Washer and Dryer Buying Guide
Find the Best Washer and Dryer for Your Home
Buying laundry appliances isn't just about cycles and capacity. The right washer and dryer can save you time, money, and serious hassle. This guide breaks down the best options for every budget, home, and laundry routine, so you can make a smart, stress-free choice.
Quick Comparison: Washer and Dryer Types at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price Range | User Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top-Load Washer & Dryer | Large families, budget buyers | Fast cycles, easy loading, affordable | Higher water usage, can't stack | $800-$2,500 | Best Value |
| Front-Load Washers | Efficiency-focused households | Energy efficient, gentle on clothes, stackable | Higher upfront cost, longer cycles | $1,200-$4,000 | Most Efficient |
| Stackable Units | Small spaces, apartments | Space-saving, modern features | Height clearance needed, harder to reach | $1,500-$3,500 | Space Saver |
| Washer/Dryer Combo Unit | Small Spaces, Tiny homes, RVs | One unit does both, minimal space | Very long cycles, limited capacity | $1,000-$2,500 | Ultra Compact |
| Smart WiFi Sets | Tech households | App control, notifications, energy tracking | Higher cost, potential tech issues | $1,800-$5,000 | Most Connected |
Choosing the right type starts with your space, lifestyle, and laundry habits. Here's what to know about each option so you can find the perfect fit.
Best for: Larger families and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize convenience and speed
Pros:
- Faster cycles: Most top-loaders finish in 25 to 35 minutes
- Easy loading: No bending down, and you can add items after starting
- Budget-friendly: Often the most affordable washer and dryer option
- Familiar controls: Simple dials and buttons most people understand
- Reliable: Fewer complex parts mean fewer repair calls
Cons:
- Higher water usage: Uses 15 to 30 gallons per load vs 10 to 15 for front-loaders
- Can't stack: Takes up more floor space
- Harder on clothes: The agitator can be tough on delicate fabrics
- Less efficient: Generally, it uses more energy than front-load models
Quick answer: Choose top-load for convenience, speed, and lower upfront costs. Best for busy families who prioritize easy loading.
Top-load washers are ideal if you prefer easy loading without bending, want faster wash cycles, or need to add items mid-cycle. They typically cost less upfront and have simpler mechanisms that often last longer with fewer maintenance issues.
Quick answer: Agitators provide powerful cleaning for heavily soiled items, while impellers are gentler on fabrics.
Traditional agitators use a central pole to move clothes and provide powerful cleaning for heavily soiled items. Impellers are gentler, using a low-profile cone that moves clothes through water more efficiently while being easier on fabrics.
Quick answer: Standard models use 20-30 gallons per load, while high-efficiency versions use 13-17 gallons.
Traditional top-loaders use 20-30 gallons per load, while high-efficiency top-load models use 13-17 gallons. Front-loaders typically use even less at 10-15 gallons per load.
Quick answer: Generally yes, due to simpler mechanisms and fewer sealing components that can fail over time.
Top-load washers typically have simpler designs with fewer electronic components and no door seals that can develop leaks. This often translates to longer lifespans and fewer repair calls compared to front-load models.
Quick answer: 4-5 cu ft handles most families of 4-6 people. Go larger for big households or bulky items.
A 4.5 cu ft capacity works well for most families of 4-6 people. Singles and couples can use 3-4 cu ft models, while large families or those who wash bulky items regularly should consider 5+ cu ft models. Also consider you will need a standard 120V outlet for washer, 240V for electric dryer or gas line for gas dryer. Both need water supply and drain
Best for: Efficiency-focused households who want water savings, gentler cleaning, and the option to stack
Front-load washers tumble clothes through water rather than agitating them, using gravity and less water to get better cleaning results. They're the darlings of the laundry world for good reason: they're efficient, effective, and can stack to save space.
