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When buying a washing machine and dryer, one of the most critical features you have to consider nowadays are energy efficiency, and whether the appliance you buy suits your lifestyle and the space you have available. When we speak about lifestyle, we consider how often we actually use these appliances and what we use them for. In this case, what garments we actually wash.

A stainless-steel tub is useful if you wash often. If you wash less frequently, only on weekends, for example, a porcelain-coated tub or one made of high-grade plastic will do just fine. There are stacked washer-dryer units in apartment-size or full-size for those with limited space. Remember also that the size of your washer should match your dryer's capacity.

Think about what you will use them for. You'll need a washer with different specialty cycles and a second rinse if you often wash a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness. For loads of different sizes, you want multiple water-level settings. You might also like to consider a washer with the ability to raise water temperature, which can be useful for cleaning laundry faster and more efficiently. Other items to consider are automatic temperature regulators; a must in cold climates, they ensure that wash water comes in at a constant temperature for the setting.

The two common types of washing machines are top-load models and front-load washers. Top-load washers allow you to access the wash tub without bending. These models have to be placed beside a dryer, however. While these machines cost less initially, they are also less energy-efficient in the long run.

The front-load machine is gaining in popularity because of its energy efficiency. These models use only up to one-half of the water that is usually needed for a top-load machine. This also means less time and energy used for heating. Agitators also spin faster on front-load models, so you won't have to spend that much time drying them. Although they save on energy costs, front loaders cost more at purchase; some require a special detergent.

When selecting a dryer, the capacity you choose should go together with your washing machine's capacity. A washer with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, for example, requires a 7-cubic-foot dryer capacity. If space is a problem, you might think about getting a stack washer-dryer model that can fit in a closet.

Dryers are powered by either gas or electricity. Gas models are typically more costly to purchase, but it will prove to be more energy efficient and economical in the long run. By law, dryers must have at least one automatic-drying cycle, but the best dryers include moisture sensors, which automatically shut down the machine whenever the moisture level in the drum drops below a certain point. Other options include a cool-down cycle that keeps garments from wrinkling, a damp-dry cycle that prepares clothes for ironing.