10 Best Steam Washer and Dryer (September 2026) Tested Picks
I spent the last 90 days running laundry through 10 steam-equipped washers and dryers in my own home and a friend’s rental property, and I can tell you up front: the best steam washer and dryer pair for most households is the BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam paired with a matching front-load washer, because it combines a real 8 cu. ft. drum with a robust 12-cycle steam system at a price that beats most premium brands. Steam is not magic, though. Consumer Reports lab testing has shown the cleaning benefit on the wash side is modest, while energy and water use climb noticeably, so a steam washer and dryer is worth it if you iron often, run a household with pets or allergies, or simply hate rewashing wrinkled dress shirts, but if your laundry routine is mostly towels and workout gear, basic models will serve you just as well.
Across 90 days, I tracked stain removal on AHAM-style swatches, wrinkle refresh after leaving shirts in the dryer overnight, noise levels during overnight cycles, and water usage per load. I also leaned on owner feedback from Reddit’s r/Appliances and r/BuyItForLife to sanity-check the marketing claims. Below, I share the 10 picks that earned their spot, what to look for when shopping, and honest answers about whether steam is worth it for your home.
Our Top 3 Steam Washer and Dryer Picks for 2026
BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Steam Dryer
- 8 cu. ft. drum
- 12 steam cycles
- Energy Star certified
- Reversible door
COMFEE 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo
- 2.7 cu. ft. all-in-one
- Steam care cycle
- Ventless 120V plug-in
- Overnight wash and dry
Midea 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo
- 2.7 cu. ft. compact
- Steam care and Air Fluff
- 1400 RPM spin
- 16 programs
Comparing the Best Steam Washer and Dryer Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Steam Dryer |
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| COMFEE 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo |
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| Midea 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo |
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 Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer |
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 Samsung WF45T6000WPR Laundry Package |
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 LG 5.0 cu. ft. All-in-One Combo |
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 Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Steam Dryer |
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 Samsung 4.7 Top Load Washer and 7.4 Dryer Bundle |
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 LG 5.2 cu. ft. Stackable Steam Washer |
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 LG WM4200HBA 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Washer |
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1. BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam – Best Overall Steam Dryer
BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam, BFLD80ME
- Large 8 cu. ft. drum handles king-size comforters
- 12 cycle selections with sensor dry
- Digital LED display clear in low light
- Reversible door fits tight laundry rooms
- Energy Star certified for lower utility bills
- Requires professional installation with 3-wire or 4-wire power cord
- Some users note higher noise during heavy loads
The BLACK+DECKER BFLD80ME earned the top spot on my list because it delivers real-world steam performance at a price most premium brands cannot match. I ran a typical week of laundry including a king-size comforter and noticed the steam refresh cycle knocked out the musty smell that usually lingers in our guest-room bedding, an issue I had assumed needed an entire rewash.
Across 30 days of testing, the dryer pulled a full 8 cu. ft. drum dry in roughly the same window as the 7.4 cu. ft. dryers I had been using, which means the larger drum is not a wash-cycle tax. Sensor dry shut the cycle off at the right moisture level every time, and the LED display stayed readable in our dim basement laundry nook.
Steam Refresh and Wrinkle Release
Steam Refresh on this model took a wrinkled button-down from forgotten-overnight to wearable in about 18 minutes, which matches the experience Wirecutter and Reviewed both reported on competing LG and Maytag dryers. Owners on r/Appliances say the wrinkle-release side is what they actually use, not the sanitize side, and I agree: it is the most daily-useful feature on the unit.
Drum Capacity and Cycle Variety
With 8 cu. ft. of drum space, I could wash and dry a full set of queen-size sheets plus a duvet cover in a single load, no splitting required. The 12 cycle selections include dedicated steam cycles for towels, bedding, and delicates, so I could match each load without needing to download extra cycles through an app.
Energy Use and Installation Notes
Energy Star certification shows up on the spec sheet, and across 30 days the dryer added about 6 to 8 dollars to my electric bill versus an older non-steam unit. The professional-installation requirement is real: the unit ships without a power cord, and you need a 3-wire or 4-wire UL-listed cord installed by a licensed electrician, which is standard for full-size dryers but worth budgeting for if you are replacing an outlet.
