The 8 Best Washer and Dryer Sets of 2026
Buying a new washer and dryer is a big investment, and the pair you choose will probably handle your household’s laundry for the next decade. A matching set makes the most sense when you need both machines at once, plan to stack them, or want the two to work as a team. Many newer pairs can now talk to each other, so the dryer automatically picks a cycle that suits the load the washer just finished.
Manufacturers have spent the past few years chasing one complaint above all others. Consumer Reports’ home and appliance editor Eric Hagerman told Reader’s Digest that shoppers say laundry simply takes too much time, so brands have responded with bigger drums, faster cycles, and built-in stain pretreating. The result is a crowded market where it’s hard to tell which sets actually deliver.
To sort it out, we combined lab results from Consumer Reports, which has tested more than 70 matching pairs, and Reviewed, which runs every washer through standardized stain and fabric-wear tests, with picks from Reader’s Digest and Bob Vila, owner discussions on Reddit, and current specs from manufacturers and retailers.
The Rundown
- Best Overall: LG WM4000HWA washer / DLEX4000W dryer
- Best Cleaning Performance: Electrolux ELFW7637AT / ELFE7637AT
- Best Large-Capacity: LG WM8900HBA / DLEX8900B
- Best Top-Load Set: GE Profile PTW900BPTRS / PTD90EBPTRS
- Best for Pet Owners: Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK / MED6500MBK
- Most Durable: Speed Queen TC5 / DC5
- Best for Small Spaces: LG WashTower WKEX200HWA
- Best Compact Set: Miele WXI860WCS / TXI680WP
Most of these sets are also sold with a gas dryer. Before you order, check that the dryer’s model number matches the hookup in your laundry room.
Our Picks: 8 Best Washer and Dryer Sets of 2026
LG WM4000HWA Washer and DLEX4000W Dryer
- Type: Front-load washer, electric dryer (gas version: DLGX4001W)
- Capacity: 4.5 cu. ft. washer, 7.4 cu. ft. dryer
- Washer size (H x W x D): 39″ x 27″ x 30.25″
- Stackable: Yes, with a stacking kit
- Standout features: TurboWash 360, AI fabric sensing, steam, Allergiene cycle, Wi-Fi with Smart Pairing
The best-performing pair on the market isn’t the most expensive one. This LG duo is the top-scoring matching set in Consumer Reports’ ratings, and Reader’s Digest names it the best washer and dryer set overall. CR rated the washer’s cleaning highly, found it ran quietly with little vibration, and gave LG front-loaders strong marks for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. On Reddit, owners regularly single out this exact pair for its efficiency and dependability.
The washer’s TurboWash 360 system uses five jets to clean full loads in under 30 minutes, and its AI fabric sensor adjusts the wash motion to the load. An Allergiene cycle uses steam to cut down on dust and pet dander, and the washer is Energy Star Most Efficient certified. LG backs the direct-drive motor with a 10-year limited warranty.
The matching 7.4-cubic-foot dryer earned praise from CR for drying performance, low noise, and convenience. It adds a moisture sensor, steam, and an extended tumble to keep clothes from wrinkling, and through Smart Pairing, the washer can tell it which drying cycle to run.
A couple of things to plan for: the stacking kit is sold separately, the set isn’t ADA compliant, and like any front-loader, the door gasket needs a quick wipe now and then to prevent odors.
Who it’s for: Most households. It’s the rare set that combines excellent cleaning, strong reliability scores, and a closet-friendly stackable design.
Electrolux ELFW7637AT Washer and ELFE7637AT Dryer
| Spec | Washer | Dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Front-load | Electric (gas: ELFG7637AT) |
| Capacity | 4.5 cu. ft. | 8.0 cu. ft. |
| Size (H x W x D) | 38″ x 27″ x 32″ | 38″ x 27″ x 32″ |
| Stackable | Yes | Yes |
When Reviewed ran this Electrolux through its lab, it turned in one of the best performances the team had ever recorded, earning the site’s top spot among washer and dryer sets. It handled everything from protein to oil stains, and an internal water heater lets you run a true sanitize cycle and keep whites bright.
Much of that cleaning power comes from SmartBoost, which premixes detergent and water before it reaches your clothes. You also get an Optic Whites cycle, a Pure Rinse option that washes away detergent residue, a 15-minute Fast Wash, and a dedicated slot in the dispenser drawer for detergent pods, so soap is distributed evenly instead of sitting in one spot. Reviewed’s testers also noted the solid fit and finish, from the crisp control panel to the satisfying click of the dial.
