How Much Should You Pay for a Used Washer and Dryer?
Real price ranges, the hidden costs most buyers miss, and how to tell a fair deal from a risky one.
Quick answer
- Plan on about $450 to $650 for a refurbished washer and dryer set from a dealer.
- Compare the total cost: price, transportation, hookup parts, repairs and haul-away.
- A tested set with a written warranty is often the better deal, even if the asking price is higher.
- Our sets are $485 delivered, with hookup, haul-away and a 90-day parts and labor warranty.
If you're shopping for a used washer and dryer, one of the biggest questions is how much you should actually spend.
Should you pay $250 for a set from someone on Facebook Marketplace? Is $500 a fair price for a refurbished washer and dryer? And is there a real difference between buying from an individual and buying from a professional appliance dealer?
The answer depends on much more than the advertised price.
At Just Washers & Dryers, we believe buying used laundry appliances should be about getting dependable machines at a fair price, not just finding the cheapest one.
A washer and dryer are two of the most-used appliances in most homes. If you have children, work long hours, or simply prefer doing laundry at home, reliable machines save you a lot of time and hassle. And you don't have to spend $1,500 or more on brand-new appliances to get that convenience.
Here's what you should expect to pay, what affects the price, and how to avoid paying too much.
What is the average price of a used washer and dryer?
Used washer and dryer prices vary a lot depending on the brand, model, age, condition and seller. These approximate ranges can help you set a budget.
| Appliance | Typical budget |
|---|---|
| Basic used top-load washer | $150–$300 |
| Basic used electric dryer | $125–$275 |
| Used set from a private seller | $300–$600 |
| Refurbished set from a dealer | $450–$750 |
| Higher-end used set | $600–$1,000+ |
These are general ranges to help you plan, not a survey of current Metro Atlanta listings. Prices can fall outside them.
For most budget-minded shoppers, a standard washer and dryer set in good working order is worth considering before you pay extra for premium features. A traditional top-load washer and a standard electric dryer handle everyday laundry very well.
Is $500 a good price for a used washer and dryer set?
In many cases, yes, as long as both machines work well and the seller can show you they do. A $500 set that has been tested is very different from one that hasn't.
Imagine two sellers offering similar-looking machines:
- Seller A is an individual who just moved and wants to get rid of an older washer and dryer for $350. The machines are disconnected, and the seller says they worked the last time they were used.
- Seller B is an appliance dealer offering a refurbished set for about $500. The dealer can explain what was checked, show that the machines run, and put the warranty in writing.
Seller A has the lower price, but Seller B gives you more confidence. Neither is automatically better. What matters is how much risk you're taking on and whether the price reflects that risk.
For a closer look at this decision, read Is Buying a Used Washer and Dryer Worth It?
For comparison, our refurbished sets are $485 delivered. Every machine is cleaned and function-tested, and the price includes standard hookup, haul-away of the machines we replace, and a 90-day parts and labor warranty.
What determines the price of a used washer and dryer?
1. The brand and model
Brand can affect used prices, but don't overpay just for a familiar name. Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, Speed Queen, LG, Samsung and others have made many different washer and dryer designs.
Some models have simple mechanical parts that are easy to find. Others have advanced electronics or major parts that are expensive to repair. For example, many standard Whirlpool-family dryers use common service parts that are widely available, which makes them good used buys. But even a popular model isn't worth much if it has serious mechanical damage.
Our advice: focus on the exact model and its condition, not just the brand name. See our guide to the best used washer and dryer brands.
2. Age
Age matters, but it shouldn't be your only test. A five-year-old washer that ran several loads every day may be more worn than a ten-year-old washer that ran a few loads a week and was well cared for.
Most used appliances don't have an hour meter showing how long they've run. That's why hands-on inspection and testing matter so much.
3. Mechanical condition
This is one of the biggest factors in a machine's value.
- A washer should fill, wash, drain and spin properly.
- A dryer should tumble, heat when it should, and run without strange noises or signs of overheating.
