There is a lot of buzz these days about washer/dryer combos. As living arrangements for families significantly change, many people are finding that they need to create more space in their homes to accommodate everyone and their belongings. This is where these combination washers and dryers come in handy.

The simplest definition of a washer/dryer combo is an appliance that performs the functions of a washing machine and clothes dryer while only taking up the floor space of one machine. Families living in apartments, condos, or module homes use these appliances due to space constraints. College students find that an investment of a washer/dryer combination for the dorm room can save thousands in laundry expenses. The reasons to use combination washers and dryers are numerous.

There are three different types of washer/dryer combos:

Stackable Washer/Dryer Combo

A stackable washer/dryer combo is actually two separate full-size machines that are designed to stack on top of one another. These machines are all front loaders and they usually require a 76″ height clearance and 39″ in floor space. These are an ideal for homes with tall closets and/or high ceilings.

Washer/Dryer Combo Unit

A washer/dryer combination unit is similar to the stackable appliances except that the two machines are in one unit. The machines are pre-stacked and share the same power supply and external casing. The washing machine is the bottom half of the unit and is usually top loading. The dryer is suspended above the washing machine.

The combo units have a much smaller capacity than the full-size stackables, but they take up much less space. These units are ideal for small homes with cramped laundry rooms (i.e. condominiums and modular homes).

All-In-One Washer/Dryer

The “all-in-one” appliance is a machine that washes and dries the laundry all in the same “tub.” They are touted as being the appliances that take you from dirty to dry in one machine. These all-in-one washer/dryer combos are ideal for dorm rooms, apartments, and laundry spaces that do not offer access to outside venting.

The stackable and combo units all function exactly like standard laundry appliances. The all-in-one machines use a ventless condensing system to dry the clothes. Clothes are dried from within the “drum.” The extracted water drains through the drum and out the water pump (same one that was used during the wash and rinse cycles). While this method of drying takes a bit longer than the venting method, it does make up for it by being installable in any and all types of home.

Just like traditional laundry appliances, the washer/dryer combos offer an array of special programs to enhance the laundry experience. Many washers and dryers, such as the all-in-one washer/dryer combos, have the ability to determine the size of the load, the dirtiness of the laundry, and the proper cycle to use. Spin speeds, gentle cycles, hand-washing cycles, and cool-down and moisture sensors in the dryer are all special features that make the chore of laundry just a little less like work and a little more like fun. Naturally, capacity, water efficiency, size, and price should be the deciding factors when choosing your washer/dryer combo.

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Category: Advice
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