Getting your hands on a quality washer and dryer set seems more difficult these days than it used to be. As home inspectors, we see all kinds and hear plenty of pros and cons from our clients. As a result, we thought we would put together our list of best washer and dryer based on price, size, and repair history.
This comprehensive guide discusses everything from the basics of modern washer and dryer sets to picking from the best options in the market. You can also check out our guide on 13 washing machine brands to avoid.
The Basics of Washers and Dryers: Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Washer and Dryer Set
The washer and dryer sets you find in the market today are completely different from the simple, white-turned-beige sets you might have encountered a few decades ago. The market offers a ton of options, but with more options comes increased pressure to make the right decision.
Here are the things you should consider when purchasing a washer and dryer:
#1 Size
Before you decide which washer and dryer will best suit your needs, you must determine how much space you have in your home for the set. Grab a tape measure and check out how much space you can use.
Subtract an inch from the space available on all sides since there’s a chance the machine will dance about when in use. Also, remember to consider the space required for the door to open.
When it comes to volume, you will find washers between two and 6.2 cubic feet. Dryers can be a lot larger – up to nine cubic feet in capacity. The external size of a washer or dryer may or may not affect the size of their drums.
You must consider how many clothes you want to wash and how often to determine the right size machines to buy. Remember that washing more loads translates to more strain on the washing machine. Not to mention, you’ll use more water and spend more time washing clothes.
#2 Top-Loading Washing Machines Vs. Front-Loading Washers
Most people associate the term “washing machine” with top-load washers, which are popular for two reasons. One, they are easy to load and unload — no kneeling is involved. Secondly, front loading machines don’t get contaminated with mold and mildew as easily.
Top-load washers come with either an agitator or an impeller. There’s a good chance you’re familiar with the washing machines that come with agitators seen in the middle of the washer’s drum.
An agitator is a stick in the middle of the drum with spirals. Agitators are responsible for scrubbing off dirt and breaking down stains. Though effective, agitator-based top-loaders can damage delicate clothing.
On the other hand, washing machines with an impeller have a raised area at the bottom of the drum that brushes clothes against each other, cleaning them. Top-loaders with impellers use less water compared to those with agitators.
In contrast, front loading machines use less water. They are also easier to add and remove laundry from if a top loading washer is too deep for your reach. However, if you’re a taller person or have back issues, you can add a platform beneath front loaders to bring them to waist or shoulder level.
Many front loading washers are more susceptible to mold and mildew though. This happens around the door seal where water can collect. But this is not to say a front loading washer isn’t worth buying. The main advantage they offer is that they use less water since these machines swish water around the entire drum.
#3 Electric Dryers Vs. Gas Dryers
Dryer models come in either electric or gas configurations. Both gas and electric dryers can be good choices depending on your priorities.
As the name suggests, a gas dryer uses gas, which makes these dryers more time-efficient and cheaper to use. But installing a gas dryer comes with some risks and you may not have an accessible gas line where you plan to locate your dryer.
Getting an electric dryer is convenient since you can plug in electric dryers in the laundry room and use it like any other appliance. These are a lot easier to install than gas dryers. Electric dryers cost less compared to gas dryers, but they can use a lot of power compared to a gas dryer.
You can also choose between vented dryer models and ventless dryers. Vented dryer models have various vent configurations and connect to an external dryer vent. The vents may be positioned on the unit’s back, right, bottom, or left side. A ventless dryer (also called a “condenser”) doesn’t have any vent, so you can put one anywhere in your home — including inside a closet.
#4 Brand
Laundry machines are some of the most popular home appliances, so many well-known companies offer washer and dryer sets. Some top brands that offer these sets include Samsung, Electrolux, GE, LG, Maytag, Insignia, Whirlpool, Asko, and Speed Queen.
We discuss which of these brands makes the best washer and dryer sets in a later section.
#5 Features and Performance
Any washing machines you purchase will come with more or less the same set of clean and spin features. These default cycles include normal wash, whites, color-only, specialty, speed wash, delicate, heavy-duty, and bedding wash cycles.
