Albert Fouerti, the CEO of Appliances Connection, points out that most manufacturers have started to include Wi-Fi features in their lineup, with the exception typically being entry-level models. When asked about the benefits of using a smart washer and dryer set, Fouerti sums it up this way: “The smart features on washers and dryers are mainly for monitoring purposes, sending alerts to your phone, remotely starting or stopping and in some cases maintenance and diagnosing problems.” In short, these appliances can help you keep better tabs on your clothes care routine, but aren’t really a necessity for washing clothes. Here are the best smart washer and dryer options. The Whirlpool WTW8127LW washer is loaded with features that bring convenience and cleaning power to laundry day. Expected options, like auto-load sensing and bulk detergent and softener dispensers, conserve water while eliminating guesswork. The washer also offers cycle selections to help you dial in the right wash settings for your load. But the machine doesn’t leave your hands tied when it comes to cycle options—you can select and save up to 36 customized cycles. Capacity isn’t an issue, either. The washing machine has 5.2 cubic feet of room with the center agitator pole in place, and 5.3 cubic feet if you opt for the impeller plate. The Whirlpool WED8127LW dryer keeps up with the features and innovations of its matching washer. Cycle syncing between the machines enables the dryer to choose compatible settings based on your wash options. Or, you can use the digital controls or app to fine-tune the cycle selections. A rack offers an alternative for drying items, like tennis shoes or delicates, without tumbling. Both machines integrate voice control assistants, so you can ask Alexa or Google about remaining cycle status, or receive an alert when the cycle is over. However, you’ll need a separate device, since the voice assistant isn’t integrated in these machines. Price at time of publishing: $1,148 for washer, $1,169 for dryer Open the door to the GE GFW850SPNDG washer and you’ll see that the stainless steel drum with 5.0 cubic feet of space is roomy enough for large loads. At the same time, it offers flexible operation for small loads (under 2 pounds) by giving you the ability to wash and dry the laundry right in the machine using an internal fan. With loads large or small, there are 12 preset cycle options. The coordinating dryer, the GE GFD85ESPNDG, is well-equipped to complement the front-loading washer. It has 7.8 cubic feet of space to tumble dry your fresh wash, using 12 cycle options. As mentioned, this smart, front-loading washer and dryer can work in tandem, automatically transferring washer settings to the dryer if you choose. Both machines also offer a steam option, for extra sanitizing and stain removal, or to quickly release wrinkles and refresh garments. Price at time of publishing: $1,062 for washer, $1,250 for dryer To kick off your laundry routine, this top-load washer has nine cycles and an impeller plate to give your clothes a thorough clean. A quick but efficient laundry cycle is also an option, since you can opt for a 24-minute wash cycle for items you need in a hurry. Regardless of which cycle settings and options you choose, this smart washer and dryer pair can wirelessly sync settings to create a seamless laundry experience. And if you’re tired of untangling pant legs and shirt sleeves that are wound together, the washer’s tangle control technology will be your favorite feature. The machine adjusts the wash action to minimize tangling of sheets, towels, and clothes. Both machines can be controlled using an app, which puts cycle selections and status updates in the palm of your hand. You may be foregoing some more advanced cycle options built into the machine, but it’s worth noting that the app gives you the option to download more specialty cycles. One of the biggest things to consider when deciding if this is the right budget laundry pair for you is if you mind a noisy spin cycle. Also, the dryer door takes a firm pull to open and push to close—something that has been a gripe of many purchasers. Price at time of publishing: $899 for washer, $899 for dryer The LG WashTower gives you an impressively large 4.5-cubic-foot washer, paired with a 7.4-cubic-foot dryer. There’s no reason to fear that you won’t have enough space for washing everything from sheet sets to a week’s worth of dirty laundry. Regardless of what you load into the drum, the smart washer has advanced sensors that detect fabric type and texture. This data allows the machine to optimize your clothes care settings (including the motion of the wash tub), while giving you 10 preset wash cycles to choose from. The dryer also uses sensors to detect dryness levels and to prevent over-drying. Price at time of publishing: $2,699 The Samsung Bespoke Front Load Washer has a 5.3-cubic-foot drum, so there’s plenty of space for even bulky items like sheet sets and beach towels. At the same time, it features a shallow depth that allows for closet installation. When stacked with the matching 7.6-cubic-foot dryer, you can control both machines from the washer control panel. There are plenty of cycle settings to choose from on this high-efficiency, smart washer and dryer pair; the washer has an impressive 25 cycles, while the dryer offers 19 settings for moisture removal. Technology built into these machines monitors your