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When buying a washing machine and dryer, the most important features you have to think about nowadays are energy efficiency, and whether the appliance you buy suits your lifestyle and the space you have available. In terms of lifestyle, think about how often you use the washer and what you wash.

If you wash often, you will get the best performance from a stainless-steel tub. High-grade plastic tubs or porcelain-coated ones will work fine for those who wash less frequently. You can get a stacking washer-dryer unit if you don't have much space. Remember also that the size of your washer should match your dryer's capacity.

Think about what you will use them for. If your laundry includes a variety of fabrics and levels of dirtiness, choose a machine that offers specialty cycles such as delicate and extra soak, as well as one for a second rinse. 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.

There are two styles of washers: front-load, which gives the best energy efficiency, and top-load, which is the most common type. Top-load washers allow you to access the wash tub without bending. These models have to be placed beside a dryer, however. Top-load models cost less, although it will prove to be an energy hog in the long run.

More people are now buying front-load washers 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. They are usually more expensive than top-load washing machines, however, and you may need to buy special detergent for some models.

When selecting a dryer, always remember that the capacity you choose should match that of your washer's. A washer with a 3.5-cubic-foot capacity, for instance, requires a 7-cubic-foot dryer capacity. You can always buy a stacking model that can fit in a closet if space is a problem.

Dryers are powered by either gas or electricity, with gas being a bit more expensive to purchase but the most economical and efficient 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.