If you haven’t shopped for a washer and dryer in a few years, you might be surprised by how much these essential appliances have improved. Today’s best washer and dryer sets not only look better in your laundry room, they also come loaded with features to make doing laundry simpler, faster and more energy efficient. Our top pick, the single-unit LG WashTower, even sends laundry updates to your phone and has an allergen detection setting. But there are plenty of other excellent options depending on your budget, your laundry needs and the size of your household.
The best washer and dryer sets make laundry day more efficient, and with less effort.
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Before getting into specific models, it’s important to figure out what will actually work best in your space. Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, recommends starting with some basic planning: “Start by measuring the space in your laundry room. That immediately narrows your options and prevents surprises later,” he says. “Then think about your current needs for the amount of laundry you do and what you will be doing for the next ten to twelve years.” With his advice in mind, we made sure our recommendations cover a range of real-life scenarios—from large-capacity sets for busy families to compact and stackable models that can fit in smaller spaces. Our team regularly researches, tests and updates our recommendations, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a set that’ll work well for you long-term. (And if you need something even more specific, we have separate guides on the best washing machines, thebest electric dryers and thebest stackable washer and dryer sets.)
Best Washer And Dryer Set Overall
A Smartly Designed Duo That's Easy For Anyone To Use
The Home Depot
LG WashTower
Type: Front load |Size: 27 x 74.4 x 30.4 inches |Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) |Washing cycles: 5 | Drying cycles: 9 |Energy Star certified: Yes
Pros:
Easy-to-reach control panel
Runs quietly
Water-efficient
Sensor drying prevents overdrying
Cons:
Large back vent may be tricky in tight spaces
Limited preset drying options
Some users report surface scratches
The LG WashTower is designed to save space and keep laundry as painless as possible, especially if you’re tired of reaching for controls at the top of a stacked set. The washer and dryer controls sit right in the middle, so they're easy to see and reach, even if you're on the shorter side. It fits a solid amount of laundry, too—the washer holds 4.5 cubic feet, plenty for a typical family's weekly load, while the dryer offers a roomy 7.4 cubic feet, great for blankets and bulky items. It also has a steam cycle specifically meant to remove dust and other allergens from clothes, which can make a big difference if someone in your home struggles with allergies. You can even start cycles or get a quick alert on your phone through LG's ThinQ app, which lets you check on laundry without heading back and forth to the machine.
What the reviews say: One reviewer notes, “The digital readout always tells you how much time is left in your cycle. [This set] did a nice job of washing and drying a load and it was very simple to operate. ... It has lots of bells and whistles others we've looked at didn't have, but it doesn’t sacrifice ease of use.”
Best Top-Loading Washer And Dryer Set
A Roomy Set That Powers Through Heavy Laundry Days
Lowe's
Maytag Smart Top-Load Set
Type: Top load (washer), front load (dryer) | Size: 27.3 x 27.9 x 42.9 inches (washer), 27 x 29.9 x 43.1 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet (washer), 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) |Washing cycles: 13 | Drying cycles: 11 | Energy Star certified: No
Pros:
Washer easily handles big, bulky loads
Quick-wash and quick-dry cycles
Extra Power options for heavy-duty cleaning and drying
Washer is quieter than average
Cons:
Dryer can get loud during heavy cycles
Dryer controls take some getting used to
If you’re regularly dealing with large piles of laundry, this Maytag set can handle heavy loads so you won't have to run multiple cycles. The top-loading washer holds 5.2 cubic feet, which is more than enough space for a large load of towels, heavy bedding or bulky clothes. It also has an "Extra Power" feature, which gets rid of tough stains by running a stronger pre-wash with extra agitation; for especially dirty or heavy loads, there's a Deep Fill setting that adds more water to the cycle. And if you're in a hurry, the Quick Wash setting cleans smaller loads in just 30 minutes.
The matching dryer is just as capable, with a roomy 7.4-cubic-foot drum and sensors that help prevent clothes from getting overdried or staying damp. It also features its own Extra Power option, which uses higher heat and more tumbling action to dry thicker fabrics like jeans or blankets. Both machines connect to Maytag’s smart app so you can start or monitor your laundry without running back and forth to check on the progress.
What our experts say: Executive managing editor Emmy Favilla is impressed with the Maytag Smart Top-Load Washer’s stain-removal abilities, spaciousness, efficiency and quiet operation. She reports, “It allows me to wash two loads at a time (instead of one, as with my old machine). The agitator is very small, yet powerful, which allows for more laundry to fit. I also find that I use only one-third of the detergent I needed to use previously with my standard washer, saving me a great deal of money in the long run.”
