GE Spacemaker GTUP270EMWW

The GE Spacemaker GTUP270EMWW is the only full-sized laundry center (27 inches wide) that gets above-average ratings from users in our sources. This washer-dryer has most of the features you'd expect to find on a standard top-loading washer, nine wash cycles, four temperature options and dial controls. However, the wash basket is made of plastic, a less durable material than the stainless steel or porcelain found in most standalone washers. The dryer has a moisture sensor, which is important for saving energy and preventing overdrying that can damage clothing. The washer-dryer requires a 240-volt dedicated outlet, but on the plus side, this amount of power allows you to run the washer and dryer at the same time. This laundry center also comes in a gas-powered version, the GTUP270GMWW (*Est. $1,400) .

Users generally like the GE Spacemaker's cleaning performance, and they say its 3.3-cubic-foot capacity allows them to run a full load of laundry at once. They also say it runs quietly. However, we saw many complaints that the dryer damages clothing by snagging buttons, zippers and drawstrings in the lint filter. In addition, we found some complaints about this laundry center's reliability. If you don't have the space for a full-sized laundry center, consider a compact model, such as the 24-inch-wide Whirlpool LTE5243DQ (*Est. $1,250) . This laundry center generally gets better ratings for reliability than the GE, but it cannot handle a full-sized load.

HomeDepot.com was our best source of reviews for the GE Spacemaker GTUP270EMWW, with about 25 reviews total. We also found about 10 additional reviews at Sears.com and AJMadison.com.