That being said, there are several brands out there that produce high-quality washers and dryers to meet your various needs, and the challenge then becomes identifying what those needs are so your purchase is the best it can be for you. To help you discover what’s out there, we scoured top retailers to find their best-selling machines and brands. Then, we looked at the full line of products from each brand, evaluating qualities like overall value, features, ease of operation, and longevity. Our favorite washer and dryer brands include names like LG, Maytag, and Samsung, as well as more budget-friendly options like Amana and eco-friendly options like Electrolux. Here, the best washer and dryer brands worth considering for a reliable laundry routine. All of LG’s appliances, including their washing machines and dryers, are super tech-focused and have lots of enviable features. However, the technology centers around efficiency, cycle settings, and proper fabric care, so you’re not splurging on features that are flashy opposed to useful. The technology also comes at a reasonable price given the quality and reliability of the machines. LG has become more well-known for their front-loaders in recent years. These machines are highly efficient and often incorporate Wi-Fi capabilities. One of their latest models, the 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer with TurboWash™ 360° and Built-In Intelligence, monitors energy use and has a fabric sensor to automatically adjust itself based on what you’re washing. Dryers, which come in both electric and gas versions, are also smart and efficient. They even have very large models, like the 9.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Electric Dryer with TurboSteam™ and Built-In Intelligence. We particularly love the LG WKEX200HWA WashTower Laundry Center, as well. It stacks two machines on top of each other, which is perfect for those looking to save space, and features a central control panel, which is hard to find amongst stackable machines. All in all, these washers and dryers will definitely make your life a little easier and are built to last. Just note: LG can be difficult to service at times, so make sure to take good care of your washing machine and dryer. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, you’ll appreciate the functionality of any machine in their lineup of products. Each one is thoughtfully designed with multiple convenient features. Their top dryer is the 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Perfect Steam™ Gas Dryer with LuxCare® Dry and Instant Refresh, a model that uses an advanced moisture sensor to prevent over or under-drying of your clothes. It has an “instant refresh” cycle that gets rid of wrinkles in just 10 minutes, too. If there’s any downside to Electrolux, it’s that the selection of washers and dryers is more limited and hard to find at retailers compared to bigger brands like LG and Samsung. The upside to this: the brand has hyper-focused on a few reliable machines, perfecting the technology in each, so you know you’re getting a good product. Plus, they’re very open about their Energy Star and CEE Tier ratings in online product listings, so you can scope out potential opportunities to save resources and money. As mentioned, Bosch is also a good choice for anyone who needs a fantastic compact laundry solution, since the manufacturer only makes compact models. Their machines can fit in tight spaces, like in a closet or under the counter, which is ideal for apartments and other small homes. They also have some counter-depth picks, for anyone looking to install a washer and dryer in their kitchen and have it sit flush with their countertops. A majority, if not all, of the Bosch washers and dryers are paired with an Energy Star rating, as well. Despite the small profile of these washers and dryers, all three series (the 300, the 500, and the 800) have a lot to offer. The washing machines have tons of cycles to choose from, such as permanent press and delicate, and some are compatible with Bosch’s Home Connect app. Now, it is important to note that the washers and dryers from Bosch often require a different type of outlet than the standard one you may have in your laundry room or living space. The way Bosch dryers operate may be a downside to some, too. They rely on condensation drying: a method that excels at drying your clothes, but emits heat and moisture into your living area. There are just as many price points to choose from as there are configurations. You can get a more basic machine, like the 7.0 cu. ft. Top Load Electric Dryer with AutoDry™ Drying System, for $700, or a more sophisticated model, like the 5.2 cu. ft. Smart Top Load Washing Machine, for upwards of $1,300. This machine is great for busy families who run multiple loads in a day or week, since it features a built-in faucet for treating stains, a central agitator you can easily remove when you want to put on a bulky load, and the ability to customize 36 cycles. Either route you go, users say Whirlpool machines do a fantastic job cleaning and are, overall, very reliable. However, it’s worth noting a few common complaints, including low spin speed, connectivity issues, and the need to run dryer cycles more than once (though, this issue can be common among high-efficiency machines). Like Miele’s other home appliances, both large and small, the brand focuses on convenience and innovations that make their products stand out from the rest as hardworking and ultra-reliable. All of their washers are front-loaders, so if you’re in the market for a top-loader, then you will need to look elsewhere. Even the most basic, the WXD160 WCS, has exciting features like scheduling and automatic load recognition to make laundry day easier for you. One of the brand’s biggest claims to fame is their detergent system, the TwinDos system. It allows you to store as much as three months of detergent, plus non-chlorinated bleach. The machine then releases it in small quantities every time you do a load. And while you’ll pay up for a Miele machine, you can feel good about your purchase knowing it’s protected and Energy Star qualified. While most brands offer a 10-year warranty on their machines, Miele’s is double that at 20 years. They have both front and top-loaders available, and, regardless of price point, most are user-friendly and