How to choose

Here's what to consider if it's time for a new washing machine:

Decide which type you want

If you'll be running your washer in a dry basement, the prospects of excess vibration and mold buildup need not sway you from a front-loader. But better top-loaders, billed high-efficiency (HE), tend to finish faster.

Take the long view

Washer and dryer owners tend to keep their machines 10 to 13 years, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders. So high-efficiency models can end up costing the same as or less than standard models.

Be choosy about features

Auto temperature control offers consistent water temperature and wash performance on a given setting. In general, you might never need more than four or five wash cycles.

Keep your old dryer

There's no reason to replace a working dryer, because the technology hasn't changed. But when your drier dies, get one with a moisture sensor and, if your laundry is near bedrooms, an end-of-cycle signal that can be turned off. Our surveys have found no reliability differences among major gas-dryer brands.

Skip the extended warranty

Our surveys show that most washers and dryers don't break during the extended-warranty period. When they do break, repairs tend to cost about the same as the warranty.