Best Washer and Dryer 2022: Models Still Worth Buying Today

Buying advice for laundry pairs ages quickly — but the best washer and dryer 2022 models still appear on showroom floors, certified-refurbished sites, and Facebook Marketplace at significant discounts. Many of these machines remain genuinely competitive against current models, and a few outclass the 2026 lineups on build quality and basic reliability. This guide revisits the standout pairs from that model year, explains which still make sense to buy, and flags which to avoid even at deep discounts.

Why 2022 Models Still Matter

Three reasons to consider a 2022 washer/dryer pair in 2026: pricing has dropped 30-50% from MSRP, the 2022 lineup hit a sweet spot before manufacturers added IoT complexity that adds failure points, and parts availability remains strong with most brands continuing to support these machines through at least 2030. Refurbished and open-box deals on Best Buy and home center clearance sections regularly drop premium pairs into the $1,000-$1,400 range.

The trade-off: shorter remaining warranty life, no support for the latest detergent dispensing systems, and limited compatibility with newer smart-home platforms. For most households, none of these matter.

Top Front-Load Pair: LG WM4000HWA + DLEX4000W

LG’s 2022 WM4000HWA washer earned consistently high marks from Consumer Reports and laundry industry reviewers for cleaning performance, vibration control, and capacity. The 4.5 cu ft drum handles king-size comforters, and the TurboWash 360 cycle finishes a normal load in 29 minutes. Pair with the DLEX4000W electric dryer (or DLGX4001W gas) for matched 7.4 cu ft drying capacity.

Original MSRP $1,099 each ($2,198 pair). Current refurbished pricing $700-$850 each. Reliability has held up well — failure-rate data through 2026 shows under 8% needing major service in years 1-3.

Best Top-Load: Speed Queen TR7003WN + DR7003WE

Speed Queen built the TR7 series for households that wanted commercial-grade reliability in a residential package. Stainless steel basket, 25-year tub-and-cabinet warranty, mechanical timer instead of electronic touch panels, and a build quality that makes most consumer-grade machines look fragile by comparison. The matching dryer uses a powerful 7.0 cu ft drum with simple cycle selection.

Original MSRP $1,299 each. Speed Queen rarely discounts heavily, but 2022 inventory at independent dealers occasionally drops to $1,000-$1,150. For households averaging 8+ loads per week, the lifecycle math beats almost every other brand.

Best Smart Pair: Samsung WF50A8800AV + DVE50A8800V

Samsung’s 2022 8800 series introduced AI Smart Dial technology that learned cycle preferences and remembered detergent dispensing. The 5.0 cu ft front loader handled large loads quietly, and the matching electric dryer included steam refresh cycles plus the Multi-Steam sanitize option that hit 152°F dryer temperatures.

Original MSRP $1,499 each. Refurbished and open-box typically $850-$1,050. Reliability history is mixed — the AI dispensing system has higher failure rates than mechanical alternatives, but the underlying mechanical components are solid.

Best Compact Pair: Bosch WAT28400UC + WTG86400UC

Bosch’s 24-inch ventless heat-pump dryer paired with the matching 2.2 cu ft washer was the gold standard for apartment, condo, and small-laundry-closet installations in 2022 and remains so today. No vent required, runs on a standard 120V outlet, and the heat-pump dryer is dramatically more energy-efficient than electric resistance dryers.

Original MSRP $1,499 washer / $1,799 dryer. Current pricing $1,100-$1,350 each. The heat-pump dryer takes 90-120 minutes per load (versus 45-60 for vented), but for spaces without vent options, this pair has no real competition.

Best Budget Pair: Whirlpool WTW5000DW + WED5000DW

Whirlpool’s no-frills agitator top-load washer and matching electric dryer represented honest value in 2022 and continue to do so. 4.3 cu ft washer with deep fill option, simple knob controls, no touchscreens to fail, and a matching 7.0 cu ft dryer with auto-dry sensors.

Original MSRP $649 each. Current refurbished and clearance pricing $450-$550 each. For rental properties, basement laundries, and any application where reliability matters more than features, this pair remains the value benchmark.

Models From 2022 to Avoid

Not every 2022 lineup aged well. Skip these even at heavy discounts:

• GE GFW850SPNRS — high failure rate on the door lock assembly and known issues with the dispenser drawer
• Maytag MVW7232HW — agitator-less hybrid that left clothes inadequately rinsed in many real-world tests
• Samsung WV60M9900AV (FlexWash) — complex two-drum design with multiple known failure points
• Electrolux EFLS627UTT — replaced by Frigidaire-built models with reduced parts availability

Where to Find 2022 Models in 2026

The best sources for the best washer and dryer 2022 models today:

• Best Buy Outlet — open-box and refurbished with full warranty
• Manufacturer certified-refurb sites (LG, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool)
• Local appliance scratch-and-dent dealers
• Sears Outlet (where still operating)
• Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist (always test-run before paying)
• Costco return inventory at appliance liquidators

Always confirm warranty status before buying refurbished. Most manufacturer-certified refurbs include a 1-year warranty equivalent to new.

What to Inspect Before Buying Used

For private-party purchases, run a full cycle before paying:

• Listen for bearing noise during spin (rumbling indicates impending failure)
• Check for visible rust around the drum opening or detergent drawer
• Verify dispenser drawer slides smoothly and doesn’t leak
• Confirm door seal (boot) on front loaders is free of mold and tears
• Test all cycles, not just the default normal cycle
• Check serial number and verify model is not on any recall list