Over the years, washers and dryers have become necessary parts of our lives. However, this wasn’t always the case. The first washing machine wasn’t patented until 1691, and the first dryer didn’t really come on the scene until 1892. These machines were incredibly rudimentary – they primarily ran water through clothes and the dryers were hand-crank operated. The washers and dryers we take for granted today didn’t truly come about until the early 1900’s. It’s tough to imagine a world where there isn’t a washer and dryer in every home. Nowadays, of course, the options for purchasing a washer or dryer are endless. There are so many unique features – any buyer can find the exact machine that’s tailored to their lifestyle and needs.

In recent years, technology had become so advanced that it’s impacting everything from our cars to our home appliances. Washers and dryers are no exception. There are several washer and dryer sets on the market that take your laundry game to the next level. They connect to other appliances in your home, hook up to apps on your mobile phone so you can start and stop loads of laundry while you’re on the go, and more. Admittedly, these options aren’t inexpensive – but they are a unique option for those who prefer to lead a high-tech life.

The more advanced these washers and dryers get, their price point continues to hike higher and higher. However, given the fact that buyers are now getting more use out of their washers and dryers with all of their unique features, the increasing prices make sense. Of course, low-cost models are still available if you look for them. Are you interested in what kinds of features are included in modern washers and dryers? Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Size

A few size considerations are obvious – what kind of laundry are you doing? How often? And for how many people? Larger families tend to have more laundry and therefore might need a washer and dryer set that has a larger capacity so they’re not doing laundry all day every day. However, big families aren’t the only ones who might need a larger laundry capacity. For example, one or two individuals who are particularly active and need to wash their regular laundry as well as daily sports or exercise clothes could require a larger laundry capacity.

Recommended: If you’re looking for something more compact because you’re tight on space, this GE is a good choice.

1. Front Loading v. Top Loading

Another feature you need to consider is whether you want a front loading or top loading machine set. Front loading machine sets are generally better. They are more energy efficient, do a better job of getting out tough stains, and they save on water, as well. You can also stack front loading machines, saving on space. What’s not to love? All that being said, top-loading machines tend to be more popular. In general, they are less expensive. They are also easier to maintain. They’re also notoriously easier to unload – there’s no bending over or reaching into a front loading machine to scoop out wet clothes.

1. Energy Efficiency

If going green is your thing, there are several washers and dryers that focus on being energy-efficient. In fact, most modern washers and dryers strive toward being more energy-efficient than older models. However, now you can specifically look for a machine set that has been Energy Star certified. Energy Star certified machines use about 25% less energy and 45% less water than regular, or uncertified, machines.

Recommended:

This Energy Star certified Kenmore might be a good fit.

1. 2-in-1 Machines

Want to simplify your laundry? 2-in-1 machines might be the answer for you. The washer and dryer is combined in one single unit. These units are ordinarily large capacity, which makes them a good buy for big families who are looking to cut down on the total amount of time they’re spending changing laundry loads over from washer to dryer and cycling everything through. They’re also excellent for saving space since they’re only one single, large capacity machine, rather than two.

Recommended: This LG 2-in-1 model is a great option.

The beauty of shopping for anything electronic in today’s day and age is that the amount of features available to completely customize your product purchase are endless. Make a list of what’s important to you in big-ticket items such as washers and dryers, then feel free to shop around until you find something that meets all or most of your selections. Everyone uses washers and dryers, from all walks of life with all sorts of living situations and unique laundry needs that need to be met. You’re sure to find something that fits your lifestyle perfectly!

Extended Warranties? Home Warranties?

There’s a constant debate between those who swear by extended warranties (or home warranties, which is essentially a comprehensive coverage for all appliances and home systems), and those who think it is unnecessary and does not save money in the long run. It’s difficult to say what’s the precise answer to this. On one hand, purchasing an extended warranty or a home warranty should in theory keep unexpected spending at bay – if the appliance (washers, dryers or even jacuzzis) goes bust, you are reimbursed, and on the other hand they are quite expensive if you look at it over a period of time.

Home warranty companies in Texas offer a variety of plans, and the cheapest I could find is $25 a month. That’s $280 a year (before any discounts applied), which comes down to over a grand in a period of 5 years. If your new washer or dryer does not break unexpectedly, you’d be paying a hefty premium for absolutely no reason.

Extended warranties are cheaper and more focused but then again you end up with the exact same Return On Investment calculation. How likely is your return to be positive when you’re paying a monthly premium over a brand new appliance that should in theory run smoothly for years to come?

I would say buying a home warranty or an extended appliance warranty heavily depends on your situation. If you have a steady income then you should consider tapping into it, just to avoid the unexpected, and if the cost will be a burden for you, then you might as well drop it, especially considering home warranty companies don’t always pay.