Do you need new laundry appliances? At first glance, there could seem to be an infinite number of alternatives, or at least more than the last time you were shopping.

While you should keep things like color selections, ratings, and reviews in mind, these 10 factors will help you rapidly focus your search.

#1. The Comfortable Configuration

Selecting the washer and dryer set-up that works best for your area is the first step in choosing the ideal combination.

If you are unable to discover a pre-packaged combination you prefer, feel free to mix and match washer and dryer models.

Side-by-Side

This arrangement, which is the most typical, may be accomplished with either top-loading or front-loading washers and dryers.

Pedestals Next To One Another

If your room could utilize additional storage, laundry pedestals are one option.

To assist in raising the appliances and facilitate loading and unloading, they are nearly usually added to front-loading machines.

It’s crucial to take into account the location of the exhaust vent in your room when thinking about adding a pedestal to your dryer so that the venting can be linked appropriately.

Pedestals are not always suitable for every place because of the additional height, particularly in compact spaces like closets.

Stacked

Only front loading machines may be used to stack a washer and dryer, which is perfect for compact rooms.

Laundry centers and laundry towers are stacked combinations that certain manufacturers sell.

All-In-One

An all-in-one washing and dryer is a practical choice when space is at a premium, particularly in flats or condominiums.

By combining the washing and drying processes, these machines save space and energy.

Discover the perfect washer and dryer set for your house by perusing our selection of washer and dryer sets.

#2. Top Vs. Front Load

Ahead Of

Front-loading machines have controls up front and load from the front.

This kind of washer uses less water and offers gentle washing since it tumbles the garments while they clean them.

Additionally, front load washers often take a bit longer than top load washers and tend to remove water more effectively.

A Top Load

Top-loading machines have controls at the rear and load from the top.

These washers wash clothing using an agitator or impeller and often include a setting that allows you to fill the wash basket with more water.

#3. The Appropriate Size Inside And Out

To narrow down your possibilities, choose the appropriate width and height for your room.

Common widths for small space models are 24″ and for normal machines, 27–30″.

It’s important to take top load washers’ height into consideration when installing them, particularly beneath cabinets, to ensure that you have enough space to access the lid with ease.

With the Maytag brand’s detailed measurement instructions, be sure to get it properly.

Additionally, think about the size of your laundry loads and the potential size requirements for your washer and dryer.

Does your present capacity meet your needs? For lower loads, washer capacities start at 2.0 cu ft and go up to 6.0 cu ft for extra-large loads.

Large capacity dryers and washers should be paired, with the dryer’s cubic footage being around 1.5 times that of the washer’s capacity.

#4. In Top Load Washers, Agitators Vs. Impellers

Dryers with Agitators

A finned center post known as an agitator rotates back and forth to clean clothing by rubbing against them and dislodging stains.

Contrary to what you may have heard, agitators nowadays are made with technology that makes them gentle on clothing.

Nozzle Washers

A low-profile disc called an impeller rotates while cleaning clothing by rubbing them against one another.

In general, impeller washers consume less water and are more capable.

#5. Gas Vs. Electric Dryers

Dryers, Electric

Most rooms are equipped with electric dryers.

Look for a 240-volt, four-pronged electrical outlet.

Electric dryers are often less expensive than gas dryers and don’t need a separate gas connection, although they dry somewhat more slowly.

A Gas Dryer

Gas dryers utilize a conventional 110/115-volt socket for power and a gas connection for heat.

Less use of power results in reduced overall running expenses.

#6. Dryers: Vented Vs. Ventless

Dryers with Vents

What you see most often are vented dryers.

After heated air has been cycled through the clothing, they utilize a vent to release it before introducing fresh air.

They must be positioned near enough to an outside wall to vent outside, are normally less costly than ventless, and are less energy efficient than the latter.

Vacant Dryers

Because they can be positioned almost anyplace, ventless dryers are a wonderful choice for laundry rooms with unusual layouts.

Using a condenser or a heat pump, they recycle the air within the drum as opposed of blowing it out.

Ventless dryers often use less energy, but because of the intricacy, they cost more.

#7. Use Of Water

High-efficiency (HE) washers consume less water than previous, non-HE versions and are gradually taking over as the norm.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, HE washers allow an average household to save 6,000 gallons of water annually.

HE washers are often ENERGY STAR® certified, which implies that they function more affordably and with less energy consumption than conventional washers.

They come in front load, top load impeller, and top load agitator types.

Some washer machines include options like the Deep Fill option that let you manage water levels and add extra water as needed.

#8. Washer Features

To decide which features you could employ in a new washer, think about what you enjoy and don’t like about your existing model.

Consider some of the more recent innovations, such as water faucets that are integrated directly into the washer or dispensers that contain vast volumes of fabric softener and detergent and automatically distribute them.

Some models include an option that holds your laundry tumbling until you can unload it, helping to reduce odor and rewashing, such as the Fresh Hold® feature by Maytag, which might assist if you often forget to move clothing to the dryer.

#9. Features Of Dryers

Most improvements to dryer features target issues like wrinkles and over- and underdrying.

Once clothing reaches the dryness that is safest for materials, dryers equipped with sensor technology halt cycles.

After the cycle is complete, wrinkle-control options tumble the clothing to prevent wrinkles, and some even use steam to remove wrinkles even more effectively.

Look at the features and settings on your washer to see if you can discover a dryer that matches them and has settings that are similar, making use of both appliances simpler.

#10. Smartphonology

A smart washer and dryer that tells you when loads are finished and even allows you start a cycle from your phone is available from the majority of manufacturers.

With Maytag, you can control your laundry from any location1 using the following extra functions, among others:

  • Using a smartphone app, remote start enables you to start and stop washing whenever you want.
  • When using the schedule wash cycle, you may instruct the washer when to begin and stop the cycle and when your clothing should be ready for the dryer.
  • When your washing cycle is finished, you will get real-time updates through cycle notifications.

Updated on

Written by Bob Matsuoka
Bob Matsuoka is a blogger and founder of RVing Beginner blog. He has been blogging for over five years, writing about his own family’s RV adventures, tips for people who are interested in buying an RV or taking their family on an adventure by RV.