The trick is to avoid paying for features you don’t need. Take those new dishwasher cycles with names like “turbo zone” and “power scour.” That means special nozzles in the back for tough jobs. While they do a good job, they’re not essential. Consumer Reports finds many dishwashers using just the regular setting do a great job cleaning a tough challenge: baked-on brownie mix.

You’ll also save money if, instead of buying a dishwasher with a stainless-steel tub, you get one with a plastic tub. People love the stainless-steel look but how many people look inside your dishwasher? Consumer Reports says the plastic tub should hold up just fine.

Many of today’s washing machines also come loaded with lots of extra features. There are even special cycles for “bedding” and “active wear” and “sanitizing.” Stick with the regular heavy duty, normal, delicate, and white cycles. That’s all you really need.

If you’re buying a dryer, don’t be wowed by capacity claims like “extra large capacity,” “super capacity,” and “king size capacity.” Consumer Reports find most dryers hold plenty, whether or not it says super capacity.

While matching washers and dryers can look great, realize that can cost you more, too. If you’re buying your washer and dryer together, Consumer Reports says to spend your money on the best performing, efficient washer -- one that extracts the most water from clothes.

Consumer Reports recommends the Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F, a CR Best Buy at $650. With dryers, be sure to get one with a moisture sensor. As for a good dishwasher, the Sears Kenmore 1374 is a CR Best Buy as well, at $650.