By admin :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-washer-dryer-combos-tout-0ee66835e4454c02b2dfac6367467752.jpg?ssl=1 "The 4 Best Washer-Dryer Combos")
All-in-one washer-dryers (also known as washer-dryer combos) serve two purposes: they wash laundry loads, then automatically switch over to drying mode—usually with no action required on your part.
It sounds dreamy, I know–but I have a few words of caution around these machines, too. While they can save space and the extra chore of switching over your wash load in between cycles, they have some drawbacks, too. A full wash-and-dry cycle typically takes longer than individual cycles from separate machines, and they can be less effective, leaving you with a load of somewhat-damp items.
However, all-in-one machines can remain an option for small space dwellers and small households who might otherwise not have room for a full set. So, while we don’t recommend them over traditional washer-and-dryer sets, they can make life easier in certain situations.
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The GE All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combo offers useful settings and features for your laundry routine. Among the 14 cycles, you’ll even find quick-wash, steam, and sanitizing functions, which are not a given in compact machines like these. It’s also compatible with detergent packs and pods, so if that’s your preferred laundry detergent method, this pick could be right for you.
The stainless steel, 2.4-cubic-foot drum is a reasonable size for a washer-dryer combo (although, still smaller than most front-loading washing machines). Still, the capacity is plenty for the laundry needs of one or two people, and the stainless steel material bodes well for its longevity and durability.
The ventless design (which you’ll find on all combo machines) also makes it suitable for installation in a closet or mudroom. Like other picks, it only requires a 120-volt outlet, rather than the heavy-duty, 240-volt outlet that most electric dryers plug into.
Compared to the newer GE Profile Smart UltraFast Electric Washer-and-Dryer Combo (another option we highlight below) this pick doesn’t have smart features, so you can’t check the remaining cycle time from an app or receive notifications on your phone when a load’s done.
The newer model missed out on our top spot though, because the extra technical features can lead to more issues (more on that below). We feel more confident recommending this older pick that’s clever enough to save you time and hassle during your laundry day.
Dimensions: 33.25 x 23.44 x 25.63 inches | Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Wash Cycles: 14 | Energy Star Certified: No
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If you’re cost-conscious, the Summit SPWD2203P is a popular pick for a washer-dryer combo. This option includes many of the most desired features for this type of appliance, like a multitude of wash and dry cycles (16 in total), a sanitizing function, and a dispenser drawer for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener.
It offers easy installation, although the door is left-swing only and not reversible. The 2.7-cubic-foot drum has enough space for about 15 pounds of laundry, though you’ll want to be mindful of not overloading the drum if you plan to wash and dry your clothes.
We also like that cycle selection is intuitive and simple, thanks to the LCD screen. You can indicate a lightly soiled load of clothes, but the reverse (heavily soiled clothes) isn’t available, beyond heavy-duty wash cycle.
We also have high hopes for the 1,300 RPM spin cycle, which more effectively dispels moisture from items. That’s important for shortening up drying cycles, which tend to be long on combo units.
Dimensions: 33.25 x 23.38 x 23.5 inches | Capacity: 2.7 cubic feet | Wash Cycles: 14 | Energy Star Certified: No
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For a high-capacity, all-in-one washer-dryer, the LG WashCombo All-in-One is your best bet. This model has a 5-cubic-foot drum that’s roughly double the size of other popular combo units.
It’s closer in size to a more traditional washer or dryer, but still brings the capabilities of both–including a whopping 30 wash cycles to pick from, including TurboWash features and allergen-specific settings, for tackling irritants like pet dander and pollen that have made their way onto your clothes.
Another feature to shout out is an automatic detergent dispenser, which calculates and doles out measured amounts of detergent for your loads with no extra effort on your part–just make sure to keep the dispenser full and it’ll be added for you with each load (my home washing machine has this feature, and I personally love it).
Of course, if you’ve gotten this far into your washer-dryer combo research, you’ll know that none of these machines are without their quirks. In the case of this pick, you’ll want and need to stay on top of downloadable cycles and updates to get the most of your machine, along with lint removal (which is complicated, as we’ve heard).
