How to choose a washer and dryer set

Should you buy a washer and dryer together?

There are several benefits to buying a washer and dryer together, including cycle consistency, matching designs and finishes, similar maintenance services and potentially lower purchasing costs.

Many washer and dryer sets are designed to work together, meaning that their cycle settings are meant to coincide with each other. Their cohesive functions also make maintenance solutions simpler as you can trust the same technician to service both appliances.

Purchasing the two machines together can also potentially lower the overall cost of the washer and dryer as you may be able to receive bundle pricing or reduced service and installation fees.

Finally, washer and dryer sets allow you to create a cohesive and clean aesthetic in your laundry room. The design and finish of these appliances are made to complement one another, with details like similar button sizes, control displays and door styles.

Can you pair different washers and dryers together?

There are different types of washers and dryers that can work together as a set, like front loading machines that can be stacked or top loading machines that can be installed side by side. If you’re unable to settle on a pre-packaged matching washer and dryer, you can browse options to create your own set.

Picking a washer and dryer: types of sets

Top load, front load/stackable, laundry centers and all-in-one combos are the four most common washer and dryer sets to choose from. Read on below to learn more about the different types of laundry sets.

1. Front load and stackable washer and dryer sets

Stackable/front load washer and dryer sets' controls and doors are located on the front of the appliance for easy access, and they can be installed in two configurations: side-by-side and stacked. This option is great for laundry rooms with less floor space and offers convenient loading capabilities.

Learn more laundry room organization tips to maximize your space.

Shop Whirlpool^® Front Load Washers and Dryers

Whirlpool brand offers a selection of stackable washers and dryers that help save on space without compromising functionality. Select models have convenient features such as the Whirlpool^® Front Load Washer that offers a FreshFlow^™ Vent System with antimicrobial protection. Shop front load washer and dryer sets together with pairs picked by Whirlpool brand to fit your laundry routine.

2. Stacked laundry centers

Like stackable washer and dryer sets, stacked laundry centers are an excellent option for apartment or small space living. This option is technically one appliance that cannot be installed in a side-by-side configuration and is typically small enough to fit inside a closet.

Shop Whirlpool^® Stacked Laundry Centers

Whirlpool^® Stacked Laundry Centers can turn a small space into a mini laundry room. These appliances offer a variety of washing and drying cycles like the Dual Action Agitator with Fabric Softener Dispenser and the AutoDry^™ Drying System to help you care for your clothes.

3. Washer and dryer combos

Washer and dryer combos typically differ from stacked laundry centers and washer/dryer sets as they combine both washing and drying functions into a single machine. These options are easy to install almost anywhere as it only requires the space of a single appliance rather than two stacked or side-by-side machines.

Shop Whirlpool^® All-In-One Washer and Dryer Combos

You can save on time and space when you choose a Whirlpool^® washer and dryer combo. This option helps you get laundry done in any room so you can care for your family’s clothes without taking up a lot of space.

4. Matching top load washers and dryers

Matching top load laundry sets are the most commonly seen laundry configuration. They are simply side-by-side washers and dryers that come from the same brand. These machines are designed to aesthetically complement each other even though they have functional differences. For example, many of the dryers in top loading sets actually load from the front, but the style of the dryers matches their washer counterparts.

Shop Whirlpool^® Top Load Washers and Dryers

Browse top loading washers and dryers or shop top load sets perfectly paired for you by Whirlpool brand.

Everything you should know before buying a washer and dryer

There are certain features to consider before buying a new set that meets your laundry needs. Read on to discover what to look for in a washer and dryer.

• Size and capacity: The size and capacity of your washer and dryer can depend on the number of people in your household and the size of the space you have for laundry hookup. Even though dryers often have more capacity than washers, you’ll want to look for a set with similar capacities. If you want the same size as your current set, simply measure your existing washer and dryer.
• Configuration: Whether you want a compact, standard or large capacity washer and dryer, you have a choice between either a side-by-side set or a stacked laundry center.
• Front load vs. top load washers: A front load washer opens to the side and tumbles clothes to clean them, while a top load unit opens on the top and has an impeller or agitator to clean clothes in a wash basket. Choosing one over the other can depend on personal preference as there are benefits to both a front load and top load washer.
• Agitator vs. impeller washers: Top load models come with either an agitator, which is like a tall spindle, or an impeller, which is a low-profile cone in the center of the wash basket. The difference between an agitator and impeller washer is the wash action. If you’re not sure which one you prefer, you can choose a Whirlpool^® 2 in 1 Removable Agitator to customize laundry loads.
• Electric vs. gas dryers: Both gas and electric dryers offer comparable performance and run on electricity, but gas dryers also require a gas hookup to generate heat.
• Vented vs. ventless dryers: A ventless dryer can be a good option if your home isn’t equipped for a vent-style dryer installation or you have limited space for your laundry units.
• Water usage: To help save money and conserve water, opt for a high-efficiency (HE) model that uses less water during the wash cycle compared to a regular washer.
• Smart capabilities: A smart washer and dryer allows you to control laundry appliances from an app on your smartphone. This may also include access to information on how to do laundry and maintain your laundry sets.
• Cycles and settings: Consider choosing a washer and dryer based on cycle and setting options to provide different fabric care needs. Select models have convenient features with settings such as a Sanitize Cycle on your washer and Steam Cycle on your dryer.
• Design: Washers and dryers come in a few different finishes such as white, gray and black to match the color scheme of your laundry room. When you choose a laundry set with a matching finish, you can create a cohesive design aesthetic.
• Cleaning maintenance: It’s recommended that you clean your washer and dryer every 30 days or every 30 wash cycles to help keep clothes smelling fresh and looking clean. You’ll want to look for models that offer hassle-free cleaning, such as select Whirlpool^® Washers that are equipped with a Clean Washer with affresh^®1 cycle. Select Whirlpool^®  Washers have a FreshFlow^™ Vent System designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh.
• Ratings and reviews: When it comes to shopping for the best laundry set for your family’s needs, look for top-rated washers and dryers that have proven performance.

Should you replace your washer and dryer at the same time?

It’s recommended to replace your washer and dryer together, especially if you originally purchased them around the same time. This way you can make sure you are getting the most out of both appliances and can take advantage of all the benefits of a matching set.

Replacing the appliances simultaneously is also more convenient and can be more cost effective depending on any bundle savings offered by the distributor.

Explore Whirlpool^® Washer and Dryer Sets

Whirlpool^® Washer and Dryer Sets are designed to make laundry day easier, with machines that can accommodate your home’s layout and your family’s laundry needs. Browse select models that offer features like the Load & Go^™ Dispenser that lets you skip detergent refills for up to 20 loads and the Wrinkle Shield^™ Plus Option with Steam for improved wrinkle-fighting performance.