Why You Might Want A Combo Washer-Dryer

Combo washer-dryer appliances are ventless, providing more placement flexibility around a home.

How many times have you loaded the washer and forgotten about it, only to realize hours (or days) later that the shirt or sheets you needed are still soaking wet and not exactly fresh? I’ve done this more than once. It’s likely that many other folks have too, because the appliance industry has come up with a solution for us forgetful types: the combo or all-in-one washer-dryer appliance. There are benefits for users who aren’t memory-challenged or overly busy too.

“AjMadison has carried washer dryer combos for over a decade,” recalls Jessica Petrino Ball, the Brooklyn-based online and bricks and mortar chain’s education director. What’s new now is them being scaled up for the American market. “While these models were previously only available in compact sizes, we are thrilled to see brands like GE, LG, and Samsung introduce full size washer dryer combos to the market,” she shares.

These combo machines take up about half the floor space of a standard-sized laundry pair, which can be a real boon for apartment, condo or manufactured home dwellers. They’re also ventless, giving you more placement freedom.

“It allows you to put laundry anywhere,” shares Steve Sheinkopf, owner of the Boston-area Yale Appliance chain. He started selling this category in Spring 2023, he says, and sees several benefits related to owning them. In addition to placement flexibility, there’s also convenience: “You can do a load at night and have it clean/dry for the morning.” Another benefit is utility savings. “The heat pump will save a ton of money (dryers are expensive to run).” Most notably, these units are memory- and task-friendly: “Not transferring is the big one,” Sheinkopf declares.

Petrino cites an added benefit of heat pump technology: “[It’s] extremely gentle on fabrics, energy efficient, and does not release heat into the laundry room.” She also points out that these appliances have a helpful smart feature: “All the full-size combo machines will automatically dispense the perfect amount of detergent.” This means less mess, more detergent conservation and the ability for any family member to help with laundry. She has one in her household, she says. “I no longer experience streaky soap residue near the detergent dispenser of my washer. The GE detergent reservoir can hold up to 32 loads, LG up to 31 loads, and Samsung up to 24 loads,” she notes, citing three top-selling brands in this category.

Rochester, New York-based occupational therapist Brittany Ferri has already recommended combo laundry machines for her patients. “The lack of a need to switch clothing from the washer to the dryer is perhaps the most obvious benefit, and this helps anyone with cognitive concerns related to memory, planning, and executing tasks –ADHD, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, etc.,” she comments. There are additional benefits, she adds, for patients with physical concerns like chronic fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness. “Wet clothing can be quite heavy, so moving any amount of that clothing between units can be troublesome, especially if someone is doing multiple loads per week (e.g. parents of young children, caregivers, etc.). Removing the transfer step and eliminating interaction with a top loading unit both protect the joints.” Ferri notes that these models are also helpful for wheelchair users.

“They may be difficult for older adults to get used to, as newer technology often comes with a learning curve,” Ferri cautions. One way to overcome this, she suggests, is to have caregivers or helpers start the loads. That makes it easier for the user to finish the process.

Sheinkopf notes that the combo “takes longer to complete a cycle, not just that but you can’t reload the washer like you do in separate, so it takes almost twice as long to complete.”

Ball shares on the timing concern: “According to the top full size washer dryer combo brands, the Samsung washer dryer combo can complete a full wash and dry cycle in 98 minutes, LG in two hours, and GE in two hours.” That can be comparable to a laundry pair, without the transfer chore.

Sheinkopf, whose firm services the appliances they sell, is also seeing repair issues. “Empty out your pockets because they are causing drain pump issues.” (Costs will vary by region and other factors.)

AjMadison’s Ball offers these insights:

On sizing: “When shopping for a washer-dryer set, it’s important to think about fit. All three large capacity units have very different dimensions. Since the Samsung and LG are both 27 inches wide, these units will be a better choice for older homes with narrow doorways. The GE Profile combo unit is 28 inches wide which could make a big difference. Depth is another important factor, especially if your washer and dryer go in an existing cubby or closet. The GE Profile combo offers the shallowest depth at 32 inches. If you want to put a folding counter above your washer and dryer, the LG is the best choice at 39 inches tall.”

On features: “Samsung: AI Opti Wash & Dry detects soil level and fabrics adjusting settings as needed during the cycle to deliver a better wash and dry. LG's Inverter HeatPump technology, you'll enjoy quiet operation and the greatest energy efficiency. GE: Microban Antimicrobial Technology provides antimicrobial protection on the gasket, dispenser, and draining system, to help prevent odors and ensure your Combo stays fresh and clean load after load.”

On pricing: “All-in-one washer-dryer sets tend to be pricier than separate washer and dryer units. Factor in your budget and weigh the space-saving benefits against the upfront cost.” (It wouldn’t hurt to consider the utility savings too.)

“It’s going to take a while for mainstream consumers to adopt all-in-one washer dryer combos,” Ball predicts. “However,” she adds, “I think this technology will reshape the laundry room as we know it.” There may not even be a laundry room in the future! “Instead of a traditional washer and dryer setup, families will likely purchase multiple washer dryer combos to tackle laundry day quickly with no load transfer,” she suggests. “Since these appliances do not require external venting, and run on a standard outlet, one can add a washer dryer set to new areas of the home such as a walk-in closet, primary bathroom, or pool house.”