The list of washer and dryer features is nearly endless. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best features and technology available for your laundry appliances: drying programs, sensor drying, steam or sanitization cycles, and smart/connected capabilities, to help buyers understand their benefits and choose the best options for their needs.

Washer features:

• Wash cycles Modern washers have different wash cycles with unique functions, making the washing experience as efficient as possible. Common wash cycles include normal, delicate (or hand-washable cycles), permanent press, and heavy-duty. There are also quick wash options that help you save time and water. Conn’s HomePlus carries high-tech washers that provide specialty cycles as well, such as allergen, sanitize, bedding, activewear, denim, and more. Each one has a specific washing time, temperature, and spin speed that’s ideally suited for that fabric or clothing type. If you’re unsure which cycle to use, be sure to check the tags on your clothes.
• Water level There’s a Goldilocks zone where the amount of water you’re using to wash your clothes is just right. That’s why most washers give you low, medium, and high water level options. Choosing the appropriate level helps you conserve water and energy. Your small loads of laundry are fine with the low level, but larger loads or heavily soiled items need a high water level to make sure everything gets cleaned thoroughly.
• Automatic temperature control Washers with auto temperature control technology detect the water temperature and adjust the heating element accordingly. This feature also ensures that the water temperature stays consistent during the washing cycle — a crucial part to completely cleaning clothes and removing stains.
• Internal water heater Similar to auto temperature control, built-in water heater washing machines effectively adjust the appliance’s water temperature. Since hot water more effectively cleans clothes, maintaining the perfect temperature no matter the season is critical. This ability is especially important for heavily soiled items, so it’s a popular pick for those with kids, pets, or both.
• Pause cycle Need to add one more piece of clothing mid-wash? Want extra-dirty clothes to soak a bit longer? Washers with a pause button or pause mode make it easy. Keep in mind that some models may have a lock feature that won’t let you access the clothes until the drum is drained. Also, letting damp clothes sit for several hours isn’t a good idea as they’ll start to grow bacteria and mold.
• Maintenance and mold prevention From washers treated with antimicrobial technology to models that can automatically self clean, Conn’s HomePlus has premium washers that are easy to maintain in tip-top shape. Plus, we only carry the best brands with high-quality washer construction. So everything is properly built and sealed to better prevent any issues.
• Built-in sink and water jet If you want to meticulously clean items, some washers come with a sink and water source. It’s one of the most practical pre-treat options (along with washers with built-in dispensers for detergent). The sink and jet let you scrub or soak items effortlessly before fully washing them. Plus, it saves you space in utility and laundry rooms that otherwise might have required a sink.
• Automatic detergent dispensers This is one of the most convenient features of modern washers. Basically, your washer stores a supply of detergent in a dedicated compartment. Once a cycle starts, the detergent is released into the drum automatically. Neat, right? In addition to detergent, some models can dispense fabric softener, bleach, or other cleaning agents.
• Load-balancing For a washer that runs super smoothly and quietly, you need load-balancing. This handy feature keeps wet clothes from building up on one side of the drum as it spins. The effects? Reduced noise, increased energy efficiency, and a longer life for your washer. Load-balancing washers are a good choice for large families or those who frequently wash heavy items like comforters, bedding, and towels.

Dryer features:

• Reverse tumbling No, this isn’t a gymnastics move. Reverse tumble dryers help keep clothes from bunching and creasing. It does this by having the drum change direction in the middle of a cycle. The result? Fast, even drying that gives clothing a fresh look when they come out of the dryer. Seriously, no ironing or wrinkle-remover spray required.
• Post-dry or extended tumbling Dryers with an extended tumble feature also provide ready-to-wear clothes right out of the machine. Again, this reduces wrinkling and saves you the time of hanging up or laying flat your clothing to dry. That’s because post-dry tumbling washers go beyond the normal cycle, allowing your clothes to completely dry without sitting long enough to get messy.
• Moisture sensors Do you get frustrated when a dryer cycle is complete but the clothes aren’t fully dry? Think about getting a dryer with a moisture sensor or sensor dry technology. These cutting-edge machines adjust the drying time depending on how much moisture is detected. Not only does this ensure no damp items, but it also helps prevent over-drying of your clothes, which can end up damaging clothing.
• Heat pump technology Heat pump dryers use advanced technology to recycle the hot air used to dry clothes, so they’re one of the most energy-efficient types of dryers. Rather than heating air like a traditional dryer, this kind circulates hot air through the drum, and then uses the heat pump to extract moisture from the air.
• Drying rack Finally, the solution for stuffed animals, shoes, sweaters, and more — dryers with a drying rack. These racks fit snugly inside the dryer and give you a flat area for your items to dry on. Some dryers come with a drying rack included, while others have racks that can be bought separately. Thankfully, drying racks are easy to insert and remove from the dryer, so you won’t waste lots of time doing it.

