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    Best Matching Washer & Dryer Sets

    CR's tests help you choose a winning laundry pair that earns high marks for performance and water efficiency

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    Samsung DVE47CG3500W3 dryer and WA47CG3500AWA4 washer in white in laundry room with grey and blue cabinets
    CR's roundup of the best washer-dryer sets will help you find a compatible duo, including these two from Samsung.
    Photo: Samsung

    You could play matchmaker when shopping for new laundry machines, but it’s hard to know whether Washer A and Dryer B are a perfect pair. That’s why manufacturers market appliances in sets that are similar in appearance, price, and compatibility.

    But are these models truly better together? We took a look at the performance tests we did on more than 100 washer-dryer sets to see if their combined scores added up to a match made in heaven.

    In this article

    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.”

    MORE ON WASHING MACHINES

    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 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.

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.