Best Overall
LG WM4000HWA Ultra Large Capacity Washer and DLEX4000W Large Capacity Electric Dryer
- There’s a quick 36-minute cycle and it was easy to use.
There’s a quick 36-minute cycle and it was easy to use.
- There’s no indicator for emptying the lint trap on the dryer, and the washer’s spin cycle is a little noisy.
There’s no indicator for emptying the lint trap on the dryer, and the washer’s spin cycle is a little noisy.
Overall, the best stackable washer dryer set is the LG WM4000HWA Front Load Washer and the LG DLEX4000W Electric Dryer. We found the set to be efficient, and we liked the large capacity and quick cycles.
During testing, we found all the settings on the washer to be useful, and there appeared to be a designated cycle/setting for every washing need.
Generally, both the washer and dryer did make noise, but it was not disruptive and we couldn’t hear them when we were in another room. However, we noted that when the washer’s spin cycle was coming to an end it seemed to get fairly loud.
Both machines sing a short tune when their cycles are over to alert you that it’s time to empty the clothes. We found this convenient and were not bothered by the sound.
Loading and unloading both machines was simple. The drums are easy to reach into. The washer cleaned our clothing efficiently, and the dryer worked equally well. We also appreciated that there are quick cycles for both. For example, if you’re in a rush, there’s a 36-minute cycle, and it takes even less time (26 minutes) if set to wash with cold water.
General maintenance of the machines was also effortless. Cleaning the lint trap was easy, but we noted there isn’t an alert to remind you to empty it, so we resorted to cleaning it after every drying session to be on the safe side.
Overall, both units are great quality, intuitive to use, effective at washing and drying in a very timely manner, and we also loved the capacity.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 30 x 30.25 inches (washer) and 27 x 39 x 30.13 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer) and 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: 12 | Number of Drying Cycles: 12 | Energy Consumption: 1,300 kWh/year)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ASHLEY CRAIGER
Key Terms to Know
- Energy-Star Certified: The Energy Star certification ensures the product has met specific energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Kilowatts: The amount of energy a washer/dryer set uses is measured in kilowatts. The lower the number, the less energy the appliance uses.
Best Budget
LG WM3400CW Stackable Washer and DLE3400W Stackable Dryer
- It has easy-to-use buttons, customizable settings, and a helpful timer function for a delayed start.
It has easy-to-use buttons, customizable settings, and a helpful timer function for a delayed start.
- Some cycles took a very long time.
Some cycles took a very long time.
Even those on a budget can create a useful and effective laundry station with the LG WM3400CW Washing Machine and the matching DLE3400W Electric Dryer. They’re both easy to operate with straightforward controls and helpful presets.
There’s a short wash function for quickly washing a handful of items, but we did notice that the regular wash cycles took quite a long time. Having said that, all clothes did all come out very clean and dry once the cycles were done.
The washer has an effective cold wash and a deep fill option to add extra water at any time, and the dryer has a sensor that detects moisture and automatically adjusts the cycle time accordingly. It also features specific indicators, so you'll know when it's time to clean the ducts and the lint filter out to ensure great drying every time.
We particularly liked the timer function, which meant we could set a time for the washer to start. We thought this feature could come in handy in various scenarios, like if you needed a certain outfit clean and dry before the work day.
The drums on both units are made from durable and smooth materials to keep clothes safe from snags. Plus, both the washer and dryer come with 10-year limited warranties for customer peace of mind.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 30.25 inches (washer) and 27 x 38.69 x 30 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer) and 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: Eight | Number of Drying Cycles: Eight | Energy Consumption: Not listed
Best Tower
LG Front Load WashTower
- There’s one easy control panel in the middle to operate everything, and since it’s basically one unit, it has a seamless look.
There’s one easy control panel in the middle to operate everything, and since it’s basically one unit, it has a seamless look.
- It’s a combo unit, so it could be more expensive to repair than single units.
It’s a combo unit, so it could be more expensive to repair than single units.
For an all-in-one laundry station, we recommend the LG WashTower Laundry Center. We found it easy to operate and super intuitive, and each load came out clean and dry. During testing, we never had to redo either a wash or dry cycle during the whole testing period, even on larger loads.
This washer-dryer combo has a speed wash option, which is perfect for those who need quick solutions. It even has sensors that can customize cycle settings according to the load you put in, making it quite user-friendly.
As opposed to a standard stackable washer and dryer set, the controls for this unit are all in the middle so you don’t have to reach too far to control the unit.
The unit also features five jets that powerfully spray clothes from different angles, ensuring the detergent gets right into the fibers of dirty laundry for an effective clean.
The tower plays music when the cycles are over, which we found pleasant. We recommend leaving the washer door open when not in use because we found the rim to be susceptible to mold build-up.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 74.38 x 30.38 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer) and 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: 10 | Number of Drying Cycles: Nine | Energy Consumption: 105 kWh/year
Best Smart
LG WM4000HBA Stackable Washer and DLEX4000B Stackable Dryer
- Its large capacity, and an array of presets for every washing and drying need.
