5 Best Washer and Dryer Sets, Tested by Laundry Experts
It's time to upgrade your laundry room with these top-tested duos.
Reviewed by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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If it's time for a full overhaul of your laundry room, or you simply haven't replaced your washing machine and dryer in many years, buying a washer-dryer set is the way to go. Not only do sets look more uniform in a space, but they often have corresponding cycles that work best when used sequentially. "You may also be able to negotiate a better price deal if you buy both," said Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. "Plus, new appliances will be more energy efficient and have the latest cycles and features. Today, many washers and dryers even connect to each other via Wi-Fi, so if you replace only one, you won’t be able to do that."
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we have been testing washing machines for 116 years, dating back to 1907 when the first electric washing machine was invented. Below, we've rounded up our top washers and dryers based on our testing.
Pros
- Washer has option to dry machine and door to prevent musty smell
- Automatically adds the correct amount of detergent
- Washer and dryer can communicate via Wi-Fi, plus are voice-enabled
Cons
- Full vented cycle takes up to eight hours
- Some reviewers say the washer is loud
Washer Dimensions: 34 x 56.5 x 39.75 inches | Washer Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Dryer Dimensions: 34 x 56.5 x 39.75 inches | Dryer Capacity: 7.8 cubic feet | Energy Star Certified: Washer: Yes; Dryer: No | Model Numbers: Washer: GFD85ESPNRS; Dryer: GFD85GSPNRS
Not only is this GE washer and dryer pair sleek and stylish in its sapphire blue color, but it's making the age-old problem of musty smells in a front-loading washer a distant memory. (It also comes in white and graphite, if you prefer.) But what we really love is that GE's UltraFresh washer removes water that's puddled inside the drum and door with a unique venting option that automatically dries the door seal and the inside of the machine when your laundry is done. During the separate cycle, the drum intermittently spins and the machine pulls in fresh air to dry and freshen the interior.
While this drying cycle eliminates the need to dry the drum by hand or leave the door open, it does take up to eight hours to complete, so it's best to run it after your last load of the day. In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, it left our washer interior bone dry. In addition, the dispenser drawer, door gasket and other internal components are treated with Microban to prevent mold and bacteria accumulation.
In our testing, we found both the washer and dryer worked very well and were easy and intuitive to use. The washer's Smart Dispense system holds an entire 50-ounce bottle of liquid laundry detergent, so you can skip measuring with each load. The machine determines the precise amount to add for the cycle you've selected. We especially like the dispenser's wide opening, which makes it easy and neat to fill.
It also has steam cycles for sanitizing and Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can monitor and adjust cycles via the app. A one-step cycle completely washes and dries a small light load, like a soccer uniform, without having to move it to the dryer. In our testing, this, along with a quick-wash cycle that removed a set-in spaghetti sauce stain in just 20 minutes, worked impressively well. However, some reviewers say the trade-off is the machine's noise while cleaning.
And let's not forget the extra-large capacity dryer with its speedy but gentle cycles, steam for extra de-wrinkling and Wi-Fi connectivity that when synced with the washer selects the appropriate cycle for the load coming its way. In our tests, we found it especially easy to use and we found it convenient that both the washer and dryer are voice-enabled via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Maytag Pet Pro Filter Washer & Electric Dryer
Pros
- Washer has a cycle and filter to remove pet hair
- Can accommodate very big loads
- Deep fill washes and rinses well
Cons
- No cycle time display on the washer controls
- Not Wi-Fi enabled
Washer Dimensions: 27.5 x 42 x 27.5 inches | Washer Capacity: 4.7 cu. ft. | Dryer Dimensions: 29 x 40.7 x 28.38 inches | Dryer Capacity: 7.0 cu. ft. | Energy Star Certified: Washer: Yes; Dryer: No | Model Numbers: Washer: MVW6500MBK; Dryer: MED6500MBK
Sure, Maytag calls this laundry pair its Pet Pro washer and dryer, but based on our test results in the GH Cleaning Lab, we think it's a great choice even if you don't have fur babies in the family. And at just under $1600 for the set, it's a value that's hard to beat.
In our GH Cleaning Lab tests, it handled big loads and did a very good job cleaning our red-wine-stained swatch beating out other models we tested. And it did almost as good a job on blood. We found it easy to use and load with an abundant water level for good cleaning and rinsing. It did, however, lack some of the usual control options, like soil level and spin speed selectors. Plus, there's no time display for the length of the cycle so you can't tell how much time remains.
While we normally don't recommend laundering items covered in pet hair because it can present a clog risk, Maytag’s new washer — a machine we liked so much it earned a Best Cleaning & Organizing Award — eliminates this concern. It's equipped with a special Pet Pro cycle, which uses a combination of water and agitation to loosen hair and then capture it in a filter located in the center agitator. Simply remove and clean the filter once the load is complete.
