Start the wash from work with Whirlpool’s smart washer and dryer

By Jenny McGrath Published January 12, 2015

Who needs a smart washer and dryer? Anyone who wants to save money, according to Whirlpool. The company debuted its new connected appliances at CES 2015. Soon, consumers will be able to buy the Smart Top Load Washer and Dryer and control the machines via an app on their phones.

Whirlpool has been part of the Nest’s “Works with Nest” developer program (Nest also announced a bunch of new partners at CES), and the washer and dryer are compatible with the smart thermostat. If your Nest gets the signal that you’re home, the washer can switch to a quieter mode so you’re not disturbed. When you’re gone, the dryer can use the EcoBoost function; this lower temperature makes the cycle take longer, but if you’re not going to be home for a while, who cares?

That’s not the only way the appliances can save you money. Nest’s Rush Hour Rewards program cuts down on your power bill by only starting your washer or dryer when the energy demand is off-peak. The price of electricity rises during these “rush hours,” so it’s beneficial to delay your laundry until demand decreases. (Unless you really, really need your lucky shirt tomorrow; in that case, carry on.)

One cool part of the app is a troubleshooting feature. If the dryer starts acting up, it walks you through some steps to pinpoint the problem. Should all else fail, you can connect with a technician and get some professional help.

Not everything about the machine is dependent on it being smart; it can still be used as you would any laundry appliance. The washer’s touchscreen looks different from a traditional one. Instead of separate knobs for selecting temperature and load size, there are different options under “What to wash” and “How to wash.”

Whether you’re doing delicates, whites, or a mixed load, you can then choose if you want a normal, quick, or cold cycle. There are even special settings for baby clothes and bedding. Eventually, there will be downloadable cycles for specialized laundry needs. Request: Can we request a “sterilization” cycle for the next time we have a houseguest with a cold?

There’s no pricing available for the washer and dryer yet, but they’ll be available in spring 2015.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…

Topics

Photo Galleries

Smart Home

Best Memorial Day washer & dryer sales: Bundle deals from $1,160

The Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo washer and dryer in a laundry room.

Memorial Day is a day known for bringing in the best sales, especially on appliances. But, as with most deals, the savings start early nowadays. As a result, people are flocking to check out retailers for deals on appliances big and small. Here, we've collected some of the best washer and dryer bundles, giving you the chance to wash and dry with just one buy. Some offers we're finding as part of Best Buy Memorial Day deals, but there are also some (including our favorite) that are coming directly from the manufacturer. Here's what we've got so far this year.
Our favorite Memorial Day washer & dryer bundle

One of the worst parts about doing laundry is the fact that you have to have both a washer and a dryer. They're bulky, take up space, and are both relatively expensive machines. That's why we're excited about this deal from Samsung, which is surprisingly one of the best places to buy a washer and dryer, on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. At just 27 x 43.7 x 34.4 inches this single machine takes your clothing from washed to dried in about 98 minutes, without you needing to transfer anything over to another space-hogging machine. And that's just the beginning of the conveniences you'll get out of Samsung's Bespoke AI Laundry Combo.

Smart Home

The best places to buy a washer and dryer in 2024

Samsung Washer and Dryer in a house.

New appliances are a big purchase any way you look at it, from a refrigerator to a washer and dryer set. That means when you make the purchase, you want to ensure you're choosing the right appliance. It must last for years, do the job efficiently, and offer convenient features that make your task easier. In the case of washers and dryers, they'll need to effectively wash clothes but also do so without wasting water and energy. It doesn't hurt to have a healthy selection of cleaning cycles and functions to choose from, like being able to steam dry clothes, de-wrinkle them, or wash them on various temperature settings. Smart appliances are available these days, too, from several manufacturers, allowing you to connect to the system with your smartphone or remotely control them. The same variety is true for where you buy your appliances. Some places offer free shipping, great prices, extended warranties, or even service coverage. To help narrow down all of those choices, we've gathered up all of the best places to buy a washer and dryer in 2024, with detailed specs about each.
The best places to buy a washer and dryer

Shop at for its broad selection and free home delivery on most appliances.
Shop at for its forgiving return policies.
Shop at if you're a My Best Buy Rewards member for excellent perks.
Shop at if you want a limited but quality selection of appliances, and you have a membership -- or want one.
Shop at for both an online and in-store experience.
Shop at if you want a suitable alternative to the other options on the list.
Shop at for its incredible deals like free home delivery and installation included plus rebate offers.
Shop at for quick replacements and affordable units.

Smart Home

The 6 best washer and dryer brands in 2024

An LG WashTower in a kitchen area.

There is absolutely nothing better than having a washer and dryer readily available in your own home. Some of us may take advantage of this perk, but it is truly life changing. It is important to have a washer and dryer that make your life easier, not more difficult. We're previously shared our list of the best washing machine brands , and now we've rounding up six favorite and coveted washer and dryer brands that won't make you dread doing your laundry. Plus, they all feature a range of color options, prices and styles to make sure they fit comfortable and aesthetically in your home.
LG

Anyone who owns a home knows how great LG appliances can be. Loaded with advanced features and innovation, these washer and dryers will enhance your laundry experience. Since the brand is so reliable, you shouldn't think twice about purchasing a washer and dryer from LG that include options such as top load and front load washers and dryers, washer dryer combos, and washer and dryer towers.