Different types of washer-dryers
With a washer-dryer you can do both washing and drying, but there are models that come with extra options. Would you like to buy a washer-dryer combi? If so, you might want to consider whether some of these types are a good fit for you.
Wash and dry with low energy consumption
Wash and dry combos are known for not always being very energy efficient. The appliance can use more energy than a washing machine and dryer together. Some models do have an energy class a, which is often caused by a built-in system that calculates exactly how much water and energy you need to get your laundry clean and dry.
It is also an option to choose a washer-dryer combination with a heat pump. This is a heating element that makes the drying process much more energy efficient, saving you up to 40% more energy and giving the unit an energy class a. However, you have to take into account that this technique is also much more expensive, so a combined washer and dryer with a heat pump can be a few hundred euros more expensive than a normal model. In some cases, it is even cheaper to buy an energy-efficient washer and dryer.
Smart washer and dryer
Smart washer-dryers know what you and your laundry needs. Newer models of washer-dryers can be linked to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to pre-set, for example, when the appliance should start. This way you can make sure your laundry is clean and dry when you wake up in the morning. There are also washer-dryers that can recognise what programme your laundry needs. The water level can be measured according to weight, and some can even select the best temperature for the fabric. This way you can be sure that you will never wash a sweater that has shrunk two sizes.
And finally, there are washer-dryers that, for example, will not start washing if you have added too much detergent. This prevents the colour of your clothes from fading quickly and also reduces the need to buy new detergent.
Drying and drying programmes that take extra care of your clothes
You obviously invest in a washing machine and dryer because you value your clothes. For example, there are wash-dryer models that are built to take extra care of your clothes during the spin cycle. There are also models that can get your clothes out of the dryer virtually wrinkle-free. No need to iron after washing, which is better for your clothes. Even at the high speed of 1400 rpm or 1600 rpm, your clothes will be dry and wrinkle-free.
Drying your clothes can also be done in a variety of ways. Most models will have three options: closet dry, iron dry and extra dry. If that’s not enough for you, there are also wash-dry combinations that have the ability to set their own temperature. If you have a small home it may be a good idea to get a washer and dryer in one, but it is no use if the noise level during the spin cycle is so high that you cannot escape the noise.
For a noisy washer-dryer, you need the space, otherwise it’s better to look for a quiet model. When is a washer-dryer quiet? Generally when the indicated noise level is below 73 db. Between 74 and 77 db is normal, and above 78 db is high.
Please note that the noise level indicates how much noise the unit makes during spinning, and during washing and drying it is often lower.
Quick washer/dryer
Most people will choose a washer/dryer because it is easier to do everything in one machine. If your washer-dryer also has a non stop program, you can just leave your laundry in there and get it out washed and dried. With a non stop function you don’t have to intervene and set a new drying programme, everything goes through in one go.
You can switch on your washer-dryer before you go out and it will be ready for you when you get home. You can also choose to have the option of having your washing machine run on a continuous cycle for up to two weeks. For example, if you have more than 8 kg of laundry, the machine can wash, but it can’t go on to the drying function. You will need to remove a few kilos of laundry first in order not to exceed the dryer’s maximum fill weight.
Wash-dry combinations for specific situations
As with regular washing machines, a washer-dryer can also have special features. For example, a wash program specifically for allergies or one designed for washing and drying baby clothes.
Not everyone washes the same and it depends on each person what kind of programs you need. Of course, one of the biggest advantages of having a washer and dryer in one is that it takes up less space than buying two separate appliances. For small households, there are also small models available that you can easily fit in the bathroom or hallway.
Always keep in mind that the maximum fill weight will be a lot lower. For washing, you can store between 6 kg and 7 kg of laundry, and for drying it is even less, often only 4 kg or 5 kg. So you can’t wash and dry too much laundry at once, which means you’ll have to wash it more often than if you had a large 8kg, 9kg or 10kg capacity washer-dryer.
Built in washer-dryers
Like a standalone washer and dryer, a washer-dryer can also be specially designed to be built-in. The main benefit of a built-in washer and dryer is that it can be customised to fit your kitchen or bathroom, making it blend in with the rest of your home.
The downside is that not all models are suitable for built-in, so you have less choice. Also, the maximum fill weight is often a lot lower because the washer-dryer is not as large. Most built-in models have a fill weight of 8kg for washing and 6kg for drying.
