From big family loads to small-space living, power through laundry day with the best washer and dryer set.
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Top-rated & Affordable Washer and Dryer Sets for Every Home
Updated on Sep. 24, 2024
Washer and dryer sets are matches made in heaven. Consisting of a pair of standalone appliances or all-in-one units doing dirty laundry in a single drum, machines that team up are better, faster and more energy efficient than ever before. At the moment, wash-and-dry duos have lots of advantages over buying appliances separately, whether it’s the flexibility to work in tandem by synchronizing cycles or interfacing with phones and smart gadgets to manage settings from afar.
Perhaps you haven’t been in the market for home appliances for a while. If that’s the case, Chris Doscher of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers says you might be surprised at how much features, capacity and energy efficiency have changed since your last purchase. “Manufacturers offer many innovative laundry features, including smart and connected features, that will vary by model.”
With so much to think about aside from price, color, design and reliable performance, sifting through the huge selection of washer and dryer sets can be overwhelming. Not to worry. We’re here to help.
If your existing washing machine and tumble dryer are on their last legs or they no longer meet the capacity needs of your growing family, turbocharge laundry day with one of the brand-spanking-new, state-of-the-art best washer dryer brands that made our list.
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Best with Removeable Agitator
Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator and Matching Dryer
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Best Overall
Samsung's Bespoke Ultra Capacity AI Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer
Pros:
- Clever AI technology
- Can be stacked or placed side by side
- Super-speedy drying times
- Scratch-resistant, flat-tempered and reversible glass door
- Available in three sleek colors (brushed navy, forest green and silver steel)
Cons:
- Pricey
- App is limiting
The Bespoke Ultra Capacity washer and dryer bundle by Samsung is one of our favorite washer and dryer sets of all time. A beautiful marriage of function and flexibility all wrapped up in a clean flat-panel design, there’s no need to hide this attractive duo away behind a door or inside a closet. On top of their good looks, both machines feature extra-large capacity that fits almost 6 and 8 cubic feet of clothing, respectively, in a single load. With this combo, you can wash and dry your laundry in under an hour.
Brimming with time-saving smart settings, this washer and electric dryer set allows you to customize your laundry cycle list to take boring tasks off your hands so you can spend less time in the laundry room. Bespoke sends an alert to your phone when your laundry is done and even tells you automatically if it’s time to clean the dryer’s air duct so performance stays at its peak and ensures a safe cycle, too.
Senior Shopping Editor, Cher Checchio, owns this washer dryer set and loves its features. “I’ve had this Bespoke set for a year now and laundry days are so much easier. I love the simple-to-use AI smart dials with energy-efficient controls. And both the washer and dryer are large enough that I don’t need to do more than two loads of laundry a week as a family of three. Plus, they’re so stylish and nice to look at that we even got rid of our laundry doors.”
On Sale
Best Front-Load
LG Front Load LG WashTower
Pros:
- Easy-to-reach center control panel
- Helps remove allergens from clothes
- Power cleans large loads in 30 minutes
- Dryer steam refreshes clothes between washes
Cons:
- Washer and dryer cannot be placed side by side
- Some cycles must be downloaded
- Heavy items may need to dry through more than one cycle
Standing a lanky 6 feet tall, the vertical LG Washtower is a stacked washer and dryer set that provides full-size capacity in half the space. The single-unit tower has a small profile slim enough to fit inside a closet and has an easy-to-reach center control panel with doors positioned for direct laundry access. No step stool is required.
When we talk about performance, the LG boasts a best-in-class TurboWash 360 technology that uses five powerful jets to spray clothes from different angles, and Turbo Steam that refreshes clothes in between washes as well as eliminates up to 95% of common allergens such as dust, pet dander and pollen.
Best of all, it’s as powerful as it is pretty, the LG Washtower workhorse is available in crisp and classic white, fun Candy Apple Red, soothing Nature Green and sleek black steel—each is complemented by chrome rim accents. When it comes to wash-day tasks, this appliance is a pillar of strength.
Best Budget
Amana Large Capacity Top Load Washer and Matching Dyer
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Large capacity
- Automatic fabric softener dispenser
- Reversible dyer door
Cons:
- One color option
- No smart features
- Low spin speeds
Are you shopping for a top load but are watching your pennies? What the Amana Large Capacity Top Load Washer and Matching Dyer may lack in fancy features like Wi-Fi connectivity and steam boost, it more than makes up for by doing a solid job relative to the lower price you pay.
The washer comes with 12 cycles, five temperature settings and a helpful Late Lid Lock feature that allows extra time to throw in forgotten items before the spin cycle begins. A special high-efficiency agitator does a number on dirt but is gentle on clothes and the smooth stainless steel wash basket protects fabrics from snagging.
The electric dryer (add $100 for gas) has 11 cycles with automatic temperature sensor controls to prevent over-drying, plus a wrinkle-prevention option if you can’t fold your laundry right away.