In our tests, this washer effectively tackled the tough mess of stuck-on pet hair removing every last speck we spread onto test sweaters. And we suspect it would remove lint and pesky tissue bits, too.
The companion dryer sports all the usual cycles plus a steam cycle for de-wrinkling and removing odors. And although we haven't formally tested in the Lab yet, Maytag dryers typically do well in our tests, so we expect this one to perform similarly. The only other thing we think this value pair is missing is Wi-Fi connectivity.
LG WashTower Laundry Center
Pros
- Easy-to-reach controls
- AI enables automatic cycle selection
- All-in-one purchase
Cons
- Some of the dryer preset temperature settings cannot be overridden
- The machines can be separated for repairs but not to fully replace one or the other
Overall Dimensions: 27 x 74.34 x 30.34 inches | Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Energy Star Certified: Washer: Yes; Dryer: Yes | Model Number: WKGX201HBA
Most front-loading washers can be stacked with their matching dryers to save space, but that often puts the dryer controls out of reach for some. LG's WashTower solves that struggle. It's a single unit that includes both the washing machine and the dryer attached to and stacked on top of one another. This can be a downside should one unit fail — they can be separated for repair but aren't available separately if one needs replacing — but it also makes it incredibly easy to control both appliances through the centralized touchscreen panel.
The washer uses AI sensors to detect the difference in fabric texture and load size, which it uses to select the optimal cycle, including motions and water temperatures. This same technology provides time estimates based on weight and other factors, so you can know exactly when your laundry will be done by checking updates on the app or the time display. It even uses this information to automatically coordinate and select the matching dryer cycle.
A GH Cleaning Lab staffer installed and tested this unit in her home, and she reported that these machines are super easy to use and load. They offer the ability to download additional specialty cycles — like Rinse & Spin and Permanent Press. The dryer offers a 10-minute Steam Refresh to re-fluff items that have been sitting awhile, and the cycles are gentle and effective with most loads getting washed and dried in about one hour.
And don't let the slim profile fool you. These machines have impressive capacities, and our tester noted that after more than two years of regular use, the washer is still odor-free. The only thing she's had to work around is that some of the preset temperatures on the dryer cycles can't be overridden so, for example, you can't choose a low temperature with a normal cycle. You have to choose a delicate cycle instead which takes a bit longer.
Speed Queen Side-by-Side Washer & Dryer Set
Pros
- Comes with a seven-year warranty
- Traditional design with deep water fill
- Dedicated cycles for pet owners work very well on hair
Cons
- Smaller washer capacity than some others at 3.2 cu. ft
- Appliances may look dated to someone wanting more style
Washer Dimensions: 25.6 x 42.75 x 28 inches | Washer Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Dryer Dimensions: 26.9 x 42.75 x 28 inches | Dryer Capacity: 7 cubic feet | Energy Star Certified: Washer: Yes; Dryer: Yes | Model Numbers: Washer: TR7003WN; Dryer: DR7003WE
For those who prefer a more traditional design and function to their laundry appliances, this Speed Queen pair is a great choice. In our Lab testing, we found both appliances easy to program with the cycle selections and options clearly visible on the controls. You can also customize and save your favorite cycles so that the same specifics come up each time you run a load.
While the tub of the washing machine comes in at only 3.2 cubic feet thanks to its central agitator post, it fills with more water than newer top-loading machines and was still able to comfortably accommodate a bulky queen-sized comforter, which came out clean and well-rinsed at the end of the cycle. In our tests, we observed that the agitator gently moves clothing through the water, unlike the aggressive and fabric-damaging action of machines of yesteryear. And, it did a great job cleaning our pre-stained test swatches.
The matching dryer sports 10 different cycles — including a steam option — as well as four temperature settings. Most unique on this dryer are cycles dedicated to removing pesky pet hair. One, called Pet Plus, even uses steam to remove clingy pet hair from garments before they go in the wash. We think this is an innovative way to get more out of your dryer while keeping the washer cleaner too.
There's also a dedicated cycle to dry pet items, like pet bedding, more thoroughly and a Steam Sanitize cycle to remove bacteria. In our tests, we were impressed enough with the performance of this dryer to name it a winner in our 2023 Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards. Both of the machines come backed with a seven-year warranty, which is impressive compared to most other machines' one- or two-year options.
Pros
- Saves space
- Automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent and brightener
- High-end cycles and features
Cons
- Must use Miele detergent for auto dispensing
- May not handle overly large loads
Washer Dimensions: 23.5 x 33.5 x 25.38 inches | Washer Capacity: 2.26 cu. ft. | Dryer Dimensions: 23.5 x 33.5 x 25.4 inches | Dryer Capacity: 4.3 cubic feet | Energy Star Certified: Washer: Yes; Dryer: Yes | Model Numbers: Washer: WXF660WCS; Dryer: TXI680WP
At just a smidge over 23 inches wide each, this washer and dryer pair is perfect for anyone living in a smaller space who wants compact but effective high-end laundry appliances. And because the dryer doesn't require outside venting, it can be installed anywhere there's a 120-volt outlet.
