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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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This front-loading washer is a champ with great cleaning ability and plenty of effective features. Read More
This washer/dryer set excels at removing pet hair, has decent cleaning power and a huge dryer capacity. Read More
This top-loading washer and dryer set both have huge capacities, and are capable of handling large and bulky loads. Read More
This two-in-one washer-and-dryer unit offers solid performance, automated cycles, and user-friendly controls. It’s not great for delicates, though. Read More
Meant for a specific customer with limited space, this washer dryer set offers an excellent cleaning performance. Read More
Like any large appliance, buying a washing machine and a dryer is an investment, so you want to make sure you do things right. There are a few instances when buying a washer and dryer set makes sense: one, you’re in need of both; two, you know you will want to stack them; three, you’re looking to get the most functionality and best compatibility out of your laundry room.
Many consumers spend the bulk of their time and effort researching a washing machine, and then just select the matching dryer as an afterthought. While washers (both top-loaders and front-loaders) do have more of an impact on your "laundry day" experience (a good washer means less work for your dryer and a shorter wash time), you also don't want to get stuck with a bad dryer with a low spin speed and damp clothes for the next decade.
Since we've been testing washers and dryers in our labs for years, we know what to look for in the best washer and dryer sets. At the top of our rankings, the Electrolux ELFW7637AT / ELFE7637AT (available at Best Buy) washer and dryer combo offers one of the best performances we’ve ever seen in our labs. If you’re looking for great value, we love the Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK/MED6500MBK (available at Lowe's).
Editor's Note: Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best washers and dryers to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.
The front-loading ELFW7637AT has excellent stain removal performance, a detergent pod dispenser, and a 15-minute Fast wash.
This Maytag duo is a great value and excels at removing pet hair.
This fully integrated laundry center, meaning it's all one unit rather than two stacked units, features a single, slim design to help it fit into smaller spaces.
Decent washing and drying performance
Integrated design makes laundry process faster and easier
The Delicates cycle on both washing and drying is subpar
For the very specific consumer who needs a compact washer and dryer set, the Miele WXR860WCS compact washer and the Miele TXR860WP Eco & Steam compact dryer is a solid bet.
Large wash drum
Fast cycles
Solid stain scrubbing power
Rougher than average cycles
Power Heavy Duty cycle
Useful features
Good stain cleaning ability
Expensive
Slow cycles
Large drum
Fast effective cycles
On-board controls can be difficult to read
Loud chime
Strong cleaning performance
Generous drum capacity
Fast Quick cycle
Higher than average wear and tear on Normal and Delicates cycles
Noisy
Good stain removal
Excellent sanitize feature
Gentle on delicates
Expensive
Poor Quick Dry and Bulky/Bedding cycles
Many cycles and cycle options
Allergen and pet dander control
Antibacterial option in dryer
Dryer door opens to the side and downward
Washer doesn't clean as well as a front-loader
Many members of the Reviewed Lab staff past and present have tested washing machines and dryers, including our chief scientist David Ellerby, our former senior scientist Julia McDougall, and lab technicians Jonathan Chan, Kyle Hamilton, Beckett Dubay, and Michael Elderbee.
Reviewed looks at stain removal prowess, using strips of AHAM-approved stains, which includes cocoa, sweat, pig’s blood, red wine, and oil, wear and tear, water retention, and cycle time.
If blood, oil, and sweat sound like something out of a Saw film, you’re right on the money. They’re also some of the elements we use to test washing machines in the Reviewed labs. We’ll know a winner when it can truly tackle those nasty stains.
Our chief scientist, team of lab experts, and our appliance reviewers take testing washing machines and gas and electric dryers seriously. We bring in top-rated and best-selling models from brands like Maytag, LG, Samsung, Speed Queen, GE, Miele, and more, and we run them through rigorous, science-based tests and gather concrete data that we use to compare, contrast, and rank machines.
For washing machines, we look at stain removal prowess (using strips of AHAM-approved stains (which includes cocoa, sweat, pig’s blood, red wine, and oil), wear and tear, water retention, cycle time. For dryers, we look at performance and maximum temperatures, and cycle times, to name a few things.
We also take into account user experience factors, so consumers can get the whole picture. We also assess how easy it is to use each washing machine and dryer. This involves cumulatively assessing the control panel, door, detergent dispenser, and any smart features that are included.
best-right-now
best-right-now
When it comes to laundry pairs, the washing machine and the dryer are designed to work together.
For instance, if a washing machine does a great job of removing stains from a laundry load, but has a tougher time spinning out all of the water, the dryer can be programmed to anticipate extra-wet laundry and run at temperatures hot enough to remove all of the moisture. This way, you end up with clean, dry clothes after one full laundry cycle.
On the other hand, if you pick a washer and a dryer that are unrelated to one another, you could end up with a washer that leaves clothes wet, and a dryer that doesn't know to compensate appropriately.
While it's cheaper to replace just a washer or a dryer when one of your existing ones breaks down and dies, there are definitely some advantages to buying a laundry pair, including a reduced price.
Buying a washer and dryer set will typically save you a few hundred dollars—think of it like a bundle. The depth of the savings depends on where you shop.
You may also save even more money on major sales times, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Memorial Day weekend, President’s Day, and Labor Day. If you have flexibility, you should also consider shopping during the spring when warehouses are cleaning out their inventories, in the fall when brands begin launching new models, and right after the holidays.
When it comes to where to buy the best washer and dryer sets, the answer is easy—wherever large appliances are sold. The best—and our favorite—online retailers include AJ Madison, Abt, and Appliances Connection. You can also shop locally or online at stores like Best Buy, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
We always recommend shopping around for large appliances. With supply chain issues and fluctuating demand, finding the appliances you want in-stock when you want them can be challenging.
We strongly recommend against buying a washer and dryer set, or any large appliances for that matter, on Amazon or at Walmart. From mostly third-party sellers to voided warranties to not including installation for all items, buying appliances here could come with more risk than we think is necessary.
You should consider buying a laundry pair if there's a chance you'll want or need to stack the washer and dryer.
The first rule of stacking a washer and dryer is to never stack them unless the manufacturer indicates they are meant to be stacked, and you’ve purchased a stacking kit. The washer also needs to be a front-load washing machine, and the washer and dryer should be a matching set.
You’ll typically need tools like a screwdriver, wrench, level, and tape measure. You’ll also want to locate your owner’s manual or look on the brand’s website for installation instructions. You won’t be able to do this job on your own, so bring in a friend or partner who can lift.
The washer goes on the bottom, and the dryer goes on the top—always. Dryers are much lighter, and they never fill with water.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Leigh Harrington has more than 20 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.
At USA TODAY and Reviewed, Harrington oversees large appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and laundry, and manages Reviewed's overall home content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, and parenting. She focuses on writing, but mostly editing, consumer ed content and product reviews.
Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor's Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Boston, an adult coloring book.
Gabriel Morgan
Staff Writer, Home
Gabriel Morgan is a staff writer on Reviewed's home team, where he covers consumer education topics such as earthquake preparedness, radon in the home, and concerns about health and wellness in product design. He also writes product reviews and how-to articles on appliances, smart home technology, and goods for the home.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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