Top Washer and Dryer Brands
There are many different types of washer and dryer units to choose from. Find out more about the different types and top brands to consider.
When it comes to buying major appliances for your home, you do not want to skimp on the costs. It may seem tempting to purchase the least expensive options, but if you buy a lower quality appliance, you are more likely to spend more in replacement fees. Lower quality appliances also have performance issues, and with major appliances especially, you want a reliable product. An important appliance for your home is your washer and dryer.
Washer and dryers have a fairly wide price range. Lower end washers and dryers only cost around $200 to $300, with higher end models closer to $1,900 and $2,000. The cost varies depending on the brand and the type of unit. A good washer and dryer will last for 10 to 15 years on average. However, it is not uncommon for a household to replace their units after a few years.
Because they naturally last so long, buying a used washer or dryer is safer than other appliances. Knowing the type and brand is still important because this gives you a better indicator of how much longer you can expect the washer and dryer to work. Listed below is all the important information about the top brands and different types of units you can purchase.
Traditional Top Loading Washer
One of the first considerations for washers is whether you get a front or top loading unit. There are two variants of top loading washers available. The first is a traditional top loader. With this unit, the agitator moves your laundry back and forth through water. The units are less expensive, but use more water and energy than other types of washers. The agitator can also cause more wear and tear on clothing. They are also slightly smaller on average compared to other types of washers, normally around three cubic feet.
High-Efficiency Top Loading Washer
The second type of top loading washer is high-efficiency. These washers use plates or disks to rotate your laundry through a small amount of water. The units cost more upfront, but are significantly less expensive to operate due to using minimal amounts of water and energy. Because there is no agitator, there is less wear and tear on your clothing. These units are fairly large, averaging around four to five cubic feet.
Front Loading Washer
With a front loading washer, your laundry tumbles through a small pool of water while the washer rotates. Front loading washers are pricier, but use the least amount of energy and water to run. Not only does it fill the tub up with less water, but the higher speed cycle gets rid of excess water faster, so your clothing dries quicker. It is also more beneficial for your clothing. There are more variations of front loading washers available as well, giving more stacking options. On average, front loading washers are between three to five cubic feet.
Popular Washer Configurations
Another consideration with washers and dryers is where you place the units. There are a few common setup options. The first is side-by-side. With standard units, you want the washer on the left and the dryer on the right due to the way the doors open. Another option is to place your washer and dryer side-by-side on pedestals. Raising the height of the units makes it easier to load and unload the units.
Another option is to stack your washer and dryer. The majority of front loader dryers are built with enough space to stack a dryer on top. Unless it is a combination unit, you need to purchase a separate stacking kit for this setup. If you want to stack your washer and dryer, make sure you measure the total height of both units to see if it fits in your chosen space. This is especially important if you want to raise your units on a pedestal.
Gas vs. Electric Dryers
There are fewer options to consider with dryers. In most households, the deciding factor for dryers is the type of connections in your home. Gas dryers require a 120-volt connection and a gas line to install. On average, gas dryers are more expensive than electric variants, but they provide quicker drying times.
Electric dryers need a 208/220-volt connection. Overall, they are easier to install because you do not have to worry about the gas line. While they do not cost as much upfront, they use more energy to run and take longer to dry your laundry.
Smart Washers and Dryers
Another consideration is whether you want a smart washer or dryer. Compared to other appliances, there are minimal benefits for getting a smart device. With a smart device, you can monitor the status of your laundry, setting alerts to notify you when a cycle ends. You can also automate multiple cycles and trigger remote activation, giving you greater control over your laundry cycle. Finally, you can make alterations to the devices using a connected app, such as lowering the speed of a cycle or cancelling it entirely.
LG Electronics WM4000HWA
LG Electronics has a wide range of excellent washers and dryers to choose from. The WM 4000 is a front-loading combination unit, costing on average $950 to $1,000. It is a smart device, with the ability to monitor and control your laundry cycle from affair. It offers a number of cycle options and uses a sensor to determine when your clothes are fully dry.
Whirlpool WED5000DW Electric Dryer
Whirlpool is another company known for producing quality appliances. The WED5000DW electric dryer does not have as many features as some of the more modern smart dryers. However, this greatly reduces the price, costing on average between $600 to $700. While it lacks smart features, it still features multiple temperature settings. Aside from being able to change the temperatures on the go, it is otherwise identical to a smart dryer.
Maytag 4.2-cu ft High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer
In terms of efficiency, Maytag offers some of the best top-loading washers. Maytag’s high efficiency washer comes with 11 separate wash cycles, making it an excellent choice for all types of laundry. It includes a PowerWash cycle, which uses heater water to remove even the most stubborn of stains from clothing. It also uses advanced vibration control to limit the wear and tear on delicate laundry. It typically costs between $750 to $850.
Samsung 4.5 Ft. Front Load Washer with Steam
This Samsung Washer is the best offer on the market at the time of this writing. Samsung is offering a massive discount both in one time payment and the monthly payment plan. Normally $1,099.00, you can pick up this amazing washer for the low price of $599! If you want to opt into a monthly payment plan you can, with the current offer being $42.92 down from $91.58 a month, with a further bonus of no interest if paid in full within 12 months of the purchase date. On top of this amazing deal you can also get the matching dryer (in electric OR gas) for an equally great discount, $599 for the electric dryer down from $1,099.00. This is a savings of $1000 for a matched washer dryer set that performs exceptionally. Samsung offers plenty of great deals, here is a similar bundle deal for a total of $1000 off!
