The Best Washers and Dryers For Every Space and Budget

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-efficient savings. But choosing the best washer and dryer set to buy can be overwhelming, and there’s a lot to consider. There are two important terms to know and look for when shopping for a washer and dryer. The first is cubic feet; this measurement isn’t the size of the machine but rather how many pounds of laundry the machine can hold. The second 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 as 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.

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 compact, 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.

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. Once again, LG hedges ahead of the rest with the ability to give clothes — even delicates — a deep clean with cold water instead of hot which saves money. Plus, the glass, no-slam 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 you definitely can’t connect them to Alexa, but they get the job done for less than $1,000. Just take a peek at the nearly 7,000 five-star reviews on The Home Depot’s website. The washer and dryer are praised not only for value but the surprisingly quiet performance.

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 Samsung duo is designed to help you spend less time in the laundry room with Wi-Fi-enabled alerts and a self-cleaning mode to keep the washer odor-free.

Best Compact Set

If you don’t have a dedicated laundry room, you can also set up your washer and dryer in the kitchen or bathroom. But these shared spaces are already appliance and cabinet heavy, so a compact washer and dryer set is a great compromise. This tiny washer from Bosch rates really well on both Wayfair and The Home Depot’s websites. It may only hold about nine pounds of laundry at a time, but it comes with fancy settings such as a 24-hour delay timer and a high-heat sanitize cycle that kills bacteria.

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 sleek, stainless steel machines from LG beat out other stackable models as you don’t lose cubic space or smart functions. It’s the best of both worlds with luxury steam modes, large load capacity and Wi-Fi connectivity all in a compact package. If you’re looking for an overall best washer and dryer, this is it.