The 4 Best Washer & Dryer Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

For front-loading washer and dryer sets, we recommend the LG WM4000HWA Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front Load Washer and LG DLEX4000W Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front Load Electric Dryer due to their efficiency and intuitive controls. If you prefer top-loading machines, the Samsung WA51A5505AV Smart Top Load Washer and Samsung DVE52A5500V Smart Electric Dryer are great choices for their large sizes and helpful app.

Our Testing Process

We tested five washer and dryer sets over a period of three months. We washed and dried at least two loads of laundry per week, plus one extra-large load of bedding or towels, making sure to pre-treat any stains before washing. Over the testing period, we evaluated a number of factors. We took note of any and all features, including preset cycles, extra rinse cycles, and sensor technology, and evaluated how accessible and easy to use they were.

We also evaluated the noise level of each appliance, as well as our experience unloading and loading the machines. We took note of any quirks and minor annoyances, as well as bigger issues like how effective the spin cycle was. When we used the dryer, we noted if our laundry was dry after one cycle, or if it needed another.  

For machines that were WiFi-enabled, we downloaded their corresponding apps, noting the ease of the setup process, the user-friendliness of each app, and the effectiveness of the features available on each app. To measure energy efficiency, we took careful note of our energy and water bills to evaluate the efficiency of the machines.

Finally, we determined how easy each washer was to clean, using either a self-cleaning function or a washing machine cleaner after two months of use. We evaluated the functionality of the self-cleaning settings, if applicable, and whether there was a difference in performance after cleaning.

How to Shop for a Washer and Dryer Set Like a Pro

Type

It’s important to consider what type of washer and dryer set works best for your laundry room and lifestyle. The different types go as follows:

• Traditional Top-Loading Washing Machines: Top-loading washing machines utilize an agitator that oscillates during the wash cycle. These types of washers are considered easier to use because you don’t have to bend over to load your laundry, but a downside is that the agitator can sometimes cause wear and tear on your belongings. 
• High-Efficiency Top-Loading Washing Machine: High-efficiency (HE) top-loading washing machines don’t have an agitator. Instead, they utilize a rotating impeller that’s more gentle on your fabrics. This mechanism is usually situated at the bottom of the washer. Since there’s no agitator in the center, you have a larger load capacity. 
• Front-Load Washing Machines: Front-load washing machines rotate inside of your washing machine’s drum. One of the biggest draws to front-load washing machines is that they can be stacked with a dryer to save space, but their cycles tend to be fairly long.
• Laundry Centers: A laundry center is an all-in-one washer and dryer unit, ideal for small spaces thanks to its vertical design.
• Gas Dryer: Gas dryers are usually a bigger investment than electric dryers, but they’re more energy-efficient.
• Electric Dryer: Electric dryers are generally less expensive than gas dryers and require easy installation.

Capacity

Washers and dryers vary greatly in capacity, and the size machine you should buy will depend on how much laundry you typically do. Laundry machine capacity is measured in cubic feet, so the bigger the number, the more room you have to wash and dry your belongings. Medium to large washing machines range from 3.5 to 5+ cubic feet, but there are also smaller options in the 1.5 to 3.4 cubic feet range for those with limited space. 

Your dryer shouldn’t match in terms of capacity since it needs more room to tumble dry. Medium to large dryers range from 4 to 7+ cubic feet, while compact dryers generally fall in the 2 to 4 cubic feet range.

Fuel Type

Dryers run on either gas or electric fuel, and most models are available in either format. Gas dryers heat the air that dries clothing, allowing moisture to evaporate and release through the dryer’s exhaust. Electric dryers, meanwhile, use electric currents to turn energy into heat, which then gets sent into the air and out through the dryer via a fan. 

Gas dryers are often cheaper over time and dry faster than their electric counterparts, while also more effectively preventing wrinkling. Electric dryers, on the other hand, are easier to install since they only require being plugged into an outlet (rather than a gas hook-up), tend to be low-maintenance, and come in more models than gas units.

Agitation

A washing machine agitator is the vertical spindle in the machine’s center that oscillates during the wash cycle. “The agitator twists, pulls, and rubs clothes together in order to get things clean,” says John Carey, co-founder and vice president of Designer Appliances. “People who work in dirty jobs (think landscapers and mechanics) tend to like these types of washing machines because they can handle really messy, greasy loads.” Conversely, “newer top-loaders rely on a flat repeller that’s gentler and requires less water.”

