Best Washer and Dryer 2024 – Buyer’s Guide

1. LG Turbo Series – Best Washer & Dryer

The power pair is made up of two of LG´s units, the WM4270HWA and the DLEX4270W. The washer has a 4.5 cu. Ft. drum, and the dryer, almost double that with 7.4 cu. Ft.; both are front loading. The two units are an attractive team combining a bright, stainless steel matching finish with advanced technology underneath.

The washing unit is enhanced by LG´s patented 6motion technology. Designed to mimic handwashing, the drum incorporates 6 different types of motion during a wash including scrubbing and swing motions. Suffice it to say, that LG have all the angles covered with washing motions automatically decided by 14 presets. You can even download the progress to your mobile via the LG app.

The dryer more than matches its partner in terms of technology. Sensors are incorporated into the drum to decide when clothes are dry, setting cycle length automatically. It´s a steam dryer with brains, incorporating dial-a-cycle patented technology to help you chose the right settings easier.

Compared to most washer-dryers this duel system operates quietly. That´s thanks to LG´s non-pulley system. They´re equipped with anti-vibration systems, and are both NSF and AAFA certified. The only issues are the universal mobile app on all LG smart devices which can be frustrating to use.

The price is quite high as well, but the advantages of separate units in terms of maintenance and use more than makes up for it.

 

2. Electrolux White Front Load Laundry Pair

This neat little partnership from Elextrolux is a lot cheaper than the LG series above and it seems that money was saved by forgoing smart technology. It’s a simple washer with no device connectivity. Having said that, it looks smart. Each unit has a large front facing drum colored in, two-tone white and chrome.

The washing element features Electrolux’s much vaunted Smartboost technology. The patented Smartboost premixes detergents with water before the cycle begins. I’m usually suspicious of jingoistic names but, according to Cnet, this really works.

Beyond that, it’s a steam washer with 9 separate washing cycles and a 4.4 cu. ft. drum.

The dryer has a 8 ft cu. Ft. capacity which means you’ll be able to take a full load from the washer straight into the dryer. There are 9 drying cycles to choose from with 5 temperature settings. Overall this is a relatively straightforward pair. Importantly, this partnership is particularly efficient. The EFME617SIW has a steam dry option and an Energy Star Certificate.

In a nutshell, this combination is a simple but effective one. The units are stack-able as well for those who have limited space. It forgoes some of the more fancy technology in favor of a consistent, wash and dry.

 

3. Samsung Stainless Steel Washer & Dryer Set

Similar to LG, Samsung are applying state of the art technology to home appliances. That technology has been added with a focus on speeding up cycles whilst adding convenience. These units are capable of washing loads in half the time of traditional washing machines without sacrificing cleaning power. They´re both wifi connected, allowing you to control the machines, and check on progress, from the comfort of your mobile via an app.

The washer has been made with convenience in mind. It runs quiet thanks to VRT technology and unique drum design. There’s also a sensor to help balance heavier loads. The real stand out feature for me is the add wash. Add wash is a small hatch built into the front facing door that let’s you add clothes to a cycle without having to start it over again. I can see this feature alone saving hours of time as well as energy and water.

The dryer has a 7.5 cu. ft. capacity, offering multiple steam jets to dry clothes quicker without making them crinkly. There’s also 15 drying presets as well as sensors to detect the temperature in the drum. For so much technology, it’s a nice surprise to find that both the washer is a proud holder of an Energy Star certificate.

These units offer fantastic performance individually, the problem comes when you join them up. The dryer has nowhere near enough capacity to match the washers full load. I can see that becoming a real hassle in day to day use. It’s a shame really as every other aspect offers maximum convenience.

 

4. LG WM3997HWA – Best All-In-One Unit

The obvious advantage of an all in one unit is space. The LG WM3997HWA has both washer and dryer options without needing it’s own room. The tub is 4.3 cu. ft. and comes equipped with the excellent, 6motion cleaning system. It’s connected to wifi and can be adjusted using just your phone.

A truly inspired feature in this combo washer dryer is the Smart Diagnosis. It means your washing machine work out whats wrong all by itself. When an expensive appliance stops working there’s no end of stress, as you wonder how much repairs will be. I can see this function being a game changer because it takes the worry out of washing machines breakdowns by giving you a clear an accurate diagnosis.

