Consider machines that scored very good or better in our noise tests if placing near bedrooms. You'll know they're working but they shouldn't disturb you. Note that wash times are based on the normal wash cycle heavy-soil setting. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting. Many washers and dryers have a steam setting. We found it slightly improved a washer's stain removal. Steam removed more odors than dryers without steam, but left clothes wrinkled. The dryers highlighted here have moisture sensors, the most important feature. It turns off the machine when laundry is dry—that saves energy and is easier on fabrics. For more details see our Ratings of washing machines and dryers. LG WM8500HVA front-loader and LG DLEX8500V electric dryer Here's the deal: Both machines make the recommended list. They have jumbo capacities, each holding about 26 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.2 cubic feet for the washer, 9 for the dryer. The washer was superb at cleaning and gentle on fabrics and has 14 cycles;

the dryer aced its job. Consider this: It took 90 minutes to do a normal wash on the heavy soil setting, but the TurboWash option offers comparable wash performance in 15 to 20 minutes less time. Need to know: Each machine is 29 inches wide, two more than usual, but can be stacked. Only available in a graphite-steel finish. Gas dryer is LG DLGX8501V, $1,550. LG WM4270HWA front-loader and LG DLEX4270W electric dryer Here's the deal: Both were impressive at their task and relatively quiet. Claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet for the washer, and 7.4 for the dryer. The washer fit 22 pounds of our laundry, was gentle on fabrics, and has 14 cycles. Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy-soil setting is 75 minutes. The TurboWash option offers comparable cleaning and saves 15 to 20 minutes. Need to know:  Machines can be stacked. Each is 27 inches wide. Gas dryer is the LG DLGX4271W, $1,030. LG WT5680HVA HE top-loader and LG DLEX5680V electric dryer

Here's the deal: The washer made our top picks. It has 14 cycles, was excellent at cleaning, and has a jumbo capacity—claimed capacity is 5 cubic feet. Wash time was a relatively brisk 75 minutes using normal wash on heavy-soil setting. The TurboWash option offers comparable wash performance and saves 15 to 20 minutes. The dryer aced its job and has a large capacity claimed to be 7.3 cubic feet. Consider this: The washer was only good in our gentleness tests, but keep in mind that's true for most HE top-loaders we've tested. Need to know: Each machine is 27 inches wide. Maytag Maxima MHW8200FW front-loader and Maytag MED8200FW electric dryer Here's the deal: This top-rated washer made our top picks and was excellent at cleaning. It took 70 minutes using the normal wash, heavy soil setting. You'll save time using the normal-soil setting. It was gentle on fabrics, claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet, and there are 11 wash cycles. Water-and energy efficiency was superb, and that's true for many front-loaders tested.

The dryer aced its job and was quiet. Need to know: Machines can be stacked. Available in white and metallic slate. Gas dryer is the Maytag MGD8200FW, $1,250. Maytag Bravos MVWB855DW HE top-loader and Maytag Bravos MEDB855DW electric dryerGreat Dane Puppies For Sale In Texas Here's the deal: The washer delivers impressive cleaning, and was among the most water efficient of the HE top-loaders. Vinyl Tile That Looks Like PebblesIt fit about 26 pounds of our laundry. Cats For Sale Gold Coast QldClaimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet. There are 11 wash cycles. The dryer was impressive at its job and claimed capacity is 8.8 cubic feet. These machines are made in America. Consider this: Normal wash time was 80 minutes using heavy-soil setting.

This washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics, but that's true for most top-loaders. Need to know: Washer is 27 inches wide; Gas dryer is the Maytag Bravos MGDB855DW, $1,100. Samsung WF56H9110CW front-loader and Samsung DV56H9100EW electric dryer Price: $1,450 washer, $1,200 dryer Here's the deal: These recommended models are excellent at their job, relatively quiet, and have jumbo capacities. The washer held 28 pounds of our laundry and was among the gentlest on fabrics. Claimed capacity is 5.6 cubic feet for the washer and 9.5 for the dryer. There are 15 wash cycles. Consider this: Normal wash on heavy-soil setting is 90 minutes. The SuperSpeed option saved about 15 to 20 minutes without affecting cleaning. Need to know: Machines are stackable. Each is 30 inches wide and 43 inches high, wider and higher than most by several inches. The matching electric dryer is shown in the ratings as ending in "EG" to indicate the tested model has an onyx finish; "EW" is white and listed here as it matches the tested washer.

Gas dryer is shown in ratings as the Samsung DV56H9100GG, $1,400. Samsung WF56H9100AG front-loader and Samsung DV56H9100EG electric dryer Here's the deal: The washer has one of the largest capacities tested and fit about 28 pounds of our laundry. Claimed capacity is 5.6 cubic feet. It offers impressive cleaning and was gentle on fabrics. There are 15 wash cycles.The top-rated dryer made our top picks, was superb at drying, and has a jumbo capacity. Claimed capacity is 9.5 cubic feet. Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy soil setting was 85 minutes, but the SuperSpeed option cut wash time of full loads by about 15 to 20 minutes without sacrificing performance. Need to know: Each machine is 30 inches wide and can be stacked. Gas dryer is Samsung DV56H9100GG, $1,300. Samsung WA56H9000AP HE top-loader and Samsung DV56H9000EP electric dryer Here's the deal: This washer has a jumbo capacity and can hold about 28 pounds of laundry. Washing was impressive and there are 15 cycles.

Normal wash time on heavy soil setting was 75 minutes. The dryer aced its job and made our top picks. It has a jumbo capacity. Consider this: As with most top-loaders this washer wasn't so gentle on fabrics. Need to know: Each machine is 30 inches wide. The waterproof cycle prevented the washer from becoming unbalanced when we washed several waterproof jackets. Gas dryer is Samsung DV56H9000GP, $1,300. Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU front-loader and Whirlpool Duet WEL98HEBU electric dryer Here's the deal: Both have a large capacity. Claimed capacity is 4.3 cubic feet for the washer and 7.4 for the dryer. The washer made our top picks, offers excellent cleaning, and was gentle on fabrics. There are 13 wash cycles. Normal wash time, on heavy soil setting, is 75 minutes. That's faster than most. The dryer was superb at drying and among the quietest tested. Consider this: These machines are Wi-Fi enabled, providing remote control via your smart device that lets you monitor your laundry's progress, start/stop the machine, and more.

Need to know: Made in the U.S.A. Machines have a silver finish and can be stacked. Dryer is not available as a gas model. Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500DW HE top-loader and Whirlpool Cabrio WED8500DW electric dryer Here's the deal: The washer was impressive. The dryer excelled at drying. Both are relatively quiet. This washer fit 26 pounds of our laundry and was one of the gentlest on fabrics. There are 26 wash cycles. Claimed capacity is 5.3 cubic feet for the washer and 8.8 for the dryer. Consider this: Normal wash time on heavy-soil setting was 80 minutes. Need to know: Washer is 28 inches wide; They're made in the U.S.A. Gas dryer is the Whirlpool Cabrio WGD8500DW, $1,180. Some HE top-loaders come with a warning not to wash waterproof items, or the manufacturer may suggest using the low-spin or no-spin mode to prevent the load from becoming unbalanced. That can cause the machine to shake too much, even damaging the machine and laundry area. Check the manual before you buy.