Pros:
- Super efficient: Use 40% less water and 25% less energy than top-loaders
- Gentler cleaning: Tumbling action is easier on fabrics than agitator-based washing
- Better cleaning: The tumbling motion and longer wash times remove more dirt
- Stackable option: Save floor space by stacking the dryer on top
- Larger capacity: Often fit 20 to 30% more clothes than comparable top-loaders
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost: Typically $200 to 800 more than similar top-load models
- Longer cycles: Can take 45 to 75 minutes for a complete wash
- Bending required: You'll need to crouch down to load and unload
- Maintenance needs: Require monthly cleaning to prevent mold and odors
Perfect scenarios: If you do lots of laundry, want to save on utility bills, have limited space, or care about treating delicate clothes gently.
Quick answer: Yes, if you do lots of laundry and want maximum efficiency. They typically pay for themselves through utility savings.
Front-load washers are worth the premium if you do frequent laundry loads, want to save on utility bills, have limited space for stacking, or care about treating delicate clothes gently. The energy and water savings typically offset the higher purchase price within a few years.
Quick answer: Yes, the tumbling action and longer wash times provide more thorough cleaning than top-load agitators.
Front-load washers generally clean more effectively because the tumbling motion continuously lifts clothes up and drops them through the water, creating better soil removal than the back-and-forth agitation of top-loaders.
Quick answer: Leave the door open between uses, run monthly cleaning cycles, and wipe down the door seal regularly.
Prevent mold by leaving the door and detergent dispenser open between uses to air dry, running monthly cleaning cycles with specialized cleaners, and wiping down the rubber door seal regularly to remove soap residue and moisture.
Quick answer: Most can be stacked with proper stacking kits but check manufacturer specifications and ceiling height.
Most front-load washers can be stacked using manufacturer-specific stacking kits. You'll need 75-80 inches of ceiling height and a level floor. Always use the proper stacking hardware for safety.
Quick answer: LG, Samsung, and Electrolux consistently rank highest for reliability and performance in front-load models.
The best front load washer and dryer sets typically come from LG (known for reliability and TurboWash technology), Samsung (innovative smart features), and Electrolux (premium fabric care and sophisticated features).
Best for: Apartments, condos, closets, or any space where floor space is precious
Stackable units give you full-size performance in a smaller footprint. Most front-load pairs can be stacked, but some manufacturers make dedicated stackable sets designed specifically for vertical installation.
Pros:
- Half the floor space: Typical footprint is just 2.5 x 2.5 feet
- Fits in closets Many units fit in standard 6-foot-wide closets
- Full-size capacity: No compromise on washing and drying performance
- Modern features: Often include the latest smart features and efficiency ratings
Cons:
- Height clearance: Need 75 to 80 inches of vertical space minimum
- Stacking kit required: Proper mounting hardware is essential for safety
- Level floor required: Uneven floors can cause dangerous vibration
- Access considerations: Top dryer can be harder to reach for shorter users
Pro tip: The best stackable washer dryer sets include a stacking kit and anti-vibration features. Look for models with front-mounted controls for easier access.
Quick answer: Yes, they provide the same washing and drying performance, just in a vertical configuration.
Stackable units offer identical performance to their side-by-side counterparts—they're literally the same machines, just mounted vertically. You get the same capacity, features, and efficiency ratings.
Quick answer: Most require 75-80 inches of ceiling height, but measure your specific models before purchasing.
Standard stackable pairs need 75-80 inches of ceiling height. Always measure your actual models since heights can vary by manufacturer, and don't forget to account for any overhead obstacles like light fixtures or duct work.
Quick answer: The units cost the same, but you'll need to buy a stacking kit for an additional $50-150.
The washer and dryer themselves cost the same as side-by-side models. You'll need to purchase a manufacturer-specific stacking kit ($50-150) and possibly professional installation if you're not comfortable with the setup.
Quick answer: No, only compatible models from the same manufacturer can be safely stacked using proper stacking kits.
You can only stack compatible models from the same manufacturer using their specific stacking kit. Never attempt to stack mismatched units or use improvised mounting methods, as this creates serious safety hazards.
Quick answer: Look for compact models with front-mounted controls for easier access to the top dryer.
The best stackable washer dryer sets for small spaces include front-mounted controls for easier access, compact capacity (3-4 cu ft) to fit tight areas, and anti-vibration features to minimize noise in close quarters..
Best for: Closets, tiny homes, RVs, studio apartments, or anywhere space is extremely limited
Combo units do both washing and drying in a single machine. Load your dirty clothes, start the cycle, and return hours later to clean, dry laundry. It sounds perfect, but there are significant trade-offs to consider.
