The Best Smart Washers and Washer-Dryer Combos of 2026

On models sold in Europe, the EU energy label gives kWh per 100 cycles of the Eco 40-60 program: divide by 100 and multiply by your rate. For example, 50 kWh/100 cycles means 0.5 kWh per Eco 40-60 wash, or about 10 cents at an example 20 cents per kWh. In the US, the yellow EnergyGuide label shows an estimated yearly cost instead. Hotter washes cost far more, because most of the energy goes into heating water. Washing full loads at 86°F (30°C) is the simplest way to save.

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 with room for only 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 turn moldy in the door gasket, the dispenser drawer or the filter, especially if you only wash on cold or low settings. Run an empty maintenance cycle at 140°F (60°C) or above with a washer cleaner. Wipe the rubber gasket, clean the dispenser drawer and the drain 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. On models sold in Europe, compare the kWh figure on the EU energy label rather than the letter alone: since July 1, 2025, dryers carry a new A to G label whose classes don't match the old A+++ scale. If you run the dryer most days, the savings add up quickly. Clean the lint filter after every load, and empty the water container if the dryer isn't connected to a drain.

It's worth it if you'll use remote start, end-of-cycle alerts or scheduling for off-peak hours on a time-of-use rate plan; otherwise a good standard washer cleans just as well. Auto-dosing, offered on some models, keeps you from using too much detergent. Remote start usually has to be enabled on the machine with the door closed. Every cycle still works without Wi-Fi, and you can turn the connection off at any time.