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Laundry

2013 Best of Year Washer and Dryer Awards

Our picks for 2013

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Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

{{boy_banner}}This article contains our picks from 2013. Looking for the best washers and dryers of 2014? Check out our 2014 Best of Year Washer and Dryer Awards.{{/boy_banner}}

At Reviewed.com, we spent much of 2013 washing and drying thousands of loads of laundry from dozens of washers and dryers, collecting data, and analyzing performance. That makes us uniquely qualified to choose the best products on the market.

Last year saw a great deal of innovation in the laundry space. We were impressed with smart home connectivity, larger-than-ever capacities, and wash cycles tailored to individual consumer needs. We were also pleased to see washers and dryers that got clothes cleaner than ever while still using less water and electricity than their predecessors. These are our choices for the best washers and dryers of 2013.

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Best Washing Machine - Kenmore Elite 41472

Runners-Up - Kenmore Elite 41072 and LG WM8000HVA

Our Best Washing Machine, the Kenmore 41472, features a super-fast wash that took under 40 minutes to wash an eight pound test load of laundry. We were also impressed with its superior stain removal, and its ability to spin out excess water. That saves energy and time in the dryer. If you want doing laundry to be easier and faster, this machine is a good bet.

If you need more capacity, we've got two runners-up for you. The Kenmore Elite 41072 and LG WM8000HVA are identical machines with massive 5.2 cubic foot drums. Both washers performed equally well in our lab tests, and both tied for Best High-End Washer. Which one is right for you depends on local availability, sale prices, and whether you prefer the LG or Kenmore warranty.

Read our full review of the Kenmore Elite 41472 (MSRP $1,299) here. Read our full review of the Kenmore Elite 41072 (MSRP $1,649) here and our review of the LG WM8000HVA (MSRP $1,499) here.

Best Dryer - Electrolux EWMED70JIW

In addition to its overall drying abilities, what really impressed us about this Electrolux was how well it handled big, heavy items like comforters and sheets. Most dryers leave heavy blankets balled up and still damp, but not the EWMED70JIW. It also features a great deal of options for expertly drying all different kinds of laundry loads, from pet beds to rubber-backed bath mats. (MSRP $1,549)

Read our full review of the Electrolux EWMED70JIW here.

Runner-Up - Electrolux EIED50LIW

If you don't need as many features, the Electrolux EIED50LIW is also a great dryer. It's as good a performer as the more-expensive EWMED70JIW, but it'll cost you a good deal less upfront. (MSRP $1,099)

Read our full review of the Electrolux EIED50LIW here.

Best Innovation in Laundry - Maytag Maxima MHW8000AG with Water Hardness Adjustment

Got hard water? You might not get clean clothes. Detergent doesn't work the same way in hard water, and needs some tweaks to a wash cycle for optimal performance. The Maytag MHW8000AG lets users input their water hardness, and the washer will adjust a cycle accordingly. It's possible thanks to the MHW8000AG's automatic detergent dispenser, which can hold enough soap to wash twelve loads of laundry. (MSRP $1,549)

Read our full review of the Maytag Maxima MHW8000AG here.

Best Feature in Laundry - GE Right-Height Riser

GE's GFWR4805FRR washer and GFDR485EFRR dryer feature built-in pedestals that raise the appliances high enough that they're easy to load and unload, but not so tall that it's impossible to use the tops of the appliances as work surfaces. It also means that buyers don't have to purchase an optional pedestal.

Best Washer and Dryer Pair - Kenmore Elite 41472/81472

The Kenmore 41472 washer may be quick and effective, but it also has an excellent matching dryer. The 81472 is just as easy to use as its washer counterpart, and it performs quite well with large loads and delicates alike. If you want a matching pair, this one is a good choice. (MSRP $1,299 washer, $1,409 for dryer)

Read our full review of the Kenmore Elite 41472 here and our review of the Kenmore Elite 81472 here.

Runner-Up - Electrolux EWFLS70JIW/EWMED70JIW

The Electrolux 70-series is also an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for lots of options and customizability. The dryer is superb, and the washer is as quick as our Best of Year Kenmore. (MSRP $1,499 for washer, $1,549 for dryer)

Read our full review of the Electrolux EWFLS70JIW here and our review of the Electrolux EWMED70JIW here.

