The 8 Best Washer-Dryer Sets of 2024, Tested by Real People
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We spent over 2,000 hours testing this laundry machines in order to bring you the best of the best
People / Ashley Craiger
Deal Alert!
Looking to upgrade your laundry game? Find discounts on the LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer & Dryer, Electrolux Smartboost Front-Load Washer & Stackable Electric Dryer, Maytag 7.4 Cubic Foot Smart Electric Dryer, and GE Smart Sapphire Blue Front Load Washer for Memorial Day.
Whether you’re furnishing a new home or replacing outdated appliances, a washer-dryer set is a must-have for your laundry room, and when the two appliances are sold as a bundle, it often gives you the most bang for your buck. That’s not the only benefit of buying a washing machine and dryer at the same time, either — when you opt for matching appliances, their features will complement each other, and they’ll have a similar appearance, too.
To find the best washer-dryer set for your home, consider things like size, capacity, settings, and special features. Also look for appliances that are attractive to help make your laundry room a happier place: “The laundry room is not a throwaway,” says Clea Shearer, co-founder of The Home Edit. “People immediately treat it like a trashcan...treat it just like any room in the house!”
We tested a total of 19 different washer-dryer sets in the lab and at home, evaluating them on their washing and drying abilities, design, noise level, and more. Ten made our list, as well as picks from Clea and Joanna of The Home Edit (they recently installed matching Samsung appliances in The Home Edit house in Nashville) and Jessica Alba's laundry appliance set — she loves it so much, she bought two.
Best Overall, Front-Loading: LG WM4000HWA Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Front Load Washer & DLEX4000W Stackable Electric Dryer
Star Qualities
Works quickly, completing most loads within 26 to 36 minutes
More intuitive to operate than others we tester
Quiet enough that you can’t hear them from the next room
Red Flags
Sometimes large or bulky loads take a little longer to dry
Unable to sync the appliances with the ThinQ App
Front-loading washing machines are popular thanks to their high-efficiency operation, and the best front-loading washer and dryer we tested were these appliances from LG. The washer has a 4.5-cubic-foot drum that can hold up to 20 pounds of laundry per load, and we found that it finishes loads quicker than most — usually within 30 minutes — without compromising cleanliness. The washing machine features a wide range of preset cycles, including an allergen-removal setting and 15-minute Speedwash option, and the control panels on these appliances are more intuitive to navigate than others we’ve tested.
As for the dryer, it has a spacious 7.4-cubic-foot capacity, and it’s one of the fastest and most effective models we’ve tested. (Sometimes large loads do take longer to dry in it, but this is true with many dryers.) This LG dryer is fairly quiet when it’s running — you typically can’t hear it from the next room — and its lint trap is easily accessible within the drum. While this washer-dryer set does have Wi-Fi connectivity, we struggled to connect it to the brand’s ThinQ App.
If you want to save space, this set can be stacked with the appropriate attachment, and the brand also offers matching pedestals that elevate the drums for easier access. Overall, this washer-dryer set is a well-priced and effective option for any laundry room, thanks to fast wash times, quiet operation, and intuitive controls.
Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: Yes | Smart: Yes
Best Overall, Top-Loading: Samsung WA51A5505AV Smart Top Load Washer & DVE52A5500V Smart Electric Dryer
Star Qualities
Large-capacity drums can hold six towels, two sets of sheets, and a comforter — with room to spare
The SmartThings App allows you to monitor the washer/dryer’s progress and sends notifications when a cycle is complete
Soft-close lid prevents the top-load washer from slamming shut
Red Flags
Wash cycles are longer than average, taking anywhere from 55 to 105 mins
Both units both have a loud end-of-cycle tunes that play until you open the doors
Due to its drum depth, it may be difficult for shorter people to reach the bottom of the washer
Top-load washing machines are often more affordable than their front-loading counterparts, and in this category, we recommend this smart Samsung washer-dryer set. The washing machine has a spacious 5.1-cubic-foot drum, and we were able to fit lots of bedding and towels into a single load, making it a top choice for large households. The washer also has a handy built-in water faucet for pre-treating stains, as well as a soft-close lid to prevent slamming. We did find that this washer takes notably longer to complete its cycles — often more than an hour — but it does a good job getting laundry clean.