Its large capacity, and an array of presets for every washing and drying need.
- It might be a little too complicated for anyone not too tech savvy.
It might be a little too complicated for anyone not too tech savvy.
Both the LG WM4000HBA Smart Front Loading Washer and the matching LG DLEX4000B Dryer have several features that we thought made them one of the best sets. The machines are efficient, wash and dry excellently, and have a variety of preset options for every and any laundry need.
The washer has a TurboWash 360° setting that allows you to wash larger loads in less than 30 minutes. There’s also a 15-minute Speedwash Cycle, which is ideal if you need a specific piece of clothing cleaned quickly.
We liked that the dryer has built-in intelligence that will automatically set the correct drying cycle according to the clothes you put in. It also has specific technology to eliminate odors and wrinkles.
If you prefer items with smart technology, you’ll appreciate that both units can be controlled and monitored by the ThinQ app on your smart device.
If we could change one thing, we would have liked it if we could customize our own settings on both washer and dryer. Instead, we had to navigate all the presets to find the most appropriate setting.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 39 x 30.25 inches (washer) and 27 x 39 x 30.12 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer) and 7.4 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: 12 | Number of Drying Cycles: 12 | Energy Consumption: Not listed
Best Design
Electrolux ELFW7637AT Stackable Washer and ELFE7637AT Stackable Electric Dryer
- Both machines are energy efficient and a good value.
Both machines are energy efficient and a good value.
- We found this set (particularly the dryer) noisier than some other options.
We found this set (particularly the dryer) noisier than some other options.
The Electrolux Smartboost Front Load Washer and matching Stackable Steam Cycle Electric Dryer are a stylish duo that would make a great addition to any laundry room. Though the set includes so many settings that we didn’t get to try all of them, we were impressed with the ones we tested.
During testing, we particularly appreciated that the settings are self-explanatory. Anything we had questions about was easily found in the user manual, making it a helpful tool to hold onto after installation.
When it comes to the washer’s presets, we appreciated that the temperature, soil level, and spin speed were easy to determine by glancing at the instrument panel.
You simply twist the knobs to select the main washer/dryer settings and then press buttons to adjust temperature, drying level, spin speeds, etc. The selected settings have a small red light by them so you can easily tell what you've chosen.
The washing machine also has an oversuds protection feature that will automatically add additional rinses to the cycle until the suds are taken care of, although we didn’t have any oversudsing situations.
The dryer auto senses the dampness of clothes and sets itself accordingly. We were pleasantly surprised to find that even chunkier items like blankets and towels came out completely dry without us having to manually add any extra time to the setting.
Product Details: Dimensions: 27 x 38 x 32 inches (washer) and 27 x 38 x 32 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet (washer) and 8 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: 11 | Number of Drying Cycles: 11 | Energy Consumption: Not listed
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best Quiet
Equator Advanced Appliances Electric Stacked Laundry Center
- The units were impressively quiet and feature user-friendly interfaces.
The units were impressively quiet and feature user-friendly interfaces.
- These machines are relatively small so there’s limited capacity.
These machines are relatively small so there’s limited capacity.
If you’re trying to keep the noise level down at home, we highly recommend the Equator Advanced Appliances Electric Stacked Washer and Dryer. This duo impressed us with its silent operation during testing. Even on the supposedly louder settings, we sometimes wondered if they were even running.
During testing, we found that the washer removed stains and odors from clothes in a single cycle. Similarly, no matter the load size, the dryer thoroughly dried clothes in one cycle. After three months of regular use, the machines were still performing just as well as they did when we first got them.
The units feature user-friendly interfaces, including intuitive labels to select settings for different fabrics and load sizes. Both machines have touchscreens, but the washer also has a couple of buttons and a knob. Digital manuals are conveniently accessible through a QR code, too.
The washer has a plethora of settings and combinations to choose from, including changing the water temperature, and drum agitation. It can memorize and program your preferred settings, and there’s also a self-cleaning function.
Despite the dryer being stacked above the washer, someone of average height could easily reach the top of it. The lint catcher effortlessly pops out and then back in again. The gathered lint is clearly visible, meaning that you’ll never forget to empty it; but since the catcher is located right at the back of the drum, it may be difficult for some to access when the units are stacked.
The installation process requires two 2x4-inch pieces of wood to properly anchor the machines to the wall to prevent the dryer from falling off the washer during operation. Apart from that, the only other qualm we have is the machines’ small capacity. However, if you’re after a space-saving and quiet laundry system for a single, couple, or small family, these machines are ideal.
Product Details: Dimensions: 23.5 x 33.25 x 22 inches (washer) and 24 x 28 x 22 inches (dryer) | Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet (washer) and 3.5 cubic feet (dryer) | Number of Wash Cycles: 12 | Number of Drying Cycles: Five | Energy Consumption: 96 kWh/year
- THE EQUATOR STACKED LAUNDRY CENTER IS EASY TO USE, AND THE VERTICAL DESIGN WORKS WELL WHEN YOU’RE SHORT ON FLOOR SPACE. BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ALYSSA KINGHAM
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / ALYSSA KINGHAM