There was a time when doing the laundry was an arduous task. But, it is impossible to live life without clean and fresh-smelling clothes, right? With the advent of numerous technological innovations, you now have access to advanced washers and dryers that can ease your pain of doing the laundry.
Why choose a washer and dryer?
A simple appliance that combines the washing and drying process offers quite a few benefits, as listed below:
- You can accomplish the job of cleaning and drying clothes without manual intervention.
- The washer and dryers save time and cost.
- You can buy a machine that suits the size of the utility space or your home.
Types of washer and dryers
Washers and dryers can be essentially categorized based on the conveniences they provide, or their features.
Size
Depending on how much space you have in your home; you can pick the right dimensions. Considering that you are spoilt for choices, it is not too hard to pick the right one. For instance, if you plan to stack the washer and dryer adjacent to each other, then you must reserve a space that is 40" high x 56" wide x 31–34" deep. This is assuming that you have a utility area that can house these machines.
If it is an apartment or a smaller home, you can browse through several closet-friendly designs. In this case, both the laundry-center style and the stackable designs are worth exploring. Always allow a little breathing room for these machines. A snug fit may not work for many reasons, including the fact that working in and around the area may be cramped and uncomfortable.
Stackable and laundry-center style
Maximizing floor space is extremely important in modern homes. This is truly one of the biggest advantages of stackable or laundry-center style washers and dryers. Besides, those on a budget may find these kinds of machines effective at a reasonable price.
An important factor that you must consider is time. All-in-one units cannot take more than a single load at any given time. However, stackable, or laundry-center style machines can help you accomplish much more in one go. Laundry-center style units are versatile as far as the choice of fuel is concerned. Based on the configuration at home, you can buy both gas and electric versions.
Finally, consider the style of your home. Stackable units are classier in style, while the all-in-one units are more modern and contemporary.
Portable
Do you need a laundry solution for a really small home? Well, portable washers and dryers are the perfect solutions. Imagine looking for a home with a washing machine and a dryer in a small apartment. If you find it, you may have to compromise on location, price, or something else. Now, portable washers and dryers are a breeze to set up, they occupy little space, and work like magic. You don’t have to compromise on the settings, as you can find quite a few options. So, you can even wash your delicates quite easily. With the capacity to manage quite a load, you can pick small ones or larger machines. Wheels on the bottom will allow you to reposition it when you are done using it.
Washer and dryer combination
Owing to the increased focus on energy efficiency, manufacturers pay close attention to it. However, when it comes to the best in this category, it is the washer-dryer combination that takes the first spot. The best part of the deal is that once you load a cycle, you can relax until you hear the machine finish. So, there is no need to move the clothes to a dryer once the wash cycle is completed. Therefore, it is easy to use and maintain. Even within this category, you have several options in design and capacity to suit your individual needs. Besides, you will be looking at one unit (as compared to a washer-dryer set), and hence, it will save more space inside your home.
Tips for choosing a washer and dryer
Knowing which types of washer and dryers you need might be a challenge. After all, there are several brands, designs, prices, and options to pick from. So, buckle up as we give you tips on navigating through the maze of options.
Front-load or top-load
Anyone who has gone through this process earlier will tell you that this is one of those questions you will face eventually. The only important thing to consider is space. Are you planning to tuck your washer and dryer under the counter? Well, then you need a front-load appliance. On the other hand, if you have space to open the lid and operate it, you may want to consider the top-load model. It is well-known that the top-load machines are less expensive, but the front-load appliances clean better and are far more efficient than the former.
The question of size
You must consider the space you have before making your decision. Make sure you adjust for a little extra room.
Features
Features are probably the most important aspect of choosing washers and dryers. There are quite a few brands and models that you will have to go through to decide. However, you can still find a basic model with minimum wash and spin cycles. These will cost you less than other front-end and top models. However, if you are keen to go high-end, you may want to spend some time with the manual or a salesperson to understand the different cycles and options. Some of the standard features available in most machines are temperature setting, hand wash cycle (a wash cycle that replicates manual washing of clothes), extra rinse cycle, stain removal, sanitation, wrinkle-free cycle, and stainless steel drum.
High tech models
For some, opting for hi-tech models prove to be the best. With the advent of technology, electronic brands have incorporated some of the coolest features in their products to ease the consumer’s wash load. So, here’s a look at some of the best features.
- Energy efficiency is one of the key features that you must consider. Always pick washers and dryers that rate their unit between an A and a C. You will save the most this way.