The matching dryer is equally spacious with a 7.4-cubic-foot capacity, and we like that the Samsung SmartThings app will send you a notification when the cycle is done. (However, it can be a little finicky to sync the appliances to your phone — it took us several tries to get it right.) The dryer offers a Steam Sanitize cycle that promises to remove 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria from your laundry, and it also has a vent sensor that monitors for blockages, as well as a lint filter indicator that reminds you to clean it out.
Our biggest complaint about this washer-dryer set is the end-of-cycle alarms, which are loud and continue playing until you open the appliance door. The good news is that you can turn it off by holding down the Drum Light for three seconds.
Washer Capacity: 5.1 cubic feet | Washer Style: Top-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: No | Smart: Yes
Best for Large Households: Samsung WF50A8800AV Smart Front-Load Washer & DVG50A8800V Stackable Gas Dryer
Star Qualities
Quiet, even when washing large laundry loads
The smartphone app is easy to navigate and can be connected to Alexa
Stained items come out of the washing machine clean
Red Flags
The black finish of this set scratches easily
Large, bulky loads sometimes need a second cycle in the dryer
For large households with four or more people, our top recommendation is this front-loading Samsung washer and dryer set. While a bit of a splurge, these appliances are worth every penny, as they’re able to accommodate big loads without compromising effectiveness. The washer has a 5-cubic-foot drum and the dryer is 7.5 cubic feet, and even when the units were loaded up with clothing, we found that they’re extremely quiet and won’t disturb your day-to-day activities.
When we tested this appliance set, the washing machine was able to get most stains out of laundry, and we liked that there are settings for different types of loads, such as athleticwear and bedding. The OptiWash cycle is also unique — the washer automatically senses the soil level of the clothing and adjusts its washing time and detergent use accordingly. The dryer did an average job getting loads of laundry dry, though occasionally we needed to put large, bulky loads through a second cycle.
These Samsung appliances have an attractive modern appearance and can be paired with matching pedestals, but we found that the finish on the exterior does scratch easily. Still, their large capacity will help streamline your chores, especially if you have a large household.
Washer Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.5 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Gas | Stackable: Yes | Smart: Yes
People / Lucy Silberman
Best All-in-One: LG WKGX201HWA Single Unit Front Load WashTower
See at Appliancesconnection.com
Star Qualities
Stacked design has easy-to-reach controls for both washer and dryer
Easily accommodates large loads of laundry
Unique design saves space in smaller homes
Red Flags
Mold forms on the rubber seal of the washer if it doesn’t dry completely
The LG WashTower has a unique all-in-one design that resembles a stacked washer and dryer, but it’s actually one single unit. It features a washer on the top and dryer on the bottom, and the best part is that all the controls for both units are conveniently within reach at the center of the unit. Despite being a space-saving washer-dryer set, we found that the WashTower has no problem accommodating large loads of laundry, and we love that it plays a fun little song at the end of the cycle, instead of a blaring alarm signal.
This washer-dryer set comes in four attractive finishes, and clothing comes out well-washed. In fact, in more than a year of testing, we never had to re-wash a load! The only downside is that mold can form on the rubber seal around the washer — a common problem with front-loading machines — so you may need to leave the door open to let the drum dry out after each cycle.
Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Gas | Stackable: N/A | Smart: No
Deal Alert!
Save over $1,200 (41%) on the Electrolux washer and dryer for Memorial Day!