For a single unit, though, this is quite expensive. LG are taking some of the risk out of the investment by offering a ten year limited warranty on their direct drive motor. That’s a serious statement of intent and gives me confidence that this is a well-built machine. It’s also equipped with anti-vibration and lo-decibel technology. The only issue I can see is that for the money, you could buy two twin units. If you’re limited by space but looking for a top class washer-dryer this just might be your best bet.

 

5. GE UNITIZED SPACEMAKER - Best Combo Unit

The GE unitized series markets itself as an all in one laundry center. The lower half features a 3.2 cu. ft. drum whilst the upper half is a 5.9 cu. ft. dedicated dryer. It’s a middle ground that straddles twin unit and all in one. The benefits of this design are two fold. The first, is that there is enough drying space to take a full load from the washer to the dryer. The second, is that it’s reasonably compact, although a 27 inch width may make it hard to fit in some households.

It’s a fairly basic unit which is reflected in the price. You get eleven different washing options and 4 dry. The auto-load feature is a good addition which measures the weight of a load and applies just the right amount of water saving on consumption as well as energy. It’s also the first top loading washer to feature on our list. In my opinion, top-loaders are just easier to use after a long day, with less bending and stretching involved than on front-loaders.

I can see this being a great product for smaller families. In fact, Consumersearch rated this as a top performing product during their impartial product testing. It’s a simple but functional home appliance that’s available at a very reasonable price.

 

6. Maytag Maxima XL Series

Maytag is a brand with nearly 150 years experience in home appliances. In 2006, the brand was acquired by Whirlpool who always receive rave reviews from independent review sites. The Maxima series is a combination of the MHW7000AW washer with the MED5500FW dryer. The washer offers a decent 4.3 cu. Ft capacity whilst the dryer nearly doubles that with 7.4 cu. ft.

These are considered sophisticated units when measured against anything but Samsung and LG. And the washer is equipped with Maytag’s patented Powerwash technology. What’s really appealing about this brand though is the commercial parts. Maytag have a rich history in providing appliances to launderettes across the US. They use the same parts on their personal washers which means that you know they´ll last. Maytag are so confident, in fact, that they offer a ten year guarantee on both the motor and the basket.

All of Maytag´s products are made in the US, which will come in handy should you ever need replacement parts. You can also send repairs direct to the manufacturer without too much extra cost. Each unit is fitted with vibration contol as well as a 12 hour fresh hold feature. This keeps warm air circulating through your clothes overnight to keep them fresh.

All in all, it’s a twin unit that promises a long-lasting happy relationship. It doesn’t wash to the same high standards as other units on our list, neither does it have the wow factor that comes with state of the art technology. The Maytag Maxima series is all about reliability and is the safest investment on our list.

 

7. GE Top Load Washer & Dryer

Not everyone has the budget to go out and buy a state-of-the-art washer-dryer. For those that want convenience on a shoe string the GE top loader is a straightforward pair that promises to get the job done. The washer is GE´s GTW460ASJWW and the dryer is the GTD42GASJWW.

From it´s plain white design to it´s small 700rpm spin. There´s really not alot to get excited by. You will get 14 wash cycles alongside a few useful additions like the deep fill which adds 6 gallons of water for larger loads and auto soak for stained wear. The dryer is vented with a decent 7.4 cu. ft. capacity and 4 drying presets.

This pair is a small investment that´s capable of meeting your laundry needs. A big plus is that these units are made in Louiseville, Kentucky. US manufacture makes life a little bit easier and you know it´s passed all required safety standards before it reaches your home. The installation is easy and picking up this pair won´t burn a hole in your pocket. Simply put, it´s a decent option, well-built with a convenient top load structure. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

8. Whirlpool Front Load Washer & Dryer Set

This side-by-side washer-dryer combination is made from Whirlpool´s WFW75HEFW washer and WGD75HEFW dryer. The dryer is available in either gas or electric. Gas is maybe a little trickier to install, but, with an energy saving of up to 50% per load I think it´s worth the extra $100 to go for the gas version.

The models are both compliant with the American Disabilities Association (ADA) which makes it easier to load and unload. Furthermore, these machines have been made with efficiency in mind and receive an Energy Star certificate.

There´s some smart technology in these machines as well. The washer adapts conditions to load via sensors in the drum whilst dripfeeding detergent at select moments to improve cleaning. The dryer also incorporates sensors to adjust drying temperatures depending on load with an in-built eco-boost button for higher efficiency.

The Whirlpool pair maybe slightly more expensive than the GE top loaders above, but it makes the difference up through efficiency. It´s not as cheap in the short-term but significantly cheaper in the long-term. For those reasons it´s joint winner of our best budget option award.