Washer Dryer Combo Reviews

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Washer Dryer Combo Guide

Buyers looking for a good washing machine often have the option of going for either stand-alone washing machines or washing machine and dryer combos.

Both have their advantages, although the decision to buy a washer combo depends on your usage whether one is more suitable for you than the other, and also of the size of your living space.

The price may also be a factor, since most washer dryer combos are more expensive than regular stand-alone units.

The basics of a washer combo

A washer dryer combo is a combination of a washing machine and a dryer in one unit. These are popular alternatives to larger, stand-alone units for those who live in cramped spaces such as apartments, dorm rooms, and other urban living accommodations. Washer dryer combos are more popular in Europe than in the United States, probably because of the smaller size of living quarters in European countries. Washer combo units are designed to be small and portable, so they come with features that allow them to be installed and to be directly connected to existing water lines and electrical outlets.

Popular washer combo brands include LG, EdgeStar, Deco, Equator, GE, Triton, Haier, Whirlpool, and Kenmore.

Washer dryer combo features

A washer/dryer combo has a few typical features that are present in every model regardless of brand. These include front loading designs, a condensation-based ventless drying system, automatic sensors, moderate load capacities, easy installation, portability, child locks, and control features.

A washer combo is usually designed with a front loading system for easy access to your laundry, especially if you buy one of those stackable washer units. The condensation-based ventless drying system differs from the usual models that use hot air for drying clothes.

Instead, washer combo units utilize condensation to dry your laundry. The automatic sensors are responsible for regulating the washing and drying cycles. Apart from monitoring the washing and drying cycles, some units also come with soap suds monitoring and water level monitoring.

Most of the washer combo units are easy to install because there is no need to install ventilation and air systems. These units can be plugged directly into 110-volt sockets and can be directly connected to a regular faucet. Newer models also now have a lot of options for control settings for different kinds of laundry.

Most washer combos also have the steam cycle technology which you can also find in larger stand-alone dryers. And because these machines are small and can easily be reached by children, most units come with child lock features that prevent small kids from using the machine.

Types of washer combos

Those who really want to save on space can go for stacked washer dryer combos that feature a washer and a dryer stacked into one unit, on top of each other. This is perfect for narrow laundry rooms and small apartments.

While models like these come prestacked so all you have to do is the installation, you can also purchase separate units of washers and dryers and mount one on top of the other.

Another alternative would be the type of machine that has both washing and drying capabilities, which one can activate with button controls.

Washer combo dryers usually come in gas and electric and as vented and non-vented models. Non-vented models are usually the more common models seen in washer combos. They can easily be installed anywhere near an electricity and water source.

Advantages of a washer combo

Most consumers prefer the washer combo to separate washing machines and dryers for its portability and the amount of room space it saves.

A combo washer is smaller than two separate machines and it is easier to move around because of its smaller size. This unit can usually be installed under kitchen counters, saving a lot of space for other appliances and freeing up more working areas in the kitchen.

Most washers are also front loading and come with a horizontal axis drum. This means that they do not come with an agitator, which can usually be rough on your laundry. Front loading machines are also easier to access than top loaders.

Despite the fact that most washer combos can accommodate smaller loads of laundry at a time, making energy efficiency a problem, newer models now come with the Energy Star seal. This means that these models are more energy-efficient than other washer combos that do not sport the Energy Star seal.

Disadvantages of washer combos

Like any other home appliances, washer combos are not for everyone. You may find one or two disadvantages to the washer combo that will leave you thinking about choosing another type or model of washing machine.

For one, most washer combos are often only capable of washing and drying moderate-sized laundry items and not larger loads typical of bigger, family-sized units.

A typical washer combo has a maximum of 15 pounds of capacity compared to bigger models that are capable of up to 20 pounds. The drying process also requires smaller loads, typically at around 9 to 10 pounds.

Another disadvantage to washer combos is that they need more time to dry your clothes because the drum needs to be dried first before the machine can dry the garments.

This makes combos less energy-efficient than stand-alone washers and dryers because they take a lot of time to dry clothes, plus the fact that they can dry smaller loads of laundry at a time. Cycles with washer combos usually take the entire morning.

And because washer combos have to be smaller, manufacturers often find it hard to add more energy-saving features to the machine. These models also tend to cost higher than typical stand-alone dryers, with some units priced at over $1,000.

Finally, stacked laundry units with a washer on the bottom and the dryer on top can cause a height problem. For, example the control on the dryer may be harder to reach if controls are designed on top rather than on the front of the unit.

Consider these information when shopping for washer dryer combos in order to make a wise purchase. You wouldn’t want to buy the first unit that comes along because there are a lot of units that are either too expensive or not very energy-efficient.

And finally, always make sure that your unit comes with a long time warranty, since repair on these appliances can be costly.

Laundry Centers...

	Whirlpool Combination Washer/ Dryer Reviews Whirlpool offer a few laundry centers, all of them white and over $1000 dollars brand new.
	Kenmore laundry Center Reviews Kenmore laundry centers are available in either gas or electric, in white and with a price range comparable to Whirlpool (over $1000)
	Maytag All in one Laundry Pair Combo Reviews Maytag 27 inch Laundry Pair Combos come in either silver or white, and in either gas or electric, perfect when space is limited.
	General Electric Washer Combo Reviews Reviews of GE Spacemaker stacked washer and dryer combos, only available in white but both electric and gas. As standard come with 3 wash cycles, 3 temperatures and 3 water levels.
	Frigidaire Washer Dryer Laundry Center Reviews Frigidaire Laundry Centers with either a top load or front load washer, the Galley series coming with more fully featured than the standard

All in One Washer Dryer Combos...

	LG Washer Combo Reviews LG all in one washer dryers coming in either silver or white, needs no external venting and great when space is precious
	Haier Washer Combo Reviews Haier make small sized all in one Washer Dryers, great for small spaces. See consumer reports here.