Best for Busy Households: Electrolux ELFW7637AT Smartboost Front-Load Washer & ELFE7637AT Stackable Electric Dryer
Star Qualities
Washer does a superior job removing stains
15-minute wash cycle great for busy parents
Instant Refresh option makes items less wrinkly if they sit in the dryer overnight
Red Flags
The manufacturer uses stickers that are difficult to remove
It’s a hassle to reverse the direction of the door
This Electrolux washer-dryer set will make laundry day quicker than ever, and it’s a worthwhile investment for busy households. The front-load washer has a 4.5-cubic-foot capacity, and its heavy-duty setting is ideal for heavily soiled clothing, such as reusable baby diapers, and it does an impressive job removing stains. We particularly liked the washer’s 15-minute fast wash cycle, which gets dirty items clean ASAP — it’s an extremely handy setting for busy parents.
We were impressed with the Electrolux dryer’s auto-sensing feature, which seems more accurate than other appliances. Only the occasional towel needed additional time in the dryer, and overall, we think the design of both appliances is intuitive and user-friendly. The only things we didn’t like about this washer-dryer set had to do with their setup: The informational stickers on the appliances were challenging to remove, and it was frustrating to reverse the direction of the appliance doors, as the screws provided to attach the doors were too short.
Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 8 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: Yes | Smart: No
Best Smart: Maytag MED7230HW 7.4 Cubic Foot Smart Electric Dryer
See at Appliancesconnection.com
Star Qualities
Dries bulky items like comforters quickly and efficiently
Hamper door stops clothes from falling on ground
Wrinkle control and steam refresh options help minimize need for ironing
Red Flags
Start button needs to be held down for several seconds to start cycle
If you love the convenience of being able to control appliances from your smartphone, we highly recommend this electric dryer from Maytag. Once it’s synced up to your phone, you can use the Maytag app to remotely start or stop the cycle — we particularly liked being able to start a steam refresh cycle from the app after forgetting to empty the dryer. The hamper-style door is also a major plus, making it easy to load and unload the machine without dropping clean clothes on the floor.
In terms of performance, we were impressed with this dryer’s ability to handle large, bulky items, including comforters. The wrinkle control and steam refresh settings are also handy for minimizing wrinkles, reducing the need for ironing.
We’ve only tested the Maytag Smart Dryer, but if you’re looking for an appliance set, the dryer pairs well with the Maytag Smart Top-Load Washing Machine, which has a 4.7-cubic-foot capacity and matching exterior. Its “extra power” setting helps remove tough stains, and the top-load design has a soft-closing lid to prevent banging.
How It's Held Up
One year later, this machine is still working as well as the day it arrived. It consistently dries entire loads, so we don’t have to fuss with added time. (Pro tip: we always use the “bulky” setting for the most consistent dry.) We love that the machine spins the laundry until the machine is unloaded, so our clothes always come out wrinkle-free. We’re loving this even more with time and recommend it to anyone shopping for newer features at an average price.
Washer Capacity: N/A | Washer Style: N/A | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: No | Smart: Yes
Best Self-Venting Washer: GE GFW650SSNWW 4.8 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Washer and GFD65ESSNWW 7.8 Cu. Ft. 12-Cycle Electric Dryer with Steam
Star Qualities
“UltraFresh Vent System” dries the interior of the washer to prevent mold and mildew
Very gentle on delicate clothing, maintaining their texture
Clothing typically comes out of the dryer with very few wrinkles
Red Flags
Easy to drop small items when transferring laundry from washer to dryer
One of the biggest complaints about front-loading washing machines is that they’re more prone to mold and mildew if they aren’t fully dried out after each cycle. To solve this common issue, this set from GE has a special “UltraFresh Vent System” that dries the interior of the drum after use, and we can confirm that it effectively prevents any unpleasant smells or mold growth after more than a year of use. We also love that the washing machine is gentle on delicate clothing, helping to preserve the soft texture of fuzzy garments.
This washer and dryer set has a sleek design, and both units can be synced up to the brand’s app, allowing you to control them remotely. The washer is also able to automatically dispense detergent, holding up to 32 loads worth of detergent at a time, and we found that clothing comes out of the dryer with fewer wrinkles — always a bonus!