But specialty cycles such as a drum cleaning cycle and an allergen cycle that removes dust mites and pet dander have become popular selling points.
The best washing machines have various temperature settings, spin speeds, and several dispensers. Besides a detergent dispenser, it should have a prewash detergent dispenser, bleach dispenser, and fabric softener dispenser.
The best washing machines also have status lights that indicate when a cycle begins and ends.
It’s also important for you to get a dryer that has various drying temperature modes such as damp, steam, timed, and wrinkle reduction. Depending on your drying needs, it might be worth getting a model with a self-cleaning lint filter.
#6 Energy Use
The average American home does 300 loads of laundry annually. Buying a water- and energy-efficient washer and dryer set can save you thousands of dollars over the course of the set’s lifespan.
Getting a washer and dryer with an Energy Star certification is an excellent way to save money in the long run. The washers and dryers with this certification are 25% more energy-efficient and 33% more water-efficient than similar appliances that aren’t certified.
#7 Cost
The cost of the washer and dryer is one of the most important things for any buyer to consider. The nice thing about buying a washer-dryer combo is that you have an ocean of options to choose from. Additionally, a washer-dryer combination will cost you less than if you were to buy the washer and dryer separately.
A budget washer-dryer set will cost you about $1000. But a budget model might not satisfy you if you need a machine with several features and high cleaning power.
Most washer-dryer sets are priced around the $1500 mark, which is considered the sweet spot when it comes to price/performance ratios. High-end models tend to cost upwards of $2000 and sometimes more than $3000.
#8 Warranty
Any washer and dryer you buy will come with at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor, granted that you keep the proof of purchase handy and provide it at the time of repair.
Some manufacturers are more generous with their warranties, providing a three- or five-year limited warranty on parts such as the PCB, dryer drum, and washer motor. Fewer manufacturers provide limited lifetime warranties on some of the parts of their appliances.
If you find a washer-dryer set you like, but it doesn’t have an attractive warranty policy, it makes sense to purchase an extended warranty. A washer and dryer combo will serve you for at least ten years and can serve you for a long time if you let a professional install it and follow the instructions in the manual.
The manual will likely instruct you to run full loads instead of partial loads to minimize the number of wash cycles as far as possible. Ideally, you should use High-Efficiency detergents and cold water since these things prolong the life of a washing machine.
Bear in mind that the warranties come into effect on the date of purchase. You might mistakenly believe that the warranty begins when the washer and dryer set is installed in your home.
You must read the fine print and learn the company’s promises, so you don’t feel disappointed bearing unexpected expenses later.
#9 Additional Features
The typical design of the laundry machines available today includes a plain exterior panel, a pushbutton control panel, a window, a handle, and an interior pilot light. Most units also include adjustable legs.
- Some of the other features that are worth looking for include:
- Automatic temperature control
- Integrated water heater
- Moisture sensors that enable setting custom dry times
- Remote control features
- Self-cleaning mechanisms
- Smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity
- Soil sensor
- Stainless steel components or construction
- Steaming and sanitizing features
Though most washers and dryers are available in the traditional white color, companies offer variants in black, slate, and cabinet facade colors these days. You might also be able to get your hands on colorful, retro-style washers and dryers.
What is the Best Washer and Dryer to Buy
#1 Best Budget
Insignia NS-TWM35W1 Top-Loading Washer + NS-TDRE67W1 Electric Dryer
If you’re looking for excellent value for money, you cannot go wrong with this Insignia washer dryer set. Though the set has modest capacities and basic features, it’s the right one to get for effective laundry cleaning and drying in small households.
The NS-TWM35W1 top-load washer has stainless steel drum with a 3.7 cubic-foot capacity. The stainless steel tub prevents snags and won’t wear down even after a decade of use.
The washing machine features a dozen cycles, including a quick wash and activewear cycle. However, advanced cycles such as hand wash and steam wash are not available.
On the upside, the machine boasts separate bleach, softener, and detergent dispensers, ensuring that your cleaning agents are released at the appropriate times in the cycles. The lid lock feature prevents children from popping the lid open mid-cycle.
