Looking for a laundry solution for your condo or one that can fit in a closet? Washer and dryer combos are a compact solution ideal for many small or narrow laundry spaces.
If you’re curious about washer dryer combos, also known as all-in-one washer and dryers, then this article will illustrate how they work, what features may be available and their benefits.
Table of Contents
What is a Washer Dryer Combo?
This single unit appliance adeptly performs both washing and drying functions. They come with a smaller capacity than conventional individual washers and dryers, often ranging between 1.5-5 cubic feet of interior space.
To compare:
- The average capacity of a full-size front load washer is 5 to 5.8 cubic feet.
- The average capacity of a dryer is 7 to 7.4 cubic feet.
One key difference is that a full wash/dry cycle with a washer dryer combo usually takes longer than it would with a separate washer and dryer. Combination units require anywhere from 3 hours to 8-10 hours.
Cycle times depend on the following:
- What you are washing
- Size of the load
- The cycles selected
- The dryness level selected
PRO TIP: Consider your laundry space, the size of your household and how often you do laundry to determine if a washer dryer combo can work for you.
How Does a Washer and Dryer Combo Work?
All-in-one washer dryers tend to be ventless. Here is how they work:
Hot air gets recycled and then moved through the drum via the combined effort of a heater and a fan.
Moisture evaporates from clothes and condenses on the tub.
Water is drained to the bottom before being pumped out.
What Are the Benefits of a Washer Dryer Combo?
Owners can enjoy a handful of benefits with an all-in-one washer dryer. Remember that some of these benefits are determined by the brand and model you have.
Space Saving
- A strong option for condos, small laundry rooms or if you want to install in a bathroom or closet
- A flexible option because they are typically ventless and do not require an outside/external venting connection
Design
- Compact design
- Can be installed with a laundry pedestal for additional height and storage
Effciency
- Enjoy doing laundry in fewer steps compared to using a separate washer and dryer
- No transferring clothes from the washer to the dryer
- Can run cycles overnight
PRO TIP: Washer dryer combos can be installed virtually anywhere.
The ultimate space saver
Available Features
Many of these features are available in most all-in-one models. You need to decide which features can help you tackle your laundry needs.
- Multiple wash and dry cycles, such as sanitize cycles, utilize extra-hot drying temperatures or water temperatures to tackle a high percentage of everyday household bacteria.
- Wrinkle prevention cycles tumble the load at the end of the dry cycle (often with no heat added) from time to time. This helps prevent any wrinkles from setting.
- Automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing are designed to help save time by calculating how much detergent is needed so you always use the right amount.
- Steam Cycles use water and heat to release wrinkles without having to rewash items. Also, it can help eliminate odours and remove lighter stains.
- Load sensors sense the size of the load and then determine which are the right settings to use.
- Smart features enable you to connect to your appliance through your smartphone and/or tablet. This means that you can monitor the stage of the cycle even when you’re not home.
If you’re trying to turn a small area into a convenient and useful laundry space, don’t sweat it because you may have a strong option with a washer dryer combo that offers performance, functionality and convenience.
For help finding the right appliance for you, check out our Appliance Finder for washing machines or our Appliance Finder for dryers to find a washer that’s right for you.