Additionally, washer-dryers are also not made with a flap at the top, which can be the case with a stand-alone washer and dryer. The advantage of a top-hinged door is that the appliance can be hidden away even more easily.
And finally, built-in models are often a bit more expensive and it’s hard to find an energy class A model.
A combination of different types of washer-dryers
Of course, one washer-dryer doesn’t have to preclude another. You may well find a compact, smart and energy efficient model. If you are looking for a washer/dryer that holds 10kg of laundry, is energy efficient and has a special drying program for allergies, there are several brands that will offer such a model. You just have to look hard. The AEG L7WB86GW, for example, is available in different versions, with a washing capacity of 8 kg, as well as 10 kg.
Is a washer-dryer combo something for me?
A washer and dryer in one is convenient if you want to wash and dry when you have limited space. Most models come with features that you could find on a standalone washer or dryer.
You just have to be aware of some drawbacks, such as a lower capacity for drying than for washing and higher energy consumption.
On the other hand, with a washer and dryer combo, you only have to buy one machine, which takes up a lot less space.
FAQs
Do washer dryer combos really dry clothes? ›
They can only dry half of the capacity of a standard dryer
As we already mentioned, washer-dryer combos use the same washing actions as an equivalent front-loading washer, so their cleaning capability is comparable; however, their drying results may not be as successful as those of a standalone dryer.
Historically they were the least reliable laundry appliance, although reliability has improved in line with standalone washing machines in recent years. More complicated machinery parts - as with most things that combine functions, so more likelihood something will go wrong. Very long drying times.
What kind of hookup do you need for a washer dryer combo? ›A washer and dryer set may require either a 120-volt grounded outlet, which is the standard home electrical outlet, or a 240-volt outlet. Make sure you know the connection type available in your laundry room before you have the machine delivered or installed, to ensure the correct cord type is included.
Which type of washer and dryer is best? ›Best Overall, Front-Loading
A reliable front-loading washer and dryer set should offer numerous washing and drying cycles to handle all of your laundry needs, and it should have a large capacity to hold bulky items and heavy loads.
Water is needed in order for a Washer/Dryer Combo unit to perform the dry function. This is completely different from how a standard dryer would work. With a combo unit, cold water is used to condense the moisture in the air and dry the clothes.
Do washer dryer combos use a lot of electricity? ›Washing Machines & Dryers
At eight loads of laundry a week, the average family uses both the washing machine and the dryer six hours each on average per week. Even with some of the more energy efficient models, the combined cost of doing laundry can add up to more than $115 a year for the electricity alone.
A: On average, drying clothes in a washer dryer combo can take between 45 minutes and three hours per load (depending on if the unit is vented and the specific drying cycle.)
What is the disadvantage of a stackable washer and dryer? ›One of the cons of a stackable washer-dryer combo is they often have smaller load capacities than standard side-by-side alternatives. Front-loading machines simply tend to hold less than top-loading ones, and this is especially true for single-unit centers and the more compact stackable options.
Should I buy washer dryer pair or separate? ›Whether you're buying a washer dryer combination or a washing machine and dryer separately depends on how much space you have at home. A set of separate machines takes up a little more space, but has more drying capacity, is more energy-efficient, and faster.
Do washer dryer combos have lint traps? ›There is not a lint filter like a traditional dryer; instead, lint collects in the condenser tank during the dry cycle.
How does a washer dryer combo work without a vent? ›
In a ventless unit, wet clothes start in a drum. As the drum spins, the heated air inside takes up moisture. The moisture-laden air is circulated through the cooled condensing chamber where the moisture condenses back into liquid and leaves the unit by the water drainage tube.
Do you need a drain for a washer dryer combo? ›Combo units employ the same hoses as a regular stand-alone washer. That is to say they require both a hot and cold water line connection as well as the ability to drain the water from the unit once the wash cycles are completed.
What outlet is needed for a stackable washer and dryer? ›Standard 120-volt outlets are sufficient for most washers. One-piece stackable washer/dryer units save space in a small apartment. Electric dryers require a special appliance cord with a four-prong plug that must be connected to a 120/240-volt outlet.