Pros:
- One machine does both: No transferring clothes between machines
- Minimal space: Takes up about the same space as a single washer
- No venting required: Most use condensing technology instead of vents
- Apartment-friendly: Perfect for spaces without washer/dryer hookups
Cons:
- Very long cycles: Combined wash and dry can take 3 to 6 hours
- Small capacity: Usually limited to 2 to 3 cu ft (about 8 to 10 pounds)
- Less effective drying: Condensing dryers don't get as hot as vented models
- Higher maintenance: More complex systems can mean more potential issues
Best washer dryer combo advice: They work well for small households with light laundry needs, but families doing multiple loads daily will find them frustrating.
Quick answer: Worth it for small spaces and light laundry needs, but not ideal for families doing multiple loads daily.
Best washer dryer combo units work well for small households with light laundry needs, but families doing multiple loads daily will find the long cycle times and limited capacity frustrating. They're ideal for studio apartments, RVs, or anywhere space is extremely limited.
Quick answer: Combined wash and dry cycles typically take 3-6 hours, much longer than separate machines.
Complete wash and dry cycles in combo units take 3-6 hours depending on load size and fabric types. You can run wash-only cycles in about 1-2 hours if you plan to hang dry items.
Quick answer: No, condensing dryers in combos are less effective than traditional vented dryers.
Combo units use condensing technology that doesn't get as hot as traditional vented dryers, resulting in less effective drying performance. Clothes may come out slightly damp and require additional air drying time.
Quick answer: Most handle 2-3 cu ft loads (about 8-10 pounds), suitable for singles or couples only.
Combo units typically handle 2-3 cu ft loads, which translates to about 8-10 pounds of laundry. This works for singles or couples with light laundry needs but isn't sufficient for families.
Quick answer: They need standard electrical (120V) and water connections, but most don't require venting.
Most combo units need standard 120V electrical connections and hot/cold water hookups, similar to a regular washer. The advantage is that most don't require dryer venting since they use condensing technology to remove moisture.
Best for: Tech-savvy households who want convenience features and energy monitoring
Smart washers and dryers connect to your home WiFi and offer app control, notifications, and advanced features like automatic detergent ordering and energy usage tracking.
Pros:
- Cycle notifications: Get alerts when loads are finished
- Remote start: Start laundry from anywhere in the house
- Maintenance reminders: Alerts for cleaning and filter changes
- Energy tracking: Monitor usage and costs over time
- Troubleshooting: Diagnostic features that help identify issues
Cons:
- Complex AI learning: Usually just basic pattern recognition
- Recipe downloads: Most people stick to 2-3 favorite cycles anyway
The best smart features save time and prevent problems. Skip the gimmicks and focus on practical connectivity that makes your life easier.
Quick answer: Worth it if you're tech-savvy and frequently forget loads, but focus on practical features over gimmicks.
Smart appliances are worth the premium if you frequently forget loads in the washer, travel often and want remote control, or love having the latest technology. Focus on practical features like notifications, remote start, and energy monitoring rather than social media integration.
Quick answer: Yes, they function normally as regular washers and dryers without WiFi connectivity.
Smart washers and dryers continue normal operation without WiFi—you just lose the connected features like app control and notifications. All basic washing and drying functions work exactly like traditional models.
Quick answer: Cycle notifications, remote start, energy monitoring, and maintenance reminders provide the most practical value.
The most useful smart features are cycle notifications (so you don't forget loads), remote start capability, energy usage tracking, and maintenance reminders. Voice control works well if you already use smart home devices.
Quick answer: Extremely rare with reputable brands. Use secure passwords and keep firmware updated.
While theoretically possible, hacking is extremely rare with established manufacturers like LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Use secure WiFi passwords, keep firmware updated, and choose reputable brands with good security track records.
Quick answer: The washing and drying functions continue normally—broken smart features don't affect cleaning performance.
Smart features operate independently from the washing and drying mechanisms. A broken touchscreen or WiFi connectivity won't affect the appliance's ability to clean clothes, and most manufacturers offer good warranty support for smart components.