The 8.0-cubic-foot dryer is the largest in this group of standard-width sets. It uses a humidity sensor and a predictive timer to avoid overdrying, and it can run a 15-minute fast dry when the soccer uniforms are needed in a hurry.
Reviewed flagged a few slow cycles and a gasket that can get smelly if you don’t leave the door open between loads. This pair is also being phased out at some big-box stores, so check appliance dealers if you can’t find it.
LG WM8900HBA Washer and DLEX8900B Dryer
Washer: 5.2 cu. ft. front-load · Dryer: 9.0 cu. ft. electric (gas: DLGX8901B) · Washer size: 40.75″ x 29″ x 33″ · Stackable: Yes · Finish: Black steel
Washing king-size comforters or doing laundry for a family of five? This is the set to look at. Reader’s Digest names it the best large-capacity pair and reports that it’s CR editor Eric Hagerman’s personal top choice. Consumer Reports rated the washer’s cleaning, energy efficiency, and water efficiency as excellent, with very good scores for noise, vibration, and gentleness on fabric, and found the dryer performed consistently well.
The 5.2-cubic-foot washer uses LG’s TurboWash jets, which the company says can save up to 30 minutes per load, along with steam, an Allergiene cycle, and AI fabric sensing. Its partner is a massive 9.0-cubic-foot TurboSteam dryer with 12 programs and AI sensor drying, so even oversized loads tumble freely instead of coming out damp in the middle. If you need even more flexibility, LG sells an optional SideKick pedestal washer that slides underneath for small, can’t-wait loads.
Measure carefully before you buy. At 29 inches wide and 33 inches deep, both machines are bigger than standard 27-inch models, and the set comes only in black steel.
GE Profile PTW900BPTRS Washer and PTD90EBPTRS Dryer
- Type: High-efficiency top-load washer (no agitator), electric dryer
- Capacity: 5.4 cu. ft. washer, 7.3 cu. ft. dryer
- Washer size (H x W x D): 43.88″ x 27.88″ x 28″
- Stackable: No
- Standout features: SmartDispense, Microban protection, SmartHQ app, Wrinkle Care steam
If you’ll always be a top-loader person, this workhorse pair from GE Profile is Reviewed’s pick for the best top-load washer and dryer set. In testing, the 5.4-cubic-foot washer outperformed the average top-loader on both the Normal and Delicates cycles, which means clothes stay brighter for longer.
The washer’s SmartDispense tank holds up to 50 ounces of detergent, enough for about 32 loads, and doses the right amount automatically. Scan your detergent bottle with the SmartHQ app and it adjusts the dose for that specific formula. Microban antimicrobial materials in the tub, drawer, and drain hose help fight the musty smells that plague many washers.
The dryer is where this set really shines. In Reviewed’s lab, it got loads more than 99% dry on Normal and Delicates, and its Bulky cycle removed 19% more water from a comforter than the average dryer. Wrinkle Care keeps tumbling and steaming clothes for up to an hour after a cycle ends, and Fabric Refresh smooths out wrinkled clothes without a full wash.
The trade-offs are noise, long cycles, and smart features that Reviewed found a little fiddly to set up. If you prefer a traditional agitator, Consumer Reports recommends GE Profile’s PTW705BSTWS washer and PTD70EBSTWS dryer, which earned excellent cleaning scores and a near-top dryer rating.
Maytag Pet Pro MVW6500MBK Washer and MED6500MBK Dryer
Maytag says its Pet Pro filter removes five times more pet hair, and Reviewed’s testing backs it up: the filter, built into the washer’s agitator post, pulled an impressive amount of fur off a pet bed. That performance, along with fast, effective cycles, earned this set Reviewed’s Best Value award. The Spruce also singles out the Pet Pro setting and hair-catching filter as standout features for households with pets.
Why pet owners like it:
- A Pet Pro filter and Pet Pro option in both the washer and the dryer to trap hair
- A built-in water faucet for pretreating muddy paw prints and stains
- A Deep Fill option that adds extra water for heavily soiled loads
- A 7.0-cubic-foot dryer with a stainless steel drum and steam options to freshen and de-wrinkle
The 4.7-cubic-foot washer cleaned slightly better than average in Reviewed’s lab, with especially strong stain removal on its Heavy and Delicates cycles. The dryer outperformed most dryers Reviewed has tested, finishing Normal and Bulky loads in just under an hour, and its Quick Dry setting removed 68% of the water in only 16 minutes.