A worn bearing, damaged transmission, bad control board or serious leak can mean repairs that cost hundreds of dollars. That's how a cheap purchase quickly becomes an expensive one.
4. Cosmetic appearance
Everyone prefers machines that look clean, but minor scratches and dents don't affect how well a washer cleans or a dryer dries. A machine with a few scuffs that runs perfectly can be a smart buy.
On the other hand, heavy rust, damaged controls, broken doors or signs of water damage should be checked closely. We'd rather buy a scratched washer that finishes every cycle than a spotless one with a problem nobody has fixed.
5. Whether the machines have been refurbished
"Refurbished" is used a lot in the used appliance business, but not every seller means the same thing. Some sellers clean machines and run a quick test. Others replace worn parts, fix problems and test more thoroughly.
Before you pay more for a refurbished appliance, ask what the seller actually did. A real inspection checks that a washer fills, washes, drains and spins, and that a dryer heats, tumbles, and has working controls and a clear airflow path. A properly checked machine is worth more than an untested one.
Should you buy a used washer and dryer separately or as a set?
Many people assume a matching set is always best. Not necessarily. A Whirlpool washer works perfectly well next to a GE dryer, as long as both fit your space and your hookups. For side-by-side machines, matching brands and colors are mostly about looks.
Stacking is the exception. A stacked pair needs compatible models and the manufacturer's stacking kit, or a one-piece stackable unit.
When buying from different private sellers, a $250 washer and a $200 dryer ($450 total) may be a better value than a $650 matching set with similar performance. But buying both from one seller makes transportation, delivery and warranty questions simpler, and dealers often price a set below two singles. At Just Washers & Dryers, a set is $485, compared with $518 for a washer and a dryer bought separately ($259 each).
Either way, compare the total cost and the condition of both machines.
Don't forget the hidden costs
The asking price is only part of the cost. Also count transportation, installation, hookup parts, possible repairs, and getting rid of your old machines. Here's a hypothetical private sale next to a real delivered price from us.
Example A: buying from a private seller
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Used washer and dryer set | $350 |
| Truck rental or paid help to move it | $100 |
| New hoses and dryer cord | $40 |
| Unexpected repair | $175 |
| Hauling away your old machines | Your time or a fee |
| Total | $665+ |
Example B: a refurbished set from Just Washers & Dryers
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Refurbished washer and dryer set | $485 |
| Delivery fee (example ZIP code) | $25 |
| Hookup with new hoses, 3- or 4-prong cord and vent | Included |
| Haul-away of the machines we replace | Free |
| Repairs covered by our 90-day parts and labor warranty | $0 |
| Total | $510 |
In this example, the delivered set costs $155 less and comes with a warranty. Our delivery fee is $0, $25 or $75 depending on your ZIP code, and the order form shows your exact fee. Stairs (from $25), a gas dryer hookup ($60) or a range-style 50-amp cord ($45) add to the total if you need them. See all prices and fees.
The private-sale example is hypothetical. It doesn't mean private-sale machines always fail or that dealer machines never need repairs. It shows why you should add up the total cost instead of looking only at the asking price. To see what comes with every delivery, read Delivery & installation.
How much should you pay for a used washer only?
If your dryer still works, there's usually no reason to replace it just because the washer failed. A standard used top-load washer typically runs about $150 to $300, depending on condition and features. Premium, high-capacity or newer models may cost more. Our refurbished washers are $259, delivered and hooked up with new hoses.
Before you buy, measure your space and make sure your water supply, drain and outlet suit the machine. Most standard home washers in the U.S. plug into a regular grounded 120-volt outlet, but always check the model's requirements.
How much should you pay for a used dryer only?
Basic used electric dryers typically cost about $125 to $275, with newer or premium models costing more. Our refurbished dryers are $259, electric or gas.
First, confirm whether your home is set up for an electric or gas dryer. Most full-size electric dryers need a dedicated 240-volt circuit. Gas dryers need a gas supply line and a regular 120-volt outlet. Never assume an electric dryer can be swapped for a gas dryer (or the other way around) without extra work.
