How to Choose a Used Washer and Dryer: The Complete Buyer's Guide

Buying a used washer and dryer doesn't have to feel like a gamble. With the right knowledge, you can find a reliable set that serves you well for years — at a fraction of what you'd pay new. This guide covers everything you need to consider before making your purchase.

Step 1: Figure Out What You Need

Before you start shopping, answer a few basic questions:

Gas or electric dryer? Check the hookup in your laundry space. If you see a standard 3-prong or 4-prong 240V outlet (it's much larger than a regular outlet), you need an electric dryer. If you see a gas line connection, you need a gas dryer. This isn't a preference — it's determined by your home's setup. If you're not sure, take a photo and ask your dealer.

Top load or front load? Top-load washers are simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain. Front-load washers are more water-efficient, gentler on clothes, and offer larger capacities. Both are perfectly good choices — it comes down to your priorities and budget.

What capacity do you need? For one or two people, a standard capacity (3.5-4.0 cu ft washer) is plenty. For a family of four or more, look for large capacity (4.5+ cu ft). If you regularly wash bulky items like comforters, go bigger.

What connections do you have? Most laundry hookups in Austin homes use standard hot and cold water supply lines and a drain standpipe. Measure the space — you'll want to know the width, depth, and height available, including any clearance needed for doors or lids to open.

Step 2: Know What to Inspect

Whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller, here's what to check:

The exterior. Some cosmetic wear is normal and doesn't affect performance. What you're looking for is structural damage — dents that might indicate the machine was dropped, rust that could signal water damage, or cracked panels that expose internal components.

The drum. Open the washer and look inside. The drum should be clean, free of rust, and spin freely when you push it. In front-load washers, check the rubber door seal (gasket) for mold, tears, or gaps — this is the most common issue with used front-loaders.

The controls. Turn every knob and press every button. Do they click firmly? Do the digital displays light up? Mushy or unresponsive controls can indicate electrical issues.

Run a test cycle. This is non-negotiable. Any seller who won't let you run a wash cycle is hiding something. Listen for unusual grinding, banging, or squealing sounds. Watch for leaks around the door seal, supply connections, and drain hose. The machine should agitate (or tumble) smoothly without excessive vibration.

Check the dryer vent. Pull the dryer away from the wall and check the vent connection. A clogged or improperly connected dryer vent is a fire hazard. The vent should use rigid or semi-rigid metal ductwork — never plastic or vinyl.

Smell test. Open the washer and take a sniff. A musty or moldy smell in a front-load washer usually means the door seal needs cleaning or replacing. A burning smell from the dryer could indicate lint buildup or a worn belt.

Step 3: Pick a Reliable Brand

Our experience with over 1,000 units suggests this reliability ranking for used machines:

Most reliable used: Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore (Whirlpool-made models)
Reliable with caveats: GE, Amana, Kenmore (LG-made models)
Can be great but inspect carefully: Samsung, LG

The common thread? Simpler machines with fewer electronic components tend to be more reliable as used purchases. A Whirlpool top-load washer with a mechanical timer has far fewer potential failure points than a Samsung with a touchscreen and WiFi.

Step 4: Understand the Guarantee

Private sellers typically offer no guarantee. What you see is what you get. This is the biggest risk of buying through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.

Reputable dealers should offer a written guarantee. This gives you time to use the machines normally and identify any issues that weren't apparent during a quick test cycle. At Longhorn Washer and Dryer, we include a repair-only guarantee with every set — a full year on top-load washers, all dryers, and top-load sets, and 60 days on any front-load washer or any set that includes one, free with our $150 professional install.

Extended guarantees from third-party providers are also available for used appliances. Whether they're worth the cost depends on the age and brand of the unit.

Step 5: Plan for Delivery

A washer and dryer set weighs 300-400 pounds combined. Unless you have a truck, two strong friends, and experience moving heavy appliances, you'll want professional delivery.

Things to confirm with your delivery provider: Do they deliver to your area? Is installation included (hooking up water lines, drain, power, and dryer vent)? Will they haul away your old units? What's the delivery timeframe?

At Longhorn, we offer free delivery within 20 miles of our Hutto shop — same-day when you order before 8:30 AM — reaching Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Taylor (paid zones apply beyond 20 miles). Professional installation is $150, electric only, and haul-away of your old units is $50 per machine at delivery.

Step 6: Maintain Your Used Set

A used washer and dryer will last years longer with basic maintenance:

Monthly: Run a cleaning cycle on your washer (hot water with washer cleaner or a cup of white vinegar). Clean the lint trap on your dryer after every load.

Quarterly: Check and clean the dryer vent hose for lint buildup. Inspect washer supply hoses for bulging, cracking, or leaks.

Annually: Pull the dryer out and disconnect the vent to clean it thoroughly. Consider professional dryer vent cleaning — it's inexpensive and reduces fire risk. Check that your washer is level (an unbalanced washer vibrates excessively and wears out faster).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying purely on price. The cheapest used set isn't always the best deal. A $200 washer that breaks in 3 months costs more than a $500 washer that lasts 5 years.

Ignoring the dryer type. Make sure you're buying the right fuel type for your home. An electric dryer won't work with a gas hookup and vice versa.

Skipping the test cycle. Never buy a used appliance sight unseen or without testing it first. Pictures and descriptions can be misleading.

Not measuring your space. Measure twice, buy once. Nothing is worse than getting a machine delivered only to find it doesn't fit through your laundry room door.

Buying from an unverified source. Stick with established dealers who have reviews, a physical location, and a guarantee. The used appliance market unfortunately attracts some sellers who flip broken machines with minimal fixes.

Ready to Shop?

We keep a rotating inventory of 15-25 cleaned and tested washer and dryer sets in our Austin shop. Every unit goes through our inspection process before it hits the floor, and everything ships with free delivery within 20 miles of our Hutto shop (same-day when you order before 8:30 AM) and our repair guarantee.

Browse our current inventory | Learn about our process | See our delivery area