Best washer and dryer brands (and the sets I’d actually buy)

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If you want the “best brand,” I’d start with reliability (early service needs) and service support, then choose between a traditional two-piece set (fastest for families) or a modern all-in-one combo (best for tight spaces and ventless installs).

How I researched

I compared the last 12–24 months of reliability/service-rate reporting and recent lab-style reviews, prioritized first-year service rate as my main metric, checked venting + electrical fit, verified warranty terms + key specs from manufacturer pages/manuals, and weighed performance vs. long-term ownership hassle.

Top picks

LG — Best overall brand for most homes

A strong all-around laundry brand with great mainstream coverage and lots of current models worth buying. Why it wins: a solid mix of performance, modern features, and generally strong reliability signals.

Pros

• Ventless heat-pump options make installs more flexible

• Large-capacity all-in-one options exist (good for apartments/closets)

• Strong warranty coverage on key parts in many lineups

• Big ecosystem: lots of sizes and configurations

Cons

• Combo models aren’t the fastest for back-to-back loads

• Repairs can be pricier on higher-end models

Trade-offs / who should skip

• Skip if you do laundry nonstop and need maximum speed—two separate machines still win.

• Skip if you want the simplest, most basic controls only.

Scores: Performance 4.5/5 • Service-rate (primary metric) 4/5 • Ease of Use 4/5 • Value 4/5

GE Profile — Best for odor/mold control + strong service footprint

A smart pick if you want front-load cleaning power but worry about smells and upkeep. Why it wins: features and design choices that target the “front-load funk” problem, plus widespread service availability in many areas.

Pros

• Good feature sets aimed at keeping the washer fresh

• Lots of current models and configurations

• Strong “set-and-forget” cycle options on many models

• Often easy to find parts and service compared with niche brands

Cons

• Higher-end lines can get complex

• Combo format (if you choose one) can bottleneck busy households

Trade-offs / who should skip

• Skip if you need to wash while drying (you’ll want a two-machine set).

• Skip if you want ultra-simple, no-frills machines.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Service-rate (primary metric) 4/5 • Ease of Use 4/5 • Value 3.5/5

Speed Queen — Best durability-focused traditional washer + dryer brand

If your priority is “buy it once, keep it forever,” this is the durability-first brand I’d look at. Why it wins: simple, repairable mindset and long warranty coverage on many series.

Washer

Dryer

Pros

• Durability-first design philosophy

• Often long warranty terms (series-dependent)

• Straightforward controls and cycles

• Great option if you hate “feature bloat”

Cons

• Washer capacity can be smaller than mainstream brands

• Fewer smart features and “app” conveniences

Trade-offs / who should skip

• Skip if you want maximum capacity or lots of automation.

• Skip if you strongly prefer gentler front-load washing for delicates in big batches.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Service-rate (primary metric) 4.5/5 • Ease of Use 3.5/5 • Value 3.5/5

Samsung — Best for smart features + big all-in-one capacity

A good fit if you want modern controls, automation, and a sleek interface—especially in an all-in-one setup. Why it wins: lots of features and often large capacity options.

Pros

• Strong smart features on many models

• Large-capacity combo options exist

• Modern interfaces and automation features

• Wide range of matching sets

Cons

• Service experience can vary by location

• Combo format can be slower than vented dryers

Trade-offs / who should skip

• Skip if you live somewhere with limited appliance service options.

• Skip if you want the most basic, easiest-to-repair machines.

Scores: Performance 4/5 • Service-rate (primary metric) 3.5/5 • Ease of Use 4.5/5 • Value 3.5/5

Whirlpool — Best value-leaning traditional set (simple, familiar, widely supported)

A safe, straightforward choice when you want a classic top-load washer + vented dryer setup with familiar controls. Why it wins: broad availability, lots of configurations, and easy day-to-day usability.

Washer

Dryer

Pros

• Two-piece setup: fastest for busy laundry routines

• Easy, familiar controls on many models

• Good “standard laundry room” fit

• Generally easy to find accessories and replacement parts

Cons

• Fewer premium automation features

• Feature sets can be basic in value lines

Trade-offs / who should skip

• Skip if you need ventless drying (many Whirlpool dryers assume venting).

• Skip if you want a single-machine combo setup.

Scores: Performance 3.5/5 • Service-rate (primary metric) 3.5/5 • Ease of Use 4/5 • Value 4/5

Quick compare

• Best overall brand: LG

• Best odor-control focus: GE Profile

• Best durability-first traditional set: Speed Queen

• Best smart-heavy all-in-one direction: Samsung

• Best simple two-piece value path: Whirlpool

FAQs

What’s the single best washer and dryer brand?

If I had to pick one brand for most people, I’d go with LG because it tends to balance performance, features, and reliability signals well across lots of current models.

Is Speed Queen worth it?

If you value durability, simpler design, and long ownership, yes—but you may give up capacity and some modern convenience features.

Are washer-dryer combos good now?

They’re much more practical than they used to be, especially for ventless installs, but they can be slower and less ideal for high-volume laundry.

Top-load or front-load?

Front-loaders can clean very well and are often efficient; top-loaders can feel simpler and quicker for quick loads. Your space, habits, and tolerance for maintenance matter more than the “type.”

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