relatively sleek. Those who typically shy away from front-loading machines for all the maintenance and sanitation reasons will like some of the added features of GE’s washers, namely their UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock™. The system draws moisture away from areas in front-loading machines that typically collect it, such as the gaskets, seals, and drum, keeping them dry and free of bacteria. Their Microban® Antimicrobial Technology also adds a layer of protection around moisture-prone areas like the door, gasket, and soap dispenser, for an easier laundry day and less worries on your end. Overall, the price point of GE machines is fair, too. One of their smartest machines is the GE Profile™ 5.4 cu. ft. Capacity Washer with Smarter Wash Technology and FlexDispense™, and it has enviable features like a built-in voice assistant and smart dispense technology, but won’t cost you much more than $1,000. Notably, GE is behind the luxury appliance brand Café, that features higher-end appliances that often feature customizable hardware. One of the brand’s most basic washers, the 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with Vibration Reduction Technology+, does have a slightly smaller capacity compared to other machines on the market. It’s intuitive otherwise, though, and doesn’t leave much to be desired. It comes in three finishes—plus, more importantly, is whisper quiet, energy-efficient, and features more than 10 cycle options. You can even control it with a smartphone app. Want a little bit more? Look toward the brand’s higher-end options, which add convenient features, like ultra-fast washes, to the list of accolades. If there’s any downside to all of this technology, it’s that the learning curve may be steep for some, and not all of the smart features may be actually useful or practical. You may also experience mold growth in the door gasket of the front-loading washers from Samsung, which is common amongst front-loading machines, but not ideal and could be addressed with a level of technology and newer features. It’s key to leave the door ajar and wipe down the mechanism frequently. Again, Amana’s laundry machines are relatively inexpensive. Their more advanced 4.3 cu. ft. Front-Load Washer rings in at under $1,000. Still, it delivers a better-than-average clean, and is energy efficient and relatively quiet. While Amana’s machines may lack the additional cycles flashier machines have, they’re very user-friendly and easy to operate, too. All in all, if what you’re after is a bare bones, but solid machine at a decent price point, Amana won’t disappoint. You can typically find this brand at a variety of major retailers, as well. In general, Maytag offers more top-loaders than front-loaders, for a more traditional laundry experience. (Front-loading machines are newer to the market, if you didn’t already know!) All Maytag top-loaders are largely known for being great agitators, while the front-loaders offer more cycles and options for customizing your laundry experience. As for dryers, most models have roomy drums and intelligent sensors to more effectively and efficiently dry clothing. We particularly love the 7.3 cu. ft. 240-Volt White Stackable Electric Vented Dryer with Quick Dry Cycle that features a “wrinkle prevent” cycle that will tumble clothes for up to 150 minutes to prevent wrinkles from setting in before you can get to your clean items. Overall, the brand is a top performer and great for large families, thanks to both its power and dependability. You can run many, many loads in a Maytag machine before you ever even have to begin thinking about replacing it. If what you really want is a smart machine that’s bursting with tech-focused features, like smartphone controls and voice assistant, you’ll want to look elsewhere. However, know that Maytag marries practicality with functionality and all the best and brightest features, as well. All of Speed Queen’s machines are built with a minimal amount of heavy-duty parts to make any fixes a breeze. However, they also have heavy-duty motors to keep them running better, even if you’re washing huge loads or bulky items, like towels and bedding. The machines can handle washable sports equipment and shoes. Wash cycles are quick, too—just 30 minutes is all you need for a thorough wash. The dryers are just as efficient. The machines have built-in moisture sensors to automatically adjust the heat to prevent over-drying, which can add lots of unnecessary wear and tear to clothing. The downside to the workhorse nature of these machines? The agitator in the washers can be rough on clothes, plus the machines are relatively utilitarian looking. You’re really opting for simple, powerful performance, whether you opt for a front-loader like the FF7 or a top-loader like the TR7. The price of these machines are all well under $1,000, proving that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get the laundry machines you need. That said, you’ll have to be okay forgoing extra features and functionality like built-in WiFi. That doesn’t mean there’s no customization, though. You can still choose from standard options like load size and temperature, as well as a few different cycles, including one for delicates. Notably, the 3.8 cu. ft. White Top Load Washer with Agitator features a stainless steel basket, which is typically more durable over time. While it’s significantly smaller than others, and the machine also isn’t backed by a CEE Tier rating, the washer can also be paired with an electric or gas dryer from the brand. When shopping, ask yourself a few questions. Do you have a small space? A basic stacked washer and dryer could be the right option for you. Do you have a large family, and do dozens of loads per week? A smart machine with lots of different cycle options, including quick cycles to help you get the job done faster, might be more ideal for you. Before you start shopping, think about what your ideal washer and dryer might look like, so you can save yourself some time by focusing your search. In addition to the overall type of machine you want, think about the size and efficiency type of your desired machine, too. Does the brand focus on producing efficient, eco-friendly options? Are more tiny or counter-depth options available? This will ensure your purchase is working the best for you, your budget, and your space.
