It’s easy to assume your washer and dryer can handle any load of laundry—after all, that’s what they’re designed for. But not all machines are created equal, and no washer or dryer lasts forever. If yours aren’t performing the way they should or have stopped working altogether, it’s time to invest in the best washers and dryers out there to get laundry day back on track.
Today’s washers and dryers are definite upgrades from ones of the past. Most are energy-efficient and stylish. Many contain additional features, such as steam-drying options to tackle stubborn wrinkles, extra rinse cycles and even Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to keep tabs on your laundry from your phone. But to find your ideal washer and dryer, you also have to consider personal preferences like capacity, size and budget. Need extra help picking out the best laundry-tackling appliances for you? Check out the FAQ about shopping for new machines at the bottom of this story.
To find the best washers and dryers of 2022, we tracked down the most popular appliances on the market. Then, we sorted our selections by capacity, style, value and additional features that make the laundry experience easier. Some even do everything short of folding your clothes for you. These are the best washers and dryers you can find right now.
- Best Washer Overall: LG 12-Cycle Front-Loading Smart Wi-Fi Washer
- Best Dryer Overall: Samsung Large Capacity Electric Dryer
- Best Stackable Washer And Dryer: LG WashTower
- Best Front Loading Washer And Dryer Set: Whirlpool High Efficiency Stackable Front Load Washer And Dryer
- Best Top Loading Washing Machine: Maytag Smart Capable Top Load Washing Machine
- Best Front Loading Washing Machine: Electrolux High Efficiency Stackable Steam Cycle Front-Load Washer
- Best Front Loading Dryer: LG ThinQ Electric Dryer
- Best Large Capacity Washer: LG High Efficiency Front-Load Washer
- Best Large Capacity Dryer: G.E. Smart Front Load Electric Dryer
- Best Portable Washer: Super Deal Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
Best Washer Overall
A Smart Washer With All The Bells And Whistles
- Size: 3.25 x 2.25 cubic feet
- Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet
- Special Features: Picks up more than 95% of pet dander allergens
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a new washer, this option may blow your socks off. Not only can it steam clean, it has an Allergiene cycle to remove more than 95% of pet dander allergens. SmartThinQ technology allows you to pick a cycle, start or stop your machine and get notifications when your laundry is done, all from your phone. You can also sync your washer up to smart devices like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to manage it with the power of your voice. If you need a set, we also like LG’s ThinQ 7.4 cubic feet dryer which has a shallower depth if you’re working with a smaller laundry room or need to tuck your machine into a closet.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Smart technology
Cons:
- Display can be hard to read in dim lighting
Best Dryer Overall
An Affordable Dryer That Can Handle Larger Loads
- Size: 3.6 x 2.25 cubic feet
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Special Features: Coordinating app lets you control from your phone
- Energy Star Certified: Not rated
If you prefer to space out the time between laundry days, bigger is definitely better when it comes to dryer capacity. This appliance has a 7.4 cubic foot capacity, so you can dry a large amount of your clothes at once. The Samsung dryer has a special Sensor Dry feature to help prevent overdrying (and frying your fabric in the process). A reversible dryer door feature lets you choose the direction your dryer opens from, while a handy app allows you to troubleshoot your cycles right from your phone. Flip between 10 preset drying cycles and four temperature levels to find the level of dryness that’s right for you.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Smart technology
Cons:
- No internal light
Best Stackable Washer And Dryer
A Washer Dryer Combo That’s Perfect For Tight Spaces
- Size: 6.2 x 2.25 cubic feet
- Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer)
- Special Features: Center control panel with easy-to-reach buttons
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
A standard stacked washer and dryer system can be difficult for petite users to operate given how high those upper controls can be. But this duo features a center control panel that’s positioned in the middle, with both washer and dryer controls at an easy-to-reach height for everyone. And at a 7.4 cubic foot capacity, the dryer is big enough to handle large loads, even on towels and bedding day. It also has sensor drying to help detect how much moisture is left in your load, meaning the cycle ends when your clothes are actually dry. Allergenic detecting technology removes up to 95% of household allergens, while the ThinQ app lets you start laundry while you’re out living your life. If you’re trying to save on utilities, know that both machines are Energy Star certified.
Pros:
- Centrally-located controls
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Back vent takes up space
Best Front Loading Washer And Dryer Set
A Streamlined (And Stackable) Washer Dryer Duo
- Size: 3.2 x 2.25 cubic feet (washer), 3.25 x 2.25 cubic feet (dryer)
- Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer)
- Special Features: Load & Go dispenser holds enough detergent for up to 20 loads, designed to fit into closets
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
If you want to make doing laundry as easy as possible, this is the set for you. The washer features a Load & Go dispenser that lets you add a lot of detergent at once and not have to refill it for 20 loads. A sizable capacity means you can wash three laundry baskets’ worth of clothes at once, while special controls allow you to customize up to 35 cycle combinations to find the right level of care you need. And at 7.4 cubic feet, Whirlpool’s dryer is ready to tackle all the wash you just did. A sanitizing cycle removes 99.9% of bacteria, while specialized sensors keep tabs on temperature and doneness. A continued tumbling setting also prevents wrinkles from taking hold. And the entire set is specially designed to fit into closets.
