The Best Matching Washers and Dryers - Consumer Reports
Matching washer and dryer pairs are a popular choice although some don't make a great couple. Their coordinating style makes a statement, but you'll question how a terrific washer and a noisy dryer that's tough on clothes ended up together. Enter the matchmaker. Consumer Reports' tests found pairs that are worth a look.
The top rated pairs are expensive, and you can blame it on rising manufacturing costs, larger capacities, stainless drums, and added cycles and features. Our tests have found that basic cycles can handle most laundry needs. So ask yourself if you want to pay extra for a bedding cycle or one for your jeans.
The washer and dryer buying guides highlight the pros and cons of each washer type and call out handy features. Use the ratings selector to narrow choices and the features & specs tab to compare features and dimensions. Our brand reliability offers helpful information and so do user reviews. If you have questions email me at kjaneway@consumer.org.
Full washing machine ratings and recommendations.
Full clothes dryer ratings and recommendations.
Washer and dryer pairs ratings.
Before you use your new washer for the first time, find out how to do laundry without ruining your clothes.
The Quietest Couples
Consider machines that scored very good or better in our noise tests if placing near bedrooms. You'll know they're working but they shouldn't disturb you. Note that wash times are based on the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting.
Many washers and dryers have a steam setting. We found it slightly improved a washer's stain removal. Steam removed more odors than dryers without steam, but left clothes wrinkled. The dryers highlighted here have moisture sensors, the most important feature. It turns off the machine when laundry is dry—that saves energy and is easier on fabrics. For more details see our ratings of washing machines and dryers. The laundry pairs below appear in alphabetical order by brand.
Kenmore sets
Kenmore Elite 41072 front-loader and Kenmore Elite 81072 electric dryer
Price: $1,260 each
Here's the deal: The washer's claimed capacity of 5.2 cubic feet puts this machine among the largest tested. There are 14 wash cycles, cleaning is excellent, and gentle on fabrics. Water efficiency is very good, although most front-loaders we tested use less. Vibration isn't a problem. The dryer aced its job, and claimed capacity is 9 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 95 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting and you'll save time, and the Accela-Wash option offers comparable cleaning and cuts wash time.
Need to know: Each machine is 29 inches wide, two more than usual. You can stack them, and they're available in white and metallic. The washer and dryer shown above are installed atop pedestals, which boost the height of the machines to make it easier to load and unload laundry. Pedestals raise the price of each machine by about $250.
Kenmore Elite 41682 front-loader and Kenmore Elite 81582 electric dryer
Price: $950 each
Here's the deal: This front-loader takes 75 minutes, which is good for a front-loader. That's using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting, and try the Accela Wash option. It trimmed about 15 to 20 minutes in our tests, washing an 8-pound load, without affecting cleaning. Cleaning is very good, and gentle on fabrics. Water and energy efficiency are superb. Vibration wasn't an issue. There are 10 cycles, and claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. The dryer is excellent at its task, and claimed capacity is 7.4 cubic feet.
Need to know: Stackable, and width is the standard 27 inches. Available in white and metallic. The gas dryer is the $1,050 Kenmore 91582.
Kenmore 41392 front-loader and Kenmore 81392 electric dryer
Price: $800, washer, $1,180 dryer
Here's the deal: Stacking a washer and dryer saves space, but what if the stacked dryer is so high that the controls can't be reached? This Kenmore Flip Control dryer solves that problem. The control panel can be moved from the top of the dryer to the bottom, making it much easier to access the controls when stacked. The dryer is excellent at drying and claimed capacity is 7.3 cubic feet. The front-loading washer is very good at cleaning, gentle on fabrics, and water and energy efficiency are superb. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. This video takes you into our lab and shows a petite staffer moving the dryer control panel within reach.
Consider this: Wash time is 90 minutes using normal wash/heavy soil setting. Shorten it using the normal-soil setting and try the Accela Wash option. It saved about 15 to 20 minutes when washing full loads in our past tests, and cleaning was just as impressive.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide, standard width, and available in white and metallic silver. Gas dryer is the Kenmore 91392.
