Black FridayGuide

Black Friday Washer and Dryer Deals 2026: What to Compare

What to compare on a washer and dryer around Black Friday 2026: front-load or top-load, electric, gas or heat pump dryers, clearances, outlets and capacity.

By Appliance Error Codes editorial teamUpdated October 31, 20264 min readHow we research

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For a washer and dryer around Black Friday 2026, settle three things first: front-load or top-load, the dryer’s fuel type, and whether the pair fits your space with its clearances. Then compare capacity and the EnergyGuide label. If the old washer is showing a drain or water code, read that first, as it may be a small fix.

Washer codes that may not need a new washer

Three washer codes are worth reading before you measure anything. LG ties OE to a kinked hose or clogged drain pump filter and IE to closed faucets, kinked hoses or a clogged inlet filter. Whirlpool’s first checks for F9 E1 are kinks or clogs in the drain hose. For other F and E codes, Whirlpool says to disconnect power for 5 minutes and restart, then contact it or schedule service if the code persists. Your model may differ. Our LG, Samsung and Whirlpool pages list more.

What to compare in a washer and dryer

Capacity, efficiency and hookups decide how a washer and dryer will fit and run in your home.

Spec	Washer	Dryer
Capacity	Drum size in cubic feet	4.4 cubic feet or more is standard, under that is compact
Efficiency rating	Higher IMEF (energy factor) is more energy efficient; lower IWF (gallons of water per cubic foot of capacity) is more water efficient	Higher CEF (energy factor) is more energy efficient
Label	Yellow EnergyGuide	ENERGY STAR certification
Hookup	Hot and cold water, drain standpipe	Electric or gas, plus venting unless ventless
Useful feature	Agitator-free tub for bulky items	Moisture sensors that end the cycle automatically

Front-load or top-load washer: where the difference shows

The front-load or top-load choice has a large effect on a washer’s energy and water use. ENERGY STAR says its certified front-load washers use about 50% less energy and water than top-load agitator models. Across all types, certified washers use about 20% less energy and about 30% less water than regular ones.

A top-load washer does not have to mean an agitator. ENERGY STAR describes top-load impeller models, where a low-profile cone or disc replaces the agitator and leaves more usable room for items such as comforters. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label on any model you compare; the FTC’s labeling rule covers clothes washers, and the label shows estimated yearly operating cost against similar models.

A woman loading towels into a top-load washing machine — Top-load washers may have a central agitator or a low impeller: the listing should say which.

If the space is tight, look at compact, stackable or combination designs, and check the drum size against your usual load.

Drain standpipe height is worth measuring if you are changing models. Whirlpool’s help page for its front-load washers lists 39 to 96 inches, so confirm the figure for the machine you pick.

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Dryer fuel type: electric, gas or heat pump

Your dryer’s fuel type usually comes down to what is already in the wall. Samsung’s setup page sets out the difference for its own dryers, and other makers’ numbers may vary.

Electric. Samsung asks for a 240-volt, 60 Hz outlet on a 30-amp fuse or breaker. The cord is not included, and Samsung says homes built before 2000 usually have a 3-prong outlet, with a 4-prong typical otherwise.
Gas. Samsung asks for a 120-volt outlet on 15 amps as well as the gas supply. If there is no gas line, Samsung’s advice is to contact your local gas company. LG also advises getting a specialist’s help with gas installs. This is not a do-it-yourself job.
Heat pump. ENERGY STAR says these use around 70% less energy than conventional dryers, condense moisture in a closed loop and need no exterior vent. The water drains away or collects in a tank, and some makers sell a kit that sends it to the washer’s drain.

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Dryer clearances and venting differ by maker

Read the installation guide before you buy a dryer, because the clearance figures change from maker to maker. Samsung asks for at least 4 inches behind the dryer and 1 inch at the sides and top. LG’s checklist asks for at least 2 inches each side, 7.8 inches above and 4 inches at the back on electric models, or 5 inches at the back on gas. A closet needs air openings, according to Samsung.

Both makers want a 4-inch metal duct, and LG advises short, straight runs. Samsung rules out flexible plastic duct and recommends a professional for a first-time duct or a gas line.

The route into the house counts too. LG suggests leaving about 2 to 4 inches between the packaged dryer and the walls of hallways, stairs, doorways and elevators, so measure with the box in mind and not just the machine.

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For delivery questions, warranty terms and how to judge a listing, see the Black Friday appliance guide. The kitchen has its own guides for a refrigerator and a dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions

Is a heat pump dryer the same as a ventless dryer?

A heat pump dryer is one kind of ventless dryer. ENERGY STAR describes heat pump dryers as closed-loop machines that condense moisture and need no exterior vent, with the water drained away or emptied from a tank. It says they use around 70% less energy than conventional dryers.

What outlet does a dryer need?

Samsung says its electric dryers need a 240-volt outlet on a 30-amp fuse or breaker, and the cord is not included, while its gas dryers use a 120-volt outlet plus a gas line. Requirements vary by maker and model, so check the installation guide before you buy, and use a professional for any gas line.

How big should a dryer be compared with the washer?

ENERGY STAR says the dryer drum needs to fit a full load from your washer with room left for air to move. It treats 4.4 cubic feet or more as standard and anything under that as compact, so compare the two capacity figures before you buy a mismatched pair.