Our top picks include in-store and online options like Home Depot, which has a wide selection and frequent sales, and Lowe’s, which offers free local delivery and has an easy-to-navigate website. Here, the best places to buy a washer and dryer that fits your home, budget, and lifestyle’s needs. Now, the Home Depot website. It offers very in-depth product listings and specification charts, so you can do your research online and then head to the store to check out your final pick in person. Frequent sales make the retailer a prime place to achieve competitive pricing, too, especially around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Black Friday. You might not have to worry too much about delivery and installation, either, since the store also offers free delivery and basic hook-up on appliance purchases over $396. Do note: there’s an old appliance removal fee, and a window of just 48 hours after drop-off to return a washer or dryer, which is pretty strict. In addition, all service appointments are completed through third parties. This includes delivery and installation, as well as service appointments for a machine that’s still under warranty. This can present scheduling difficulties, but overall, the service is convenient and this retailer won’t leave too much to be desired. The LG WM4000HWA Front-Load Washer, which you can pair with the DLEX4000W Electric Dryer, is a total game changer, according to our at-home tester. Together, this set checks all of the boxes: efficient cleaning and drying, numerous cycle options, and high capacities to handle any size load. It even has smart features that allow you to monitor your loads when the set is connected to Wi-Fi. At Lowe’s, once you hone in on a machine, you’ll get free local delivery, which includes installing your washer and dryer, inspecting and testing it for any defects or damage, and a brief tutorial of the appliance. You can also choose to have your old machine carted away for an extra fee—this fee is waived for Lowe’s Pro customers. As for the “catches,” Lowe’s charges an extra installation fee for customers who select gas dryers. No matter what type of machine you choose, you also have to purchase new connections from Lowe’s. We love the protection of generous three and five-year protection plans with a 30 percent refund if you don’t use them, though, and that this retailer price matches so you can get the best rate on your new appliance. If you are looking for an in-store experience, Best Buy has a limited selection of models on most store floors. (Some of the smaller locations don’t have any home appliances in-store.) With that in mind, if you’re planning to shop in a store, it’s best to do your research at home first, so you know exactly what you want. The Samsung WF45A6400AW 4.5 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Washer is an intuitive and stackable pick. It features a Super Speed Wash setting that can complete a cycle up to 8 pounds in just 28 minutes. It also features 24 wash cycles in total, and a stainless steel drum. At Best Buy, delivery is free with a purchase of more than $399. You can have your washer or dryer placed in a room of your choice and unboxed, or you can have Best Buy’s team hook it up. (Gas dryer installation may require a separate appointment.) You can even have the delivery team haul away your old appliance for an extra fee. Installation purchases and fees include a new fill hose for a washing machine, and a 220V cord and vent kit for a dryer. If you want to stack your washer and dryer, you’ll need to purchase the compatible stacking kit as well. If something goes awry during or after installation, Best Buy offers a 90-day workmanship warranty on all appliance services. Wayfair’s website is easy to navigate, and complete with search functionality that allows you to filter by many different categories to find just the right picks for your needs. Frequent email campaigns alert members to sales. First-time customers can take advantage of a 10 percent off coupon as well. Just be aware: While you may be saving on the appliance itself, you should factor in delivery and installation. Wayfair does have a partnership with Handy for professional installation, but you’ll pay a relatively hefty fee for this. (The fee varies by appliance.) What’s more, this professional won’t haul away all old appliances, so you’ll have to remove it yourself or hire someone completely separate if the model you currently have isn’t able to be removed by Wayfair’s team. You have 30 days to return a defective or damaged purchase. Walmart’s website has a variety of search filters like price, fuel type, and width. You can also sort customer reviews by stars to get a really good idea of what others are saying about your chosen appliances. Note that Walmart’s website includes third-party marketplace listings that aren’t held to the same standards as products sold directly by Walmart, so avoid those when making such a big purchase. In addition, call ahead before visiting a physical store, especially if you have a specific model in mind. Many stores don’t carry the full selection of offerings, even from notable brands including GE, Whirlpool, and LG. Warranties include three or four-year plans for well under $100. Though, a major downside to shopping Walmart is that the store doesn’t offer installation of washers and dryers. Sears is known for its great prices and financing options, making it ideal for comparison shopping. Delivery is confirmed within a two-hour window, and installation requires a fee plus the cost of necessities like new hoses, cords, and hook-ups. If you opt for this service, the installation team will level and test your appliance. The team will haul away your old machines for a fee, if they are prepped for removal. If you have any problems with your machines, you can schedule a pick-up and return, though you may need to pay a 15 percent restocking fee. AJ Madison is a great place to score a deal, too. The retailer is almost always offering some sort of promotion you can take advantage of. AJ Madison is partnered with Affirm, so you can pay for your appliance over time with approved credit. AJ Madison also offers free nationwide delivery, as long as your space is easily accessible. (You might have to pay more if your washer or dryer is getting delivered by ferry, is going to a remote location, or requires moving up or down stairs.) Delivery doesn’t, however, include installation, but you don’t have to hire an outside service. If you want your new appliance installed, you can pay an additional fee. The retailer has an easy-to-navigate website, complete with in-depth specs and articles on choosing appliances, measuring for installation, and maintaining your machines. P.C. Richard & Son has very competitive prices all around, plus offers frequent sales and promotions, particularly around large holidays like Memorial Day and Black Friday. They have attractive financing programs through their store credit card. The Whirlpool WTW7120HW Top Load Washing Machine and WED7120HW Electric Dryer with Steam, available at P.C. Richard & Son, are a great set for any lifestyle. The washer has a built-in