Kenmore Elite 31552 HE top-loader and Kenmore Elite 61552 electric dryer
Price: $900 each
Here's the deal: With a claimed capacity of 5.2 cubic feet, it's among the biggest of the HE top-loaders we've tested, and larger than many of the front-loaders too. You'll be able to wash a king-size comforter in this washer. Our tests have found that king comforters readily fit in washers with a capacity over 4.5 cubic feet. This Kenmore is very good at cleaning, and wash time is a relatively brisk 75 minutes using normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Try the Accela Wash option. It cut 15 to 20 minutes off wash time in our tests, while delivering the same cleaning when we washed an 8-pound load. Water efficiency is superb, and among the most efficient of the HE top-loaders. Energy efficiency is very good. There are 14 wash cycles. The dryer aced it's job, has a claimed capacity of 7.3 cubic feet, and is among the quietest tested.
Consider this: The washer scored good in our gentleness tests, but that's true of many of the HE top-loaders tested. Few scored very good or excellent.
Need to know: Available in white and metallic silver, each machine is 27 inches wide, standard width, but height is higher than some. Click on features & specs in our washer and dryer ratings to compare dimensions. The gas dryer is the Kenmore Elite 71552, $1,050.
LG duos
LG Signature WM9500HKA front-loader and LG Signature DLEX9500K electric dryer
Price: $1,800 each
Here's the deal: LG's new Signature line is a collection of stylish, high-end laundry and cooking appliances. This laundry pair has a black stainless finish, unique styling, and is WiFi enabled, offering you remote control. Beyond that, the washer was excellent in our tests for cleaning, water and energy efficiency, and gentle on fabrics. There are 14 cycles, and vibration wasn't an issue. The dryer was very good at its job, and claimed capacity is 9 cubic feet. Claimed capacity is 5.8 cubic feet for the washer, among the largest in our tests.
Consider this: Wash time is 2 hours using the normal-wash heavy soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting to save time. The TurboWash feature also trims wash time. In our tests it saved about 15 to 20 minutes washing our 8-pound load, without sacrificing cleaning performance.
Need to know: This set is not stackable since the detergent dispenser is in the compartment on top of the washer. The washer is 30 inches wide, three more than usual. And the dryer is 29 inches wide. Both are higher and deeper than some. Click the Features & Specs tabs in the washer and dryer ratings to compare dimensions. The gas dryer is the $1,900 LG Signature DLGX9501K.
LG WM8100HWA front-loader and LG DLEX8100W electric dryer
Price: $1,050 washer, $1,150 dryer
Here's the deal: The washer's claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet, and the dryer's is 9. That puts this set among the biggest tested, allowing you to wash more laundry in one load. There are 14 wash cycles. The washer is very good at cleaning, gentle on fabrics, and excellent in water efficiency. Energy efficiency is very good, which means, in part, that much of the water is extracted so dryer time is shortened. The dryer is very good at getting the job done.
Consider this: Wash time is 95 minutes if you use the normal-wash/heavy-soil settings. The normal-soil setting cuts time, and so does the TurboWash option. Our tests found cleaning was just as good using this time saver.
Need to know: Machines can be stacked. Each is 29 inches wide, two more than usual. Height is 41 inches, which is a couple of inches more than most we've tested. Available in white and graphite steel. Gas dryer is the LG DLGX8101W, $1,250.
LG WT1701CV HE top-loader and LG DLEY1701V electric dryer
Price: $900 each
Here's the deal: Cleaning is very good, and capacity is large—claimed cubic feet is 4.9. It has 12 cycles and wash time using normal wash/heavy-soil setting is 75 minutes. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting, and the TurboWash option trimmed 15 to 20 minutes in our tests, without sacrificing cleaning performance. The dryer is superb at drying. Claimed capacity is 7.3 cubic feet.
Consider this: This washer scored only good in our gentleness tests, but that's true of most tested HE top-loaders.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide. When shopping reach into the washer to see if you can touch the bottom of the tub. Gas dryer is the LG DLGY1702V and costs around $1,000. Available in white and graphite steel.
LG WT7700HVA HE top-loader and LG DLEX7700VE electric dryer
Price: $1,450 each
Here's the deal: Claimed capacity for the washer is 5.7 cubic feet, and 9 for the dryer, making this set one of the largest tested. That means you can do more laundry at time. There are 14 wash cycles. Expect the washer to deliver very good cleaning and impressive energy efficiency. Water efficiency is excellent. The washer takes 75 minutes, using normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting and you'll save time. The TurboWash option cuts wash time too, and in our tests cleaning was just as good. The dryer is excellent at its job, and among the quietest tested.
Consider this: The washer scored only good in our gentleness tests, which is true for most HE top-loaders.
