In the world of home appliances, washer-dryer combos are a game-changer. They offer the convenience of washing and drying your clothes in one single unit, saving you time, space, and the hassle of transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer. However, not all washer-dryer combos are created equal. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of these appliances, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
The Reality of Washer-Dryer Combos
While the idea of a washer-dryer combo is appealing, it’s important to understand their limitations. They are not always the best choice for every household. The drying process in these units can take significantly longer than a separate dryer, and the capacity is often smaller. However, for those living in small apartments, RVs, or boats, where space is a premium, a washer-dryer combo can be a practical solution.
Our Top Pick: LG WM3488HW
Our top pick for a washer-dryer combo is the LG WM3488HW. This compact, ventless, 120-volt model stands out for its reliability and repairability. LG is a brand known for its long-lasting appliances and availability of replacement parts. The LG WM3488HW offers a variety of washing and drying features that outshine its competitors.
Key Features of the LG WM3488HW
The LG WM3488HW has a maximum spin-dry speed of 1,400 rpm, the highest of any combo. This feature helps to extract more water from your clothes at the end of a wash cycle, reducing drying time. It also has a slightly larger capacity than its peers, allowing for an extra T-shirt or two per load.
Moreover, the LG WM3488HW offers more washing options than other compact combos. It includes an extra-hot wash temperature and a steam-cleaning option, which are handy for sanitizing items. These features require an internal water heater, which is not available in other models.
Exploring More Top Washer-Dryer Combos
In our quest to provide you with the most comprehensive guide to the best washer-dryer combos, we’ve sourced additional top-rated models from a trusted source, Forbes. Let’s dive into these remarkable machines that are revolutionizing laundry day.
GE 2.4 Cubic Feet High-Efficiency All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
The GE 2.4 Cubic Feet High-Efficiency All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo is a top pick for 2023. This model is designed to make the laundry experience easier with just one machine. It features five soil levels, five water temperature levels, and five spin speeds, allowing you to customize your laundry process to your needs.
Black + Decker Washer and Dryer Combo
The Black + Decker Washer and Dryer Combo offers an impressive 16 washer and dryer cycles to help customize the laundry process to your needs. It features a unique “My Cycle” setting that lets you pre-program your go-to wash cycle. Plus, an “Add a Garment” feature makes it easy to pause the machine and toss in an additional piece of clothing without having to restart the cleaning process.
LG 4.5 Cubic Feet All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
The LG 4.5 Cubic Feet All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo offers a roomy capacity on par with a standard washer. It’s loaded with features, including LG’s innovative “TurboWash” technology that claims to trim your washing time by up to 30 minutes. The machine also has a “SenseClean” system, which automatically sets the water level and wash time for each load based on the weight of what you put inside, saving water in the process.
LG Signature Smart Wi-Fi Enabled 2.8 Cubic Feet All-in-One Washer Dryer Steam Cycle
The LG Signature Smart Wi-Fi Enabled 2.8 Cubic Feet All-in-One Washer Dryer Steam Cycle is a high-end model that does everything short of folding your laundry for you. It features LG’s ThinQ technology, allowing you to start the washer or dryer with Google Assistant or Alexa voice commands, or through a compatible app. An auto-dosing function figures out how dirty your laundry is and adjusts the detergent level accordingly.
Equator 1.57 Cubic Feet Smart and Compact All-in-One Washer and Dryer Combo
The Equator 1.57 Cubic Feet Smart and Compact All-in-One Washer and Dryer Combo is a budget-friendly option with a relatively low price point. Despite its compact size, it’s packed with options to help you get a customized laundry experience. It features an automatic water level sensor, sensor dry features, and 14 programmable wash and dry functions.
The Downside of Washer-Dryer Combos
Despite their convenience, washer-dryer combos have their drawbacks. The main issue is the time it takes to wash and dry a load of laundry. It can take around 3½ hours or longer to wash and dry a small load. This is due to the lower heat output of a 120-volt appliance and the ventless design, which takes longer to dry clothes. Additionally, the drum capacity is usually half the volume of a typical 24-inch dryer, limiting the amount of clothes you can dry at once.
Alternatives to Consider
Before purchasing a washer-dryer combo, consider whether a compact washing machine and a drying rack could meet your needs. This combination can save you hundreds of dollars and may not significantly increase your laundry time.
The Verdict: Are 2-In-1 Washer-Dryers Worth It?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you have the space for a separate washer and dryer, you might want to go that route. However, these appliances can be a great option for people who live in extremely small spaces and don’t have room for two separate appliances.
The Final Decision
In general, experts recommend going with separate appliances—but even they’d admit it depends on your space. For many who live in apartments or small homes, some of the drawbacks of having a washer-dryer combo are worth it compared to having no in-home laundry appliance at all. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.
Choose what’s right for you. With this comprehensive guide, we hope you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the best washer-dryer combo for your needs. Happy washing and drying!