Best Front-Loading Washer And Dryer Set
Uses Steam And Smart Detergent Mixing To Get Clothes Cleaner
AJ Madison
Electrolux Front-Load Perfect Steam Set
Type: Front load | Size: 38 x 27 x 32 inches (washer), 38 x 27 x 32 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer), 8 cubic feet (dryer) |Washing cycles: 10 | Drying cycles: 10 |Energy Star certified: Yes
Pros:
Fast wash and dry cycles (15 minutes each)
Washer premixes detergent for more thorough cleaning
Runs quietly
Cons:
Some users say doors don’t always latch easily
Stacking kit not included
This Electrolux set is especially good if you're particular about how your clothes are cleaned. Instead of just swirling clothes around a typical agitator, the washer releases steam from the bottom of the drum to gently lift stains without wearing out fabrics. It also has a smart feature called the Adaptive Dispenser; this mixes detergent with water first, which prevents harsh detergent spots and ensures stains get more evenly treated.
The accompanying LuxCare Front-Load Electric Dryer (also available in a gas version) has a large 8-cubic-foot drum—enough room for bulky bedding and thick towels—and sensors that stop it before clothes overdry. There's also a useful quick-refresh cycle, ideal for clothes you've worn just briefly and don't need to fully wash yet. If you sometimes forget your laundry in the dryer, the extended tumble feature occasionally rotates clothes (without heat) to prevent wrinkles until you're ready to unload. Both machines have fast, 15-minute cycles, and if you plan to stack them, you'll just need Electrolux’s front-load laundry stacking kit.
What the reviews say: One customer reports, “Love this washer/dryer pair. The washer does a great job in half the time of my old [machine]. The dryer has great features like 18-minute fast dry and extended tumble. They look great in my laundry room.”
Best Compact Washer And Dryer Set
A Compact, Ventless Set That's Great For Small Apartments
AJ Madison
Bosch 300 Series Compact Ventless Set
Type: Front load | Size: 23.5 x 24.3 x 33.3 inches (washer), 23.5 x 25 x 33.3 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 2.2 cubic feet (washer), 4 cubic feet (dryer) | Washing cycles: 15 | Drying cycles: 15 | Energy Star certified: Yes
Pros:
Ideal size for apartments and tight spaces
Plenty of cycle options
Efficient with water and electricity
Cons:
Small capacity isn’t ideal for larger families
Dryer requires airflow—door needs to be left open if installed in a closet
The Bosch 300 Series washer and dryer set works well if you have limited laundry space. At just under 24 inches wide and about 33 inches high, both machines comfortably fit into closets, under counters or in cramped apartments. Despite their smaller size, the brand claims you can wash about 18 standard-sized towels per load, which is more than enough for most small households. You also get an impressive number of washing cycles (15 total), including specialty options like Heavy Soil for tougher stains or Delicates for gentler fabrics. The washer uses sensors to adjust the water level based on how dirty your laundry is, which helps use less water overall, and the drum’s interior shape is designed to prevent clothes from getting tangled or worn out.
The dryer is ventless, meaning it doesn’t need an external exhaust, so you can install it virtually anywhere. It holds about 15 pounds of laundry, which is the equivalent of around 16 towels, and gives you a full range of drying options (also 15 cycles), including settings like Sanitize for bedding, Quick 40 for a fast turnaround, Jeans for heavier denim and Air Fluff for freshening clothes without heat. Because it's ventless, it can take slightly longer to dry your clothes fully, and you'll need to clean the lint filter after each use, plus the condensation unit every few weeks, to keep drying times efficient.
What our experts say: Updates writerFran Sales, who’s used this pair for years as a stacked set in two small New York City apartments, says, “The fact that they’re both under 24 inches wide and 25 inches deep and can be stacked has been a game changer in both places I’ve lived in. We can fit the set in a closet with a bit of room to spare on both sides (for our cleaning supplies) and at the top (for our detergents). It helps that this set is ventless, too, though it’s important to make sure to clean the lint catcher with every use and the condensation unit every month. But, that’s a small price to pay for not having to schlep our loads to the laundromat down the street.”