usage, stores your favorite cycles, and provides recommendations for laundry care moving forward, which can be of benefit given the number of options available within the settings. Albert Fouerti provides another benefit for cycle storage: “These features also make it easy for someone who might not be familiar with how to set the machine … An example of this might be a parent that asks their child to start a load of laundry; they can just press the favorite option and start the machine without much effort.” All in all, this set has a steep price tag, but it offers efficiency, energy savings, and a sleek look for any laundry area. Price at time of publishing: $1,649 for washer, $1,449 for dryer The Bosch 500 Series Front Load Washer has 2.2 cubic feet of drum space. An internal water heater plus 14 cycle options give you the ability to pick settings that are just right for everything from jeans to hand-wash items. A sanitizing cycle is also available, which allows steam to enter the wash drum and lift heavy stains or give gym clothes a deep clean. The washer’s EcoSilence motor keeps noise levels to a minimum during the spin cycle. It’s a quick job to transfer clothes into the stackable dryer, which has 4 cubic feet of drum space. The condensing dryer offers ventless operation, and can be plugged into the washer to minimize outlet usage. Keep in mind that this compact washer and dryer set requires a 240-volt outlet, though. Intelligent sensors in the dryer prevent overheating, which gives you peace of mind when drying thin or delicate items. Price at time of publishing: $1,449 for washer, $1,449 for dryer However, if you’re going to make use of these specialty cycles, then the extra time, effort, and money might be irrelevant to you. “If it’s going to be a feature you’re going to actually use, and you have the money, what are you over-sacrificing for? Get it,” says Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista and author of Get Good with Money. “Don’t spend extra money on features you’re not going to use.” This advice applies to any “smart” purchase. Price at time of publishing: $1,999 for washer, $1,999 for dryer Offering a full range of cycles for washing and drying, this single unit does the work of two laundry appliances. The washer includes cycle selections for towels, delicates, sportswear, and more, along with the option for steam, to clean each load effectively. The ventless dryer uses condensing drying technology without the need for an external vent. Keep in mind that this means clothes will feel slightly damp to the touch when you first retrieve them from the drum, however the remaining steam will quickly evaporate. In addition, there is no lint screen, so you’ll need to manually wipe the lint from the rubber door seal to keep the machine in good working order. Price at time of publishing: $2,199 How can this feature help you on laundry day? As you load up this smart washing machine, tell Alexa exactly what type of stain you need to target. The washer will pick the right settings to effectively lift and clean soiled items. Aside from tasks related to laundry, the integrated voice assistant can give you an update on your itinerary for the day or belt out your favorite playlist. One other thing to know is that this washing machine is available with an impeller plate or an agitator pole, so you can make your purchase based on the cleaning configuration that works best for you. In either case, tangle control technology helps to ensure that your laundry moves freely around the wash basket. The coordinating dryer is Wi-Fi enabled and can sync settings with the washer, or you can control them using an app. However, the built-in Alexa feature is something you’ll only find on the washer of this laundry pair. Price at time of publishing: $1,299 for washer, $1,299 for dryer Front load washers have a drum that provides cleaning action by tumbling the items inside, while top load washers rely on either an agitator pole or an impeller plate to move clothes within the wash basket. Because of this difference, front-load washing machines usually have the most space (typically 4.5 to 5.5 or more cubic feet). Although some top-loading machines with an impeller plate offer comparable capacity. On average, however, top-loading washers will have 4 to 5 cubic feet of space. A top-loading washing machine and matching dryer will be limited to a side-by-side configuration, but a front-loading pair can typically be stacked. This can be a real space-saver in tight areas, like a small laundry room or closet. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to measure your space to ensure you have the right depth for a stackable laundry pair. In addition, not all front-loading washing machines are designed to be stacked and separate hardware (known as a stacking kit) is required. Lastly, front-loading washers do often require a bit more maintenance. Their door, gaskets, and drum are known for collecting mold and grime easily, and you’ll want to crack the door after your cycles are complete to help yours naturally air out. Notably, some machines are proactive in their design, such as the GE GFW850SPNDG Front Load Washing Machine. The washer uses a venting system, on top of Microban coating, to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. If you’re looking at a front-loading set, finding a washer with similar venting and treatment will make maintenance a bit easier.
