Combination Washer Dryer In One 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

All-In-One Washer Dryer

All-in-one washer dryers decrease the amount of laundry appliances you have to keep at home. They also save time and energy as they can go from washing your laundry to drying it without you having to switch loads between machines.

Most combo units are vented and require one 120-volt household outlet instead of an electrical or gas connection for a separate dryer. They're available with a range of features and cycles such as smart functions like automatic detergent dispensers.

Space Savings

Washer dryer combos, also known as washer/dryers, or all-in-one laundry machines, are an excellent option for anyone looking to reduce space in their home. These machines combine the washing machine and dryer in one unit, which takes up half the space of two separate appliances. This is especially beneficial for those who live in smaller homes, apartments or condos where every inch counts.

In addition to their size, washer dryer combos have a host of other advantages that make them a worth the investment for many. For instance, the majority of these machines have a high max spin speed which will ensure that your laundry is dry and ready to wear once it's done. Similarly, most of these appliances have an specialized cycle for delicates, which gently cares for your more precious clothing items.

Another benefit of these washer dryers is their energy efficiency. These units are not as traditional dryers and washers, which require separate water and gas lines. Instead, they use natural gas or electricity to run their cycles. Some units utilize a heat-pump or other mechanism in order to remove the need for dryer vents. This can save you a substantial amount of cost on your utility bills.

Lastly, most of these appliances have settings that let you wash and dry your clothes simultaneously. This will save you a considerable amount of time, since you won't have to worry about changing your wet laundry from the washer to the dryer. Furthermore, these machines will help you to avoid the possibility of forgetting to switch out your wet laundry which can cause mold and mildew issues.

The washers and dryers are simple to use and install but they do have some disadvantages to consider prior to purchasing. For instance, a washer/dryer combo is more complex than the average appliance, making it more likely to fail. If you're thinking about buying this kind of appliance, be sure you read the instruction manual prior to using it. You should also regularly clean the lint trap and lint filter to prevent getting blocked. This will help keep your appliance operating at its peak.

Time Savings

A washer dryer combination occupies less space than two separate machines, which means it can be placed in a small space such as a utility room or in a laundry closet. It also helps save time as you don't have to go back and back and forth between the washer or dryer. With settings that allow you to wash and dry a complete load of clothes at the same time and complete your laundry quickly and efficiently.

Most washer dryer combos work in exactly the same way as a traditional front-loading washing machine, so you'll have a similar wash experience. They're equally efficient in terms of the use of detergent and water, too. Some models even have additional features, like an integrated dispenser for laundry detergent and fabric softener that automatically distributes the right amount based on load size and soil level.

Combination washer dryers also have a drying function that's gentler on your clothing than the typical agitator that is used in many standalone dryers. This is because they use a horizontal axis drum that lifts the clothes from the water before plunging them back in. This is much gentler on your clothes than the spinning action that is agitator-style in top-loading machines that are more traditional, which can cause clothing to become stretched out and worn over time.

All-in-ones are ideal for condos, apartments or other smaller living spaces. And with advanced washer dryer combo models that offer a range of settings, like delicates cycle and timed drying options, they help you take care of all your laundry needs from start to the end.

Ventless washer dryer combos don't require a vented gas line and can be positioned almost anywhere that has water hookup as well as a 120-volt GFCI Receptacle. Certain models use up to 40% less electricity than standard stand-alone dryers.

The convenience of a washer-dryer combination is attractive to a number of homeowners. However, it has some downsides. The dryer component of the appliance is more prone to malfunction because it does both washing and drying. This is particularly true if you wash and dryer combo large, bulky items like blankets and comforters in your dryer.

Convenience

Washer dryer combos are convenient for households with limited space because they eliminate the necessity of separating laundry appliances. While they have less capacity than standalone units, their capacity to dry and wash a load in one cycle makes them an attractive choice for small spaces. They use less energy than standalone washers/dryers and can save you money on your utility bills.

Ventless and vented models are the two main models. Vented models require a vent to run through a wall, usually in the same room as the washer. They also have a higher drying capacity than non-vented models.

Combination washer dryers that are non-vented or ventless use condensation drying to remove moisture. They don't require an exhaust for the dryer and can be placed in the same space as the washer. These units are perfect for areas with a inadequate ventilation because they don't emit hot, humid air.

Many dryers and washers come with different drying and washing cycles to suit different fabric care requirements. Some include options for delicate fabrics cleaning, whitening, disinfecting and more. Some models also come with a timed-dry feature that cuts down the time required to dry the clothes.

Certain combination washer dryers include automatic dispensers for fabric softener and laundry detergent in addition to the standard selection of features. The reservoir is filled with the amount you want to detergent, and then the machine dispensates it into the tub based on load size and the soil and cycle settings. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who have sensitive skin and can to avoid overwashing clothing.

Some combination washer dryers are intelligent and allow you to keep track of their performance and start and stop cycles with your smartphone or voice commands. This makes a combination machine a worthwhile investment for busy families. Be aware that certain washer dryer combos with more advanced features have a greater complexity than standalone appliances, meaning they can cost more to maintain and operate.

Explore our top-rated products to find the top washer dryer combo that will meet your laundry requirements. We've tested the most recent models for efficiency, capacity, and other important features to help you select the best washer dryer combination for your lifestyle.

Energy Efficiency

The majority of combination machines are more energy efficient than traditional washers and dryers. The reason is that a ventless washer/dryer doesn't require the additional step of venting hot air out of the unit to the outside world. The heat is simply directed to cool the water within the drum, which makes the machine more efficient.

Another way you can save on utility bills with the combination washer and dryer is to select the appropriate cycle for your load size. For example smaller loads are able to benefit from the Quick 15 Cycle which runs in just 15 minutes to provide a speedy wash. The Daily 39 cycle works best for your soiled daily laundry, while larger loads benefit from the Full Wash 60 cycle, which is ideal for washing in just one hour.

The majority of combo units are powered by plugging them into an outlet that is standard to your home. This means you don't need an additional gas line to the dryer or an electrical connection to the washer. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners who don't have enough space to accommodate two separate appliances.

In addition to reducing installation costs, a washer/dryer combo can also save you money on electricity bills. Most of these machines are powered by electricity and consume less energy than two separate appliances, especially when you're running a full load of laundry.

The most efficient washer and dryer combinations are simple to operate and come with many options. You should search for models that let you choose the amount of laundry, the water temperature and whether the clothes are lightly or heavily soiled. A model that has a timer, automatic detergent dispenser and a temperature control can reduce your laundry costs.

Senior commerce editor Erica Puisis has extensive experience testing, researching and writing about small appliances. She has tried various combinations of washer and dryer and believes that the convenience is worth the sacrifice in capacity. She's also a big fan of the energy and time savings that this appliance can offer. To assess each of the choices in this category, she read dozens of reviews and user manuals as well as viewed instructional videos from the manufacturers.