Washer Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.8 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: Yes | Smart: Yes
Best Energy-Efficient Washer: LG WM4000HWA 4.5 Cu. Ft. Stackable SMART Front Load Washer
See at Appliancesconnection.com
Best Energy-Efficient Dryer: LG DLE3470M 7.4 cu. ft. Vented Stackable Electric Dryer
Star Qualities
Both models are Energy Star-certified
Handles large loads of laundry without getting bogged down
Red Flags
Washer defaults to warm water on normal setting
You can minimize electricity costs with this washer-dryer set from LG, both of which are equipped with energy-saving features. Both appliances are Energy Star-certified, and the brand estimates that the washer only costs $13 a year to operate with an electric water heater. Additionally, the dryer has a sensor that monitors when your ducts need cleaning, ensuring the unit is always functioning optimally.
You won’t be disappointed with the performance of these machines, either. In our experience, the washer never gets bogged down or malfunctions, no matter how much laundry is inside. However, we don’t like that the machine defaults to warm water when you select the normal cycle — it would be nice if there was a way to change it to cold water, which is a more energy efficient option.
Washer Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Washer Style: Front-Load | Dryer Capacity: 7.4 cubic feet | Dryer Fuel: Electric | Stackable: Yes | Smart: Yes
Celeb-Worthy Picks
LG Side-by-Side Washer & Dryer Set with Front Load Washer and Gas Dryer in White: In a video tour of her home for Architectural Digest, Jessica Alba gave us a peek into her laundry room, where she has not one, but two of these LG washer-dryer sets. The actress and Honest Company co-founder currently has three children with her husband, Cash Warren, so it makes sense that she’s all about these high-capacity machines. While we didn't test this set yet, we think it's worth highlighting based on its clever features.
Samsung Bespoke Ultra Capacity AI Front Load Washer and Gas Dryer: The Home Edit founders Clea and Joanna just installed new Samsung Bespoke Ultra capacity appliances, and they sat down with PEOPLE to chat about them. The washer has a massive 5.3-cubic-foot capacity, allowing you to tackle even your household’s largest piles of laundry, and the matching dryer is just as spacious, with a 7.6-cubic-foot drum. The machines come in several lovely finishes, including Brushed Navy and Forest Green, and they’re equipped with all the latest in laundry technology, including automatic detergent dispensing, AI-powered cycle selection, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus: Save over $1000 on this celebrity pick when you shop the Samsung summer sale!
Samsung
What to Know About Washer-Dryer Sets
Capacity
One of the most important considerations when shopping for a washer and dryer set is the capacity of the appliances, which is measured in cubic feet. The size of the drum on both the washer and dryer will determine how much laundry you can clean per cycle, so you’ll want to consider your household size and laundry habits to find the best option.
3.5 - 4.4-cubic-foot drum: The average-sized washer falls in this range. Best-suited for small to medium-sized households, these washers might struggle with extra-heavy loads.
5-cubic-foot drum and up: These large and extra-large washers are ideal for households that do 20+ pounds of laundry at a time. Our pick for large households, the Samsung HE Smart Washer-Dryer Set, has 5 cubic feet of space in the washer and a 7.5-cubic-foot capacity for the dryer.
Pro-Tip
“Some households do more frequent but smaller loads,” explains Connelly. “This is especially the case for new parents, who wash baby clothes and items regularly and in separate cycles than other clothes. In this situation, you run the risk of underloading your washing machine, which affects the quality of cleaning and poses an unnecessary cost.”
Cycles
Most washer-dryer sets will have standard cycle options, such as normal and heavy-duty wash settings and timed dry for dryers. Depending on your laundry habits, you may want to look for additional wash and dry cycles, such as a bedding cycle for your best comforter and favorite sheet set.