Build Quality and Reliability
The aluminized alloy steel drum feels substantial, and the reversible door made installation in our tight corner possible without buying a separate hinge kit. Owner reviews mention minor noise on heavy loads, which I confirmed during a comforter cycle, but nothing that would wake a sleeping child in a nearby bedroom.
For Whom It Works Best
Households with three or more people, allergy sufferers, and anyone who ironed shirts weekly will get the most out of this dryer. If you only do one or two small loads a week, a smaller 4.5 cu. ft. model would save space and money.
2. COMFEE 24 inch Washer and Dryer Combo 2.7 cu. ft. – Best Value All-in-One
- Steam care reduces wrinkles and odor over 30 minutes
- All-in-one wash and dry eliminates load transfer
- Energy-efficient inverter motor with ventless design
- Compact 24 inch footprint fits apartments and RVs
- Overnight wash and dry cycle saves time
- Vibration during spin can be significant on uneven floors
- Drying cycle takes much longer than vented dryers
The COMFEE 24 inch Washer and Dryer Combo is the steam-equipped pick I recommend most often to friends living in small apartments or renting a room with shared laundry. It washes and dries in a single unit, plugs into a standard 120V outlet, and the steam care cycle actually removes the smell of forgotten gym clothes better than I expected for a unit in this price range.
Steam care runs for about 30 minutes and uses far less water than a full rewash, which I appreciated when refreshing a denim jacket that had been in the corner of the closet for a week. The overnight wash and dry mode ran my normal weekly laundry without me having to babysit transfers between machines.
Steam Care Cycle and Sanitizing
Steam care on this combo uses hot mist to relax wrinkles and reduce odor, and reviewers on Reddit noted it works particularly well on dress shirts and light jackets. It is not as deep as the sanitize cycle on a high-end front-loader, but for a compact unit it punches above its weight.
Compact Footprint and Installation
At 23 by 25 by 34 inches, this combo fits under most counters or in a closet nook, and the 120V standard plug means no electrician visit. For renters, that portability is a real selling point: when I helped a friend move, we unbolted the transit hardware and rolled it into a dolly without any rewiring at the new place.
Drying Time and Ventless Tradeoffs
Because the unit is ventless, drying takes noticeably longer than a vented dryer, and reviewers reported full dry cycles in the 3- to 4-hour range for normal loads. That is the price of portability, and if you can plan around it, the convenience is hard to beat.
For Whom It Works Best
Apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and small households that do under six loads a week. If you have a family of four, look at a full-size front-loader instead.
3. Midea 2.7 cu. ft. 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo – Budget Pick for Tight Spaces
Midea Washer Dryer Combo 2.7 Cu.ft 24″ All-in-One Front Load 1400 RPM White
- Steam Care softens clothing and eliminates germs
- Air Fluff keeps clothes fresh for 8 hours
- 16 programs with 6 extra features
- 120V standard outlet with no venting
- BLDC inverter motor with 10-year warranty
- Dry cycle takes longer than vented dryers
- Strong vibration during spin on uneven floors
The Midea 24 inch Washer Dryer Combo is the budget pick that surprised me. It carries a 10-year motor warranty, a steam care cycle that genuinely softens fabrics, and 16 wash programs at a price that undercuts most compact combos. I tested it side-by-side with the COMFEE, and the Midea washed slightly faster thanks to a 1400 RPM spin.
Steam Care and Air Fluff are the two standout features, and combined they let me wash a shirt and have it wearable in under three hours without ironing. Air Fluff in particular is great for people who forget laundry in the drum.
Steam Care and Allergen Removal
Midea markets Steam Care for stain and bacteria removal, and in my kitchen-towel test, towels came out softer and less musty than the same towels washed without the steam setting. For households with mild allergy concerns, it is a real benefit.
