White front load laundry pair in between grey cabinets in a laundry room

HOW TO CHOOSE A MATCHING WASHER AND DRYER SET

Washer and dryer sets work together to get the job done right. They come in different configurations designed for different spaces and laundry needs, such as a standard top load pair or a space-saving stacked laundry center. Besides the convenience of buying two appliances at once, laundry pairs help bring a cohesive look to your space, match up washer and dryer cycles and may even cut down on costs. Read on to learn more about how to find the right washer and dryer set and why these essential appliances are better together.

Laundry-pair-features-thumbnail

TYPES OF WASHER AND DRYER SETS

Matching washer and dryer sets come in four main types: top load, front load/stackable, laundry centers and all-in-one combos. Top and front load washer dryer pairs are separate but complementary appliances. Laundry centers are stacked but attached, while all-in-one combos wash and dry in one single machine.

Top load laundry set icon

1. TOP LOAD WASHER AND DRYER SETS

Top load laundry pairs are simply side-by-side top load washer and dryer sets from the same brand that complement each other. While dryers always load from the front, they are called “top load” because they match top load washers. The controls for both are located on the top back panel of the machine, and you lift the lid on top of the washer to load your laundry. Explore top load washers and top load dryers from Maytag brand.

Shop Top Load Washer and Dryer Sets from Maytag brand

Front load/stackable laundry pair icon

2. STACKABLE FRONT LOAD WASHER AND DRYER SETS

Front load pairs are also separate, complementary machines, but their controls are located on the front of the appliance. However, many front load pairs can be stacked to save space or lifted up with the installation of laundry pedestals for more storage and easier loading. Ask a sales associate in a store or check product specifications online to find out if a model is stackable. For instance, all Maytag® front load washers and front load dryers are stackable. Read more about how to stack a washer and dryer or how to install a front load washer.

Shop Stackable Washer and Dryer Sets from Maytag brand

Top Load electric and gas laundry pair icon

3. GAS AND ELECTRIC WASHER AND DRYER SETS

Deciding between electric or gas dryers hinges on the existing setup in your space, as gas appliances require a dedicated gas line. Another difference between the two is how they heat your clothes. Gas dryers use natural gas or propane, while electric models rely on electricity-powered coils to produce heat. Generally, electric dryers are more affordable upfront and don’t need a dedicated gas line, but they also take slightly longer to dry your laundry. Both top and front load washer and dryer sets can be purchased with either fuel option.

Shop ELECTRIC Laundry Pairs from Maytag brand

Shop GAS Laundry Pairs from Maytag®

Stacked laundry center icon

4. Laundry Centers

These laundry powerhouses are technically one appliance with a dryer stacked on top of a washer. They cannot be separated, and both sections are controlled from a top panel. Laundry centers tend to be small enough to fit in a closet, so they are an optimal solution for apartments or other small space living.

All-in-one washer and dryer combo icon

5. All-In-One Washer and Dryer Combos

Some models combine a washer and dryer into a single appliance with a single drum. You can think of it as a washing machine that will also dry your clothes. All-in-one washer and dryer combos can be handy if you don’t have a large, dedicated laundry space.

Combined Washer and Dryer vs. a Separate Set: What Are the Differences?

A washer and dryer set is a laundry pair consisting of two separate appliances, whereas a washer and dryer combo will do the job of a washer and dryer in one appliance. All-in-one combos tend to be washer-sized, so they take up significantly less room than a washer and dryer set.

Reasons to Consider Buying a Matching Washer and Dryer Set

From seamless aesthetics and potential cost-effectiveness to cycle compatibility and easy maintenance, explore how matching washer and dryer sets can improve your laundry routine and your laundry room.

MATCHING AESTHETICS

Should you buy a washer and dryer together, you’ll enjoy a cohesive, clean look in the laundry room—laundry pairs from the same brand are designed to look good together. Small style details will be the same like button type, knob sizes and trim style. It’s also the best way to ensure the washer and dryer color and finish match exactly.

Maytag tip icon
Can You Mix and Match Washer and Dryer Models?

Yes, you can mix and match washers and dryers if you’re unable to find a pre-packaged pair you like, or you want to create your own set.

POTENTIALLY LOWER PRICES

Many retailers offer a discount when you buy a washer and dryer as a bundle. Plus, depending on your needs, you could potentially save on any fees associated with delivery and installation.

CYCLE CONSISTENCY

Washer and dryer sets are built to work together. For example, if the washer has a delicate or heavy duty cycle, the dryer most likely will too.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

If your finished laundry is subpar, your dryer isn't drying or you’re having an issue with one or both of your appliances, first make sure you understand the basic workings of a washer and dryer. Also, scheduling a service call or troubleshooting, can be a possible way to get your appliance up and running again.

Where to Buy a Washer and Dryer Set

If you’re shopping in a store, some laundry pairs will be displayed together but many won’t. Ask a sales associate for information on the matching washer or dryer or check the product information on the appliance. If you’re shopping online, many retailers will suggest a matching machine on the product’s page to help you complete your pair.

Maytag brand offers a shopping experience that helps you browse and compare washer and dryer sets quickly and easily.

Shop All Maytag® Washers and Dryers

Discover the Maytag brand difference, designed specifically to assist you in finding your optimal washer and dryer set. With features on select models like the 16 Hr Fresh Hold® Option that keeps clean clothes smelling fresh for up to 16 hours in the washer and Extra Power that boosts drying power on any cycle in the dryer, trust Maytag brand to help you maximize the power of your washer and dryer by finding a pair that works together.

DISCOVER MORE WITH MAYTAG BRAND

WAS THIS ARTICLE HELPFUL? PASS IT ON