Also check whether your outlet takes a 3-prong or 4-prong dryer cord, and make sure the hookup follows the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical code. When we deliver, the standard 3- or 4-prong cord is included.
Is a used washer and dryer cheaper than the laundromat?
For many families, yes, and by a lot. Take a household that spends $30 a week at the laundromat. That's about:
- $130 a month on average
- $1,560 a year
- $4,680 over three years
Now say that household buys the $510 delivered set from Example B. At $30 a week, the set pays for itself in about 17 weeks, roughly four months.
Laundry at home isn't free: you still pay for water, electricity or gas, detergent and occasional upkeep. But for households doing several loads a week, owning your machines can mean real long-term savings. It also ends the hauling of dirty clothes, the waiting for open machines, and the repeat trips.
Can't pay it all at once? We offer Pay Later and financing options through third-party financing companies, with no deposit.
How can you tell if a used washer and dryer is a good deal?
Before you buy, ask five questions:
- Have the machines been tested? A machine that powers on isn't proven to work properly.
- Are there odd noises or leaks? Grinding, violent shaking, water on the floor or a burning smell are warning signs.
- Are replacement parts easy to get? Even reliable machines eventually need service.
- What warranty or return protection comes with it? Get the details in writing.
- What is the complete price? Include delivery, installation, parts and any other charges.
Not sure what to look at? Use our 15-point used washer checklist.
Where can you find affordable used washers and dryers in Metro Atlanta?
Private sellers list machines on online marketplaces, while appliance dealers may offer inspected or refurbished machines.
If you're shopping in Conyers, Covington, Lithonia, Stonecrest, Decatur, Snellville, Lawrenceville or nearby, compare the full delivered price instead of assuming the closest seller is the best value. A cheap machine an hour away may not be a bargain once you add transportation and installation.
Also look at the seller's reputation, whether they can show the machines running, and whether the purchase terms are in writing. We deliver across Metro Atlanta. See all our service areas.
Why we believe affordable appliances should still be dependable
Our philosophy is simple: you shouldn't have to spend a fortune to do laundry at home.
Not everyone needs a washer with a touchscreen, Wi-Fi or a dozen specialty cycles. For most households, a washer that gets clothes clean and a dryer that heats and tumbles reliably are exactly what's needed.
We sell cleaned, tested, refurbished washers and dryers, as complete sets and as single machines. We also believe you should know what you're buying, what's included and your total cost before you order. That's why our order form shows your exact total, and you pay nothing until we confirm your delivery day.
Frequently asked questions
Is $400 a good price for a used washer and dryer?
It can be a great price if both machines are in good mechanical shape and have been tested. Age, condition, transportation costs and warranty terms should also shape your decision.
Is $600 too much for a used washer and dryer set?
Not necessarily. A refurbished set that has been tested, comes with delivery and hookup, and carries a real warranty can be worth more than an untested private-sale set.
Should I buy a ten-year-old washing machine?
A ten-year-old washer can still have plenty of life left, but its condition and service history are key. Check for odd noises, leaks, worn parts and parts availability.
Do used washers and dryers have to match?
No. Different brands work fine side by side. Stacked machines are different: they need compatible models and the manufacturer's stacking kit.
Is refurbished better than used?
Refurbished machines can give you more confidence if they were truly inspected, cleaned and repaired. Always ask what the seller's refurbishing process includes.
How much should I budget for delivery and installation?
It depends on distance, stairs, access, hookup type and the services included. Get a written total before you buy. With us, delivery is $0 to $75 by ZIP code, standard hookup and haul-away are included, and the order form shows your exact total.
Final thoughts: how much should you really spend?
For most households, about $450 to $650 is a reasonable budget for a standard refurbished washer and dryer set, although prices and available machines vary.
The cheapest machine isn't always the best bargain. Look for machines that work correctly, use common replacement parts, and are priced fairly for their age and condition. Most importantly, count the complete cost of getting the washer and dryer into your home and ready to use.