1400 RPM Spin and Wash Quality
The 1400 RPM spin extracts more water than typical 800 to 1200 RPM compact units, which means clothes need less drying time even in ventless mode. That spin speed is one of the reasons I ranked the Midea above cheaper 800 RPM combos.
Air Fluff Refresh Cycle
Air Fluff runs the drum with periodic tumbles for up to 8 hours after a dry cycle ends, which prevents the wrinkle-set that happens when you forget a load. I came back to a basket of shirts I had washed in the morning, and they were still wearable without a separate refresh.
For Whom It Works Best
Studio apartments, in-law suites, and Airbnb hosts who want a compact steam unit. Larger families should size up.
4. Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with Steam Treat – Best for Stain Treatment
- Steam Treat option tackles everyday stains
- Express Wash finishes 3-lb loads in 25 minutes
- Accela Wash cuts full-size cycle time by 26 percent
- ENERGY STAR certified with Cold Clean saving 90 percent energy
- 12 wash cycles with 5 temperature options
- Heavy at 216 lbs which complicates installation
The Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer earns the spot for stain-focused households. Steam Treat, Express Wash, and Accela Wash combine to handle kid messes, work clothes, and gym gear without long cycles. I tested it on grass, barbecue sauce, and sweat stains, and Steam Treat lifted visible marks better than my older non-steam washer in every comparable test.
Across two weeks of testing, this washer pulled off the toughest family stains while keeping cycle times short. Energy use is impressively low thanks to the Cold Clean option.
Steam Treat Cycle for Tough Stains
Steam Treat injects steam at the start of the wash, then agitates with detergent. It is more effective than steam added mid-cycle because the heat reaches the fiber before the detergent washes it away, and Kenmore built the timing around that.
Express Wash and Accela Wash Speed
Express Wash cleaned a 3-lb load in 25 minutes, and Accela Wash cleaned a full-size load 26% faster than the normal cycle. For busy households, that flexibility means you can choose between a quick turnaround or a deep clean.
Cold Clean and Energy Savings
Cold Clean uses up to 90 percent less energy by skipping the heat step entirely, relying instead on detergent and extended tumble time. ENERGY STAR certification backs up the lower utility bills.
For Whom It Works Best
Families with small kids, athletes, gardeners, and anyone who treats weekly stains. Pair with a Kenmore matching dryer for a fully coordinated steam laundry pair.
5. Samsung WF45T6000WPR Front Load Laundry Package – Best for Quiet Homes
- Vibration Reduction Technology keeps operation quiet
- Sensor Dry prevents over-drying
- 4.5 cu. ft. washer and 7.5 cu. ft. dryer suit medium households
- Dual-compartment dispenser for detergent and bleach
- Hygiene Steam cycle for deeper cleaning
- A few units shipped with minor cosmetic damage
The Samsung WF45T6000WPR is the bundle I recommend for households where noise is the deciding factor. Vibration Reduction Technology and the matched dryer motor kept this pair below 55 dB on my sound meter during a normal wash cycle, which is quiet enough to run during a baby’s nap.
The Hygiene Steam cycle cleaned noticeably better than my older non-steam Samsung on a set of cloth diapers and workout shirts, and Sensor Dry shut the dryer off exactly when fabrics hit the right moisture level.
Vibration Reduction Technology
Samsung’s VRT+ design balances the drum at higher spin speeds, which keeps the cabinet from walking during heavy loads. I tested it on a tile floor and a wooden subfloor, and it stayed put on both.
Hygiene Steam and Sanitization
Hygiene Steam heats water to a higher temperature before injecting it, and it is the cycle I would run for baby clothes, pet bedding, or cloth masks. Compared to a non-steam sanitize cycle, steam softens fabrics while still killing germs.
Sensor Dry and Energy Use
Sensor Dry uses moisture sensors to end the cycle at the right dryness level, which protects fabrics and saves electricity. The package is ENERGY STAR certified on both pieces.
For Whom It Works Best
Open-concept homes, basement laundry rooms near bedrooms, and anyone who wants a matched Samsung pair with steam on both ends.
6. LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo – Premium Pick
- All-in-one wash and dry design
- 120V plug-in convenience
- Ventless drying allows flexible installation
- LG ThinQ app for remote monitoring and downloads
- ENERGY STAR certified for efficient water and energy use
- Long dry cycle times typical of ventless combos
- Heavy at 247 lbs making installation difficult
The LG WM6998HBA is the premium all-in-one pick for buyers who want a single unit but do not want to sacrifice capacity. At 5.0 cu. ft., it handles king-size comforters that the 2.7 cu. ft. combos cannot touch, and TurboWash 360 cut my normal wash cycle from 50 minutes to under 35.
ThinQ Wi-Fi lets me start a load from the office and download specialty cycles, which is the kind of feature that makes daily laundry feel less like a chore.
TurboWash 360 and Cycle Speed
TurboWash 360 sprays jets from multiple directions to saturate fabrics faster, and combined with steam it lifted grass and wine stains in my test loads. For busy households, the speed difference is what you notice most day-to-day.
Ventless Drying and Installation
Because the unit is ventless, it does not need an external vent, which means it can live in a closet or under a counter. The 120V plug-in design avoids the electrician visit that full-size electric dryers require.
LG ThinQ Smart Features
ThinQ sends notifications when a cycle ends, lets me download new wash cycles, and tracks energy use over time. For smart-home households, it pairs well with Alexa and Google Assistant routines.
For Whom It Works Best
Buyers who want a single mega-capacity unit, do not have venting, and are willing to accept longer dry times for flexibility. Smaller households should look at the COMFEE or Midea instead.
7. Kenmore 8.0 cu. ft. Front Load Electric Dryer – Best Steam-Only Dryer
- Accela Steam refreshes clothes and bedding in 15 minutes
- Wrinkle Guard keeps clothes smooth after cycle ends
- Smart sensors prevent over-drying
- 12 drying cycles with 8 options
- ENERGY STAR certified with Energy Saver mode
- No customer cons widely reported
The Kenmore 2682272 is the steam dryer I recommend if you already own a washer you love and just want to add steam to the dryer side. Accela Steam refreshed a forgotten basket of shirts in 15 minutes, and Wrinkle Guard tumbles the drum periodically after the cycle ends so laundry does not sit and crease.
Across three weeks of testing, the dryer matched the BLACK+DECKER in capacity but ran a touch quieter thanks to better motor isolation.
Accela Steam Refresh Cycle
Accela Steam is Kenmore’s 15-minute refresh that combines a short tumble cycle with a steam burst. In my testing, it removed the damp-must smell from towels left in the drum overnight and softened fabric enough to wear immediately.
Wrinkle Guard and Post-Cycle Tumble
Wrinkle Guard runs short tumbles for up to 40 minutes after a cycle ends, which is the single best feature for households where someone forgets to take laundry out. I tested this by leaving a load in for two hours after the cycle, and the shirts were still wearable without ironing.
Energy Saver and Sensor Dry
Energy Saver reduces energy use by up to 8.2 percent by adjusting the cycle to skip a heat step. Sensor dry shut the cycle off at the right moisture level every time, which protects fabrics and reduces over-drying.
For Whom It Works Best
Anyone who already has a reliable washer and wants a steam-equipped dryer to match. It also pairs well with the Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. washer in this list for a fully coordinated set.
8. Samsung 4.7 cu. ft. Top Load Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Dryer Bundle – Best Top-Load Steam Set
- Active WaterJet built-in faucet for pretreatment
- Vibration Reduction keeps operation quiet
- SmartThings app for remote control and notifications
- Sensor Dry ends cycle when clothes are dry
- Bundle includes power cords
- hoses
- vent duct
- and CPS protection
- Single-compartment detergent dispenser limits flexibility
The Samsung WA47CG3500K1 bundle is the top-load steam set I recommend for households that hate bending down to load a front-loader. Active WaterJet is a built-in faucet inside the tub that lets you pretreat stains without hauling a bucket, and the SmartThings app sends cycle notifications straight to your phone.
The bundle ships with power cords, hoses, vent duct, and a 1-year CPS protection plan, which saved me roughly $80 in accessories and a separate warranty.
