Consumer Reports On Why Picking A Washer Before A Dryer Is The Smart Choice

Shopping for new laundry appliances? You'll see plenty of manufacturers offering washer and dryer sets, but don't jump straight to a matched pair without doing your homework first. Instead of starting your search with laundry pairs, Consumer Reports recommends finding the washing machine that matches your laundry needs first, then narrowing down a suitable dryer afterwards.

According to Consumer Reports, the biggest reason to focus on the washer first is the wide range of washing machine features you can take advantage of. Washers do the heavy lifting in the laundry world and come with various cycle options and functions, ranging from simple to complex. Functions like steam cleaning, auto-sensing water fill, and sensor settings for fabric types and soil levels can support a variety of laundry needs. 

By comparison, a dryer usually has far fewer options, generally focused on heat settings and sensor-based cycles that control drying times and moisture levels. If you first understand the features you need most in a washer, you can narrow down the field of options and then find a suitable dryer. The dryer might be from the same product line, but you might also find that another manufacturer's dryer fits the bill, or that buying an older mechanical appliance might be better for your wallet.

Searching for a washer begins by identifying your most common laundry scenarios and matching them up with the machine's cycle settings before buying. If you frequently wash stained kids' clothes or grimy work uniforms, look for a washer with a heavy duty or pre-wash cycle to loosen stains. For combating germs on loads of dirty towels or clothes, pick a washer with a sanitizing function. This cycle setting typically uses very hot water to eliminate viruses and bacteria. And if you regularly need to wash items with a "hand-wash only" care label, look for a washer that has an a hand-wash setting, which is gentler and slower than a standard delicate cycle.

Next, it's time to find a dryer that complements your chosen washer in terms of capacity and value. Look for a dryer that has about two times the capacity of your washer to make sure it can fit your bulkiest items. Even after doing your research, you may end up finding that the best value is to buy a washer and dryer as a set after all, since manufacturers sometimes offer a deal if you buy them together. However, that's not a given, so it pays to research models from different manufacturers and watch for sales on individual appliances. The best dryer will be one that's compatible with your washer, laundry needs, and budget.