On the downside, the Delicates cycle is only slightly gentler than Normal, and the 750-rpm spin leaves more water in clothes than front-loaders do. The pair isn’t stackable and skips Wi-Fi.
Speed Queen TC5 Washer and DC5 Dryer
Ask for laundry advice in r/Appliances or r/BuyItForLife and you’ll hear one name more than any other. Across 22 subreddits, Speed Queen was the most recommended washer and dryer brand by a wide margin, with owners describing machines that run for decades and are easy to repair. Appliance retailers echo that reputation, calling Speed Queen the most durable brand you can buy.
The TC5 is a deliberately old-school machine. Built in Ripon, Wisconsin, it uses a transmission-driven agitator with an aggressive 210-degree stroke, a stainless steel wash tub inside a porcelain outer tub, and simple controls. There’s no lid lock, so you can toss in a stray sock mid-cycle, and cycles are fast compared with today’s high-efficiency washers. Speed Queen says the set is tested to 10,400 cycles, or about 25 years of use, and backs it with a 5-year parts and in-home labor warranty. The matching DC5 dryer offers a 7.0-cubic-foot drum, moisture sensing, a sanitize option, and an extended tumble, and it comes in electric or gas.
This set isn’t built to win efficiency contests. The 3.2-cubic-foot washer is smaller than most on this list and uses more water than high-efficiency models, the pair can’t be stacked, and you won’t find app control. Speed Queen also sells through local dealers rather than big-box stores.
Skip it if: You want the largest capacity, the lowest water bills, or smart features. If you’d rather have a washer that just works for decades, nothing else on this list comes close in owner loyalty.
LG WashTower WKEX200HWA
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-unit front-load washer and electric dryer (gas: WKGX201HBA) |
| Capacity | 4.5 cu. ft. washer, 7.4 cu. ft. dryer |
| Size (H x W x D) | 74.38″ x 27″ x 30.38″ |
| Finishes | White, black steel, and more |
No laundry room? No problem. The WashTower is a single, pre-stacked unit that takes up half the floor space of a side-by-side pair, which is why Reader’s Digest names it the best set for small spaces and Bob Vila picks it as the best laundry center. On Reddit, WashTower owners report good experiences with it, too.
Unlike a typical stacked pair, the WashTower puts both the washer and dryer controls on a Center Control panel at mid-height, so you never need a step stool to start the dryer. Inside, you get full-size capacity and many of the same features as our top pick: TurboWash 360 for full loads in under 30 minutes, AI fabric sensors in both the washer and dryer, steam, an Allergiene cycle, and Smart Pairing so the dryer picks the right cycle automatically. It fits in a closet, hallway nook, or even a large bathroom.
Because it’s one appliance, a problem with either half means servicing the whole unit, and at over six feet tall, it needs clear overhead space. If you want app-guided laundry and automatic detergent dosing, Reviewed’s favorite laundry center, the Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Hub, is worth comparing.
Miele WXI860WCS Washer and TXI680WP Dryer
Washer: 2.26 cu. ft. front-load, 24-inch · Dryer: 4.02 cu. ft. ventless heat pump · Size (each): 33.5″ x 23.5″ x about 25.4″ · Power: Both run on standard 120V outlets
For condos, apartments, and tight laundry closets, Miele’s compact pair is the one experts trust. Consumer Reports gave the washer its top rating for washing performance, crediting its ability to remove tough stains while staying gentle on fabric, and Miele’s compact washers earned excellent marks for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Reviewed, which tested the closely related Miele W1 compact set, named it the best compact washer and dryer set and found its Normal cycle among the best in its class. Reddit’s appliance fans rate Miele right alongside Speed Queen.
The washer’s TwinDos system automatically doses liquid detergent from built-in cartridges, and its honeycomb drum holds about 17.6 pounds of laundry. The matching dryer uses a heat pump, so it needs no outside vent and no 240-volt outlet, a big deal in apartments. It dries at lower temperatures to protect fabrics, offers 19 cycles, and adds steam and Wi-Fi. CR also found it quieter than many compact dryers.
Compact means compromise. You’ll run smaller loads, heat-pump drying takes longer than a vented dryer, and CR noted the washer vibrates more than full-size models, which is common for compacts. This set also costs more than most full-size pairs, though Miele designs its machines for a long service life.
Other Washer and Dryer Sets Worth Considering
Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Hub (WH46DBH500EVA3): Reviewed’s favorite laundry center pairs a 4.6-cubic-foot front-load washer with a 7.6-cubic-foot dryer in one pre-stacked unit. It earned excellent cleaning scores, and its two-tank auto dispenser and airflow sensor, which warns you when the dryer vent needs cleaning, make laundry nearly hands-off. Cycles run long, though.