• What do we mean by capacity when talking about washers and dryers? Capacity expresses the amount of laundry that can be loaded into the washer or dryer at one time. The capacity for most laundry appliances is measured in cubic feet. The more cubic feet available, the more space you have to wash and dry your clothes.
• There are a few key benefits to larger capacity appliances. First off, they save you time and effort — especially for households with more people. Secondly, a larger size can help reduce wear and tear on your appliances. That’s because when a washer or dryer is overloaded, it has to work extra hard, leading to more strain on the machine over time. This can cause more repairs or a shorter lifespan for the appliance.
• Conn’s HomePlus carries a wide range of appliances, from small-capacity washers with only 4.2 cu. ft. of space to mega-capacity dryers with 9 cu. ft. of room inside. We also offer a variety of appliance sizes. There are slim washers and dryers that are only 23” wide, but also extra-wide appliances that can are nearly 33” in width. That’s why it’s important to measure your available space and pay attention to washer and dryer sizes when shopping for them.

• It may not be top of mind, but how soft or loud appliances are can drastically impact how you feel about your purchase, especially afterward. So it’s important to think about it before you buy! Worried about disturbing family members or neighbors? Want a more peaceful laundry experience? Look for washers and dryers from Conn’s HomePlus designed with special insulation and vibration-reducing features that will absorb excess sound, keeping it from escaping.
• Quiet washers and dryers with noise-reduction technologies are easy on the ears. These washers and dryers with low noise levels lead to lower stress levels, too. Who knew that laundry day could affect your mood so much? If your appliances are placed in an open space that echoes sound or a smaller apartment, vibration-reducing features make a big difference. Trust us, there’s nothing quite as annoying as washers and dryers that shake or rumble when in use.
• When browsing our selection, remember that front-loading washers and gas dryers are often quieter than top-loaders and electric dryers. Aso, be sure to check the decibel (dB) rating of the machine if it’s available. Decibel ratings below 50 are considered quiet, while those above 60 may be too loud. That might seem like a small window, but it’s definitely noticeable.

• Your washing machine and dryer are essential household appliances that deserve lots of thought before finally buying them. Here are some quick tips for getting the best bang for your buck:
• Size (and capacity) matters: Choose a washer and dryer that can accommodate the size of your household's laundry needs. Have a big family? You’ll probably need a mega-capacity washing machine or an efficient washer-dryer combination that may require more loads to finish your laundry. Yes, large-capacity washers and dryers may be costlier, but they can save time and energy, too.
• Think energy efficiency: If you’re envisioning the long-term, you may want energy-efficient washers and dryers. After all, these can save you money on your utility bills, which add up over time. Just be sure to find Energy Star-rated washers and dryers as these meet strict efficiency standards. Keep in mind though that this type of appliance can come with a slightly higher price tag.
• Determine your type: Affordable washers and dryers can cost less than $400. It simply depends on the type of washer and dryer you need. Whether you choose front-loading, top-loading, portable, or combination washer-dryers, each type has its advantages and disadvantages. However, it’s important to remember that more traditional washers and dryers can be priced between $600 and $800 while those with advanced features and technology will be a bit more.
• Don’t discount durability and reliability: Does your washer and dryer brand have a good reputation? Is it known for lasting a long time? Has the brand itself been around for awhile? It may seem insignificant, but doing some initial research will save you headaches down the road. One crucial thing to do? Read reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends. Real people and real-world experiences can shed a lot of light on the unseen pros and cons of different washers and dryers.
• Features and technology: If you want more than just a basic washer and dryer, check out larger capacity models or those with smart features. Ultra-large capacity washers and premium smart dryers can cost over $2,000. However, the cost comes with several key benefits. These types of luxury laundry appliances boast sleek, space-saving designs along with smart capabilities. That may include AI fabric sensors, advanced washing and drying technologies, steam cleaning, and scratch-resistant materials.
• Budget: Conn’s HomePlus has budget-friendly washers and dryers as well as deluxe smart models. The pricing between these can vary. A lot. So figure out your budget first, determine what you’re prioritizing in your appliances, and stick to it. Finally, don’t forget that Conn’s HomePlus offers appliance financing to make buying the best home items easy and affordable.