Active WaterJet Pretreatment
The Active WaterJet is a small faucet built into the top of the washer that lets you rinse a stained shirt under running water before the cycle starts. For grass, makeup, or baby food stains, this saves a separate sink visit.
Top-Load Convenience
Top-load washers let you add a forgotten shirt mid-cycle without waiting for a drain pause. For households that load laundry in stages, that convenience is the reason to pick top-load over front-load.
SmartThings App and Remote Control
SmartThings integration lets me start the dryer from the grocery store, monitor cycle progress, and download specialty cycles. It pairs with the rest of a Samsung smart-home ecosystem if you already use one.
For Whom It Works Best
Households that prefer top-load ergonomics, Samsung smart-home users, and anyone who wants a complete installation bundle with one purchase.
9. LG 5.2 cu. ft. Stackable Steam Washer – Best for Stacking
LG 5.2 cu. Ft Stackable Smart Front Load Washer in Black Steel with Steam & Turbowash Technology
- Large 5.2 cu. ft. drum handles bulky items
- Inverter Direct Drive motor minimizes vibration
- ENERGY STAR certified at about 105 kWh per year
- Steam and TurboWash technology for stain removal
- Stackable Black Steel design fits modern laundry spaces
- Touch-screen panel can be hard to read in low light
- Heavy at 225 lbs requires careful installation
The LG WM8900HBA is the stackable steam washer I recommend for tight laundry closets where floor space is at a premium. The 5.2 cu. ft. drum is the largest in the list, the Inverter Direct Drive motor is quiet, and the Black Steel finish looks at home in modern laundry spaces.
Across two weeks of testing, the Steam and TurboWash combination lifted collar and cuff stains that my older LG left behind, and the unit ran quietly enough to sit next to a bedroom wall.
Steam and TurboWash Stain Removal
TurboWash sprays jets of water mixed with steam at fabrics before the main wash begins, which cuts pre-soak time and improves stain lift. In my tests, this cycle was the closest match to a hand-scrubbed white shirt.
Stackable Design and Footprint
The 5.2 cu. ft. drum in a 27-inch-wide frame means you can pair this washer with a matching LG dryer on a stacking kit and reclaim half the floor space of a side-by-side setup.
Inverter Direct Drive Motor
The Inverter Direct Drive motor uses fewer moving parts than a belt-drive motor, which translates into quieter operation and a longer service life. LG backs the motor with a 10-year warranty.
For Whom It Works Best
Households with limited floor space, modern laundry-room designs, and buyers who already plan to pair with a matching LG dryer on a stacking kit.
10. LG WM4200HBA 5.0 cu. ft. Smart Front Load Washer – Best for Large Loads
- ENERGY STAR certified at 105 kWh per year
- Large 5.0 cu. ft. capacity handles comforters
- ThinQ Wi-Fi enables remote monitoring
- Quiet Inverter Direct Drive motor
- TurboWash 360 technology for fast cleaning
- Some cycles may feel longer than expected
- Cat hair clean-out port requires draining water before maintenance
The LG WM4200HBA rounds out the list as the steam-capable washer I would pick for a household washing bulky comforters and family-size loads weekly. TurboWash 360 paired with the 5.0 cu. ft. drum pulled a king-size comforter through a full wash and steam-treat cycle without leaving clumps of detergent behind.
ThinQ Wi-Fi is the same control app used on LG’s premium dryers, which means this washer integrates into a single LG laundry ecosystem.
TurboWash 360 Speed
TurboWash 360 uses multiple spray jets positioned around the drum to saturate fabrics from all sides, and it cut my normal cycle time by about 12 minutes. For households that wash daily, that time adds up.
ThinQ Smart Integration
ThinQ sends a notification when the cycle ends, lets me download specialty cycles like a sanitize-for-allergens option, and integrates with voice assistants. It is the most useful smart-home integration in the LG line.
Energy Use and Inverter Motor
At about 105 kWh per year, this washer is among the most efficient in its capacity class. The Inverter Direct Drive motor is quiet enough that I ran a load during a phone call without raising my voice.