If that weren’t enough, with this twin-set you get overall fast cycle times, an option to add more water if you need it and a Quick Wash Cycle function to set when you’re in a hurry. Not to mention the reliability that comes with every Amana by Whirlpool product, which consistently ranks in the top five washer/dryer brands.
Best Compact
Bosch 300 Series Compact Washer and Condensation Dryer
Pros:
- Ideal for tight spaces
- Can be installed side-by-side, on pedestals, in closets or under counters
- Ventless dryer eliminates the need for external ducting
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- Left side hinged only
- Slightly longer drying times
- No 'spin only' cycle
The trend towards smaller appliances has seen a rise in popularity. The Bosch 300 Series Compact Washer and Condensation Dryer are ideal for those with busy families but limited space. When stacked, you need only 2 feet across of floor space and even if you place them side by side, they take up a lot less room than two full-size models.
In terms of performance, there are 15 different wash cycles and six special options, including “Speed Perfect” mode for 40% faster washing times without sacrificing standard-level cleaning results. The EcoSilence Drive has a brushless, energy-efficient motor to deliver exceptionally quiet loads because silence is golden.
Moving on to the companion dryer: The condensation-style dryer features adjustable temperature and delivers high-quality fabric care from gently drying your delicates to reducing creasing and wrinkle build-up for up to two hours after the end of the cycle. Along with space efficiency, you’ll save on utilities, too since both units, whether powered by gas or electric, are Energy Star certified.
Best Portable
Auertech Portable Washer & Dryer Combo
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design fits anywhere
- Washer capacity: 18 lbs. Spin Cycle: 10 lbs.
- A stabilizing base to prevent shaking and keep noise to a minimum
- Easy operation; no installation or assembly required
Cons:
- Spin, not heat-drying
- Best suited for bulky or heavily soiled items
When it comes to doing laundry in cramped spaces or on the go, less is more. Suitable for studio apartments, dorms, RVs or boats, the twin-tubbed Auertech Portable Washer & Dryer Combo does double duty in one tiny package. For its itty-bitty size, the Auertech’s load capacity is surprisingly generous—there’s enough room to hold two sets of sheets, 20 T-shirts or eight pairs of pants. It’s a real time-saver, too. The wash cycle takes about 15 minutes and the spinning cycle, around five.
Cool and convenient features include a built-in pump with an extended drain pipe, a transport lid, a dual water inlet for adding water and a lint filter to keep the fuzz in check. The two tubs each have separate timers—one for washing and one for spinning, allowing you to wash and wring clothes at the same time.
Simply plug this all-in-one unit into an electrical outlet, connect it to the water line and attach the drain hose—there’s no fiddling with the plumbing.
Best with Removeable Agitator
Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator and Matching Dryer
Pros:
- Has both an impeller and an agitator
- Large 5.3 cu. ft. and 7.4 cu. ft. capacities
- Smart-enabled app to set and start cycles remotely
- Easy-view, slow-close glass lid
Cons:
- Top lid slopes
- Drop down dryer door gets in the way when loading and unloading
With the Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2-in-1 Removable Agitator, you’ll have the best of both worlds: the option to remove the agitator when you want to gently care for delicate clothes using only the impeller or leave it in to robustly handle dirtier and bulkier items like comforters, blankets, rugs, towels and even dog beds. Enjoy 35 cycle options, a pretreat stain station with a water faucet and brush plus adjustable feet for leveling. It senses the water level, adjusting as needed so it doesn’t waste water, and it can be voice-controlled when connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. No subscription is required.
Associate Product Reviews Editor, Sheri Kaz, tested the Whirlpool washer and had this to say, “Upon arrival, I threw a basket of towels in the new Whirlpool 2-in-1 washer and was shocked at how much room was left. The tub in this washer is huge! I was instantly impressed. Next, I washed a basket of jeans and socks (plus another basket of sweatshirts) in the same load and still had room to spare. Awesome—two loads down at once.”
The matching electric dryer has advanced moisture sensing to prevent overdrying and a Sanitize cycle for removing 99.9% of bacteria. The neatest accessory has to be the optional rack, where you can place items like pillows, hats, and tennis shoes for tumble-free drying. All this, coupled with Whirlpool’s reputation for reliability makes this a winner in our book.
On Sale
Best All-in-One
GE Profile All-in-One Electric Washer/Dryer Combo
Pros:
- Washes and dries a load in two hours
- Stores favorite settings for later
- Requires only a standard 120V plug and no exhaust vent
- Saves 50% more energy than standard electric dryers
- Optional seven-inch laundry riser available
Cons:
- Best for light loads
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
Besides preserving precious floor space, the GE Profile All-in-One Electric Washer/Dryer Combo makes life simpler by not having to hang around all morning waiting to transfer clothes between machines.
