Types of Washers and Dryers

Washers

Standard Top-Load Washers
The most familiar style is the traditional top-load washer, which works by completely submerging the clothes in water around a center agitating post that pulls and swirls clothing back and forth to remove dirt and stains.

It's the most comfortable style of washing machine to load and probably has the most choices in a budget-friendly price range. However, they tend to use more water and energy to operate than newer, more high-efficiency models.

High-Efficiency (HE) Top-Load Washers
High-efficiency top-load washers have eliminated the center agitating post and, instead, clean by using a spinning motion and rotating plates or disks that agitate the clothes in the soapy water. They use 50% less water than top loads and sense load size, as well as fabric type, optimizing water levels and temperature.

Because the high-efficiency washers use less water than conventional washers, a high-efficiency detergent that produces fewer suds is recommended to facilitate the rinse cycle. Look for the "HE" label on your detergent container; if you continue to use regular detergent, it may not clean properly and you risk mechanical problems.

High-Efficiency (HE) Front-Load Washers
High-efficiency front-load washers are considered to be the best performing and most energy-efficient washing machines on the market today. Experts agree these high-efficiency machines use less energy and 50% less water and detergent than conventional top-loaders while cleaning clothes better. A front load washer has a horizontal tub that uses gravity and spin to tumble and somersault clothes in and out of the water dislodging dirt and fibers.

Besides efficiency, front loaders tend to be more gentle on clothes because there's no vertical agitator twisting and pulling on the fabric. Also, unlike top loaders, front-load washers can be installed under a countertop or stacked with a front-loading dryer maximizing floor space.

A disadvantage to front loaders is the bending down to load and unload clothes, but most manufacturers offer optional pedestals that can be placed under the unit to lift it to a more comfortable height; most provide additional storage space as well. Also, because of the design, you cannot soak clothes; and because these washers are high efficiency and use less water, it's recommended you use a high-efficiency detergent or it may not clean properly and may cause damage to the machine.

Dryers

Gas vs. Electric
There are only two distinct types of dryers – gas and electric. Both have many of the same parts and are designed to operate in the same manner to accomplish the same task. Each has a small electric motor that turns the interior drum -the difference is how they produce the heat. Electric dryers use heating coils to generate heat and require a 240-volt outlet, while gas dryers use a gas burner to produce heat and require a standard 120-volt outlet, gas hookup and safe venting of the gas exhaust.

Both gas and electric dryers also require venting to the outside, however electric dryers have more venting options than gas dryers. Typically, gas dryers can only be vented out the back of the unit, while many electric dryers can be vented out of the front, back, or either side. Known as four-way venting, these options offer more flexibility when it comes to installation.

The connections you have in your laundry room will dictate whether you choose a gas or electric dryer. Even though gas dryers tend to be slightly more expensive, approximately $50 - $100 more, if you have both gas and 240-volt connections, you may want to consider a gas dryer over an electric dryer because they tend to cost less to run over a their lifetime. Generally speaking, the cost of electricity needed to dry a typical load of laundry is 30 to 40 cents, compared to 15 to 20 cents if you use gas.

Combination Washer/Dryers

One-Piece Laundry Centers
One-piece laundry centers are the original version of the stacked washer and dryer, and are a great option if you don't have space for a full size washer and dryer. This unit features either a top-load or front-load washer on the bottom and the dryer above. Laundry centers take up minimal floor space allowing them to fit nicely in a kitchen or upstairs closet. Most come in 24" wide and 27" wide models, and with either gas or electric dryers. Controls are typically located at eye level for both the washer and dryer.

A disadvantage to laundry centers is that they have fewer features and their capacities tend to be smaller. Repairs can be a challenge since both units are attached - if the dryer needs to be sent out for repair or replaced, the washer goes too.

Stacked Washer / Dryers
With the introduction of the residential front-load washer, many individual washer and dryer units can now be stacked to save space, typically with the washer on the bottom and the dryer on the top. Keep in mind that the dryer controls will need to be on the front of the unit, so that you can access them. If you have to pull out a step stool in order to reach your dryer controls, these units may not be the right choice for you.

Stacked washers and dryers offer buyers more choices, as well as all the fancy features and options that are available, but they are more expensive.

All-in-One Washer/Dryers
All-in-one washer/dryers, also known as washer/dryer combos, are more common in Europe and Asia where typical living spaces are much smaller, but they're starting to make an appearance in the U.S. These units wash and dry clothes in the same tub – simply load your dirty clothes, select your wash and dry settings and all you have to do is remove your dry, clean clothes when the drying cycle is done. Their only installation requirements are a 120-volt outlet and sink and drain nearby.

These all-in-one washer/dryers are very compact and do not require venting making them a good choice for tight spaces, but they do have some significant drawbacks. Capacities are much smaller than standard units and, if you fill to capacity, the dryer becomes less efficient extending drying times. If you're considering a washer/dryer combo and you have limited space or installation issues that prevent you from going with other laundry options, be sure to read reviews on the unit you're considering first...you may decide the laundromat is a better option.