The matching dryer features a 6.7 cubic foot capacity and can deal with delicate clothes with its wrinkle care mode. Its filter indicator will let you know when the filter needs cleaning. The < 69-decibel noise level makes it an excellent choice if you like your peace and quiet.
You should note that this dryer doesn’t feature four-way venting, limiting placement possibilities. But since it has a reversible door, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Pros
- Auto-fill modes on washer and wrinkle care mode on the dryer
- Separate dispensers for all agents
- The washer is equipped with moisture sensors
Cons
- Modest capacities
- The dryer doesn’t offer four-way venting
#2 Best Top-Loading
Samsung WA55A7300AE Top Load Washer + DVE55A7300E Electric Dryer
If you’re on the lookout for a high-performance washer-dryer combo, this pair of Samsung machines won’t disappoint. You can pair both laundry machines with various smart home devices and control them with your voice. Remote monitoring features are also available.
The washer boasts a deep drum with a 5.5 cubic foot capacity — making it one of the biggest top-load washers available. It doesn’t have an agitator. Rather, it comes with an impeller plate, allowing you to pile bulky items without worrying.
Its cleaning power is quite impressive, and the deep fill option coupled with the built-in faucet for pre-treating stains and hand-washing, make it a complete package.
The electric dryer paired with this washer features a convenient sensor-drying technology. It changes the duration and temperature of every drying cycle to prevent heat damage. This technology also makes the dryer more energy-efficient.
One of the most attractive things about this dryer is that it features the Steam Sanitize+ cycle, which effectively removes pollen and kills bacteria and dust mites. This cycle also eliminates static, odors, and wrinkles effectively.
Overall, this pair is the best top-load washer and dryer pair money can buy.
Pros
- Auto-fill and sensor dry
- Built-in faucet
- Large capacity washer
- Works with smart devices
Cons
- The washer doesn’t have a steam function
- Washer and dryer have slanted tops
#3 Best Front-Loading
GE GFW850SSNWW Front Load Washer + GFD85ESSNWW Dryer
Several washing and drying cycles? Check. Large capacity? Check. Energy efficiency? Check. Smart features? Check.
The GE GFW850SSNWW and the dryer that comes paired with it stand out as one of the best front-loading washer and dryer sets in the market. Both the front load washer and dryer boast remote monitoring and PowerStream technology, making them a practical choice for any modern household.
One of the best things about this front load washer is that the manufacturer took steps to prevent mold and mildew growth and eliminate odors — issues common in front-load washers. The built-in venting system and the antimicrobial interior deal with these issues.
The stainless steel tub and a dozen wash cycle options make the front load washer much more attractive. The long, high-temperature cycles ensure that your clothes are rid of all pet dander and dust mites.
Though the washer isn’t the largest in the market, it has an above-average capacity of five cubic feet. GE equipped the washer with its patented dynamic balancing technology, which senses and rebalances uneven loads to ensure the washer remains quiet throughout spin cycles.
The GFW850SSNWW front load washer can hold up to 50 ounces of detergent in its automatic dispenser which means you won’t have to worry about filling it up again for 32 laundry loads! But note that you won’t be able to empty the dispenser once you load it. So, if you’re trying out a new detergent, it’s best to use only a little.
It’s important to note that the washing machine manufacturer recommends regular maintenance of the bulk storage tank.
As mentioned earlier, the matching dryer paired with the washer features the PowerStream technology, enabling you to refresh small loads and de-wrinkle large ones. The misting feature ensures that there is no static cling during dry cycles.
Both machines can connect with your phone over Wi-Fi, allowing you to monitor them remotely. You will also receive notifications about progress in real-time.
The impressive sets of features and the sleek-yet-spacious design of the washer and matching dryer set make it worth considering.