Power Source and Vent Type
Washing machines plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. Dryers, on the other hand, vary by the type you choose. Electric dryers draw considerable energy and require a 240-volt outlet. Gas dryers only rely on power for operating controls, so these appliances often only need a 120-volt outlet, but you’ll need to have an accessible connection to your home’s gas line. Most dryers, electric or gas, are vented—which means that an exhaust duct conducts the heat produced by the appliance to the exterior of your house. However, if you lack suitable exhaust ducting, you can also opt for a ventless model. Your options are more limited, but these dryers rely on the heat from condensing moisture to dry clothes, without producing exhaust that must be externally vented. In return for the flexibility on placement, you’ll have to expect longer drying times and clothes may initially feel damp to the touch upon opening the dryer door. You’ll most often see ventless dryers are part of all-in-one washer dryer combo units, like the LG WM399HBA All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo.
App Compatibility and Voice Commands
Most smart washers and dryers can be controlled using proprietary apps from the manufacturer. These apps frequently allow you to start or stop a cycle, or to get an update on how many minutes remain until the load finishes washing or drying. If your laundry room is in the basement or upstairs, you’ll find this feature helpful, since it saves you from making a special trip just to check on the laundry status. And if you frequently forget to switch freshly washed items from the washing machine to the dryer, the app can give you a timely reminder. There may also be a learning curve involved in mastering the options of your new appliances, but often these small conveniences can smooth out daily routines and lighten the load of chores. For existing smart homes, a Wi-Fi-enabled washer and dryer pair is a great option to further integrate your appliances into your home automation routine.
Standout Features
Custom Cycle Storage
Custom cycle storage allows you to save settings you create and frequently use, and access them via the washer’s digital touchscreen or compatible smartphone app. Some models can store up to 30 custom cycles, which is most ideal for households who are always tending to items that need special care like wool sweaters, handmade quilts, swimsuits, and activewear.
Dryer Syncing
Dryer syncing allows the washer to “speak” to its matching dryer. Once the two compatible models connect, the washer can easily transmit the cycle settings you selected for your load. The dryer then picks settings for your clothes to tumble at. This is ideal if you’re frequently washing specialty items like activewear, wool, or babywear, since those items often need special treatment both during washing and drying cycles. Or, if you’re particularly busy and don’t want to run back and forth to your machines throughout the day.
Advanced Wrinkle Care
Once a cycle has finished, if you can’t get to your wet clothes right away, some smart and high-end washers can start the tumbling process. They can act like a dryer, and occasionally tumble your load with steam to prevent wrinkles from developing. Typically, this feature can go for up to 12 hours, and is most useful for busy households, or those who don’t mind their appliances running while they’re at the store, work, or completing other tasks.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisis is a product researcher and writer with years of experience testing and writing about small and large appliances. She has hands-on experience with top-loading and front-loading washers. She prefers using her LG front load washer for its gentle but effective agitation. For this article, she researched the newest innovations in smart washers and dryers. She considered the set’s size, washer’s design, and dryer’s power source, on top of cycle options, dispensers, and all present smart features like built-in Wi-Fi, advanced wrinkle care, and dryer syncing. For extra insight, we spoke with Albert Fouerti, CEO of Appliances Connection, who elaborated on Wi-Fi functionality and other features increasingly found on smart washers and dryers today. We also spoke with Tiffany Aliche’s, The Budgetnista and author of Get Good with Money, about how to budget for major appliances and know what’s worth splurging on, as smart washers and dryers are typically more expensive than more basic models.
