I'm in charge of finding the best washer-dryer pairing...is it a must to pair matching models/brands?

Question

Seems like it makes more sense to get the highest-rated (in price range) one of each, regardless of brand. What's the thoughts?

Answer 1

The best washer dryer pair depends largely on you needs. If capacity and efficiency are among you primary concerns then I highly recommend front load washers. You can wash far more in a similar capacity front loader than a top loading washer. The capacity of top load washers is measured without the agitator in the drum. this can take up to as much as a third of your rated capacity. Also, top loaders require additional space to turn the clothes over within the drum. Front loaders lack both of these problems. Generally anything above a 3.4 cu/ft front loader will wash a king size comforter. Furthermore because the whole drum moves they don't have to "soak up" to wash your clothes. An average top loader uses between 30 and 50 gallons of water per load once it goes through all of it's cycles. Top loaders generally lack water level settings so they always use just the right amount of water. (generally between 6-22 Gallons depending on capacity and load size). Further more, the higher spin speeds of front loaders (900-1350 rpm compared to 200-300 for top loaders) pushes most of the moisture out of your clothes reducing drying times and saving energy.

Some front load washers come equipped with "on board" hot water heaters. these are in line heating elements that are designed to heat small quantities of water very efficiently. The machine will use your hot water if water is available at the proper temperature. There are three major reasons you would want this feature. It functions as a wash temperature guarantee. i.e. If you have a warm rinse coming up but you used all your hot water washing dishes the on board heater will ensure the water is at the proper temperature. It also facilitates a sanitary cycle which heats water to 160 or so degrees at the tub thus killing 99.9% of dust mites, microbes and allergens. Most hot water heaters are set about 120-130 degrees and you lose 1 degree for every foot the water travels to the tub. Lastly it works on many cold washes. especially in winter months, tap water routinely gets in the 40's in colder climates. Most detergents recommend water that is 60 degrees to properly to dissolve. if equipped an on board heater will ensure proper temperature.

I agree with the others, whirlpool makes excellent product. They have the least number of returns and repairs in the industry. Furthermore they are kind of like a Chevy, everyone can work on them. Also they have a six point suspension system (as apposed to a more traditional 4 point) which allows them to soak up vibration better. they are one of the few brands you can use on a second floor.

All that said, front loaders do have a high initial buy in cost that cam be prohibitive to some consumers. You can get great service out of a top load washer. Just be sure to look for features that may matter to you like a 2 of 3 speed motor that allows for a true delicate/ hand washable cycle. these features are more commonly understood and I will not go into them here but if you still need clarification, post another question or amend this one and I will try to address them in detail.

Answer 2

Whirlpool is the best brand with the least amount of problems. Long term whirlpool washer and dryer are the easiest and cheapest to return.(not including front loaders had no repair experience with them) As far as matching the set you dont want a bigger washer tub and a smaller dryer tub.

Answer 3

i have the whirlpool duet front loading washer and dryer, i love them. my mom got the same set about 4 yrs ago when they first came out when they were really expensive and when it was time for me to buy a new washer and dryer i went with the same as her. it cost about $2000 for the set, including delivery and install. it holds a ton of laundry and i have them stacked on top of each other because my laundry room is kinda small. for me they were the best in terms of features and price.

Answer 4

whirlpool
if you have the cash to piss away on high end stuff, then do so, but there are more bells and whistles on the high end models - the more stuff the more things that break.
middle of the road whirlpool have more options than you need and reasonably priced...

Answer 5

I dont think you have to match anything like that. just look for the features you want in each appliance and go from there. you can always match colors if you want