A space-saving solution, Frigidaire's most affordable Laundry Center is offered with an electric dryer (FEX831C) or gas one (FGX831C). Regardless of the fuel that powers it, this model makes a good choice if your primary concerns are price and capacity.

Although many laundry centers measure just a slim 24 inches across, this one offers a full 27 inches of width and the increased capacity that goes along with it. While not as large as an individual washer, this lower washer is still rated by Frigidaire as extra-large and can tackle a fairly sizeable load of laundry. The dryer, on the other hand, offers 5.7 cubic feet and can handle a load almost as large as many traditional 27-inch dryer.

The washer features of the FEX831C/FGX831C cover all the basics and then some. You can choose from two speeds for washing, which allows you to get really dirty items clean as well as protect those items that are more delicate. The three temperature combinations include hot/cold, warm/cold and cold/cold, which is fairly typical of more basic models. Water usage can be controlled with the three-position water adjustment. Just match the water to the size of the load to save money on the water bill.

Although spacious, the features of the dryer are fairly basic -- but certainly sufficient for all but the most delicate fabrics. Offering just two temperature settings, high or low, the options are a bit limited, but the handy cool-down feature makes up for this by controlling wrinkles if you get clothing out before it sits too long. Only one automated drying cycle is available, but manual settings allow you to program this model to dry for up to 100 minutes.

A sensible selection for those on a budget, this model provides good capacity, but is a bit more limited than some more expensive models, especially in terms of dryer features. Fortunately, most of us do not bother too much with the special features that are offered on dryers. We just keep the clothes tumbling until they dry. If you tend not to use the features of your dryer anyway, forge ahead, save money and give the Frigidaire FEX831C/FGX831X a try.


Pros: Full-width model with good capacity
Cons: Dryer features a bit limited

Warranty
1 year