Pros
- Connects with your phone and notifies you of progress
- Features patented dynamic balancing technology
- PowerStream removes stains
- Venting system removes odors
Cons
- Automatic dispenser cannot be emptied once filled
#4 Best High-Efficiency
LG WM4200HWA Front Load Washing Machine + DLEX4200W Front Load Electric Dryer
Whether you like being as environmentally conscious as possible or are always on a tight schedule, this high-efficiency LG washer and dryer might be the perfect option.
The smart washer in this set uses up to 80% less water than the typical top-load washer. Additionally, it uses up to 65% less electricity. The kicker? The washer can accommodate larger-than-normal loads with its five-cubic-foot capacity while remaining extremely efficient. It’s large enough for you to fit a king-size comforter into it.
Bear in mind that you will need to use specialty detergent and be patient since the cycle times are longer than traditional washing machines. It has sensors that determine the water temperature, load size, and fabric texture. The washer optimizes the temperature and washing motion with this information to suit the load.
This LG washing machine also features speed wash and allergen cycle settings, allowing you to deal with laundry per your needs and convenience. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certified the washer, which guarantees that the machine removes 95% of the allergens on the fabric it washes.
The washing machine is surprisingly quiet, and both the washer and the dryer come with the FreshCare feature. This feature will tumble the clothes for up to three hours after the load is finished washing or drying. The machines in the set are Energy Start certified.
The two machines in the set can connect with each other, allowing you to optimize the drying cycle according to your clothes’ wash cycle. You can install the LG ThinQ app on your phone to monitor progress. The app will also notify you when the washer’s dispensers are empty or if it needs something else.
The only trouble you might have with the washing machine is that you might be unable to position it in a compact laundry room since it does not have a reversible door.
Pros
- Allergen cycle is available on the washer
- Closet-depth design
- The clothes in the drum tumble automatically
- The machines can sync up to help with load selection
Cons
- Difficult to read the screen in certain lighting conditions
- The washer’s door is not reversible
#5 Best Laundry Center
LG WKEX200HWA WashTower Laundry Center
Getting a laundry center might be the right way to go if you live in a condo or apartment since the washer and dryer are vertically stacked and function as a single unit. Bear in mind that laundry centers are different from stackable washer-dryer sets in which the washer and dryer are separate appliances.
The typical laundry center is basic in its form and function. But the LG WashTower is not your typical laundry center.
Unlike most laundry centers with a top-loading design for the washer and dryer, the LG WashTower has a front-loading design. Plus, the laundry center has a larger capacity than average, with the washer featuring a 4.5 cubic-foot drum and the dryer having a 7.4 cubic-foot drum.
This washer and dryer set offers several washing options and cycles. But you can also fully rely on the AI fabric sensors to pick the correct cycle depending on the texture and load size. Another nice thing about the laundry center is its central control panel positioned at countertop height.
Pros
- Easy-to-access control panel
- Large capacity for a laundry center
- Minimal vibration when in use
Cons
- Difficult to set up Wi-Fi
- No “air only” setting on dryer
#6 Best Smart
Whirlpool WTW8127LW Top Load Washer + WED8127LW Electric Dryer
This Whirlpool washer and dryer is an option you cannot overlook if you’re looking for a feature-loaded set. The washer comes with a 2-in-1 agitator, which you can remove from the washing machine’s drum when you need to wash bulky loads, such as a king-size comforter.
It also has a built-in faucet boasting hot and cold water settings. The faucet makes it easy to pre-treat stains and hand-wash delicate clothes. You will receive a brush with the washer, making it easy to get rid of stubborn stains.
One nice thing about the washer is that you can schedule the washing to begin later using the Whirlpool app. Additionally, the washer offers three dozen wash cycles, all of which are customizable, allowing you to tailor the washing style to the type of garment.
The dryer paired with this washer is just as feature-rich as its counterpart. It comes with a drying rack that can hold pillows and shoes. Placing the rack inside the dryer’s drum allows you to dry such items without them tumbling around.
What’s more, the moisture sensors in the dryer help optimize the drying times, and the steam cycle in the dryer removes wrinkles from the fabrics, removing the need for rewashing.
