The Best Washers and Dryers for Every Space and Budget

Our Top Picks for Washer + Dryer Sets

• Best Front-Loading: LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Ultra-Large Capacity Front-Load Washer and LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. Ultra-Large Capacity Electric Dryer
• Best Top-Loading: Maytag Smart 5.2 Cu. Ft. High-Efficiency Agitator Smart Top-Load Washer and Maytag Smart 7.4 Cu. Ft. Steam Cycle Electric Dryer
• Best Budget: Amana 3.5 Cu. Ft. 8-Cycle Top-Loading Washer & 6.5 Cu. Ft. 11-Cycle Dryer Set
• Best Extra-Large: LG 5.5 Cu.Ft. Smart Wifi Enabled Top Load Washer and LG TurboSteam Smart Wifi Enabled 7.3 Cu. Ft. Steam Cycle Electric Dryer
• Best Stackable: LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Front-Load Washer and LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. Smart Electric Dryer

If your laundry pile has become a never-ending mountain of clothes, towels and linens, it’s time to upgrade your machines and buy a washer and dryer that can do more for you — both in the amount of laundry and energy-efficiency savings. Choosing the best washer and dryer set to buy can be overwhelming, and there’s a lot to consider. Beyond the lingo and hookup specifications, there are a lot of brands in the washer and dryer game to consider. Just sifting through all the different models is a two-person task. So, we’ve done it for you. We’ve crunched the numbers, read the reviews and researched cycle performance to create a handy roundup of the best washer and dryer sets by type and price. Whether you’re shopping for a stackable unit or an XL model that can tackle mega loads while saving energy, we’ve found the right machines for every need. Take a look at our guide and see which set is right for you and your home.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Washer/Dryer Set

These days, there are so many options and configurations for washers and dryers when building a set for your home, from stackable to front-loading to stainless steel. And many washers and dryers come with fancy functions, too, such as a steam setting for wrinkles or WiFi connectivity and phone alerts so you never forget about a load. There are two important things to know and look for when shopping for a washer and dryer. The first is power hookup type: gas or electric. Most dryer models (and the price) are advertised as electric online. If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is; most gas dryers are about $100-$150 more expensive than electric.

The second is cubic feet; this measurement isn’t the size of the machine but rather how many pounds of laundry the machine can hold. And it varies widely depending on the type of machine. A compact, front load washer can only hold about five pounds of clothes and towels. Whereas an XL top load dryer can hold nearly 20 pounds of laundry. For a medium-sized load of laundry, look for 3-4 cubic feet. Anything in the 2-3 range is typically for stackable, compact units. And anything larger than 4 cubic feet is typically for top-loading XL dryers.

Another term to know is ventless. This indicates whether or not a dryer will need a vent pipe to pump out hot, humid air. If you have gas instead of electric power, you’ll want to look for a gas-specific option.

Best Front-Loading Set

Front-loading washers and dryers have become the it style to buy, and they’re also the most energy-efficient as front-loading washing machines use less water. However, there is one flaw in the design that is worth mentioning. Unlike a top-loading machine, water can pool in the door of a front-loader creating the perfect home for mold and mildew. To prevent this, dry off the door and leave the door open in between loads. If your laundry is behind a door or in a space where you wouldn't be able to leave the door open between cycles, a front-loader may not be the best option for you. One of the best front-loading sets on the market right now is this WiFi-enabled pair by LG. The smart duo features some unique cycles such as the Allergiene mode that removes pet dander allergens from fabric.

Best Top-Loading Set

While a front-loader sure looks cool, a classic top-loading washer typically has a larger drum and can, therefore, handle larger loads of laundry or larger pieces of laundry such as a comforter. Top-loading machines are also a better choice if you have limited mobility, as these machines don’t sit so low to the ground. Maytag hedges ahead of the rest with the ability to give clothes — even delicates — a deep clean with its stain-fighting, extra-power boost button. Plus, the slow-close glass lid allows you to take a peek inside without stopping the cycle.

Best Budget Set

These Amana appliances don’t have fancy steam settings and definitely can’t connect to Alexa, but they get the job done for less than $700 each! Just take a peek at the thousands of five-star reviews from Lowe's customers. The washer and dryer are praised not only for value but for surprisingly quiet performance, too.

Best Extra-Large Set

If you’re doing laundry for a big household, you need an extra-large washer and dryer to save yourself from infinite loads of laundry. Plus, you’ll save on water (and your water bill). This LG duo is designed to help you spend less time in the laundry room with WiFi-enabled alerts and one of the largest washer capacities available at five and a half cubic feet. That's more than one extra cubic foot of space compared to the average washer!

Best Stackable Set

A stackable washer and dryer set is super handy as you can set it up inside a closet. (Just make sure the closet door has vents for hot, humid air to escape.) These units from LG beat out other stackable models as you don’t lose precious cubic space just for stacking. It’s the best of both worlds with handy features such as TubClean Cycle all in a compact package. If you’re looking for a great overall washer and dryer set, this is it.