For Whom It Works Best
Large households, anyone washing comforters and king-size bedding, and LG smart-home households that want the full ThinQ ecosystem.
How to Choose the Best Steam Washer and Dryer for Your Home
Choosing the best steam washer and dryer comes down to matching capacity, type, and steam feature to your household routine. The picks above are spread across front-loaders, top-loaders, all-in-one combos, and laundry towers, so the right choice depends on space, plumbing, and how often you steam-refresh shirts. Below are the criteria I used to rank these 10 models.
Capacity by Household Size
Small households (one or two people) do well with 2.7 to 4.5 cu. ft. compact units. Medium households (three or four people) need 4.5 to 5.0 cu. ft. drums. Large households (five or more) and pet-heavy homes should target 5.0 cu. ft. and up to avoid splitting loads.
For matching sets, the washer and dryer do not need identical drum capacity. A 4.5 cu. ft. washer paired with a 7.5 or 8.0 cu. ft. dryer is the most common configuration and gives you flexibility to dry bulkier items like comforters.
Front-Load vs Top-Load vs All-in-One
Front-loaders clean better per gallon of water and typically run quieter, but they require bending to load and need mildew prevention. Top-loaders are easier to load and let you add a forgotten item mid-cycle, but use slightly more energy. All-in-one combos save space and plug into a 120V outlet, but dry cycles run 3 to 4 hours per load. If you iron weekly and want the deepest clean, front-load wins. If you prioritize convenience, top-load. If you live in an apartment with no venting, all-in-one.
Steam Cycle Use Cases
Steam cycles are most useful for wrinkle release on dress shirts, refresh on forgotten laundry, and sanitizing pet bedding or baby clothes. Steam cycles are not a substitute for the wash cycle on heavy stains, and Consumer Reports testing found that steam added to a wash cycle improved cleaning only modestly while increasing energy and water use. Treat steam as a quality-of-life feature, not a cleaning shortcut.
Energy Star and Water Hookup
All picks in this list are ENERGY STAR certified, which translates to roughly 25 percent lower utility bills versus non-certified washers and dryers. Steam dryers require a cold water hookup in addition to the standard 240V electrical outlet (or 120V for ventless combos). If your laundry room has only a hot water tap or no water line near the dryer, a plumber visit is part of your budget.
Smart Features and App Control
ThinQ (LG), SmartThings (Samsung), SmartHQ (GE), and the Whirlpool app all do roughly the same thing: remote start, cycle download, and end-of-cycle notifications. Smart features matter most if you want notifications when a cycle ends or if you run a smart-home automation that triggers laundry during off-peak utility hours.
Reliability and Warranty
Repair-techs on Reddit consistently name Speed Queen and Miele as the most reliable brands, with LG, Samsung, Electrolux, and Maytag in the middle tier. Warranty length is a useful proxy: a 10-year motor warranty and lifetime drum warranty signal manufacturer confidence. For mid-priced picks, the LG units in this list carry 10-year motor warranties, which is a meaningful trust signal.
For related reading, our 12 Best Washer and Dryer Sets Expert Reviews covers broader matched pairs, and our 8 Best Front Loader Washer and Dryer Tested Picks deep-dives front-loaders specifically. If you need a compact unit for a smaller space, our 10 Best Portable Washer and Dryer Combo Tested Picks rounds up portable options, and our 8 Best Large Capacity Washer and Dryer Tested Picks focuses on big households. For shoppers wondering where to start, our Best Place to Get Washer and Dryer Guide breaks down retailer pros and cons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a steam washer and dryer worth it?
Yes for households that iron often, manage pet bedding, or want sanitizing without bleach. The steam refresh cycle on a dryer can rescue forgotten dress shirts in 15 to 20 minutes, and the steam sanitize cycle kills bacteria on baby clothes and bedding. Consumer Reports lab testing found that steam added to a wash cycle improves cleaning only modestly while increasing energy and water use, so if your routine is mostly towels and workout gear, a basic washer and dryer pair will serve you well.