Dimensions: 27 x 33.13 x 39 inches | Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Wash Cycles: 30 | Energy Star Certified: Yes
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Wash and dry within two hours with fast airflow system
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Download specialty cycles and select detergents through the app
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Grabs pet hair from loads
The GE Profile All-in-One Washer-Dryer is smartly designed (pun intended) with in-app connectivity, so you can start your load, select your detergent, and receive notifications on your cycle, all from your phone. The brand also rolls out updates via app, so you can learn about new options and features this way.
Along with its smart technology, this laundry machine has many standout features that we love, including a 4.8 cubic foot capacity for heavy-duty loads and king-sized comforters. It’s also designed with a fast airflow drying system that strips the moisture from your load, resulting in a shorter drying time (as noted, a long drying time and damp clothes play a huge role in people’s hesitation to switch to washer-dryer combos).
While it is easy to install with no exhaust vent, at nearly 300 pounds, the GE Profile All-in-One Washer-Dryer is extremely heavy to lift and slide, especially with no help.
And, the other area of caution is that we’ve seen a pretty hefty amount of online debate around this model–some users swear by it, while others say it’s unreliable. In general, many washer-dryer combo machines are often compared to their full-size counterparts, which can cloud user experiences and feedback. As always, be sure to check through all the reviews before you make your purchase, so you understand the realities and limitations.
Dimensions: 32 x 28 x 46.75 inches | Capacity: 4.8 cubit feet | Wash Cycles: 12 | Energy Star Certified: Yes
Final Verdict
Keep in mind that this type of machine is most suitable for smaller households and those with lighter laundry needs. That being said, the best washer-dryer combo is the GE Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer Combo because of its combination of cycles and features. It has steam and sanitizing settings, and is also compatible with single-dose detergent packs. For larger (but not quite as large as a traditional washer) and more advanced tech features, check out the LG 5.0 cu. ft. WashCombo All-in-One.
What to Look for in a Washer-Dryer Combo
Capacity
First things first: washer-dryer combos can have between 2 and 5 cubic feet of interior space. For comparison, a full-sized washer averages around 5 cubic feet, while a clothes dryer has an average of 7.4 cubic feet. Some combo machines do get close or even reach that capacity of 5 cubic feet—in particular, the LG 5.0 cu. ft. WashCombo All-in-One—but it’s not a given.
The smaller size is likely going to be fine for you if you’re living in a household with light laundry needs, or where space constraints are limiting you to only an all-in-one option. However, it isn’t suitable for tackling, say, a larger household’s weekly towels in one go, or more than a few outfits at a time.
Cycle Options and Dry Times
The wash cycles of a washer-dryer combo range from a handful of basic options to care for normal to heavy-duty loads, to more advanced cycle settings that address specialized loads like activewear, baby clothes, or wool. The widest variety on our list is found with the LG 5.0 cu. ft. WashCombo All-in-One, which brings 30 settings.
If you frequently wash specific types of laundry loads, like activewear, it may make sense to look for a machine equipped with specific cycle settings—that goes for traditional washing machines too. Most all-in-one washer-dryers have more limited drying options; there may be only two or so drying cycle selections to pick from.
Additionally, while the washing cycles may operate fairly quickly and efficiently relative to those of a traditional washing machine, drying cycles in all-in-one machines tend to be less effective and very long. You may need to run your clothes through an additional dry cycle or hang them up on a rack if they’re still a bit damp.
Machines can come with “wash only” and “dry only” settings, so that you can use just one function of the machine or have an opportunity to hang your air-dry-only items before the machine moves on to the next phase.
Other Laundry Products You Might Consider
If you’re looking to refresh your laundry routine, these picks can also help (and aren’t quite as big of a lift to add to your home):
Why Trust The Spruce?
I’m Dena Ogden, an associate editor for The Spruce who specializes in appliances, cleaning, home tech, and organization topics. I’ve tested a number of laundry products for The Spruce, including a washer and dryer set, washing machine cleaner, detergents, and more. For this list, I thoroughly researched the latest models available from top brands, evaluating them based on capacity, cycle options, and additional features.