Best Value Washer and Dryer Pair - LG WM2250CW/DLE2250W

Easily found on sale for under $600 each, these competent and straightforward LGs prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to get an efficient front-loading washer and matching dryer. They're both the most effective machines in their respective price ranges, and the savings doesn't stop there. We estimated that the front-loading LG uses so much less water than a top-loading counterpart that it could save you up to $100 over five years of ownership. (MSRP $799 each)

Read our review of the LG WM2250CW here and our review of the LG DLE2250W here.

Runner-Up - Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3801LW/FAQE7001LW

Simple and user-friendly, these budget Frigidaires are inexpensive to buy and to run. We were more impressed with the washer than the dryer, but both these machines are a good choice for a consumer on a budget who wants effective stain removal and clothes drying. (MSRP $799 each)

Read our review of the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3801LW here and our review of the Frigidaire Affinity FAQE7001LW here.

Best High End Washers - LG WM8000HVA and Kenmore Elite 41072

It's not often that we award a tie, but these machines not only performed identically in our tests, they could also be twins underneath the sheetmetal. LG makes a version of the WM8000HVA for Kenmore, which is sold only in Sears and Kmart stores.

No matter which one you pick—and we recommend whichever one is on sale, though the LG does have a ten-year motor warranty—you'll get a world-record 5.2 cubic foot capacity, extremely fast wash times, and excellent stain removal. Just be sure to measure your laundry room, since the increased capacity makes for a slightly larger exterior. (MSRP $1,649 for Kenmore, $1,499 for LG)

Read our full review of the LG WM8000HVA here and our full review of the Kenmore Elite 41072 here.

Runner-Up - Maytag Maxima MHW8000AG

Maytag has redesigned its flagship washer for 2013, and it's wonderful. It did a good job removing stains and spinning out excess water, and it features a ton of cool options. It can automatically dispense detergent, storing enough for twelve washes. And it contains a fan that can even dry a small load of laundry overnight. Cycles that automatically adjust for water hardness won our Best Innovation award. If you want a washer that does everything but iron and fold, this Maytag is our pick. (MSRP $1,549)

Read our full review of the Maytag Maxima MHW8000AG here.

Best Mid-Range Washer - Kenmore Elite 41472

Our Best Washer isn't necessarily the most expensive. With sale prices around $1,050, this Kenmore is also our pick for Best Mid-Range Washer. (MSRP $1,299)

Read our full review of the Kenmore Elite 41472 here.

Runner-Up - LG WM3470HVA

Once again, this LG is identical to a Kenmore. In this case, the Kenmore Elite 41472 is based on the LG WM3470HVA. For its straightforward user interface and slightly different wash cycle programming, we preferred Kenmore's take on the LG WM3470HVA. But sale prices and a ten-year motor warranty make the LG a very compelling choice as well. Both washers have rapid wash cycles and excellent stain removal. (MSRP $1,099)

Read our full review of the LG WM3470HVA here.

Best Value Washer - Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3801LW

This Frigidaire isn't that expensive to purchase, it's extremely easy to use, and it does a good job washing clothes. Plus, it uses a lot less water than an inexpensive top-loader, which could save you more than $100 over five years of ownership. That's why it's our pick for best value. (MSRP $799)

Read our full review of the Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3801LW here.

Runner-Up - LG WM2250CW

Retailing for even less than the Frigidaire FAFW3801LW, this simple LG is another great choice. It gets clothes clean efficiently and effectively. If you're looking to replace an old-fashioned top-loader, get ready to save money on your utility bills. (MSRP $699)

Read our full review of the Frigidaire FAFQ3801LW here.

Best Top Load Washer - Samsung WA50F9A8DSP

If you prefer a top-loading washer, the Samsung WA50F9A8DSP is our pick. It's the best cleaning top loader we've tested, and it's far more efficient than it's predecessors. A simple user interface and a capacious, 5.0 cubic foot interior makes laundry day easier than ever. (MSRP $1,199)

Read our full review of the Samsung WA50F9A8DSP here.

Runner-Up - GE GTWS8650DWS

Matching the Samsung for its 5.0 cubic foot capacity, the GE GTWS8650DWS adds a ton of features, including an automatic detergent dispenser that can hold enough soap for two months worth of laundry. There's also a soft-closing lid, a stain removal guide, and even a connection to a matching dryer that will prep it for a load of wet laundry. (MSRP $1,299)

Read our full review of the GE GTWS8650DWS here.