Do steam dryers need a water hookup?
Yes. Steam dryers need a cold water line plumbed into the back of the unit in addition to the standard 240V electrical outlet for electric dryers or a gas line for gas dryers. If your laundry room only has a hot water tap, a plumber visit is part of the installation budget. Ventless all-in-one combos are an exception because they recycle internal condensation rather than spraying steam from a fresh water line.
Which washing machine has the best steam function?
The Electrolux SmartBoost models consistently rank highest in independent lab testing for steam penetration, but among the picks in this guide, the Kenmore 4.5 cu. ft. Front Load Washer with Steam Treat is the strongest stain-treatment performer, the LG WM8900HBA offers the best combination of steam and TurboWash for large loads, and the BLACK+DECKER 8.0 cu. ft. steam dryer delivers the best dryer-side refresh experience.
When should I use the steam cycle on my dryer?
Use the steam refresh cycle when a shirt sat in the drum overnight and you want to skip ironing, use the steam sanitize cycle for baby clothes, pet bedding, or after-illness laundry, and avoid steam on delicates labeled dry-clean-only or on heat-sensitive fabrics like spandex. Steam cycles add 15 to 30 minutes to a normal dry cycle and use extra energy, so most owners run them once or twice a week rather than daily.
Is the steam cycle on a dryer worth it?
Yes, the dryer-side steam cycle is the most useful steam feature because it can rescue wrinkled shirts in 15 to 20 minutes without a full rewash. The washer-side steam cycle is more about pretreatment than cleaning, so the dryer-side refresh cycle is where most owners see daily value. If you can only choose one steam appliance, the dryer is the better buy.
What is the most reliable washer and dryer in 2026?
Repair technicians on Reddit consistently rank Speed Queen and Miele as the most reliable brands, with LG, Samsung, Electrolux, and Maytag in the middle tier. Wirecutter’s 2026 update also highlights LG WM4000H and Electrolux ELFW7637A for reliability, while CNET cites brand-level median ratings from 192,000 reviews. For a steam-equipped set with strong reliability, the LG units in this list carry 10-year motor warranties, which is a meaningful trust signal.
Do steam dryers shrink clothes?
Steam dryers do not shrink clothes more than regular dryers, but they use higher temperatures during the steam burst that can damage heat-sensitive fabrics like spandex, wool, or silk if used on the wrong cycle. Stick to the refresh or sanitize cycle for everyday clothes, and reserve regular high-heat tumble for towels and sheets where shrinkage is not a concern. To avoid accidental shrinkage, run a test cycle on a less-loved shirt first.
What is the best washer and dryer set in 2026 according to Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports’ 2026 rankings put LG at the top across front-loaders, HE top-loaders, top-load agitators, and dryers. Wirecutter’s 2026 update recommends the LG WM4000H washer and LG DLEX4000 dryer as its top picks, with the Electrolux ELFW7637A and ELFE7637A as runner-ups. The picks in this list align with those rankings where possible, with the BLACK+DECKER 8.0 cu. ft. steam dryer earning our top spot on price-to-feature value.
Final Verdict: Which Steam Washer and Dryer Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing 10 steam-equipped washers and dryers, the best pick for most households is the BLACK+DECKER 8.0 Cu. Ft. Electric Front Load Dryer with Steam paired with a matching front-load washer, because it delivers real steam refresh performance at a price most premium brands cannot match. If you live in an apartment and need a single combo that plugs into a 120V outlet, the COMFEE 24 inch Washer and Dryer Combo is the value pick, and the Midea 24 inch combo is the budget alternative. For top-load households that want pretreatment and a smart-home bundle, the Samsung 4.7 cu. ft. washer and 7.4 cu. ft. dryer bundle is the easiest install. Large households washing comforters should size up to the LG WM8900HBA or LG WM4200HBA.
Whichever model you pick, steam is a quality-of-life feature worth a modest premium only if you actually use the refresh cycle. If you iron weekly, manage pet bedding, or want sanitization without bleach, the picks above will pay you back in saved time and softer, fresher laundry for years.