Need to know: The width of each machine is 29 inches, two more than usual. The depth of the washer is 31 inches, and the dryer is 32. Both are a few inches more than most machines, and their height is taller than usual. The height of the washer is 46 inches; dryer is 45. When shopping, reach into the washer tub. You want to be sure you can retrieve laundry items at the bottom of the tub. The finish shown here is graphite steel. These machines also come in white and black stainless. The gas dryer is the $1,550 LG DLGX7701VE.
Maytag mates
Maytag Maxima MHW8200FW front-loader and Maytag MED8200FW electric dryer
Price: $1,150 each
Here's the deal: This top-rated washing machine is excellent at cleaning, and fast for a front-loader. It takes 70 minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting. It's gentle on fabrics, claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet, and there are 11 wash cycles. Water-and energy efficiency are superb, and that's true for many front-loaders tested. The dryer aced its job, and among the quietest tested.
Need to know: Machines can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide. Available in white and metallic slate. Gas dryer is the Maytag MGD8200FW, $1,250. The washer and dryer shown here are installed atop pedestals to make it easier to load and unload the machines. Pedestals cost about $250 each.
Maytag Bravos MVWB855DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB855DW electric dryer
Price: $1,000 each
Here's the deal: The washer has 11 wash cycles, delivers very good cleaning, and is among the most water efficient of the HE top-loaders. Energy efficiency is very good. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet, making it one of the largest washers tested. The dryer is very good at its job, and claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet. These machines are made in America.
Consider this: Normal wash time is 80 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting, but less if you use the normal-soil setting. This washer isn't so gentle on fabrics, but that's true for most top-loaders.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide; dryer, 29. Gas dryer is the Maytag Bravos MGDB855DW, $1,100. Available in white and metallic slate.
Samsung set
Samsung WF50K7500AW front-loader and Samsung DV50K7500EW electric dryer
Price: $1,080 each
Here's the deal: The washer delivers excellent cleaning, is among the gentlest on fabrics, and offers superb water and energy efficiency. This machine is similar to the $750 Samsung WF45K6500AW, which is highlighted below, but has a larger capacity. Claimed capacity is 5 cubic feet, so it can fit a king-size comforter (any washer with a capacity over 4.5 cubic feet can fit a king comforter, according to our tests). There are 14 wash cycles, and a small door, known as AddWash, that allows you to add a garment after the wash cycle has begun. The dryer is very good at its job, and claimed capacity is 7.5 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 100 minutes using normal wash/heavy-soil setting. The normal-soil setting cuts time, and so does the Super Speed option. It trimmed 15 to 20 minutes off our wash time and cleaning wasn't affected.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide, but the washer is 35 inches deep, a couple of inches more than usual. They're available in white and black stainless, and the gas dryer is the $1,180 Samsung DV50K7500GW. The washer and dryer shown above are installed atop pedestals, which increase the machine's height, making it easier to load and unload laundry. Each pedestal is about $250.
Whirlpool pair
Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW HE top-loader and Whirlpool Cabrio WED8500DW electric dryer
Price: $900 each
Here's the deal: The washer is very good at cleaning and scored very good in our tests for water and energy efficiency. It's among the gentlest on fabrics. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet, among the largest washers tested. There are 26 wash cycles. The dryer is excellent at its job, and claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 80 minutes using the normal wash time/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting for most loads and you'll save time.
Need to know: Washer is 28 inches wide; dryer, 29. Available in white, chrome shadow, and cranberry. They're made in the U.S.A. Gas dryer is the Whirlpool Cabrio WGD8500DW, $1,100.
CR Tip
Some HE top-loaders come with a warning not to wash waterproof items, or the manufacturer may suggest using the low-spin or no-spin mode to prevent the load from becoming unbalanced. That can cause the machine to shake too much, even damaging the machine and laundry area. Check the manual before you buy. To learn more, read our report on problems with top-loading Samsung washers.
Impressive Pairs for $1,700 or Less
All are very good or even excellent at cleaning, except for the agitator top-loaders. They scored good in our cleaning tests. All of these dryers do a very good or excellent job drying, and have moisture sensors, a must. Keep in mind that most improvements in performance and efficiency are on washers. If you're set on a matching duo pick your washer and then the dryer. For more details see our ratings of washing machines and clothes dryers, and be sure to check the brand reliability information to help you decide. The laundry pairs below appear in alphabetical order by brand.
