ajmadison.com has this CR-recommended washer/dryer pair for $1090:

• LG WT6100CW top-load washer
• LG DLE6100W electric dryer

or this CR-recommended washer/dryer pair for $1390:

• LG WT7000CW top-load washer
• LG DLE7000W electric dryer

There shouldn't be any worries about choosing Hotpoint, but I would say look at some of the basic features important to you. GE/Whirlpool has models with simplicity that looks like it has more value, ease of retail and parts, and at good retail prices. Hotpoint is just a lower-end line from GE (and I believe there is some kind of connection to Whirlpool too). Most of the time now I can get GE/Whirlpool either cheaper than Hotpoint, or only say $10-$30 more and they have a few more features and models to choose from.

Hotpoint products on the European market have a connection to Whirlpool. Hotpoint products on the US market have no relation to Whirlpool.

CR tested the Hotpoint HTW265ASWWW top loader. It's only deficiencies were that it didn't wash very well and was noisy.

In the US Hotpoint is a subbrand of GE which is owned by Haier. The line is mechanically identical to the GE line but substitutes classic timer motor controls for electronics. The low end of the GE line uses a more complex cycle time switch, adds another sensor and adds swicthes to adjust the buzzer but the burner and mechanical guts are the same.

Whilrlpool has the Amana and Roper su brands that do the same thing - take out features that break and use the ones that the apliances that lasted +25 years had. The stuff that break on all wasking appliances are the plastic parts, cheap finishes, added sensors, and electronics. Except for the heat pump models, dryer design hasnit changes much in 50 years except fot the less durable controls.