That compatibility can range from an ability to stack the two machines using a specialized hardware kit to machines that sync up with each other to optimize performance. “Pairs come in a variety of styles,” says Min Kim Bryant, CR senior market analyst. “Most pairs have similar cycles, so if the washer has a casual or wool setting, the dryer will too. But brands like GE, LG, and Samsung make smart washers, some with artificial intelligence. Those pairs are next level, working in tandem, where the dryer can automatically detect your wash cycle and adjust accordingly.”
There are fewer dryer models on the market, but you’ll find that some match up with multiple washing machines. So CR recommends shopping for your washer first, then finding a compatible dryer.
Read on for a list, in alphabetical order, of the washer-dryer sets that earn an impressive combined Overall Score in our tests. (And feel free to check their profiles—you know, like a dating app for laundry.) LG dominates the top ratings spots for front-loaders, HE top-loaders, top-load agitators, and dryers based on the performance of its appliances in our lab tests and because of the brand’s reliability. (In our member surveys, LG earned excellent ratings for reliability for its front-loaders, HE top-loaders, and dryers.)
Top-rated doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive; you can find solid washer-dryer pairs that are a good value. The pairs on our list range from $1,150 to $3,700. Some retailers offer sales a few times a year, so you can score a decent discount (up to $100 off) if you buy your laundry pair as a set.
CR members can click on each model here for detailed ratings or read on for full reviews of each of the matching sets. And check out our washing machine buying guide and clothes dryer buying guide to learn more about the different types of washers and dryers.