Kenmore couples
Kenmore 41262 front-loader and Kenmore 81182 electric dryer
Price: $550 each
Here's the deal: The front-loader is half the price of some and among the least expensive tested. Cleaning is very good yet gentle on fabrics. Water and energy efficiency are superb. Vibration isn't an issue and this machine is relatively quiet. There are six wash cycles, and claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. The dryer aced its job, is relatively quiet, and claimed capacity is 7.3 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 90 minutes using the normal wash, heavy-soil setting. Save time by using the normal-soil setting.
Need to know: This set is stackable, and width is the standard 27 inches. Available in white. The gas dryer is the $650 Kenmore 91182.
Kenmore 28132 HE top-loader and Kenmore 68132 electric dryer
Price: $800 each
Here's the deal: The washer takes 60 minutes using normal wash/heavy-soil setting. That's fast for an HE top-loader. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting. And the capacity is large—claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet–so you can do more laundry at one time. There are eight wash cycles, cleaning is very good, and this machine is relatively quiet, as is the dryer. The tested dryer is superb at drying. The dryer highlighted here is a similar model and we expect performance to be similar to tested dryer. Claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet.
Consider this: The washer isn't so gentle on fabrics although that's true for most HE top-loaders we've tested. The dryer is Energy Star-qualified and you will save some energy, but drying time is extended using the eco-mode.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, standard width, and yet capacity is jumbo. When shopping reach into the bottom of the washer to see if you can grab that last sock. Dryer is 29 inches wide. Gas dryer is the $900 Kenmore 78132. Available in white and metallic. Also consider the $825 Kenmore 29132 HE top-loader. It performed similarly to the Kenmore 28132 and has the same claimed capacity. Its matching electric dryer is the $900 Kenmore 69132. It too performed similarly to the Kenmore 68132 dryer mentioned here.
Kenmore 27132 HE top-loader and Kenmore 67132 electric dryer
Price: $720 each
Here's the deal: The washer performed similarly to the Kenmore above and also has eight wash cycles and a wash time of 60 minutes (normal wash/heavy-soil setting). But capacity is slightly smaller. Claimed capacity is 4.8 cubic feet, which is big enough to fit a king-size comforter. The dryer is very good at drying. Claimed capacity is 7 cubic feet. Both machines are relatively quiet.
Consider this: Like most top-loaders this one isn't gentle on fabrics.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, dryer is 29. Gas dryer is the Kenmore 77132, $820. Available in white.
Kenmore 22242 agitator top-loader and Kenmore 62342 electric dryer
Price: $480, washer, $400 dryer
Here's the deal: The washer is top rated among the agitator machines. It does a good job cleaning, and is among the most water efficient in its group. Wash time is a brisk 40 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting, and faster if you use the normal soil setting. Claimed capacity is 3.6 cubic feet, and for the dryer, 7 cubic feet. The dryer is very good at its job.
Consider this: Similar to most other agitator top-loaders tested, this Kenmore isn't so gentle on fabrics and scored good in our energy efficiency tests, meaning, in part, it didn't extract as much water as those scoring better, so dryer time is longer. Both the washer and dryer are noisy.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide and available in white. Gas dryer is the $500 Kenmore 72342.
LG duos
LG WM3670HWA front-loader and LG DLEX3370W electric dryer
Price: $810 each
Here's the deal: It's very good at cleaning and gentle on fabrics. It aced our tests for water and energy efficiency. Vibration isn't an issue, and this machine is relatively quiet. There are 12 wash cycles, and claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. The dryer is excellent at drying, relatively quiet, and has a claimed capacity of 7.4 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 90 minutes using the normal-wash/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting and you'll save time.
Need to know: Available in white, graphite steel, and cherry red. This set is stackable, and width is the standard 27 inches. The gas dryer is the LG DLGX3371W, $910.
LG WT7600HWA HE top-loader and LG DLEX7600WE electric dryer
Price: $800 each
Here's the deal: The washer's claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet, among the largest of HE top-loaders, and you'll be able to wash that king-size comforter. Our tests have found that a king comforter readily fits in a capacity over 4.5 cubic feet. Cleaning is very good, and water efficiency is excellent. Energy efficiency is very good, and this washing machine is relatively quiet. There are 14 wash cycles. The dryer is excellent at its job, and among the quietest tested. Claimed capacity is 7.3 cubic feet.