Our Cleaning Lab tests found that the washer was incredibly effective, removing stains and whitening cotton test swatches in under an hour. And despite its small size, it still accommodates large loads and offers lots of convenient features like self-dispensing detergent (must be Miele's own brand) and a wide variety of specialty cycles, like SoftSteam, that allows you to steam your clothing inside the machine for better cleaning and sanitizing. Miele claims to have tested this product by keeping it going constantly for more than 10,000 hours to make sure it could hold up to use for years to come.
The matching heat pump dryer has a 4.2 cu. ft. drum — roomy enough to accommodate large loads — that is super efficient. In our tests, fabrics dried quickly and gently and without tangling. The dryer also has cycles tailored for synthetics and outdoor fabrics. The honeycomb surface inside the drum is gentle on clothing and helps the laundry to dry more uniformly, the brand claims. We found the large lint filter easy to remove, clean and replace and the condensation drawer easy to empty. Wi-Fi connectivity for both the washer and the dryer means they can be monitored and controlled remotely.
How we test washer and dryer sets
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing washing machines since the first electric washer model was commercially sold in 1907 and clothes dryers since they became popular in the 1950s. We base our tests on the industry standards developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
For our tests, we include pre-stained strips of fabric with six stains each in every load to test how effectively the washing machine removes different stains. This allows us to take a combined 288 measurements per load.
We test regular, heavy-duty and delicate cycles on every machine, as well as any specialty cycles. We also confirm that sanitizing cycles are capable of reaching and sustaining a high enough temperature for the required amount of time to adequately kill germs on fabrics.
To measure gentleness, we use cotton swatches with five pre-cut holes to assess the amount of fraying a cycle causes. The more fraying, the more damaging the cycle. For our last test of 12 washers, we counted over 1,000 frayed threads.
Finally, we check the water and energy usage of each machine and score each machine's ease of use. To do this, we evaluate whether or not the control panels are responsive and intuitive, and we check to make sure that the doors are easy to open and close.
For dryers, we uniformly wet large, medium and small loads of standard mixed-cotton items. We weigh the loads wet and weigh them again when the machine cycle senses they are dry to determine the percentage of water removed and the time the dryer took to do so. We also attach temperature strips to several items in the load to gauge how hot the fabrics get while drying. The best dryers dry quickly and gently. Both washers and dryers are assessed for how easy they are to load, unload and use.
What to look for when shopping for a washer and dryer set
✔️ Overall size: Especially if you're being extra space-conscious, make sure to measure your space carefully. You will need to account for 6 extra inches at the back to accommodate venting hoses and materials.
✔️ Capacity: Choose the largest capacity your space will allow so you can wash and dry as much laundry as needed, even if you only occasionally have large loads. Be sure to reach into the drums of both the washer and the dryer to make sure you can easily grab items from the bottom or the back.
✔️ Cycles and settings: It can be hard to know which bells and whistles to prioritize, so Forté suggests focusing on the wash and dry cycles you're most likely to use on a regular basis. For example, if you're accommodating kids who are constantly staining clothing, make sure the washer you want has a heavy-duty cycle, steam and stain-treating options.
✔️ Warranty and availability of service: Most washing machines and dryers offer a one- to two-year full warranty on all parts and labor, and some offer longer warranties on certain parts like the drums or transmission. It also pays to check what kind of authorized service is available in your area for any brand you are considering, should something go wrong. If there are no authorized service centers for the brand in your area, consider another brand that can be serviced more easily. You can find this out by calling the manufacturer’s customer service line.
Which is better: a top-load or front-load washer?
Forté reiterates that there are typically very few differences between front-loading and top-loading washing machines. She notes that while some (not all!) front-loading washing machines may have an edge in cleaning power, folks should realize that it isn't always necessary. "More aggressive washing action is not always better, as it can be more damaging to fabrics," says Forté. "Gentleness is something we also evaluate at GH, and in our opinion, the best washers offer the best combination of good cleaning and gentle fabric care. They can be either top or front-loading.” Top-loaders typically use a bit more water than front-loaders.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has been testing washers, dryers and other laundry room essentials, like laundry detergents and stain removers, for more than 40 years in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care & Cleaning Lab. She often consults with the appliance industry, especially washing machine manufacturers, about appliance testing protocols and consumer laundry habits, researches and writes our laundry how-tos and personally tests or oversees all of the testing done for all of the Cleaning Lab's product guides.
This article was written by Brittany Loggins, who has tested hundreds of tech, home and beauty products over the course of her eight years as a journalist. She’s currently a full-time freelance journalist who contributes to GQ, Architectural Digest and the New York Times. Before moving into freelance, Brittany was a staff writer at TODAY.com and CBS News. She holds a bachelor’s degree in consumer journalism from the University of Georgia.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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