- Also, look for eco-friendly options when you are making up your mind. For instance, a short wash cycle is perfect when you just need your clothes to be clean and fresh.
- Another cool feature is an Auto Weighing Sensor. This feature allows you to run a cycle that is based on the weight of the clothes you are washing.
- Temperature setting is another feature that you must pay attention to. Save on energy as you lower the temperature on your wash or drying cycle. The same holds for spin cycles too. Depending on the options for the number of revolutions, you can pick whatever works for you at the time.
- Several models now feature a steam option. This helps to reduce the wrinkles on your clothes. The steam works wonderfully on stains too. This may be an option you can consider if you plan to opt for the best models.
- Consider Wi-Fi enabled washers and dryers, if you are looking for the best in technology. You can operate the appliance through your smartphone. Besides, if you have a smart assistant (like Alexa), you can pause or stop a cycle using a voice command.
Warranty
Almost all these machines will come with a one-year warranty offered by the manufacturer. Some may even offer a three-year warranty, but again, that will differ from brand to brand. Stores will most likely offer an additional warranty (at a cost), but it is important not to get sucked into such a deal without enough research.
Finally, it is most important to do a thorough research before you finalize your purchase. There are web portals available online that will give you reviews about every brand (including all the models in their range). Also, consider looking for customer reviews. These reviews will give you a fair idea about genuine concerns, or the best things about a model that you have shortlisted.
Best washer and dryers to buy in 2020
Now, take a look at the best washers and dryers, which you can consider buying in 2020.
- Samsung
Samsung is one of the most well-known brands in this space. They offer the best technology designed for maximum functionality. Efficient and smart, these machines aim to make your life easy, as you go through your everyday laundry chores. For instance, Samsung Top load washer with self clean (WA45N3050AW) is a fine example of precision and innovative technology they offer. Vibration reduction technology and a self-clean function gives you a super cool wash. Similarly, the WA54R7200AW offers a steam-clean option both in the washer and dryers. A super-speed wash cycle that promises to clean your clothes quickly, helping you support your busy lifestyle.
- LG
It is a brand that most people turn to when they are looking for efficiency and reliability. One of the top performers in their range of washers and dryers is the top-load LG WM3900H. It stays silent as you run cycle after cycle, offers excellent cleaning features (especially removal of stains), is reliable, and gentle. The best feature is the ability to clean larger loads in less than 30 minutes. LG washers use SmartThinQ Technology, which allows you to start, pause, or stop a cycle with a single tap on your smartphone. On the other hand, the LG WM3500CW is a stackable washer and dryer set. The speed wash cycle in this one guarantees fresh clothes within a few minutes. - GE
The GE GFW850SPNDG is one of the best front-load washing machines in the market. It comes with an OdorBlock and UltraFresh venting system that keeps your washer fresh and clean. You can save time and effort, as you make your laundry chores effortless. It has an intelligent dispenser that can hold detergent for up to 32 loads of washing. It automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent, every time you run a cycle. The GE GFD85GSPNDG is the matching dryer for the mentioned washing machine. It features a stainless-steel drum that prevents rusting. It has a power steam functionality that removes wrinkles and refreshes your clothes. The functioning can be wirelessly controlled via a smartphone.
- Whirlpool
Are you looking for the best laundry-center style washer and dryers? Whirlpool is one of the top contenders in this category. Consider the Whirlpool WGTLV27HW as it cleans efficiently with a dual-action agitator. The white porcelain baskets inside the unit prevent rusting, scratches, and chemicals quite effortlessly. It features an AutoDry system that prevents over-drying. Over-drying leads to overstretching in the fabric, making your clothes stiff. 9 wash cycles and automatic bleach addition at the beginning of the cycle make this the perfect addition for your condominium or apartment.
- Bosch
Bosch is a brand that features some of the best and slimmest designs in washers and dryers category. The designs are versatile as they can be stacked on top of each other or adjacent to each other. For instance, the WAT28401UC uses ActiveWater Technology that ensures a more efficient use of water. You can schedule your wash cycles, making it easier to manage your busy calendar. The EcoSilence Motor offers a silent and long-lasting performance. Match it with the WTG86401UC dryer. It offers four temperature settings to manage all your heavy items and delicates effortlessly. It is fitted with a Wrinkle-Block feature that prevents wrinkling in your clothes.
To conclude, no matter which brand you choose, it is important that you pick the one that serves your needs perfectly. Before buying washers and dryers, make sure you check out customer reviews, cross verify price points, and double check the machine’s dimensions, so that it works for your home.