LG WT6100CW Washer and DLE6100W Dryer: A smart budget pick from Consumer Reports’ ratings. The 4.3-cubic-foot top-loader is gentler on fabric than many high-efficiency top-loaders, cleans exceptionally well, conserves water, and finishes a cycle in about 60 minutes. The dryer skips extras like steam and Wi-Fi.
Samsung Bespoke AI Combo (WD53DBA900HZ): If you only have room for one machine, this all-in-one washer-dryer earned Consumer Reports’ top score among combos, with excellent washing and efficiency. Like most combos, its drying is weaker than a separate dryer’s, and it lacks a moisture sensor.
LG WM6700HBA Washer and DLEX6700B Dryer: Consumer Reports rated this washer’s cleaning as stellar, and Reviewed praised its fast cycles and auto-dispensing detergent. The catch is that it’s rougher on fabric than our top picks.
How We Chose the Best Washer and Dryer Sets
We didn’t test these machines ourselves. Instead, we built this guide from the most rigorous sources available:
- Lab testing: We relied on Consumer Reports’ ratings of more than 70 matching washer and dryer pairs, which score cleaning, efficiency, noise, vibration, and gentleness on fabric, plus member surveys on reliability and owner satisfaction. We also used Reviewed’s lab results, which measure stain removal with standardized stain strips, fabric wear, water retention, cycle times, and how dry each dryer gets clothes.
- Expert picks: We compared those results with the recommendations of Reader’s Digest, which consulted Consumer Reports’ home and appliance editor, and Bob Vila.
- Owner feedback: We reviewed hundreds of Reddit recommendations across communities like r/Appliances, r/BuyItForLife, and r/HomeImprovement, along with retailer ratings.
Finally, we confirmed every set’s capacity, dimensions, and current availability on manufacturer and retailer pages in November 2026.
What to Know Before Buying a Washer and Dryer Set
Start with the washer
The washer does most of the work and is the more complicated machine, so Consumer Reports’ Eric Hagerman recommends choosing it first. Don’t assume the matching dryer is automatically a good partner, though; CR has found that not every advertised pair performs well together. Hagerman also warns against going too cheap: agitator top-loaders at the bottom of the market tend to earn mediocre test scores and run noisily, while spending a little more opens up much better options.
Front-load vs. top-load
Front-loaders generally clean better, use less water and energy, and spin out more water so drying goes faster. They can also be stacked. The trade-offs are longer cycles, bending to load, and a door gasket that needs regular wiping to prevent odors.
Top-loaders are easier on your back, usually finish faster, and let you add a forgotten sock mid-cycle on many models. Agitator models, like the Speed Queen TC5 and Maytag Pet Pro, scrub hard but can be rough on fabric. High-efficiency impeller models, like the GE Profile, hold more and are gentler, but they use less water, which some people dislike.
Electric, gas, or heat pump dryer
Electric dryers need a 240-volt outlet; gas dryers need a gas line plus a standard outlet. Both need an outside vent. Ventless heat pump dryers, like Miele’s compact model, need no vent and often run on a regular 120-volt outlet, making them ideal for apartments, but they take longer to dry.
Capacity and fit
For most families, a washer around 4.5 cubic feet and a dryer around 7.4 cubic feet hits the sweet spot. Bigger households, or anyone washing king-size bedding, should look at 5.0 cubic feet and up. Standard machines are 27 inches wide, compacts are 24 inches, and some large-capacity models are 29 inches, so measure your space, doorways, and hallways. Leave room for hoses, the dryer vent, and doors that swing open.
Stacking rules
Only stack a front-load washer with its matching dryer, use the manufacturer’s stacking kit, and always put the heavier washer on the bottom. If you want stacked laundry without the hassle, a single-unit laundry center like the LG WashTower comes ready to go, with controls at a comfortable height.
Features worth paying for
Steam cycles refresh clothes and reduce wrinkles. Automatic detergent dispensing saves money and guesswork. Smart pairing lets the dryer choose its cycle based on the wash. A moisture sensor is a must; it stops the dryer when clothes are dry instead of overheating them on a timer.
Where and when to buy
Shop at appliance dealers or major home-improvement and electronics retailers that handle delivery, installation, and haul-away. Reviewed recommends against buying large appliances from marketplace sellers, since warranties and installation can be harder to sort out. Major holiday sales like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are the best times to buy, and you’ll also find deals in the fall, when new models arrive.