The one drawback of the dryer is that it doesn’t have a light that indicates that the lint screen needs cleaning. The lint trap doesn’t self-clean, either, so you must maintain this part of the dryer regularly and without being prompted.
Pros
- 36 cycles available
- Built-in faucet
- Delay start available
- Drum rack included
Cons
- No indicator light for dirty lint traps
#7 Best Energy-Saving
Electrolux EFLS627UTT Front Load Washer + EFMG627UTT Stackable Front Load Gas Dryer
This Electrolux washer and dryer strikes the right balance between cleaning power and energy efficiency on our best washer and dryer list. Rated one of the most efficient washers by Energy Star, the washer also has a CEE Tier II rating and is extremely water efficient.
Getting this washer-dryer combo is the right way to go if you deal with a lot of stained clothes when doing laundry. This is because the washing machine features settings such as StainTreat II and Perfect Steam, both of which optimize the washer based on the stain selected.
Though the washer only has a modest 4.5 cubic foot drum, it’ll accommodate the average laundry load without causing any hassle. You can use any type of HE detergent with it.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this washer and dryer is the National Science Foundation certification. It guarantees that the set removes 95% of the allergens in your laundry.
If you’re wondering what makes the dryer special, it’s the unique and powerful settings such as the Predictive and LuxCare Dry settings. These settings use the data from the moisture sensors to prevent over and under-drying and also optimize energy usage.
Like the previous set we discussed, this high-efficiency set also does not have a self-cleaning lint filter. It also doesn’t have any fancy smart features. But this Electrolux washer and dryer set is hard to top on our best washer and dryer list when it comes to performance and efficiency.
Pros
- Many stain-removal features
- NSF certification
- The dryer comes with LuxCare dry and Predictive dry features
- You can put any type of HE detergent in the dispenser
Cons
- Lack of self-cleaning lint filter
- Zero smart features
#8 Best High-Capacity
LG SIGNATURE WM9500HKA Front Load Washer + DLEX9500K Electric Dryer
One of the downsides of having a big family is that you will need to deal with baskets and baskets of laundry every week. If you’re in a similar circumstance, it’s best to invest in a washer-dryer set that helps you clean and dry large loads. The LG SIGNATURE set makes our best washer and dryer list as an excellent solution for dealing with large loads.
The washer has a 5.8 cubic-foot drum, and the dryer has a 9.0 cubic-foot drum. These machines are so large that there’s a good chance you’ll have trouble getting them through doors should you choose to purchase and install them. In addition to being large, the machines are also smart.
You can control them with voice commands via your phone or other smart devices. You can also download different wash cycles and check the progress of your loads on the SmartThinQ app. The nice thing about these machines is that although they are large, they are also efficient with water and energy, which is great if you expect to run them almost constantly.
By default, the washer comes with 14 cycles and can be paired with the LG SideKick pedestal washer for additional washing power and capacity. The washing machine features an anti-vibration system that ensures no one in your home is woken from their nap.
The dryer comes with a special steam cycle that refreshes clothes marked “non-washable” and gently dries clothes, prolonging their lifespan.
The dryer’s motor comes with a ten-year warranty, which is very reassuring. The doors have extra-wide openings, and the on-door control panels on both machines make them convenient to operate.
Pros
- Extra-wide door openings
- Integrated anti-vibration system
- On-door control panels
- You can clean non-washable clothes with the steam cycle
Cons
- You might have trouble getting the machines inside your laundry room
#9 Best Compact
Whirlpool WTW2000HW Portable Top-Load Washer + LDR3822PQ Stackable Portable Electric Dryer
While there’s no shortage of compact washer and dryer sets, finding a reliable set is a challenge you are bound to encounter. This Whirlpool set here in our best washer and dryer guide boasts an excellent cleaning capacity and is highly energy efficient, making it the obvious choice for most customers looking for compact options.
You can stack the machines in this set, but you will need to purchase a stacking kit separately. The machines come with caster wheels, making them easy to move around.
The capacities of these machines aren’t aspects that can be bragged about. However, the automatic temperature control feature optimizes the wash cycles on the washing machine.
