to fit in closet spaces, even those in smaller houses or apartments may squeeze in the set. The washer is also an excellent option for pet owners or anyone who suffers from allergies, as the water is AAFA certified and offers an Allergiene Cycle that uses steam to remove pet dander and dust.
Once you invest in a new washing machine, don’t forget about monthly cleanings, which will help extend its life. Here’s everything to know about cleaning your washing machine.
Pros
- The top washing machine according to Consumer Reports
- Stackable and designed to fit in closets
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not ADA compliant
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Best value
GE Profile High-Efficiency Top-Load Washing Machine with FlexDispense and Electric Vented Dryer
If saving money over time is the goal, invest in a top-load washing machine. Why? They tend to be more efficient and have a longer lifespan. This GE set represents the intersection of functionality meets simplicity and offers value over time. 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 sounds an alert when clothes are amply damp to be removed for air drying.
Pros
- An efficient top-loader that will save you money over time
- Clean, versatile look
- Good value considering all the functionality
Cons
- Those seeking a super high-tech appliance might be disappointed
- Dryer requires vents
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Best splurge
Miele WXD160 and TXD160
Hagerman notes that Miele is one of the most reliable washer and dryer brands on the market, known for durable appliances that last for the long haul. The Miele WXD160 and TXD160 might seem like a bit of a splurge. However, keep in mind that you are investing in the best washer and dryer set to last decades. According to Miele’s tests, the average user will get 20 years out of each appliance, especially when kept in good condition.
While the washer is compact compared to other models, with 2.26 cubic feet, it makes up for it with 11 efficient wash programs, automatic load sensing technology and SoftSteam technology, cutting down the ironing time. Reduce the drying time with the energy-efficient Miele TXD160 that’s perfect for those without a drying vent, as it is a ventless heat-pump model. All you need for hookup is a 120-volt outlet. Both models are incredibly smart with the ability to schedule them to start at any time.
Pros
- A high-quality and luxurious washer and dryer set
- Miele is one of the top washer and dryer brands, according to Consumer Reports
- Each appliance should last for 20 years
- Lots of bells and whistles, including smart technology
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
Cons
- Miele appliances tend to be more expensive to repair
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Best for small spaces
LG WashTower
No laundry room, no problem. The LG WashTower WKEX200HBA isn’t just a stackable washer and dryer, it comes as one unit. The sleek and slender machine, featuring a washer on the bottom and dryer on top, should easily fit in smaller spaces, like a closet or even a bathroom.
But don’t be discouraged by its size. The washer and dryer, both full-sized and ultra-large capacity, are incredibly efficient, cleaning clothes better and faster and loaded with tons of useful features. The AAFA-certified washing machine features an Allergiene wash cycle to steam clean clothes, removing common allergens, and a 30-minute TurboWash360 cycle, using five jets to clean clothes fast and also a 15-minute cycle when time is really an issue.
Control the smart appliance via the ThinQ App, allowing you to add time remotely. We also love that it comes in a range of colors, including white, black steel, nature green and candy apple red.
Pros
- A sleek and slender, space-saving and stacked integrated washer and dryer
- Ultra-large capacity
- Smart technology
- Available in four colors
Cons
- More expensive than many other stackable washers and dryers
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Best large capacity
LG Front-Loading Smart Washer and Electric Steam Dryer
This high-tech laundry set from LG is Hagerman’s top choice overall, not only because the washer boasts 5.2 cubic feet of space but also due to its extensive features. The smart 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 a smartphone. And, get this: They come equipped with LG’s TWIN Wash System. In addition to the main washer, there’s a Sidekick pedestal washer to 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 the right way to separate your clothes prior to washing.
Pros
- Big enough for a large family with 5.2 cubic feet of space in the washer and 9.0 in the dryer
- Sleek, stainless design
- Boasts lots of features and progressive technology
Cons
- It is more expensive than most other units on the market
- Might be difficult to operate for those who are not technologically savvy
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Best smart
Samsung Smart Dial
In a perfect world, a washer and dryer would completely eliminate the guesswork. Guess what? The Samsung Smart Dial washer and dryer set fits the bill. The intelligent, large-capacity, stackable units learn and recommend preferred cycles and settings. The washer can sense the load’s weight and even the level of dirt 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 a smartphone via the SmartThings app.
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
What to look for in a washer and dryer set
So, how should one begin shopping for a pair? Start with the washing machine. “We recommend picking 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 to do research before buying the 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 good couple.”
It’s also better to look at the purchase as a long-term investment and not simply buy the cheapest model. “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 and Miele.
How we found the best washer and dryer sets
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is the most reliable brand of washer and dryer?
According to Hagerman, LG and Miele are two of the most reliable washer and dryer brands.
What is better: top load or front load?
There are pros and cons to top-load and front-load washing machines. Front-load washers generally use less water and take slightly longer than top-load washers. However, top-load washers are generally more efficient and have a longer lifespan, making them a smart investment for value over time.
How long should a washer and dryer last?
Most washers should last up to 10 years. However, some brands, like Miele, suggest that with proper maintenance, they can last closer to 20. Now, learn about the best time to buy appliances.
Source:
Eric Hagerman, Consumer Reports, Home & Appliance Editor
Originally Published: February 15, 2022