Best Washer-Dryer Combo
Washes And Dries Clothes In One Ventless Machine
Wayfair
GE Front-Load Washer/Condenser Dryer Combo
Size: 33.3 x 23.4 x 25.6 inches | Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Special features: No vent required, steam wash, sanitize cycle, “add a garment” feature | Energy Star certified: Yes
Pros:
No external vent necessary
Quiet enough to run anytime
Easy to fit almost anywhere
Cons:
Drying takes longer than separate units
This GE washer-dryer combo does everything in one spot, so you don’t have to buy two separate appliances. It’s a great solution if you want to simplify your setup or avoid dealing with dryer vents. The machine itself is just over 33 inches tall and about 23 inches wide, so it easily slides under most counters or into closets without special hookups.
The 2.4-cubic-foot drum isn’t huge but comfortably fits an average-sized load of laundry. You can adjust water temperature, spin speed and soil levels to match different fabric types or how dirty your clothes are. If something’s particularly messy, there's a steam wash cycle to loosen stains and a sanitize cycle that's great for towels, bedding or baby clothes. Plus, if you find a stray sock after starting a load, just press a button to pause mid-cycle and toss it in. One thing to note: drying takes noticeably longer compared to traditional dryers, but having just one compact unit doing both washing and drying can save you money, space and hassle in the long run.
What the reviews say: One reviewer who’s frequently on the road says this combo model works great for their wheel trailer. “It's amazing to have the ability to clean clothes without going to a laundromat. I load three pants, three shirts and the same amount of days’ worth of underwear and socks; it cleaned and dried them perfectly. [...] I like the ability to start the load of laundry and leave knowing it will all be done without [manually needing to switch] from washer to dryer.”
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team has published dozens of laundry-focused guides and regularly tests appliances to recommend the best options for a variety of homes.
This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan and home updates writer Fran Sales, who have a combined experience of over a decade covering appliances and lifestyle products.
We spoke with two appliance experts: Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly brand; and Dennis Godynuk, owner of Comfort Appliance Repair. They each shared additional insights into what matters most when buying a washer and dryer.
We update this story regularly to ensure pricing and specs are accurate and our recommendations remain current. It was most recently updated in June 2025.
How We Chose The Best Washer And Dryer Sets
To select the best washer and dryer sets, we considered expert input, real-world feedback and our team’s firsthand experience with multiple models.
We focused on trusted brands like LG, Bosch, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool and Electrolux.
We prioritized models with at least four-star average ratings and features that simplify laundry day, like moisture sensors, steam cycles and smart connectivity. We also looked for energy- and water-efficient designs, as well as space-saving features like closet-depth profiles and reversible dryer doors.
Our picks include a mix of full-size, compact, ventless and all-in-one units to fit a range of households and layouts.
What To Look For In The Best Washer And Dryer Sets
A washer and dryer set is a major home investment, so it’s worth slowing down to make sure the model you choose actually fits your space, your laundry habits and your budget. Here’s what our experts say to keep in mind:
Set Vs. Solo Purchases
Buying a washer and dryer set can be convenient, especially if you’re redoing your laundry room or outfitting a new home. But it’s not always necessary to replace both at once. “There is no reason to replace a working appliance,” says Lewis. “If the units are side by side, you could mix them—but not if you need them to be stacked.” Consider how your setup affects compatibility before committing to a full set.
Front-Load Vs. Top-Load
Both front- and top-loading machines have their pros and cons. “Front-load washers generally have a larger capacity, but top-loaders are quickly catching up,” says Lewis. The right fit often comes down to preference and comfort. “Both types use different muscles to load and unload,” he adds. “Try them in the store and see what works best for your body type.” Also think about layout: front-load machines can be stacked to save space, while top-load models are easier to load without bending over.
Size And Fit
Before you fall in love with a machine online, make sure it’ll physically fit in your space. That includes measuring for height, width and depth, as well as accounting for hookups, vents and clearance. You’ll also want to factor in drum capacity. A single person might get by with 2.5 to 3.5 cubic feet, while a household of four or more will likely want something larger.
Special Features
Modern washers and dryers are packed with high-tech extras: smartphone controls, steam cycles, auto-dispensing detergent and more. But not everyone needs them. “People often ask about smart features like Wi-Fi,” says Dennis Godynuk, owner of Comfort Appliance Repair. “I tell them, ‘If you’re not checking your phone every time you wash, it’s extra cost for something you won’t use.’” Likewise, steam cycles can be useful for certain fabrics but may not justify the added expense for every household.
Budget
You don’t have to spend top dollar to get a good machine. There are plenty of well-reviewed models at lower price points that offer reliable cleaning and drying performance. Just know what you’re giving up. “A customer might save money buying a basic model,” Godynuk says. “But they’re usually sacrificing things like shorter cycles, better sensors or energy savings.” Decide what features you’ll actually use and which ones you’re okay skipping.