One of the best things about the compact washers in these sets is that they come equipped with stainless steel tubs. These tubs don’t snag your clothes or wear themselves out, even after years of use.
An end-of-cycle light on the dryer will let you know when your clothes are dry. The dryer has a sensor that helps prevent clothes from over-drying. The machines in this set aren’t perfect, but if you need a washer and dryer for a small space that you can rely on, it doesn’t get better than this.
Pros
- Automatic temperature control
- Easy to move
- Stainless steel drum
- The dryer has a sensor on it
Cons
- The set doesn’t come with a stacking kit
#10 Best Stackable
Maytag MHW5630HW Front Load Washing Machine + MED5630HW Electric Vented Dryer
Another excellent washer and dryer for homes with limited space laundry rooms is the Maytag MHW5630HW washer. It features a decent 4.5 cubic foot drum while the electric dryer has a 7.3 cubic foot drum.
The nice thing about this stackable washer and dryer is that you won’t have to do the laundry several times a day. But you might need to wait longer for the clothes to finish washing since some cycles are long.
Both the washer and the dryer have an “extra power” button. When pressed, it boosts the stain-fighting capacity of the washer during a wash cycle. When pressed on the dryer, the drying and tumbling time is increased.
If you forget a load of dry clothes in the dryer, the “Wrinkle Prevent” cycle will kick in automatically and keep tumbling the clothes for up to 150 minutes.
The washer features a unique AFFRESH cycle, which quickly cleans the drum. It should be used every 30 cycles with an AFFRESH cleanser tablet or a liquid chlorine bleach. Both the machines in the set come with a limited 10-year warranty; however, the stacking kit isn’t included with the washer and dryer set.
Pros
- 10-year limited warranty
- AFFRESH cycle cleans the washer automatically
- Both machines come with “extra-power” buttons
- The prevent wrinkle cycle runs for up to 150 minutes after the dry cycle
Cons
- A stacking kit is not included with the set
- Long cycles
For more on stackable washer and dryer sets, take a look at our comparison of the top 6.
Who Makes the Best Washer and Dryer?
If you’re wondering which is the best washer and dryer brand, it’ll be hard to find an honest answer anywhere on the internet. This is because there is no such thing as the “ultimate” washer and dryer brand.
Different brands offer appliances with different strengths and weaknesses. One brand might offer the best appliances in the budget segment, while another may offer appliances with excellent energy efficiency.
We’ve gathered customer sentiments from all over the internet and classified brands accordingly to help you find the right brand below:
#1 Best Overall
Maytag
Customers worldwide never hesitate to say a good word about Maytag’s washers and dryers — especially their front-loading washers and dryers. If you want the best quality appliances for your money, you cannot go wrong with Maytag.
Its washers and dryers come with ten-year limited warranties and feature an “extra-power” button that ensures the washers remove stains and the dryers dry clothes quickly.
Many of the company’s options also come with the 16-hour fresh hold feature, which keeps wet clothes from smelling bad. The moisture sensors equipped in each of the brand’s dryers ensure that the clothes dry evenly.
You can expect to pay a high price for the quality this brand is committed to offering.
#2 Best High-End
Miele
Miele takes the throne as the best luxury washer and dryer brand. The company offers stackable and energy-efficient options, helping you save space and money in the long run.
Virtually every washer the company offers comes with automatic detergent dispensers. On the other hand, the company’s dryers plug into 120-volt outlets and are ventless.
No compromises are made when integrating technology into this brand’s appliances. You can connect its washer and dryer sets to smart devices quickly and easily and also change the language in which the information is displayed on the machines.
One disappointing thing about Miele’s appliances is that they come with only a two-year warranty.
#3 Best Budget
Samsung
For decades, Samsung has consistently offered some of the best bang-for-your-buck washers and dryers. Most of the company’s machines have an Energy Star certification and are water efficient.
Plus, many Samsung washers and dryers are sold for big discounts on occasions such as annual sales. If you plan things right, you can get yourself a sweet deal. We discuss the best times to purchase a washer and dryer in the next section.
