By Bryce Gruber
Updated Aug 08, 2023Images By Tang Ming Tung/ Getty Images
Laundry day is a major undertaking when you're a parent. You probably already have all the best laundry detergents for sensitive skin added to your newborn checklist, but efficient machines should also be a top priority. The best washers and dryers make laundry day less of a chore.
We tried, tested and studied every style machine you might consider—looking at how easily they handled bulky linens from your kids' mattresses, stain-fighting and overstuffed loads.
We ranked the GE Smart Front Load Washer our top pick on the list of best washers and dryers thanks to easy set up, impressive user reviews, reasonable pricing and fuss-free maintenance. The 32-inch depth fits in most homes and laundry rooms with ease—no extra space required.
This model also features an UltraFresh vent system with the brand's OdorBlock technology that eliminates extra moisture to prevent odors and weird growths. That means your washer stays fresh, clean and hygienic with less effort. Microban technology is also built into the machine's components.
We love the GE Smart Front Load Washer's built-in Wifi and start/stop monitors with real-time notifications right on your phone. There's also a sanitize-with-Oxi setting that removes 99% of bacteria thanks to a dedicated cycle that uses an Oxi additive to boost your detergent's cleaning power. We never thought a washer would top our list of potty training products, but here we are.
We chose the Samsung Stackable Vented Dryer as our best dryer overall, and reviewers seem to agree. This sleek white machine is a fairly-priced, durable essential that Home Depot shoppers can't stop raving about. The large 7.5-cubic-feet capacity means you can easily dry large loads on a whim. Heck, you can throw a whole king size comforter without worry.
A built-in sensor dry system helps prevent over or under-drying to keep your best fabrics in tip-top shape for years to come. The machine's 10 preset drying cycles help target your exact drying needs and times, and it's so easy to use that any kid old enough to read can probably help you do the laundry. Now that's refreshing!
We love the space-saving design of the LG Large Capacity Stackable Washer and Dryer. Whether you live in a condo, share your laundry space with a bathroom or just don't have nearly enough room to have a side-by-side unit, this set totally delivers.
It's a 4.5-cubic-feet pedestal-compatible unit that can be used stacked or solo—the choice is yours. The washer's cold wash system is a real winner with reviewers, boasting warm water performance at energy-saving lower temperatures. Better yet, those lower temperatures preserve fabric quality and integrity for longer.
You don't have to spend a fortune to have one of the best washers and dryers for your family. We love the Whirlpool Top Load Washer for its efficiency and budget-friendly price point that makes sense for cost-conscious families. It's Lowe's bestselling electric washer model and one that reviewers are utterly in love with.
A dual-action spiral agitator deep cleans clothes and linens with ease while the porcelain-smooth wash basket protects even the most delicate lace. Because this model is a top-loader, you have plenty of extra time to load more items in or add other laundry products as the basin fills.
We love the quick wash cycle, cold wash capability and no-tangle promise of this machine when washing bulky linens and heavy winter coats. It's also designed, engineered and assembled in the USA. You can buy it as a bundle with the gas dryer or electric version.
Low on space? Don't worry—the LG All-In-One Washer Dryer is just the ticket. It cuts wash times by up to 30 minutes thanks to the brand's proprietary TurboWash technology and no machine switching is ever necessary because both washing and drying take place in the very same device.
It's also a smart all-in-one thanks to smart home and WiFi connectivity that allows you to operate the machine and troubleshoot right from your phone. We love smart features for busy families. And yes, that means you can load the machine in the morning and run it later in the day when you're good and ready.
Once again, LG wins the spot with its Large Capacity Washer. We love the sleek black steel offering, though it comes in other neutral colors as well. Pair it with either the matching large-capacity electric dryer or the large-capacity gas dryer. Either way, you have room for all the kids' clothes, bedding, winter coats, beach towels and more.
An impressive 5.2-cubic-feet mega capacity on the washer offers all the interior space you could ask for in a pedestal-style model. Built-in TurboWash allows you to wash even massive loads up to 20 minutes faster. You can even fit an entire set of king size sheets and the coordinating comforter in a single load. Whoa, Nelly!
Pets and kids at home? You absolutely need the Maytag Pet Pro Washer and Dryer. This washing machine for pet hair removes five times more pet hair with the Pet Pro Filter than typical washers. It spot treats, rinses and soaks clothes while quickly and easily removing even the peskiest pet hair.
The Pet Pro option lifts and captures pet hair from clothes and traps it in the XL lint trap. Use the steam-enhanced dryer and moisture-sensing technology to keep your favorite fabrics in pristine condition. It promises to dry clothes without leaving pet hair behind. Even if you don't have pets, it's one of our favorite washing machines and dryers because it does an exceptional job catching lint and fuzzies.
Whether you're low on space, using this portable washing machine in your RV or just trying to be more efficient, the Black+Decker Portable Washer is a sure win. Five available cycles make washing every type of load a breeze. Choose from heavy, gentle, normal, rapid and soak.
It's suitable for baby clothes, diapers and delicates. Even with the affordable price, it features a modern and expensive-feeling control panel.
The entire unit weighs about 48 pounds and has three water level options with various temperature settings. It's also durable, rust and corrosion-resistant, which makes it our favorite portable washer pick and an ideal choice for RVs, camping and vacations. Love that idea? Check out these tips for camping with a baby.
In our experience, we like the LG models overall but found exceptional quality in across select Samsung, GE, Whirlpool and Maytag washers and dryers. The most reliable washer and dryer also depends on the way you use it and the warranty and store guarantee available.
We don't always have the luxury of choosing exactly when to buy a washer and dryer, though big holiday weekends are known for exceptional deals on large appliances. The best washer and dryer deals typically tend to fall under the umbrella of Presidents' Day sales, Memorial Day sales, Labor Day sales and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
As we mentioned above, we think the affordable Black+Decker Portable Washing Machine is an excellent choice. It requires very little time to set up, it's easy to use and affordable.
We found the best prices on washers and dryers are typically through Home Depot and Lowe's, though several excellent sale prices and deals can be found at other retailers including Amazon, BestBuy and Walmart.
Overall, we think Home Depot presents the best value because they'll deliver your new machines at no added cost and even haul away your old, broken-down washer and dryer for free. Pretty great, right?
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