Cost
Basic washer and dryers—like the ones from Hotpoint or Amana —are the most budget-friendly. You can find these machines for sometimes less than $500, but they don’t have many features. You just simply put the detergent in and turn the machine on. If you want to spend a little more upfront, you can get a more feature-packed product with bells and whistles like built-in Wi-Fi, a faucet for stain-fighting, and an Energy Star rating. This can be incredibly helpful on laundry day, when you have the option to do a quick cycle or give a wrinkled dress new life by steaming it in the dryer. LG, Whirlpool, and Samsung all offer these longer lists of amenities.
Longevity and Reliability
While no one brand will tell you their machine doesn’t last as long as another, there’s no doubt you want a long-lasting and reliable machine when you’re spending so much money on a washer and dryer. In general, some of the more expensive washer and dryers can be expected to last for many years—up to 10 or 15 years. You might be surprised to learn that some of the less expensive models are also significant workhorses, though, and last because they aren’t outfitted with lots of features that could eventually break or lose their functionality. To get a quality machine, it’s key to read through the reviews. Other people’s experiences will help you understand the potential longevity of the machines you’re considering. What’s more, no matter what machines you end up purchasing, it’s vital you take good care of them. Read the user’s manual, so you understand how to properly maintain your washer or dryer once you receive it. Using the right type of detergent, running cleaning cycles, and properly cleaning the lint trap of your dryer can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your machines, too.
Cycle Options and Special Features
Some brands—such as more luxury brands like Miele and more tech-focused brands like Samsung—offer special cycles like a quick cycle or a steaming function, drum technology (extra agitation, for example), or multiple dispensers for different types of detergent. You may want to look into them if you think certain features could help improve your laundry routine. All in all, while some of the new features are nice to have and definitely upgrade the experience, they are not necessary features to have to get the job done.
Where You Can Shop
Lastly, consider where you can and want to shop a brand when perusing your options. Some brands can only be found online, while others have a presence in brick-and-mortar stores in select areas of the country or put a small fraction of their offerings on their showroom floors. If a brand is in a brick-and-mortar store or major retailer, you can typically expect the experience to include a user-friendly website, competitive prices, and package deals. Now, some people don’t like the fact that they can’t see the appliance in person before buying. If you need to touch and feel a product—particularly one of such value—before making a purchase, head to a local appliance shop or large showroom. Ultimately, you can get a good deal at any appliance store, and where you shop is more a matter of personal preference.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer who has spent nearly 15 years writing about consumer products like home appliances. Brigitt has a large family of six, including four children under the age of four—needless to say, there’s a lot of laundry to do in her house and she needs a quality, yet budget-friendly washer and dryer to get the job done. “Depending on how many loads you run per week, a good pair can last anywhere from seven to twelve years if well maintained.” Of course, maintenance is important. Be sure to read your instruction manual for specific use and care instructions for your machines. “It’s also good to touch the machines before buying them and [make] sure you’re comfortable using them.” Just remember: you don’t have to make a purchase on the spot. Sometimes, a better deal can be found online, but most stores will match or beat the price of their competitors, notes Shimek. Do you have a large family and need large-capacity machines, or will a smaller machine suffice, since there’s just one or two people in your household? Do you work in an office and have mostly dress clothes, and need a machine with a good hand-wash cycle, or do you work outside and need a machine with a good heavy-duty cycle? Do you live in a dry climate and need one that uses less water? Or are you limited on space at home and need stackable machines? When you consider your personal needs and preferences, you’re more likely to be satisfied with the washer and dryer you select. To curate this list, Brigitt leaned on her own personal experience (she loves her LG machines), and scoured the most popular retailers to find out what the top-selling, top-rated brands of washers and dryers are. Then, she interviewed experts like Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company, to find out what’s most important when shopping for a washer and dryer. With this information, she vetted each brand being considered to ensure the final list contained only the most reliable, quality brands on the market today.