Pros:
- Stores enough laundry detergent for 20 loads
- Large capacity
Cons:
- Spin cycle can be noisy
Best Top Loading Washing Machine
A Powerful Option That Can Tackle Huge Loads
- Size: 3.5 x 2.3 cubic feet
- Capacity: 4.7 cubic feet
- Special Features: Ability to tackle very large loads along with smaller ones
- Energy Star Certified: Not rated
This top loading washer has the power to tackle huge loads—up to 19 towels at once— so you don’t have to sweat that laundry pile that’s been building for days. Another nice perk of the deep fill option: You can choose deeper water levels when you need some serious washing oomph. The machine’s power agitator keeps clothes saturated with water and concentrated detergent during the cleaning cycle to get your clothes really clean. There’s also a quick wash option that tackles those I-have-to-wear-these-tonight jeans in only 30 minutes. You can manage all the action from an app on your phone or via your smart devices. We also like the complementing Maytag Smart Capable Electric Dryer with Advanced Moisture Sensing, which holds 7 cubic feet of laundry and has moisture-sensing technology.
Pros:
- Huge capacity
- Quick-wash option
Cons:
- Can be noisy at times
Best Front Loading Washing Machine
A Washing Machine That Uses Steam For A Deeper Clean
- Size: 3.2 x 2.25 cubic feet
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Special Features: Fast wash option cleans clothes in less than 20 minutes
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
This washing machine approaches cleaning a little differently than other models. It uses steam that rises from the bottom to gently lift dirt and stains from your clothes. It also has an adaptive dispenser that holds detergent packs or liquid detergent—and it mixes with water before the suds actually hit your clothes (meaning even tough stains are more likely to come out). A nice perk: An 18 minute fast wash helps you get clean laundry when you’re under a time crunch. And the matching dryer has a whopping 8 cubic feet of space as well an 18 minute dry option.
Pros:
- 15-minute fast wash
- Adaptive dispenser that holds detergent
Cons:
- Limited number of cycles
Best Front Loading Dryer
An Ultra Large Dryer With A Compact Footprint
- Size: 3.25 x 2.25 cubic feet
- Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet
- Special Features: Sensor Dry detects moisture and automatically adjusts drying time
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
If you can’t stand pulling out damp clothes after an allegedly complete cycle, this dryer is for you. It boasts a Sensor Dry feature that takes note when your clothes aren’t quite ready and lengthens the drying time to get the job done. An ultra large capacity lets you really fill up this dryer without taking up a lot of extra space—its 30-inch depth easily fits into smaller spaces and closets. The dryer’s ThinQ app lets you control it all from your phone, so no more running to stop a cycle so you can toss in a last-minute item. And since it’s designed to be quiet, you can run it at night when the rest of the house is sleeping.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Ultra large capacity
Cons:
- End-of-cycle notification might be too quiet for some
Best Large Capacity Washer
A Front Load Washer With 22 Automatic Cycle Options
- Size: 3.4 x 2.4 cubic feet
- Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
- Special Features: TurboWash technology saves you up to 30 minutes per load
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
A great choice for larger families or those who just want to minimize cycles, this LG washer has a huge capacity. It’s not just about the size, though: Choose from 22 automatic cycles to find the wash that’s right for that particular moment. There’s a special TurboWash technology that can get your load done in a jiffy, and if you’re concerned about germs, you can flip on the steam setting for an extra deep clean. There’s also special technology to help minimize noise and vibrations, so you don’t have to feel like your washer is about to explode during tougher rinse cycles.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- 22 automatic cycles to choose from
Cons:
- Selection dial can be difficult to read
Best Large Capacity Dryer
A Sizable Dryer That Can Sanitize All Those Face Masks
- Size: 3.8 x 2.3 cubic feet
- Capacity: 7.8 cubic feet
- Special features: Sanitize cycle eliminates common household germs
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
Bedding, a week’s worth of clothes and other oversized loads are no problem with this sizable dryer from GE. But the machine offers more than impressive capacity: It has a feature to sense and adjust drying time as needed, so your massive load of laundry doesn’t come out damp. Need ready-to-wear clothes in a jiffy? The quick-dry feature gets your stuff from wet to dry in minutes. There’s also a sanitize cycle, so you can sterilize your gear—masks included—at elevated temperatures to kill off common household bacteria. It also has an app to help you monitor, start and stop your laundry from anywhere you have service. Best of all, it’s Energy Star certified to help you save on utilities.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Quick-dry feature
Cons:
- Some find the lint filter hard to remove and clean
Best Portable Washer
A Versatile Option That Washes And Dries At The Same Time
- Size: 1.9 x 2.2 cubic feet
- Capacity: 13 pounds
- Special Features: Twin tub design lets you wash and spin loads at the same time
- Energy Star Certified: Yes
A portable washer lets you create an instant laundry room in your apartment or on the road. This option from Super Deal is an Amazon bestseller, and has plenty of features to back that up. A twin tub design lets you wash and spin dry loads at once, while a clear window allows you to keep tabs on all the action. It doesn’t take much time for this washer to work—you’ll get clean clothes in 15 minutes and five minutes for spinning. But one of the best features is its portability: This lightweight appliance has a small footprint and can easily be moved to your bathroom or closet. Just put in your clothes, fill it with water, add detergent and relax.