Is top load or front load better? ›Front load washers are generally more efficient, since they're designed to use less water even if they have slightly longer cycle times. Top load washers use more water even if their cycles can be faster than that of a front load washer.
What is the most reliable brand of washer? ›What brand of washing machine is most reliable? Whirlpool, LG, and Samsung are the most reliable brands of washers. Yale Appliance found that less than 7% of the sales of these units required servicing. J.D. Power also ranks Samsung and LG as the highest-ranking manufacturers in customer satisfaction.
What washers do repairmen recommend? ›Appliance repair technicians and our product experts agree: Whirlpool is the most reliable washing machine brand in the U.S.
Is Home Depot a good place to buy a washer and dryer? ›Known for: A favorite of professionals, The Home Depot offers a large variety of appliances in a range of sizes, brands, and prices, making it easy to find the right washer and dryer set.
Which is better agitator or impeller? ›A washing machine with an impeller uses less motion and water than a washer with an agitator. Designed so laundry has more room to move, it drives clothes from the outer rim of the wash basket to the center, using a small amount of water to optimize the friction. This is what helps deliver a gentle, yet thorough clean.
What size washer do I need to wash a king size comforter? ›Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-size comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests.
Can you wash and dry at the same time with a stackable washer dryer? ›Yes. Both washer and dryer can be used simultaneously.
Why are my clothes still damp after dryer? ›
A good airflow is the key for a dryer to work properly. If your clothes are still wet after a drying cycle it could mean that the Air Vent is clogged. To fix this problem, you will have to unplug the dryer and disconnect it from the vent. Once everything is disconnected, it's time to vacuum the vent.
Why does my dryer take 3 hours to dry clothes? ›Lint in debris buildup inside exhaust vents is a common cause of a dryer taking too long to dry. Clogged dryer vents can also restrict airflow in the dryer and lengthen drying times, not to mention cause dangerous dryer fires.
Is it cheaper to run washer and dryer at night? ›Run your washer and dryer early in the morning or at night to avoid the surge. During the winter, electricity demand is highest in the morning hours between 7 and 9 am when people are waking up and turning up their heat. Doing laundry in the evening is your safest bet.
Is it cheaper to buy a washer dryer combo? ›Most retailers will offer deals on washer and dryer sets, so it can be cheaper to buy a washer and dryer together. Before shopping, you'll want to look into any sales a retailer is running, as well as what bundles are offered.
Do stackable washer and dryers need a vent? ›Stackable dryers need to be vented unless they are specially designed ventless models. You can connect a vented dryer to an existing vent on your own. You should allow for approximately 1 to 5 inches of space behind your stacked pair for hoses and ventilation.
Does the LG washer dryer combo need to be vented? ›No problem. LG's all-in-one washer/dryers use ventless condensing to dry your clothes without the need for external venting.
How hard is it to get washer and dryer hookups? ›In terms of construction and labor, a good estimate is 3-5 days. The plumber will need a day, the electrician will need a day, and then you may need a day for relocations as well as to close up the wall. On day four, you'll be able to paint, once it's dry, install the new washer/dryer (day five).
What is the lifespan of a stackable washer and dryer? ›Washers and dryers last 10 to 13 years on average.
Because they don't have to contend with as much water as washers do, dryers last a little bit longer—about 13 years, regardless of whether the dryer is powered by gas or electricity.
110 volts is okay for washers. If you buy an electric dryer then you'll need 220 volts.
How much should I spend on a washer and dryer set? ›“Overall, you should be prepared to spend at least $1,000 on a new washer and dryer, while higher-end models could cost upward of $2,000 for the set,” says Gall. Make sure to consider options from these reliable appliance brands.
What size washer and dryer do I need for a family of 4? ›
As a rule of thumb, bigger families (over 3 people in total) will require a 4 to 4.5 cubic feet washer for optimal effectiveness. For reference, 4 cubic feet can wash up to 16 pounds while a 4.5 cubic feet machine can wash 20 pounds of laundry.
Is a laundry center better than an all in one washer dryer? ›Time is a huge benefit of a stackable laundry center versus the all-in-one. Stackable units allow you to do full size washes and run two loads at one time. An all-in-one unit requires more time and can typically only handle half a load capacity for drying effectively.
