Best Washer and Dryers

Washing ability

One of the most basic features consumers look for in a washer is its ability to properly wash clothing, including effective removal of stains, odors and other debris. At the same time, it's important to have a washer that reduces wear and tear on fabrics to keep clothing in good condition over time.

• Steam washing: Some newer washing machines offer steam cleaning settings that can help penetrate tough stains while being gentle on fabrics.
• Quick wash: A quick wash feature is great feature for when a user wants to save time on their wash cycles. This feature often saves energy as well.
• Gentle wash cycles: While removing dirt, stains and debris from clothing is important, a gentle wash cycle option allows for less pressure and stress on fabric to keep clothes looking great longer. Certain machines also feature a wool cycle setting, allowing users to wash wool without damaging or shrinking the fabric.
• Automatic dispensing: Washers with automatic dispensers can be filled up for many cycles and then automatically dispense an exact amount of detergent for a more efficient use of detergent. It can also ensure you have the right amount of detergent to get out stains and leave clothing clean afterward.

Drying ability

While all dryers usually have no problem drying clothes, there are some instances where a dryer can over-dry clothing. Consumers want a dryer that can leave their clothes in excellent condition after a drying cycle, keep in enough moisture to ensure the clothes aren't damaged, and have different drying settings for extra speed or handling different fabrics.

• Moisture sensor: A dryer with a moisture feature is one of the top features to look for. This sensor is designed to ensure clothes are dried just right, and then tells the machine to shutdown.
• Fabric types: Dryers often include different settings for different fabric types, including regular settings for cotton clothing and permanent press for delicates. The right settings can help get clothing dry without damaging fabrics.
• Speed dry: A speed dry setting allows a user to quickly dry a small amount of clothing with minimal energy output, typically completing drying in a 15-minute cycle.
• Extended tumble: Extended tumble keeps the clothing tumbling after the drying cycle, typically with no extra heat. This is designed to get wrinkles out of clothing.

Energy and water efficiency

Energy efficiency is a major feature that consumers now look for when purchasing a washing machine or dryer. Water efficiency is also important for washers as well. For washing machines, there are new federal standards that require all washing machines made after March 6, 2015 to use less energy and water.

• Energy Star for washing machines: If you purchase an Energy Star washing machine after March 6, 2015, you can expect the washing machine to use 25 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than a standard washer. New efficient washers tend to use much less water and require less detergent that traditional washing machines.
• Energy Star for dryers: Energy Star dryers use 20 percent less energy than standard dryers. Energy Star recommends consumers purchase dryers with a moisture sensor, and consider a gas-powered dryer instead of an electric one for better energy savings.
• Spin speed: Most washing machines have a spin speed ranging between 1,000 and 1,600 revolutions per minute (RPM). Models with higher spin speeds tend to get clothing drier faster, meaning less energy is used later for the drying process later.
• Low heat Setting: Dryers that offer a low heat setting usually provide better energy savings. This setting dries clothing over a long period of time at lower heat.

Capacity

Consumers should ensure they have the right capacity for their washer and dryer. Capacity impacts how much clothing can fit in a cycle, the washing and drying ability of a machine and even has an impact on energy consumption and the environment.

• Capacity increasing: For both washers and dryers, the trend seems to be an increase in capacity. For washers, expect to see capacities ranging from 12 to 28 pounds depending on whether the washing machine is a top-loading or front-loading washer. For dryers, you can expect to see sizes of large, super and even super-plus on some models. Increased capacity allows consumers to fit more clothing in during a cycle and reduce the frequency they need to wash and dry clothing.
• Width considerations: Standard washers and dryers are around 27 inches wide, but for larger models you can expect three extra inches to each machine. That means larger models paired together might require an extra six inches.
• Average capacity needs: Most families can meet their needs with washers that can fit 15 to 24 pounds of laundry. However, larger families and consumers who do laundry more often may need larger capacities. For dryers, larger capacity machines can also dry clothing more quickly, helping save on energy costs.