For instance, quick-wash cycles are often beneficial for busy households, as they allow you to do a small load of laundry in 15 minutes (as the Electrolux set does), and allergen-reducing washes help to remove dust and dander from laundry. Auto-sense drying is another useful setting, as it adjusts the drying time to ensure laundry isn’t under- or over-dried.
Features
In addition to special wash and dry cycles, today’s best washer-dryer sets often come with additional features, such as built-in faucets for pre-treating stains (although a great stain remover can go a long way), Wi-Fi connectivity, and more. These features will often increase the price of the appliances, so it’s important to select options that you’ll actually use: “You want to use smart appliances, you know, and you want to make your laundry room work for you,” says Clea.
“A household with an infant may want to choose a washing machine that has a ‘baby clothes’ feature, which is designed to be gentler on fabrics and has an extra rinse to rid clothes of detergent residue,” says Connelly. “For individuals who spend long hours out of the house, a Wi-fi connecting machine can allow you to control it remotely through a smartphone instead of having to physically turn it on.”
Cost
A washer and dryer set is often a fairly large investment, so you’ll want to set a budget before you start shopping. You can often find good deals on bundled appliances, and in general, top-loading washing machines tend to be more affordable than front-loading ones. However, if you do a lot of laundry, it might be worth spending a little more on a larger appliance set with more features to make the chore easier.
People / Ashley Craiger
Behind the Scenes
To find the best washer-dryer sets for your home, we tested a total of 19 different options, both in our testing lab and in the homes of several team members, over the course of three months. We used each set of appliances to wash and dry several loads of laundry each week, including standard-size loads of clothing and bulkier loads of towels or bedding. During this time, we evaluated the washer-dryer sets on factors such as their capacity, ease of use, settings, noise level, and effectiveness.
After more than 2,000 hours of testing — yes, really — we scored each washer/dryer set on the following attributes: cleaning, drying, design, noise level, efficiency, and value.
When to Buy
When shopping for a washer-dryer set, there are a few times during the year when you’re more likely to find good deals. Memorial Day often brings some of the lowest prices of the year, along with other major sale holidays, such as Labor Day, Presidents Day, or even Black Friday, as many large appliances are on sale for these events. Most brands release new models in the fall, so retailers often discount their existing inventory around September.
People / Ashley Craiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable brand of washer dryer?
Most major appliance brands sell washers and dryers, but some have better reputations than others for reliability. LG and Whirlpool are two popular brands that make extremely reliable appliances, and Speed Queen is also known for its long-lasting washers and dryers.
As you shop, keep in mind that appliances with more high-tech features have more components and sensors that may break over time. If longevity is your top priority, it’s best to opt for no-frills appliances.
What are the advantages of buying a washer and dryer set together?
There are a few benefits to buying a washer-dryer set: “Usually, buying a washer and dryer set together from the same brand can be less expensive than buying each machine separately,” says Connelly. “This is dependent on the retailer you choose to buy from, but can be worth a look if you’re looking for a good deal.”
Further, matching appliances often have complementary features that make them work well together, and they’ll also have a matching appearance that will give your laundry room a seamless look.
Do washer-dryer sets need venting?
Most washer-dryer sets do need to be vented to the exterior of your home, allowing hot air from the dryer to escape. If you don’t have the ability to vent your dryer, you’ll need to look for a set with a ventless dryer — these appliances don’t need to be vented, but they often take significantly longer to dry clothing.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Camryn Rabideau has been a professional product tester since 2016, and she’s written extensively about all types of home appliances, including washing machines and dryers. She has used her home expertise at PEOPLE to share the best Shark vacuums, best walk-behind lawnmowers, and more. She used the firsthand testing insights from the PEOPLE Tested team while writing this piece.
Our Expert Panel
Matt Connelly is the founder of dry cleaning service I Hate Ironing, and he provided insights on what to look for when selecting appliances for your laundry room.
Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are the co-founders of The Home Edit, a home organization company that’s worked with celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, and more.
In addition to being a well-known actress, Jessica Alba is also a mother of three and founder of The Honest Company.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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