Washers and dryers come in all shapes and sizes. From traditional top-loaders to high-tech heat pump dryers, there are more ways to do laundry than ever before. But which machines are the best for you and your particular needs? You can spend just a little money for a basic machine, or a lot for a more advanced one with all the bells and whistles. You can choose a machine that saves energy and water, cuts down on cycle times, or fits incredibly large loads. Whatever your needs, these are the best machines out there. Best Washing Machine of the Year: LG WM8000HVA / Kenmore Elite 41072 Where to Buy AppliancesConnection $1,179.00 Home Depot $1,439.10 Walmart $1,375.00 Under the skin, the Kenmore 40172 and LG WM8000HVA are identical. They both fit a massive amount of laundry, and wash a small load in under 30 minutes. No matter which one you choose, they'll get stains out while going easy on delicate clothes, which is why they've won this award two years in a row. Both regularly dip below $1,000, so pick whichever one is on sale.

Read our full LG review here. Read our full Kenmore review here. Best Dryer of the Year: Electrolux EWMED70JIW Electrolux's flagship dryer not only fits a lot of laundry, but it dries quickly and gently, offering the user a great deal of features in the process. Want a custom cycle to dry a pet bed, or a way to steam stuffed animals clean? The Electrolux EWMED70JIW has it. It's also a proven winner: this is the fourth year in a row Electrolux has won this award. Best Washing Machine Feature: Samsung ActiveWash Where to Buy AppliancesConnection $1,075.10 Home Depot $1,079.10 Best Buy $1,079.99 Walmart One of the coolest appliance innovations in years is also one of the simplest: Samsung put a small sink that doubles as a scrub board inside the lid of its ActiveWash-equipped washing machines. After you're done scrubbing or soaking, just tilt the sink and dump your dirty clothes into the drum. It's a brilliant idea that makes washing clothes a lot easier. Best Value Front-Load Washing Machine: LG WM3575CV

Where to Buy AppliancesConnection $985.10 Home Depot $989.10 Best Buy $989.99 With such features as a 30-minute Turbo Wash cycle, superior stain removal, and above-average water removal at the end of a cycle, LG makes some seriously great front-load washing machines. At $750 on sale for the silver WM3575CV and $700 on sale for the white WM3575CW, this washer offers a perfect blend of price and performance. Best Top-Load Washing Machine: GE GTW680BSJWS Where to Buy AppliancesConnection $569.00 Home Depot $536.40 Best Buy $539.99 Lowe's $539.00 Many consumers prefer a top-loading washing machine, and GE's all-new GTW680BSJWS is the best you can buy. Washer Dryer Rental OrlandoBuilt in Louisville, KY, this washer gets clothes clean more effectively and efficiently than any of its competitors, but still lets users choose to add extra water if they prefer. Used Furniture Store Green Bay Wi

It's all those options that make this GE a great overall choice. Best Washing Machine Under $500: Kenmore 25132 You don't have to spend a lot to get your clothes clean. The Kenmore 25132 might not be as nuanced as pricier machines, but it still does a solid job with stain removal. You can even find it on sale for as low as $399, which is a truly great deal. Best Value Dryer: Whirlpool Cabrio WED7300DW Where to Buy Home Depot $529.20 Best Buy $529.99 Lowe's $529.00 There are dryers less expensive than this Whirlpool, but none offers such an unbeatable value. Leaky American Standard Kitchen Faucet RepairIn addition to a unique control panel that makes doing laundry easier than ever, the WED7300DW also lets users add steam to refresh clothes or clean delicate items like stuffed animals. Best Compact Laundry: Blomberg DHP24412W Where to Buy AppliancesConnection $1,399.00 There's a lot of novel technology behind Blomberg's latest compact dryer, which uses a heat pump to dry clothes.

The details of the technology are complex—but suffice it to say, if you live in a small space and need a ventless dryer, this is the one to buy. Be in the know! news and reviews straight to your inbox. Thanks for signing up! What features matter most? Washing abilityOne of the most basic features consumers look for in a washer is its ability to properly wash clothing, including effective removal of stains, odors and other debris. At the same time, it's important to have a washer that reduces wear and tear on fabrics to keep clothing in good condition over time.Steam washingQuick washGentle wash cyclesAutomatic dispensingDrying abilityWhile all dryers usually have no problem drying clothes, there are some instances where a dryer can over-dry clothing. Consumers want a dryer that can leave their clothes in excellent condition after a drying cycle, keep in enough moisture to ensure the clothes aren't damaged, and have different drying settings for extra speed or handling different fabrics.

Moisture sensorFabric typesSpeed dryExtended tumbleEnergy and water efficiencyEnergy efficiency is a major feature that consumers now look for when purchasing a washing machine or dryer. Water efficiency is also important for washers as well. For washing machines, there are new federal standards that require all washing machines made after March 6, 2015 to use less energy and water.Energy Star for washing machinesEnergy Star for dryersSpin speedLow heat SettingCapacityConsumers should ensure they have the right capacity for their washer and dryer. Capacity impacts how much clothing can fit in a cycle, the washing and drying ability of a machine and even has an impact on energy consumption and the environment.Capacity increasingWidth considerationsAverage capacity needsNoise reductionIn some cases, washing machines and dryers can be quite loud, an important factor if bedrooms or other important rooms are close to the laundry room. However, some newer models are extremely quiet, depending on the brand and type of machine you purchase.

