Consumer Reports' test of more than one hundred appliances show you can get your clothes clean, your dishes sparkling without spending a fortune.

Kim Kleman says the trick it 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.

"We find many dishwashers using just the regular setting do a great job cleaning our very tough challenge, backed on brownie mix." said Kleman

You'll also save money if, instead of a dishwasher with a stainless-steel tub, you get one with a plastic tub.

"People love the stainless-steel look, but how many people are looking inside your dishwasher" said Kleman. "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" said Kleman. "That's really all you really need."

And if you're buying a dryer, don't be wowed by capacity claims like "extra large capacity," "super capacity," and "king size capacity."

"We find most dryers hold plenty, whether it says super capacity or not." said Kleman

And while matching washers and dryers can look great, realize that can cost you more too.

And if you're buying your washer and dryer together, Consumer Reports says to spend your money on the best performing, efficient washer, on 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.

And for a good dishwasher, the Sears Kenmore 1374 is a CR Best Buy as well at $650.