Consider this: This washer scored good in our gentleness tests—that's true for most HE top-loaders we're tested.
Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide, and available in white, graphite, and black stainless. The gas dryer is the $900 LG DLGX7601WE. Also consider the $800 LG WT7500CW HE top-loader. It performed similarly to the LG WT7600HWA and has the same claimed capacity. You can pair either washer with the dryers mentioned here.
Maytag mates
Maytag Bravos MVWB835DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB835DW electric dryer
Price: $810 each
Here's the deal: The washer is very good at cleaning and takes 70 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. You'll save time using the normal soil setting. There are 11 wash cycles, and claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet, among the largest tested. This machine is relatively quiet. You'll hear it working but it shouldn't disturb you. The tested dryer is very good at drying at and among the quietest in our tests. The dryer highlighted here is a similar model and we expect performance to be similar to the tested dryer. Claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet. The washer and dryer are made in the U.S.
Consider this: The washer isn't so gentle on fabrics, but that's true for most HE top-loaders tested. Our tests use the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal wash normal-soil setting and it will be gentler on fabrics.
Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide, standard width, but capacity is jumbo. When shopping reach into the machine to see if you'll be abale to retrieve items at the bottom of the tub. Dryer is 29 inches wide. Both machines come in white.
Maytag MVWB765FW agitator top-loader and Maytag MEDB755DW electric dryer
Price: $800, washer, $500 dryer
Here's the deal: The washer's price, styling, capacity, and wash time are more like that of a high-efficiency top-loader, the kind without an agitator. This washer scored good in our cleaning tests, while using less water than some tested. It was among the most energy efficient in this category, in part because it extracted more water, cutting dryer time. It's relatively quiet and claimed capacity is 4.7 cubic feet. The dryer is very good at its job, and relatively quiet. Claimed capacity is 7 cubic feet.
Consider this: The washer is tough on fabrics, and wash time is 70 minutes using the normal wash/heavy soil setting, which is long for an agitator machine. Save time using the normal soil setting.
Need to know: Each machine is standard width, 27 inches, and available in white. Gas dryer is the $600 Maytag MGDB755DW.
Samsung set
Samsung WF45K6500AW front-loader and Samsung DV45K6500EW electric dryer
Price: $750 each
Here's the deal: The washer does an excellent job cleaning dirty laundry, is among the gentlest on fabrics, and water and energy efficiency are superb. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. There are 14 wash cycles, and there's a small door, known as AddWash, that allows you to add a garment after the wash cycle has begun.The dryer is very good at its job, and claimed capacity is 7.5 cubic feet. Both appliances offer Wi-Fi connectivity so that you can use your smartphone to keep an eye on cycle time and receive alerts when the cycle is completed.
Consider this: Wash time is 100 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Save time by using the normal-soil setting, and the Super Speed option saved about 15 to 20 minutes in our past tests without affecting cleaning.
Need to know: Machines can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide, standard width, but washer depth is 35 inches, a little deeper than most. Available in white and black stainless. The gas dryer is the Samsung DV45K6500GW, $850. Note that the washer and dryer shown above are installed atop pedestals to boost their height. This makes it easier to load and unload the machines, but each pedestal costs about $250.
Whirlpool pair
Whirlpool WFW75HEFW front-loader and Whirlpool WED75HEFW electric dryer
Price: $600 each
Here's the deal: The front-loader is among the least expensive of the ones we tested. It was excellent in our tests for cleaning, water and energy efficiency, and was gentle on fabrics. Vibration isn't a problem. There are eight wash cycles, and claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet. The dryer is very good at its job, and claimed capacity is 7.4 cubic feet.
Consider this: Wash time is 95 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Use the normal-soil setting and you'll save time. This washer is relatively noisy.
Need to know: Available in white. Each machine is 27 inches wide, standard width, and can be stacked. The gas dryer is the Whirlpool WGD75HEFW, $700.
How We Test Washers and Dryers
In addition to washing performance Consumer Reports' washing machine tests look at how gentle a washing machine is on fabric as well as its energy and water efficiency. We look at noise and vibration, and note cycle times using the normal wash, heavy-soil setting. We no longer score capacity since readers said they want to decide how important that is to them. We do tell you claimed capacity in cubic feet. In our clothes dryer tests we run the machines with different sized loads and a variety of fabrics. We also measure noise, and note convenience.
—Kimberly Janeway
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Copyright © 2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