Washing machine noiseMechanical transmissionDryer noiseReliabilityConsumers should look for washing machines and dryers that offer long-term quality and endurance. There are a number of factors that can impact maintenance, durability and ease of use.Washing machine differencesDryer differencesWarrantiestop What are different types of washers and dryers? Traditional top-loading washers are usually the cheapest. They're easy to load, even in mid-cycle, and usually hold between 12 to 28 pounds. The newer high-efficiency top-loading washers tend to hold more clothing and use less water and energy, but tend to be more expensive. Front-loading washers are highly energy-efficient and usually produce little noise. These washers spin clothing at very high speeds, reducing drying time and also reducing water consumption. They may require slightly more maintenance, but newer models tend to be on par maintenance-wise with top-loading washers. A full-size dryer is the standard type of dryer on the market, but there can be great variation between different brands and models regarding drying ability and other features such as moisture sensors, quick wash cycles, noise reduction technology, LCD displays, and other useful additions.

While most consumer dryer purchases are electric dryers, some consumers are now opting for gas dryers. These dryers usually cost more upfront, but they can provide long-term energy savings that many consumers find desirable. Compact washer and dryers A compact washer or dryer tends to be a smaller version of standard washer and dryers. These models are often 24 inches wide instead of the standard 27 inches, and are designed for consumers with less space or less frequent washing needs.top FamiliesFamilies tend to need a washing machine and dryer with larger capacity, and may want to consider more energy-efficient models due to increased frequency of washing. Families may also want to look for quick wash features to handle many loads in one day.IndividualsFor individual consumers, a smaller capacity washer and dryer are usually sufficient. These type of consumers might also seek out features like like quick wash cycles in a washing machine to save time. For working professionals, a wrinkle-remover steam cycle on a dryer is the type of feature that might be very appealing if they need a shirt to look great before work.

Apartment OwnersApartment owners may have some special considerations for washers and dryers. For example, space limitations might mean they want a smaller or more compact washer and dryer. If they move a lot, portable washers and dryers might be a worthwhile investment as well. In addition, washers and dryers with noise reduction technology may help keep a smaller apartment quiet and reduce complaints from neighbors.People Who Are Energy ConsciousFor people who are truly energy conscious, it's important to look for models of washers and dryers that offer high energy efficiency. These are the type of consumers who might want to purchase a washing machine with more capacity and a dryer with a moisture sensor, two factors that can help reduce energy consumption and save on energy costs.Business ownersBusiness owners have needs that are slightly different than the average consumer. For example, a hotel owner or restaurateur may require near-constant use of their washers and dryers due to the nature of their businesses.

As a result, these types of business owners need washing machines and dryers that have much larger capacities, and which feature more energy-efficient options than standard washing machines and dryers. These extra features can save time and money for business owners.top Kenmore is a household appliance brand that has been marketed and sold by Sears since 1927, underlining Kenmore's long time commitment to delivering quality to consumers. Kenmore washers are produced by top brands like GE, Whirlpool and LG.J.D. Powers' awardSanitize cycleBest Washing Machine of the Year awardPlenty of optionsBest for Maytag has been inside American homes for over 100 years and continues to provide innovative technology and great customer service.  The company is especially famous for its Maytag Man, a symbol of the company's dependability and dedication to service. Maytag continues to build success, with nearly five billion dollars in revenue generated in 2014. Their washers and dryers are available as top loading or front loading and can be configured to fit your laundry room’s space.

Maytag’s innovative technology ensures your clothes get just the right amount of clean and just the right amount of dry, all while saving you time and money.Energy Star qualifiedSize capacityQuietAdvanced Moisture SensingBest for Whirlpool is generally considered the largest home appliance maker in the world. The company employs over a 100,000 employees, with many of them located right in the United States. The company also has a strong commitment to environmental and social causes.Large capacities for a variety of customersCorporate diversityAuto-dispensing featureBest for The same dedication to quality that GE puts into building products like jet engine turbines and wind towers goes into their washing machines. GE is an American symbol of industry that was ranked the 14th most profitable large firm in the United States and has even had employees that have won Nobel Prizes.Washer's with many features in one placeSpecial offersWashers that look greatBest for Frigidaire has been innovating since the company invented the original self-contained refrigerator in 1918.

Since then, the company has grown explosively, making a wide variety of kitchen and laundry appliances that suit nearly every household need.Quick washGreat owner supportHigh-efficiency top-loaders fit moreBest for Staber is specialized in regards to the production of laundry appliances, and it shows through the efficiency and quality of Staber's washers and dryers. Staber also features patented designs and high-quality materials in their production.Staber dryers offer huge capacityStainless steel components point to qualityMade right in the USAStaber offers personalized serviceBest for Samsung's name is associated with quality, and produces everything from electronics to home appliances. Based in South Korea, the company generated a massive 305 billion dollars in 2014, employs nearly 500,000 people and sells its products to nearly every country in the world.Energy Star options galoreNoise-reductionSmart control featuresSpeed is built-inBest for LG is a South Korean based company employing 82,000 people on a global level.