faucet for treating stains and the dryer has a steam function to prevent wrinkles. Keep in mind that this washer can easily become unbalanced with especially bulky loads. When it comes to delivery and installation services, P.C. Richard & Son has a range of choices for those within their standard delivery area of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. You can opt for a free delivery service that includes bringing the washer into your home, placing it in its spot (if it’s freestanding), mounting a purchased pedestal (if applicable), connecting the washer, and removing packing materials. Or, for an additional cost, you can have the installation team complete more heavy-duty installations, like installing a stackable set. If there’s any downside to shopping at this retailer, it’s their strict return policy. If opened or used, home appliances cannot be returned, though the return window is 30 days. Installation costs vary depending on the model you purchase. A basic hook-up package includes unboxing, connecting the hoses or vents, and installing an anti-tip device, while a hook-up and haul-away package ensures the removal of your existing washer or dryer, on top of installation. While anyone can explore the retailer’s offerings on their website, you won’t be able to see specific and current pricing, or installation and delivery details, unless you are a member of the store. Non-members won’t be able to check out any available machines in person, either. A basic Costco membership, which entitles you to shop online or in stores, costs $60 per year. All in all, the membership is a great value, considering the savings you’ll score on an appliance purchase, plus any additional items. Once you settle on a washer or dryer, you can schedule delivery, installation, or a combination through Costco. The day before your scheduled delivery, you’ll receive your delivery within a two-hour window. If you’ve opted for installation as well, you’ll also get a call 30 minutes prior to the tech’s arrival. A two-year warranty and up to 4 percent in cash-back rewards on appliance purchases is added incentive to shop from this retailer. Save big on the Amana NTW4516FW Washer and NED4655EW Dryer, which includes a dual-action agitator for thorough cleans and a deep fill setting, at Appliances Connection. While this set is simple in design and lacks any innovative features, it offers excellent cleaning and drying performance for average household needs. If your current washing machine is past its prime, consider a reliable budget replacement like the Amana NTW4516FW 3.5 cu. ft. White Top Load Washing Machine. It has an auto-cleansing cycle and load-sensing technology to ensure your wash is completely saturated and cleaned as efficiently as possible. While the tub is not stainless steel, the porcelain-enamel finish should provide years of reliable service as long as it remains chip free.
Return Policies
In general, return policies for large appliances like washers and dryers are relatively strict. Most well-known retailers won’t accept returns after the new machine has been delivered and installed, unless there’s a defect or damage. Even still, you generally only have a small window of time to address the issue—as little as 48 hours in some cases. Make sure to read all the fine print when purchasing your washer and dryer, and look into restocking fees and warranty packages that typically come into play when you are trying to return a product or come across defects.
Bundling Options
Bundling is a term for buying multiple appliances at once, and can be a great way to get a deal on so many typically expensive purchases. It’s particularly useful if you’re remodeling or moving into a new home without appliances. Not all retailers offer this service, so it’s worth finding one who does if you have a suite of appliances to buy at once. Most bundling options include appliances that are all from the same brand, like LG, GE, or Samsung.
Installation and Delivery Services
Many retailers offer delivery and installation for free, but it’s worth reading the fine print, since there are often caveats. For example, delivery doesn’t always mean your new washer and dryer will be put in your laundry room, or you may need to have a clear path to the spot where the appliances will go. Any obstacles, like stairs, may present an additional charge. There are also often hidden charges for things like new hook-ups and hoses, and some retailers might require you to purchase them brand-new and from their website or store. What’s more, some retailers have limits on installing specialty washers and dryers like a gas dryer or a stackable set. Installing these laundry machines generally comes at an additional price, or it’s also possible that the retailer may not have a service option at all for them. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some retailers offer delivery, but not installation. In this case, you’ll have to do it yourself or pay a professional to do so.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Brigitt Earley is a freelance writer for The Spruce, who has spent nearly 15 years writing about consumer products like home appliances. Brigitt has a large family of six, including four children under the age of four, so she’s no stranger to laundry day. Having a quality yet budget-friendly washer and dryer was an absolute necessity when she renovated her home two years ago. After extensive research, she financed a front-loading set by LG from P.C. Richard & Son. The set is now fully paid off and still going strong, completing no less than six to eight loads of laundry per week. Most retailers will offer deals on washer and dryer sets, so it can be cheaper to buy a washer and dryer together. Before shopping, you’ll want to look into any sales a retailer is running, as well as what bundles are offered. These bundles might only be for specific brands or new models but can include add-ons like free delivery and installation or a protection plan. To save the most money on a washer and dryer, bundle your set with other appliances like a refrigerator or dishwasher—but only if you absolutely need these appliances, too. Marisa Casciano is the senior commerce editor for appliances, cleaning, and organization for The Spruce. For this piece, she researched dozens of packages and plans, and read through hundreds of customer reviews on washer and dryer product listings from a variety of retailers. She considered both big-box and online retailers, and evaluated each retailer’s delivery and installation packages, return policy, and shopping experience. She also vetted for reliable warranty plans and helpful customer service teams. Additional insight was provided by Brittney Castro, certified financial planner for Mint, and Tiffany Aliche, The Budgetnista and author of The New York Times best-selling book, Get Good with Money. This roundup was also updated later by Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce who works across every commerce beat. Emma ensures the most up-to-date is present and has covered lifestyle, beauty, home, and politics for multiple digital outlets, including Southern Living.
