Best Washer and Dryer: How to Choose the Right Pair
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The best washer and dryer is the pair that fits your space, your loads and the hookups you already have. This guide walks through the choices in the order they narrow the field: how the washer loads, how big the drum should be, where the pair will sit, and how the dryer heats. Along the way it points to models to compare on our storefront, each named the way its maker names it.
How we chose what to show
We did not rank brands. Every model below is here because it illustrates one of the choices in this guide, and every fact on a card comes from the maker's own product page. Capacity, cycle time and efficiency vary by model, so the spec sheet for the exact model is the number that counts.
A front-load pair for most households
A front-load washer tumbles clothes through a shallow pool of water and spins them at high speed, so the matching dryer has less water to remove. A front-load pair can also stack when the maker lists the two as stackable, which keeps the option open if you move to a smaller laundry space later. The LG washer and dryer below are both front-load models; the maker's page for each washer names the dryer LG matches it with.
5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load Washer with TurboWash 360°, AI Sensing and Hybrid Electronic Controls
Model WM5800HVA
- 5.0 cu. ft. capacity, per LG.
- TurboWash 360° and AI Sensing.
7.4 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer
Model DLEX5500V
- 7.4 cu. ft. electric dryer, per LG.
A top-load washer if you want to load from above
A top-load washer opens at the top, so there is no bending to the floor and no door gasket to wipe down. Some use a center agitator; others use a low impeller at the bottom of the tub, which leaves more room for bulky items. A separate top-load washer sits beside its dryer; nothing stacks on its lid. Our front load vs top load comparison covers the trade-offs in detail. For top-load picks by use case, see our top load washer guide.
5.5 cu. ft. Smart Top Load Washer with Super Speed Wash
Model WA55CG7100AVUS
- 5.5 cu. ft. capacity, per Samsung.
- Super Speed Wash and Active WaterJet.
5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Top Load Washer with Impeller, EasyUnload & AI Sensing
Model WT8200CW
- Impeller wash system, per LG.
- EasyUnload and AI Sensing.
Small spaces: stacked and single-unit
If the laundry space is a closet, think vertically. A stacked front-load pair needs the maker's stacking kit; a single-unit laundry center such as a WashTower is built as one appliance with the controls at the center. Our stackable washer and dryer guide covers sizes, kits and the space around the machines.
Single Unit LG WashTower with Center Control 5.0 cu. ft. Front Load Washer and 7.8 cu. ft. Electric Ventless Heat Pump Dryer
Model WKHC252HWA
- One stacked unit with Center Control.
- Electric ventless heat pump dryer, per LG.
All-in-one and heat-pump options
An all-in-one washer dryer washes and dries in the same drum and does not vent outdoors. A heat-pump dryer, on its own or inside a combo, recirculates its air and condenses the moisture out. Both suit spaces where a vent run is hard to add. Read how an all-in-one combo works and how a heat pump dryer works before you decide.
Bespoke AI All-in-One Ventless Combo
Model WD53DBA900HBA1
- 5.3 cu. ft. capacity, per Samsung.
- Ventless, with AI OptiWash and Dry.
Features worth comparing
- Capacity. Washer drums are listed in cubic feet. A larger drum handles bedding and towels in fewer loads; check the matching dryer's capacity too.
- Steam. Several washers and dryers offer steam cycles for sanitizing or refreshing; the maker's page lists which cycles a model has.
- Sensor drying. A moisture sensor ends the cycle when clothes are dry instead of running a fixed time.
- Connected controls. LG ThinQ and Samsung SmartThings let you start, monitor and get alerts from a phone. Treat them as a convenience, not a reason to choose a pair.
- Matching pair. A washer and dryer from the same line share styling, door swing and, where offered, a stacking kit.
Whirlpool, Maytag and Miele laundry lines are worth comparing too; ask our team to pull the current models and their spec sheets.
What to measure before you order
Measure the width and depth of the space, the depth with the washer door open, and the height if you plan to stack. Note where the water supply, drain, vent and outlet or gas line sit. Our washers and dryers page lists each measurement and why it matters.
Next steps in the Sacramento area
Bring your measurements and a photo of the laundry space to the Roseville showroom, and our team will read the makers' spec sheets against your numbers. For hours, directions and the brands we carry, see our Sacramento-area appliance store.
Frequently asked questions
Is a front-load or top-load washer better?
Neither is better for every home. A front-load washer can stack and suits tight spaces; a top-load washer loads from above and sits beside its dryer. The comparison guide covers cleaning, capacity and upkeep.
Should the washer and dryer be the same brand?
A matching pair shares styling and, where offered, a stacking kit made for the two. If you plan to stack, buy a pair the maker lists as stackable together.
Is a heat-pump dryer worth considering?
A heat-pump dryer suits spaces where an outside vent is hard to add, such as closets and condos. Read the heat pump dryer guide for how it works and what it needs.
What capacity do I need?
Larger drums handle bedding and towels in fewer loads. Check the capacity on the maker's page for both the washer and the matching dryer.