Consider the following food for thought in deciding whether to choose a top-load with an agitator or a flag repeller: “Agitators are better at cleaning very messy loads, but they are less efficient, noisier, and rougher on clothes,” says Carey. “Impellers are more efficient and do a great job on most everyday loads.”

Lowe’s store manager Brian Shaunfield agrees, saying that an agitator is “great for getting clothes clean and stain-free. Just take note that “they may be a little rougher on your clothing to remove extra dirt and grime, so make sure that delicate items are washed with care.”

Features

Many washers and dryers come with handy special features, including energy efficiency modes, Wi-Fi capability, deodorizing steam cycles, and more. One of Shaunfield’s favorite features is a sensor watch, “which will automatically sense the needs of each load to determine the optimal wash setting and water level. This will conserve energy and ensure your clothes are washed correctly every time.” The LG WM4000HWA Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front Load Washer, our Best Overall Front-Loading pick, comes with an AI Fabric Sensor.

For households with pets, Shaunfield recommends opting for a washer and dryer set with a pet hair removal mechanism, which allows users “to skip the time consuming process of lint rolling their clothes pre-wash or ending up with clothing still covered in pet hair after they go through the laundry.”

Then there’s Wi-Fi capability, which lets you “control the machines from your smartphone and adjust settings from anywhere,” says Shaunfield. “This feature is great for those who are not consistently home throughout the day.” All but one of our recommendations have Wi-Fi capability.

Certifications

The biggest certification to look for is Energy Star, which indicates if an appliance meets strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the EPA. You can also look at CEE rating, which similarly measures a product’s energy efficiency. Many washers also sport an NSF certification, which means they meet high standards for public health protection.

Questions You Might Ask

How much can you expect to spend on a washer and dryer set?

“Washer and dryer sets can range in price from $800 to more than $3,000, depending on the features you select,” says Shaunfield. Typically, he adds, “it’s more cost-effective to buy a washer and dryer as a set” than to pick up individual units, so it’s a good choice for those trying to save money.

How long do washers and dryers last?

On average, says Shaunfield, “the lifespan of the typical washer and dryer is about 10 years.” Of course, that lifespan can be shortened or lengthened depending on the quality of the machines as well as how often you maintain it. For tips on doing just that, see below.

How can you extend the life of your washer and dryer?

There are a number of things you can do to help your washer and dryer last as many years as possible. For starters, one of the simplest is to run self-clean cycles. Most modern devices will prompt you when it’s time to do so. “Some models will tell you to use bleach during this cycle, but others don't so check your user manual for that information,” says Carey, adding that “you can also use white vinegar or a commercially available product made for the task such as Affresh.”

Adds Shaunfield: “If you're not planning to use your washer for an extended period, make sure to turn off the water flow to the washer. Otherwise, constant water pressure may cause or worsen leaks.” Additionally, make sure not to leave any stagnant water in your washer, as this “can lead to mildew and odors over time,” per Shaunfield. “You can avoid this by leaving the lid open between washings to allow the drum to dry.” Carey agrees, saying: “After a day of doing laundry, we recommend wiping down the rubber gasket and detergent tray of your washer with a dry cloth to get rid of any excess moisture or soap suds.”

One more tip from Shaunfield is to clean your clothes with smaller amounts of detergent, “as too many suds can make your machine work harder and cause strain.” Similarly, you don't want to overload the washing machine. “I recommend filling up the machine half to two-thirds of the way full at most,” says appliance expert Jessica Petrino, noting that having too much weight inside of the washer can cause problems.

As for dryers, “one important day-to-day maintenance task is cleaning the lint filter,” says Shaunfield. “Proper airflow will reduce drying time, as well as wear and tear on the dryer and your clothes.” And don’t forget to clean your dryer vent! “You can do this by disconnecting the exhaust pipe and removing any lint there every three to six months,” he says. “You can also run a flexible dryer vent brush or a vacuum hose through the pipe to remove as much lint as possible.”

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. Further research and writing was done by Marisa Petrarca, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of editorial experience creating product reviews and lifestyle content. To come up with this list, we tested a variety of washer and dryer sets in our Lab and evaluated them on efficiency, value, design, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s Store Manager; Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison; and John Carey, co-founder and vice president of Designer Appliances.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.