What is the problem with ventless dryers? ›A non-vented standard dryer adds warm, lint-filled air into living spaces, which is harmful to breathe and potentially flammable. It also leads to excess moisture, leading to mold, and structural damage.
Where does the water go in a washer dryer combo? ›Your machine will use cold water throughout the drying cycle in order to assist the condensation process. Next, water is flushed from the drain hose into your sink or plumbing lines, and disposed of. Vented washer dryers work by utilising hot air to remove the moisture from your clothes.
Can you just dry clothes in a washer dryer combo? ›To perform a DRY ONLY cycle: Press the POWER button to turn on the washer. Press the DRY button until the desired dry level or time is selected. Press the START/PAUSE button to begin the cycle.
Why do washer dryers take so long to dry? ›Drying times may be longer if the lint filter is clogged. The lint filter gathers fluff and fibres from clothes and needs to be cleaned after every drying cycle. The lint filter is located on the rim of the door. To clean the lint filter, open the door and pull the lint filter upward to remove it.
How long does a ventless washer dryer combo cycle take? ›Non-vented units generally take 45 minutes to 180 minutes to dry a load. Drying times vary based on the size of the load in the dryer and the type of laundry being dried.
What size breaker do I need for a washer dryer combo? ›Washer with electric dryer: Requires a 208/240 Volt, 60 Hertz, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong or 4 prong, grounding type receptacle, protected by a 30 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.
Can you stack washer and dryer without stacking kit? ›Can I stack my washing machine and dryer without a stacking kit OR rubber mat? You can, but it's not recommended.
Can you run a washer and dryer on the same outlet? ›While a dedicated circuit supplies only one appliance, a designated circuit is intended for single-use, not necessarily a single appliance. The "use" in this case is laundry, and you can plug both a washer and a gas dryer into the same receptacle.
Which is better stackable or side by side washer and dryer? ›
Unless your laundry area is severely limited by a small space, there's really no advantage in stacking a washer and dryer versus installing them side by side. Both ways can work as long as you follow the proper installation steps.
Does washer dryer combo need a vent? ›A: Most combo washer-dryers don't need to be vented ― just like a standard separate dryer. This allows you to install a unit anywhere there's a water and electricity connection.
Will a 4.5 cu ft washer fit a king-size comforter? ›Comforters: Instead of lugging your king-size comforter to a laundromat, you can wash it in any washer with a claimed capacity of at least 4.5 cubic feet, according to our tests. It's best washed by itself, for better agitation and rinsing. An extra rinse cycle might also be helpful for these bulky items.
Is 4.5 cu ft washer big enough? ›Large capacity washing machines: 4.5+ cubic feet
A washer with 4.5 cu. ft. or above should also be able to handle king-sized duvets and comforters, so make sure you're getting the capacity you need to avoid trips to the laundromat.
To properly wash a queen-size comforter, you'll need a high-efficiency washing machine (no agitator) with 3.5 cubic feet or more, depending on its fluffy factor (it should fit snugly but without cramming). Jumping up to 5.2 cubic feet will let you wash a king-size comforter and the sheet set all in one load.
What is the downside to a stackable washer and dryer? ›One of the cons of a stackable washer-dryer combo is they often have smaller load capacities than standard side-by-side alternatives. Front-loading machines simply tend to hold less than top-loading ones, and this is especially true for single-unit centers and the more compact stackable options.
What are the disadvantages of stacked washer dryer? ›- Smaller capacity. Naturally, compact machines typically have a smaller capacity than their top-loading counterparts. ...
- Higher price tag. Although a compact front-loading washer is small, it can still set you back quite a bit. ...
- Out of reach. ...
- Fewer bells and whistles. ...
- More maintenance.
Does stacking the washer and dryer improve or worsen vibration? We stacked the matching dryer atop each washer to find out. "Stacking didn't change vibration much," says Emilio Gonzalez, the engineer who oversees our tests of laundry appliances.
How long does it take to dry clothes in a washer dryer combo? ›However, heat-pump washer dryer combos are now available which don't use any water to dry, but their cost is pretty steep. Too much time! A combined wash and dry cycle takes a long time – anywhere from three to more than six hours.
What's better front load or top load washer? ›Front load washers are generally more efficient, since they're designed to use less water even if they have slightly longer cycle times. Top load washers use more water even if their cycles can be faster than that of a front load washer.