Noise reduction

In some cases, washing machines and dryers can be quite loud, an important factor if bedrooms or other important rooms are close to the laundry room. However, some newer models are extremely quiet, depending on the brand and type of machine you purchase.

• Washing machine noise: Top-loading washing machines tend to be noisier than front-loading washing machines. Front-loading washing machines usually have a tighter seal, and due to their design, are less likely to be unbalanced during the washing cycle.
• Mechanical transmission: Top-loading washing machines tend to use a mechanical transmission, which usually produces more noise than a front-loading machine.
• Dryer noise: Newer dryers tend to produce less noise than traditional dryers. Consumers often also look for an option to turn off end-of-cycle sounds to reduce noise disturbances.

Reliability

Consumers should look for washing machines and dryers that offer long-term quality and endurance. There are a number of factors that can impact maintenance, durability and ease of use.

• Washing machine differences: Top-loading washing machines tend to require less maintenance than front-loading washing machines. Front-loading washing machines may need to have the door seal replaced from time to time, and some older models may also be more prone to leakage than top-loading machines. Top-loading machines may also require a freshening cycle to clean the door seal.
• Dryer differences: In terms of repair and maintenance, dryers with a top-mounted lint collector and a lint sensor are excellent features that reduce breakdowns, decrease fire hazards and improve efficiency.
• Warranties: Some companies are so sure of their design, they offer 20-year warranties on their washers. Normally, consumers can expect one to five year warranties that will cover mechanical breakdowns.

Top-loading washer

Traditional top-loading washers are usually the cheapest. They're easy to load, even in mid-cycle, and usually hold between 12 to 28 pounds. The newer high-efficiency top-loading washers tend to hold more clothing and use less water and energy, but tend to be more expensive.

Front-loading washers

Front-loading washers are highly energy-efficient and usually produce little noise. These washers spin clothing at very high speeds, reducing drying time and also reducing water consumption. They may require slightly more maintenance, but newer models tend to be on par maintenance-wise with top-loading washers.

Full-sized dryer

A full-size dryer is the standard type of dryer on the market, but there can be great variation between different brands and models regarding drying ability and other features such as moisture sensors, quick wash cycles, noise reduction technology, LCD displays, and other useful additions.

Gas dryers

While most consumer dryer purchases are electric dryers, some consumers are now opting for gas dryers. These dryers usually cost more upfront, but they can provide long-term energy savings that many consumers find desirable.

Compact washer and dryers

A compact washer or dryer tends to be a smaller version of standard washer and dryers. These models are often 24 inches wide instead of the standard 27 inches, and are designed for consumers with less space or less frequent washing needs.

Families

Families tend to need a washing machine and dryer with larger capacity, and may want to consider more energy-efficient models due to increased frequency of washing. Families may also want to look for quick wash features to handle many loads in one day.

Individuals

For individual consumers, a smaller capacity washer and dryer are usually sufficient. These type of consumers might also seek out features like like quick wash cycles in a washing machine to save time. For working professionals, a wrinkle-remover steam cycle on a dryer is the type of feature that might be very appealing if they need a shirt to look great before work.

Apartment Owners

Apartment owners may have some special considerations for washers and dryers. For example, space limitations might mean they want a smaller or more compact washer and dryer. If they move a lot, portable washers and dryers might be a worthwhile investment as well. In addition, washers and dryers with noise reduction technology may help keep a smaller apartment quiet and reduce complaints from neighbors.

People Who Are Energy Conscious

For people who are truly energy conscious, it's important to look for models of washers and dryers that offer high energy efficiency. These are the type of consumers who might want to purchase a washing machine with more capacity and a dryer with a moisture sensor, two factors that can help reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs.

Business owners

Business owners have needs that are slightly different than the average consumer. For example, a hotel owner or restaurateur may require near-constant use of their washers and dryers due to the nature of their businesses. As a result, these types of business owners need washing machines and dryers that have much larger capacities, and which feature more energy-efficient options than standard washing machines and dryers. These extra features can save time and money for business owners.