Keith Barry

At a little over $579 on sale, the GE GTWN4450MWS is the highest-end traditional washer you can buy. For that you get few controls, uneven performance and a big, giant agitator sticking through the middle of the drum.

Colorful cords make building your own light fixture a bright idea

The Bosch Axxis dryer is only a good buy if you're short on space. Otherwise, hold out for a cheaper full-size dryer that takes less time to achieve the same results.

Different doesn't always mean better, case in point with this Fisher & Paykel.

With a unique top-loading design, the Fisher & Paykel SmartLoad has no problem getting clothes dry. It just takes awhile, however, and its control panel is oversimplified.

At $699 from Amana, the NFW7300WW is a spartan washer that does a good job getting clothes clean. If you don't mind that it has only three cycles and no customizable options to speak of aside from temperature, it may be a good fit for you. Just remember that better washers with more features sell for less.

Technology meets simplicity in this American-made top-load washer

Stain removal performance is excellent, but energy efficiency is lacking.