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If you’re looking to save space and money, a washer-dryer combo — also called an all-in-one washer-dryer— is a great option. As the name suggests, this do-it-all laundry machine offers the functionality of a washer and dryer set in a single unit. Washer-dryer combos not only save space, but they can also help you save electricity and even reduce the chances of excess humidity and mold growth on your clothes.
Washer-dryer combos come in a variety of styles, but you can typically expect to spend anywhere between $1,000 and over $3,000 for a combo unit for your home. The capacity of the unit, as well as the amount of additional features it has, will determine the price.
The This Old House Reviews Team created this buying guide to help you narrow down your choices and find the best washer-dryer combo for your home. Here are our top picks.
Top 6 Washer-Dryer Combos
- Best Overall: GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer
- Best Ventless Dryer: LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combo
- Best Compact Design: GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer Combo
- Best for RVs: Equator 2 Pro Convertible Washer-Dryer
- Best Design: LG SIGNATURE Smart Washer/Dryer Combo
- Best Value: Magic Chef Front Load Washing Washer And Dryer
Compare Top Washer-Dryer Combos
| Product | Model | Drum Capacity | Dryer Type | Energy Star Certified? | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer | PFQ97HSPVDS | 4.8 cubic feet | Ventless | Yes | 28 x 46.7 x 32 inches |
| LG Smart All-In-One Washer-Dryer Combo | WM3998HBA | 4.5 cubic feet | Ventless | No | 27 x 39 x 30.3 inches |
| GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer Combo | GFQ14ESSNWW | 2.4 cubic feet | Ventless | Yes | 23.4 x 33.3 x 25.6 inches |
| Equator 2 Pro Convertible Washer-Dryer | EZ 4400 N | 1.6 cubic feet | Vented or ventless | No | 23.5 x 33.5 x 22 inches |
| LG SIGNATURE Smart Washer/Dryer Combo | LUWM101HWA | 2.8 cubic feet | Ventless | No | 27 x 39 x 30.5 inches |
| Magic Chef Front Load Washing Washer And Dryer | MCSCWD27W5 | 2.7 cubic feet | Ventless | No | 23.4 x 33.5 x 23.4 inches |
| Product | Model | