Pairs from Electrolux, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Speed Queen stand out in CR's tests
By Keith Flamer
Like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, a matching washer and dryer pair may look spectacular together—but they don’t always make a great couple. Why does the washer deliver while the dryer disappoints? How does a high-efficiency top-loader that can’t remove tough stains end up with a terrific dryer?
Remember, the choice is yours. You get to play matchmaker when shopping for your new clean machines. You needn’t settle for the prettiest pair a salesperson shows you. Performance matters most. We make your decision easier by scanning the best washer and dryer sets from our ratings. You know, like a dating app for laundry. Here, we pair up some dynamic duos.
Here is a list, in alphabetical order, of the 18 washer-dryer sets that earn an impressive Overall Score in our tests. LG dominates the top spots in our ratings of front-loaders, HE top-loaders, and dryers because of the performance of its appliances in our lab tests and its reliability ratings: Very Good for its front-loaders and Excellent for its HE top-loaders and dryers. Sets from Electrolux, Maytag, Samsung, and a fan favorite, Speed Queen, are also notable.
CR members can click on each model here for detailed ratings and reviews, or read on for detailed reviews of each of the sets.
Front-Loader Sets
• Electrolux EFLS627UTT Washer + Electrolux EFME627UTT Dryer
• LG WM4500HBA Washer + LG DLEX4500B Dryer
• LG WM8100HVA Washer + LG DLEX8100V Dryer
• LG WM9000HVA Washer + LG DLEX9000V Dryer
• Samsung FlexWash WV60A9900AV + Samsung FlexDryer DVE60A9900V
• Samsung WF45T6200AW Washer + Samsung DVE45T6200W Dryer
• Speed Queen FF7005WN Washer + Speed Queen DF7000WE Dryer
HE Top-Loader Sets
• LG WT7100CW Washer + LG DLE7100W Dryer
• LG WT7150CW Washer + LG DLE7150W Dryer
• LG WT7900HBA Washer + LG DLEX7900BE Dryer
• Samsung WA50R5400AW Washer + Samsung DVE50R5400W Dryer
Agitator Top-Loader Sets
• LG WT7305CW Washer + LG DLE7300WE Dryer
• Maytag MVW8230HC + Maytag MED8230HC
• Samsung WA51A5505AW + Samsung DVE52A5500W
Best Front-Load Washer and Dryer Sets
The front-loaders here deliver top-notch cleaning, and the dryers are impressive at their job, too. You’ll hear these machines working, but none make loud, sustained noise. The washers are water- and energy-efficient, and most are gentle on fabric, earning them Green Choice status, CR’s designation for the most Earth-friendly machines. Wash times in our tests are based on the normal wash/heavy-soil setting, but the normal-soil setting is faster and works well for most laundry. A bonus with front-loaders is that they extract more water than other washers, trimming dryer time and saving energy.
LG WM9000HVA Washer + LG DLEX9000V Dryer
LG WM9000HVA
LG DLEX9000V
Combined Overall Score: 88
This top-rated washer-dryer pair is an ideal match. The recommended Green Choice washer rates Excellent in washing performance, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and vibration. The quiet dryer offers top-notch performance and gets high marks for convenience, reliability, and owner satisfaction. Despite the long 105-minute wash time, the claimed 5.2 cubic feet capacity allows for larger loads. Dryer capacity is a massive 9 cubic feet (it’s always bigger for dryers). LG dryers get top scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. Both units are WiFi-enabled.
How they’ll fit: These large 29-inch-wide machines can take on big loads, so you’ll want to measure your laundry space. They aren’t stackable. Available in stainless steel.
LG WM4500HBA Washer + LG DLEX4500B Dryer
LG WM4500HBA
LG DLEX4500B
Combined Overall Score: 84
This LG washer checks off a lot of boxes. Even though it’s a little rough on fabric it still registers as a Green Choice machine, CR’s designation for the most Earth-friendly washers in our ratings. That means it’s Excellent in energy and water efficiency, and it rates high in predicted reliability, too. When an 8-pound load of mixed cotton was washed on the most aggressive cycle in our tests, this model passed with flying colors. All these attributes explain why owners are extremely satisfied with this 5-cubic foot washer. The easy-load dryer is an excellent performer, with a rotary dial and touchpad, 7.4 cubic-foot capacity, a moisture sensor that prevents overdrying, and extended tumble for wrinkle-free clothes. This model scores an 89 and has outstanding predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
The LG WM4200HWA washer performs similarly to this washer. Pair it with the LG DLEX4200W dryer.
How they’ll fit: This sleek black set can be placed side by side or stacked. The washer measures 39 inches high, 27 inches wide, and 33 inches deep, while the dryer is 39 inches high, 27 inches wide, and 31 inches deep. Both are WiFi-capable so you’ll be able to control them from near and far.
LG WM8100HVA Washer + LG DLEX8100V Dryer
LG WM8100HVA
LG DLEX8100V
Combined Overall Score: 84
Looking for consistently strong performance? This space-age washer-dryer pair rates Excellent or Very Good in all key performance areas in CR’s tests. The front-loading washer cleans well, is gentle on fabric, operates relatively quietly, and is energy-efficient. It especially shines when it comes to water efficiency.
The electric dryer dries superbly; it also earns Very Good ratings for convenience and noise. Among its features are a custom program option that lets you save your favorite settings, and an extended tumble cycle that helps prevent wrinkles. With ample claimed capacity of 5.2 cubic feet for the washer and 9 cubic feet for the dryer, this duo is well suited for larger households.
All LG front-loaders earn scores of Very Good for predicted reliability and Excellent for owner satisfaction. LG dryers rate Excellent in both areas, our member surveys show.
How they’ll fit: This set is stackable, though it’s 29 inches wide, 2 inches more than usual. Available in graphite steel.
Samsung FlexWash WV60A9900AV Washer + Samsung FlexDry DVE60A9900V
Samsung FlexWash WV60A9900AV
Samsung FlexDryer DVE60A9900V
Combined Overall Score: 81
This pair is an upgrade from the Samsung FlexWash WV60M9900AV and Samsung FlexDry DVE60M9900V, but costs about $600 more. This set is unique: A mini washer sits atop the front-loader. It’s ideal for quickly washing lightly soiled and delicate items. This one machine has two washers, and they can run at the same time. And a small dryer compartment, roughly 6 inches deep, sits above the large dryer. It’s for drying delicates, which you can lay flat.
The main 5-cubic-foot washer delivers top-notch cleaning as well as water and energy efficiency, but it isn’t as gentle as front-loaders typically are (including its predecessor). The wash cycle is 115 minutes, so try the Super Speed option to save time. The main energy-saving dryer has a generous 7.5 cubic-foot capacity and rates Excellent for drying performance. Both the washer and dryer are WiFi-connected.
How they’ll fit: They’re not stackable. They come in a standard width but are 47 inches tall, up to 8 inches taller than some other appliances. Available in brushed black. Gas dryer option: Samsung FlexDryer DVG60A9900V.
Speed Queen FF7005WN Washer and Speed Queen DF7000WE Dryer
Speed Queen FF7005WN
Speed Queen DF7000WE
Combined Overall Score: 81
What do you get for this pair’s steep price? You can expect the washer to deliver superb washing and water efficiency. It’s also gentle on clothes and very energy efficient, and the dryer is very convenient to use. True to its name, this washer’s cycle time is relatively speedy for a front-loader, at 75 minutes in the normal wash setting. But this duo isn’t useful for very big loads like a king comforter; the washer has a claimed capacity of 3.5 cubic feet, the lowest among our tested washers. And drying performance is just middling. While the dryer earns a Very Good score for noise, the washer’s noise is so-so, making it a not-so-optimal pair to place near a living area.
Speed Queen owners are highly satisfied with their units. For predicted reliability, the dryer earns top marks; the washer performs commendably. And the company offers a remarkable 7-year warranty on this dryer and a 5-year warranty on the washer.
How they’ll fit: This set isn’t stackable. While it’s a standard 27 inches wide, the washer is 41 inches high and the dryer is 43 inches high.
Electrolux EFLS627UTT Washer + Electrolux EFME627UTT Dryer
Electrolux EFLS627UTT
Electrolux EFME627UTT
Combined Overall Score: 79
Wash time is 85 minutes and capacity is 4.4 cubic feet. The dryer is a generous 8 cubic feet. There’s a washer dispenser with slots for up to two detergent pods, which get swept into a separate chamber and mixed with water before the cycle starts. We tested this feature using liquid detergent packets and found that it works as it should. Both machines are Energy Star certified. That means the dryer uses 20 percent less energy than noncertified electric dryers, and the eco setting can save even more energy by using a lower temperature, though it extends drying time.
Electrolux front-loaders earn a Very Good rating for reliability. Its electric and gas dryers receive a midrange rating of Good.
Note that the Electrolux EFLS527UlW front-loader performs similarly to the washer shown here, though features differ slightly. Pair it with the Electrolux EFME527UlW electric dryer.
How they’ll fit: This set is stackable, and the doors are reversible. They’re the standard width (27 inches). Available in white and titanium. Gas dryer: Electrolux EFMG627UTT
Samsung WF45T6200AW Washer + Samsung DVE45T6200W Dryer
Samsung WF45T6200AW
Samsung DVE45T6200W
Combined Overall Score: 79
This CR Best Buy washer offers excellent washing and water efficiency. It’s also very energy-efficient and gentle on fabric. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet, enough for a king comforter. Cycle time is a relatively zippy 80 minutes on a normal setting. The matching dryer does a commendable job drying; it’s also very convenient to use and relatively quiet. But the washer’s middling noise and vibration scores make this set only a so-so choice for placing near living spaces. Samsung washers and dryers garner middle-of-the-road judgments for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
The Samsung WF45R6300AW washer performs similarly to this washer. Pair it with the Samsung DVE45T6000W dryer.
How they’ll fit: You can stack this set, and it’s a standard 27-inch width. Available in white. Gas dryer: DVG45T6200W.
Best HE Top-Load Washer and Dryer Sets
These HE top-loaders—the type without a center agitator—and their matching dryers are impressive or even top-notch at their primary task. Most of the washers are about as water-efficient as the front-loaders above, and they extract much of the water from laundry, shortening dryer time. HE top-loaders usually aren’t gentle on fabric, however, and that includes these washers. Sometimes these washers tangle clothes, which could lead to residual detergent on garments. If that happens, detangle the clothes and use an extra rinse cycle to make sure they’re clean. Wash times in our tests are based on the normal wash/heavy-soil setting, but it’s faster if you use the normal-soil setting.
LG WT7900HBA Washer + LG DLEX7900BE Dryer
LG WT7900HBA
LG DLEX7900BE
Combined Overall Score: 84
LG HE top-loaders snag an Excellent rating for predicted reliability, the only brand to do so, based on data from our member surveys. And LG electric and gas dryers also garner Excellent ratings for reliability. This HE top-loader is one of a handful to ace our cleaning tests. Wash time is 70 minutes using the normal wash/heavy-soil setting. Using the normal-soil setting will trim time, as will using the TurboWash option. Claimed capacity is 5.5 cubic feet, the largest of the models highlighted here. This washer is relatively noisy, however. The dryer capacity is 7.3 cubic feet. Both machines are WiFi-enabled and Energy Star certified.
How they’ll fit: These machines are standard width (27 inches); the washer is 45 inches high and the dryer is 44 inches, so they’re taller than some others. Available in black steel. Gas dryer: LG DLGX7901BE
LG WT7100CW Washer + LG DLE7100W Dryer
LG WT7100CW
LG DLE7100W
Combined Overall Score: 83
This set is a CR Best Buy, and the HE top-loader is one of the handful tested to deliver top-notch cleaning, helping to put it near the top of the ratings. Wash time is 75 minutes and capacity is 4.5 cubic feet, which is in line with this category. This washer is relatively noisy, but the dryer isn’t. Most HE top-loaders we test are Energy Star certified, including this one, and so is the dryer, meaning they use 20 percent less energy than noncertified electric models. Check for rebates from your utility company. The dryer’s capacity is 7.3 cubic feet.
How they’ll fit: These machines are standard width (27 inches); the washer is 45 inches high and the dryer is 44 inches, so they’re taller than some others. Available in white. Gas dryer: LG DLG7101W.
LG WT7150CW + DLE7150W
LG WT7150CW
LG DLE7150W
Combined Overall Score: 83
LG washers and dryers, like this pair, rate Excellent for predicted reliability, which means they’re expected to last years without a problem. With a claimed capacity of 5 cubic feet, the water-efficient washer is an exceptional cleaner with a stainless steel tub that generates faster spin speeds, so its wash cycle is just 70 minutes. It features auto temperature control; auto dispensers for detergent, bleach, fabric softener; and an extra rinse cycle that removes residue on clothes for people with detergent sensitivity. The dryer is a strong performer with a moisture sensor, extended tumble, and an end-of-cycle signal, but it’s a little noisy. Both appliances come with a 1-year warranty.
How they’ll fit: These machines are standard width (27 inches); the washer is 44.5 inches high and the dryer is 45 inches. They’re not stackable. Available in white.
Samsung WA50R5400AW Washer + Samsung DVE50R5400W Dryer
Samsung WA50R5400AW
Samsung DVE50R5400W
Combined Overall Score: 70
Scores of Very Good for washing performance and Excellent for drying distinguish this well-priced duo, which is about $900 less than the comparable Samsung WA55A7300AE and Samsung DVE55A7300E pair. The washer, with its distinctive, tinted glass top, offers stellar energy and water efficiency. The dryer is very convenient to use. But this isn’t the ideal set to place near a living space; while the washer doesn’t vibrate much, noise for both units is just so-so. The washer is also just middling in gentleness on fabric. Cycle time on normal wash is 65 minutes. Claimed capacity is 5 cubic feet for the washer, plenty large for a king comforter; for the dryer, it’s a respectable 7.4 cubic feet. Samsung top-load HE washers and dryers earn scores of Good (middling) for predicted reliability; in owner satisfaction the brand’s dryers are Good but top-load HE washers are just Fair. The washer is Energy Star certified.
How they’ll fit: The washer is 28 inches, 1 inch wider than standard; the dryer is a standard 27 inches. Both stand 45 inches tall, higher than what’s standard. Gas dryer: DVG50R5400W
Best Agitator Top-Load Washer and Dryer Sets
Agitator washers are often your least-expensive option, although some newer models are more stylish and have larger capacities, bumping up their price. But agitator washers usually don’t clean as well as front-loaders and HE top-loaders. None of the models highlighted here are easy on fabric, and all are relatively noisy. Noise is a problem with two of the dryers as well, though they compensate with commendable drying and convenience. Wash times are based on the normal wash/heavy-soil setting.
LG WT7305CW Washer + LG DLE7300WE Dryer
LG WT7305CW
LG DLE7300WE
Combined Overall Score: 78
For a top-loader, the LG WT7305CW cleans well, rating Excellent in washing performance. It’s both water- and energy-efficient. This model won’t vibrate but it’s a little noisy, and you may want to use the delicate cycle often because it’s quite rough on clothes. Wash time is 70 minutes; claimed capacity is 4.8 cubic feet. The DLE7300WE dryer impresses more, with an overall rating of Excellent as well as in drying performance, reliability, and owner satisfaction. It has a claimed capacity of 7.3 cubic feet and gets high marks for noise and convenience; it’s quiet and easy to use.
How they’ll fit: Both are the standard 27 inches wide and feature WiFi remote access. Available in white.
Samsung WA51A5505AW + Samsung DVE52A5500AW
Samsung WA51A5505AW
Samsung DVE52A5500W
Combined Overall Score: 71
This pair washes and dries your clothes effectively but requires some patience on your part. The washer is a superb cleaner and excels in water and energy efficiency, so it will save you money in the long term. It also won’t vibrate over its 90-minute wash cycle. But this machine is a little noisy, and you’d be wise to rely on the delicate cycle because it’s very rough on clothes. The 7.4-cubic-foot dryer rates Very Good in drying performance, so your clothes will get dry. It features a steam option, extended tumble, and automatic dryness control. But it’s just so-so in almost every other regard: ease of use, noise, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. That means it’s kind of noisy, the controls are harder to manage, and it may not last as many years as you expect. But if performance is your main objective, this set gets the job done. Both are WiFi-enabled.
How they’ll fit: This pair isn’t stackable. The washer is a standard 27-inch and 44.4 inches tall. The dryer is 28 inches wide and 45 inches tall, so you’ll want to measure your laundry space and doors first to ensure both machines will fit. They’re available in white.
Maytag MVW8230HC Washer + Maytag MED8230HC Dryer
Maytag MVW8230HC
Maytag MED8230HC
Combined Overall Score: 67
This pair’s comparatively high price vs. others in the group buys you a Very Good score for energy efficiency, plenty of capacity, faster cycles, WiFi-enabled controls, and a bit of style in the rimless, tinted glass washer top. The 5.2-cubic-foot washer has a 55-minute cycle (aided by its fast-spinning stainless drum) and a Very Good rating for cleaning performance, but it won’t save you much on water efficiency. And like most top-load agitators, it’s a rough on clothes and a little noisy, so this set isn’t ideal near a bedroom or other living space. But the large 8.8-cubic-foot dryer is very quiet, with middling drying performance, a steam option, and a drying rack. It rates Very Good in predicted reliability, convenience, and customer satisfaction. For a higher-performing electric dryer, you can pair the washer with the Maytag MED7230HW, which rates Very Good across the board.
Both appliances in this washer-dryer set are Energy Star rated and WiFi enabled. For a more affordable option, the Maytag MVW6230HW + Maytag MED6230HW perform similarly—with better overall performance but diminished energy efficiency. It’s a good idea to weigh the initial price tag versus the long-term savings of a higher-priced pair.
How they’ll fit: This pair isn’t stackable, it’s designed to go side-by-side. The washer is standard 27 inches wide while the dryer is 29 inches wide. Available in metallic slate. Gas dryer option: Maytag MGD8230HC.
Need More Choices?
You’ll see dozens more sets in our ratings of matching washers and dryers. Each set has a combined Overall Score.
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