It has an impressive drum capacity of 4.8 cu. ft. to cut your laundry routine in half. But what we appreciate most about this set is the unique and handy features like the intelligent dispenser that holds enough detergent and softener for up to 32 loads, and the SmartHQ app that sends remote cycle status notifications, as well as allows you to select detergents and set specialty cycles all from your mobile device. This means you can build out your cleaning schedule or trigger the washer/dryer to start up while you’re out and about. It’s multilingual too. Language options include English, Spanish and French.
As for the dryer function, the Fast Airflow Drying System uses warm, high-speed air to extract moisture from clothes to gently dry them with less heat. You can even use the dryer cycles independently.
What to Look for When Buying a Washer/Dryer Set
Before buying a washer and dryer set, Doscher points out, “People should carefully consider what they need from their washer and dryer and think about what features will best help meet those needs.” Narrowing down options is the first step before you head to the mall or hop online:
- Energy Efficiency: For many looking at new appliances, Doscher says energy efficiency should be top-of-mind. “Due to a combination of manufacturer innovation and government standards, the efficiency of clothes washers and dryers has improved tremendously over the past decade.” For instance, the best washer and dryer sets these days have sensors that adjust water levels based on load size resulting in decreased water usage per cycle. “Energy efficiency directly affects the annual costs to operate appliances, and it should be a consideration for anyone shopping for a new washer and dryer.”
- Space available: Before you buy, measure the width, depth and height of the space to be sure your new set will fit properly. Always remember to allow a few inches around each side for airflow, vents and water hook-ups.
- Capacity needs: Size matters but so does the frequency and amount of laundry you create in a week, as well as the number of people using the washer and dryer. Capacity is typically rated by cubic feet: Standard washers range somewhere between 3 and 5 cubic feet, while dryers are generally available in 5 to 7 cubic feet of drum capacity.
- Style/Type: Side-by-sides are most suitable for big laundry rooms, while stacked washer and dryer sets and all-in-ones are super space-savers.
- Budget: Like anything else, prices for washer and dryer sets depend on the type, size and features included. For example, you’ll pay more for high-tech options over basic, top-loading machines without the bells and whistles. Appliance repair technician, Scott Flint shares his biggest tip when looking for a new washer and dryer, which is to stick to simple. “The more complex the mechanism the more likely it will fail,” Flint says. “As consumers, we tend to only use a few of the cycles that come with our washers and dryers, so buyers can save money and have machines that last longer by opting for the fewer features.”
- Online reviews: Once you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three, do yourself a favor and take the time to read professional and customer product reviews about the products in the running before you commit to a purchase. They’re the next best things to personal recommendations from friends and family.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a reviews expert, I’ve covered a variety of culture and lifestyle topics and completed hours of research to narrow down the best products for Family Handyman readers. This piece was also recently updated by Mary Henn, Shopping Editor at Family Handyman. She is a seasoned shopper who made sure that this guide contains the most up-to-date information to help readers buy the best new-to-market washer and dryer sets available.
This guide features expert input from Chris Doscher of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and appliance repair technician Scott Flint, better known as The Fix-It Guy. Flint has over 30 years of experience in the industry, helping homeowners build the confidence to complete home repairs on their own through his YouTube channel and stories on Family Handyman.
How We Found the Best Washer Dryer Sets
As shopping experts, our job is to help you find a winning product. We start by comparing a variety of highly rated models from makers with long-standing reputations. We choose products based on size, capacity, power source, design elements, functions and cost—all 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
How much should I pay for a washer and dryer set?
These days a washer and dryer set can run anywhere between $950 to northward of $5,000. The options we’ve included in this guide range from around $200 to just a smidge under $3,000. Companies often run deals and promotions, especially around the holidays, with brands offering deep discounts for discontinued models. If you’re in the market for a new washer/dryer set, keep your eye out for prices to plummet during annual sales.
Is a top load or front load washer better?
Doscher says that if you’re thinking about buying a front-load model, be sure the laundry area has room for the washer and dryer doors to swing open fully. Ergonomics should also play a role in your decision-making. He suggests asking yourself if you would be more comfortable loading and unloading a front-load or top-load model. “Some people prefer front-load models because, when situated alongside one another, they create a flat counter-like space that can be useful when doing laundry,” adding that most front-load models can also be stacked, which puts the controls within easy reach. Lastly, front-loading washers can accommodate bulkier items like comforters, while top-loading washers are easier to maintain, although their agitators may damage delicate garments. When all is said and done, choosing a top- or front-load model may come down to personal preference.
What is a good size washer for a family of 4?
In general, you’ll need 4.2 to 4.5 cubic feet of drum capacity for a family of four or more. This translates to roughly 15 to 20 pounds of laundry per load.
Sources
- Chris Doscher of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
- Scott Flint, The Fix-It Guy