Besides being an excellent budget brand, it is also a customer favorite since the machines are offered in various colors, can be controlled via an app, and, most importantly, work reliably for years.
#4 Best Compact
GE
Not every GE washer and dryer set is suitable for small spaces. But the company offers some of the market’s best compact washers and dryers. The company has established an excellent reputation over the past century and has a whole line of space-saving units for you to consider.
Many of the company’s dryers are ventless, and a handful of the sets are portable. So, if you need a washer and dryer for a space that cannot support a vented dryer, like an RV, make sure you go through the line.
#5 Best Large Capacity
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s front- and top-loading washers and dryers attract great ratings, and the company is best known for its impressive range of large-capacity appliances. If you’re concerned that you might not find the right set, you can pick this brand’s products and rest assured since disappointments are out of the question.
A lot of the brand’s models boast features like Load-and-Go dispensers, removable agitators, and a range of smart features. Additionally, many of the large-capacity washer models sold by Whirlpool come with dual-temperature faucets for spot treatments. The brand also allows users to customize wash and dry cycles according to their unique needs.
When is the Best Time to Buy A Washer and Dryer
You might be planning to buy your washer and dryer when you spot a good discount during the holiday season. But if you want a steal of a deal, it’s ideal to give yourself a few months to shop around.
It’s also important not to consider the prices you see during the discount season as the best possible deal. You will only know whether you’re getting the best deal on the best washer and dryer if you track the price of the washer and dryer you’re interested in.
You might be able to save more money if you don’t mind buying a floor model that might be slightly scratched up. Regardless, some of the best times to buy washers and dryers (from best to worst) are:
- September Season: This is the best time to get a washer and dryer set since brands launch new models at this time. So, the older models are sold at significantly lower prices just to make room for the new models.
- Cyber Monday: This is the Monday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It’s now considered the second-biggest shopping day of the year.
- Spring Time: Retailers empty their warehouses to bring in new products in this period, specifically in April. If you are open to getting a floor model at a low price, this is the best time to scout stores and score deals.
- Memorial Day: Many retailers sell washers and dryers for huge discounts in May. If you’re interested in buying a Maytag set, keep an eye out for the brand’s annual sale this month.
- Labor Day: This is another period when retailers like to get rid of their old stock.
- New Year’s: Excess inventory that didn’t sell during the holiday season goes for low prices before the new year.
- President’s Day: This is when washers and dryers go for upwards of 30% off. You might be able to get your hands on a washer and dryer at half price if you do your due diligence.
How to Install a Washer and Dryer Set
The installation instructions depend on the kind of washer and dryer you’ve purchased and where you want to install the set. That said, here are the general instructions:
- Position the dryer atop the base.
- Connect your exhaust hose to its behind and tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.
- Plug the dryer into a 220V outlet.
- Use the knobs on the pedestal washer’s base to level it as required.
- Put your washing machine atop the washer and screw it in place.
- Connect the bronze splitters to your water connections.
- Connect the braided hoses to the splitters, then connect them to the washing machine’s inlets.
- Tighten the connections with pliers or an adjustable wrench.
- Connect the discharges from both machines to a drain or basin.
- Plug the machines into the receptacle.
How to Inspect Your Washer and Dryer
From time to time, you should inspect your washer and dryer. As home inspectors, here’s how we do it.
- Open the dryer and check to see if the lint catcher is present and clean
- Close the dryer door, turn the heat to “high”, and turn it on for a timed dry cycle
- If possible, visibly inspect the dryer duct – hard, non-spiral pipe is preferred
- Run a warm or hot wash cycle on the washing machine and check for warm water
- Check the water supply hoses – braided steel is preferred over rubber
- Make sure the discharge/drain pipe is secure and positioned to drain properly
- If the washer is on the 2nd floor or above, make sure it sits in a plumbed drain pan
- Go back to dryer, open door and confirm is is producing heat
That’s it. Just a quick check to make sure everything is clean, secure, and working properly.