Pros:
- Fast
- Easy to move around
Cons:
- Limited capacity
Best Washers And Dryers Of 2022 FAQ
While we took plenty of factors into consideration when selecting which appliances to feature on our list of the best washers and dryers, there are a few things you should think about before you decide to hit checkout.
What Is The Most Reliable Brand Of Washer And Dryer?
This is a tough one—and for good reason. These days, there are plenty of reputable companies making quality washers and dryers. The most popular (and reliable) brands include Whirlpool, GE, LG, Samsung and Maytag, but there are plenty of others that are up to par. Basically, if you know the brand name, odds are they make a satisfactory product that will stand the test of time.
What Is The Best Month To Buy A Washer And Dryer?
Sometimes you need a new washer or dryer ASAP. If you have some time to work with, though, consider buying one around a holiday week, when companies and retailers tend to slash prices. Is New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving (i.e. Black Friday and Cyber Monday), Labor Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day or President’s Day approaching? Those are typically ideal times to buy. (Of course, big sales can crop up anytime of year.) If you need more help planning your purchase, we’ve also compiled a more detailed guide about the best time to buy a washer and dryer.
How Often Should Washers And Dryers Be Replaced?
You don’t need to automatically replace your washer or dryer until it consistently starts to give you sub-par performance—maybe you’re dealing with leaks or you’re regularly pulling damp clothes out of your dryer. Sometimes, just a simple repair is needed. But if your washer or dryer is regularly causing headaches, or it’s more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to look into getting a new one.
How to Choose A Washer And Dryer
Washers and dryers are big purchases, so it’s wise to do your research before purchasing the appliances. To ensure you make the right choice, keep these factors in mind when making your selection.
Size
Size matters when it comes to washers and dryers, both in terms of capacity and the amount of space you have to house your appliances. Before making a purchase, measure how much space you have for the machines, keeping in mind that cords, water connections and venting will take up additional room. When deciding on capacity, consider the size of your family and how much laundry you generate. Larger families, for example, will need washers and dryers with bigger capacity, unless that family doesn’t mind doing laundry multiple times a week.
Budget
Despite what you may think, it’s possible to get a quality appliance at a lower-than-standard price point. Just know that you probably won’t a bunch of additional features, such as sensor-drying options, smart capabilities and automatic soap dispensing.
Front-Loading Vs. Top-Loading
The choice between front-loading and top-loading appliances often comes down to space and personal preference. If space is tight, for example, you might prefer a stackable set that opens in the front; if you’re dealing with a narrow space, a top-loading option is probably better.
Special Features
Today’s washers and dryers come with a slew of special features, including steam-drying options and WiFi connectivity. But remember, these bells and whistles cost more, so figure out beforehand if you’ll actually use the features.
Set Vs. Solo Purchases
Investing in a washer and dryer set is definitely convenient. By the same token, this route can be more expensive than buying the appliances separately or as needed. To help decide what’s right for you, figure out when you’ll likely need to replace one or both machines, and consider your budget.
Washer And Dryer Deals You Can Shop Right Now
Save $170 Off A Smart Option That Senses The Size Of Each Load
A built-in faucet and pretreat brush allows you to deal with stains right before they go through the rinse cycle with this handy appliance. It also features adaptive wash technology that senses the size of each load and uses the appropriate amount of water. There’s even a Delay Start option, so your wet clothes won’t just be sitting there before you’re ready to put them in the dryer.
Score $200 On A Popular Washer
Save $200 on this popular—and deep—washing machine. It allows you to fill your wash basket with deeper water levels for a thorough clean. And, when you want to get through laundry fast, simply choose the Quick Wash cycle—it’ll get your load done in 30 minutes.
Save $100 On A Dryer That Automatically Adjusts Drying Time
This sizable dryer includes a sensor dry feature to detect moisture and automatically adjust the drying time. There’s also a FlowSense Duct Clogging Indicator that lets you know when your ducts need cleaning so you can keep your machine running at peak efficiency.
A Budget-Friendly Option That’s Petite Yet Powerful
Get $100 On A Dryer With All The Bells And Whistles
This smart dryer has WiFi connectivity, so you can monitor all the action—and even start and stop loads—from your phone. Enjoy added features like a Steam Sanitize+ cycle that takes out 99.9% of germs and bacteria and sensor drying to optimize the time and temperature of your cycle to keep your clothes from getting dried out.