Best High-End Top-Load Washer - Samsung WA50F9A8DSP

Runner-Up - GE GTWS8650DWS

Our Best Top-Load Washer and runner-up also won our Best High-End Top-Load Washer awards. The Samsung and GE both may be expensive for top-loaders, but they also feature record-breaking 5.0 cubic foot capacity and lots of interesting features that make them easier to use.

Read our full review of the Samsung WA50F9A8DSP (MSRP $1,199) here. Read our full review of the GE GTWS8650DWS (MSRP $1,299) here.

Best Mid-Range Top-Loading Washer - Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500BW

Whirlpool completely revamped its lineup of top-loading washers and matching dryers for 2013. Fans of high-efficiency top loaders should take note: We've tested nearly every machine, and they all performed well compared to the competition. We think the WTW8500BW is the best mix of features for the money. (MSRP $999)

Read our full review of the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8500BW here.

Runner-Up - Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8100BW

If you don't need as many specialty cycles, the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8100BW is essentially identical to the WTW8500BW, and costs a little bit less. We'll let you decide which one you prefer. (MSRP $899)

Read our full review of the Whirlpool Cabrio WTW8100BW here.

Best Value Top-Loading Washer - GE GTWN5550DWW

GE's GTWN5550DWW couldn't possibly be more simple: Just turn the knob and start the wash. If you're looking for a basic washing machine that's also a good value, this GE is a good choice. (MSRP $799)

Read our full review of the GE GTWN5550DWW here.

Runner-Up - Maytag Bravos MVWB725BW

(MSRP $799)

With redesigned agitation, the affordable MVWB725BW is also a good choice if you want a value-oriented top loader.

Read our full review of the Maytag Bravos MVWB725BW here.

Best High-End Dryer - Electrolux EWMED70JIW

Our pick for Best Dryer is also our pick for Best High-End Dryer. This Electrolux impressed us with its upscale features in addition to sheer performance. Steam, a ton of specialty cycles, and a drying rack are option you won't find on most less-expensive machines. The highly-customizable sensor-based cycles were also impressive. (MSRP $1,549)

Read our full review of the Electrolux EWMED70JIW here.

Runner-Up - LG DLEX8000W

This massive, 9.0 cubic foot dryer is one of the largest machines on the market. That means it'll have no problem tumbling oversized items like comforters and sheets. The Spot Clean feature keeps stains from setting using steam. (MSRP $1,399)

Read our full review of the LG DLEX8000W here.

Best Mid-Range Dryer - Electrolux EIED50LIW

The Electrolux EIED50LIW is nearly identical to our pick for Best Dryer and Best High-End Dryer, the EWMED70JIW. For $450 less, you lose some special cycles and a steam dry, but you still get the large capacity drum and excellent drying performance that made us like the EWMED70JIW. And, like the 70-series dryer, the 50-series had no trouble with bulky comforters. (MSRP $1,099)

Runner-Up - Kenmore 81472

Though not as large as the Electrolux, the Kenmore 81472 also had no problem with bulky loads, and also features steam dry and refresh options. (MSRP $1,299)

Read our full review of the Electrolux EIED50LIW here. Read our full review of the Kenmore 81472 (MSRP $1,409) here.

Best Value Dryer - Maytag Bravos MEDB725BW

Simple to use, and quick and effective at drying clothes, this new Maytag is one of the least expensive machines to also feature steam for refreshing clothes and removing wrinkles. It also has a sensor that lets you know if your vents are blocked. (MSRP $899)

Read our full review of the Maytag Bravos MEDB725BW here.

Runner-Up - LG DLE2250W

Part of our Best Value Washer and Dryer pair, this affordable LG can be stacked on top of its matching washer. Our lab tests showed that did a great job drying clothes, and it also had more features than some machines that cost hundreds more, like an antibacterial setting that gets hot enough to kill germs. (MSRP $699)

Read our full review of the LG DLE2250W here.

Best Compact Washer - Blomberg WM 87120

Just because you don't have a ton of space doesn't mean you can't have clean clothes without a trip to a laundromat. Blomberg, a division of a massive Turkish appliance manufacturer, has brought a whole lineup of European-sized compact appliances to the US. Blomberg's 24-inch wide washer is especially impressive. It outperformed larger machines that cost hundreds more, scrubbing stains and spinning out excess water with ease. (MSRP $849)

Read our full review of the Blomberg WM 87120 here.

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