The best smart washers and washer-dryer combos of 2026

Check the energy figure: the EU energy label on European models shows kWh per 100 cycles, so divide by 100. For example, 50 kWh/100 cycles means 0.5 kWh per Eco 40-60 wash, or about 5¢ at an example rate of 10¢ per kWh. Canada's EnerGuide label gives estimated kWh per year instead. Hotter washes cost far more, because most of the energy goes into heating water. Washing cold or at 30°C with full loads is the simplest saving.

Separate machines are better if you have the space: you can wash and dry at the same time, and a heat pump dryer uses far less energy than most washer-dryer combos. A combo suits small apartments or condos with room for one appliance, but it dries a smaller load than it washes. Check both the washing and the drying capacity before you buy.

Usually because detergent residue and grime go mouldy in the door seal, detergent drawer or filter, especially if you only wash at low temperatures. Run an empty maintenance cycle at 60°C or above with a washer cleaner. Wipe the rubber seal, clean the drawer and the pump filter, and leave the door and drawer ajar between loads. Using too much detergent or fabric softener makes the problem worse.

A heat pump dryer is much cheaper to run than a condenser model, though each cycle takes longer. Compare the energy consumption figure on the label rather than the letter alone. In winter, or whenever laundry can't go on the line, the saving adds up quickly. Clean the lint filter after every load, as fire safety advice recommends, and empty the water container if it isn't connected to a drain.

It's worth it if you'll use remote start, end-of-cycle alerts or scheduling around cheaper time-of-use rates; otherwise a good standard machine washes just as well. Auto-dosing, offered on some models, stops you from using too much detergent. Remote start usually needs to be enabled on the machine with the door closed. Every program still works without Wi-Fi, and you can switch the connection off at any time.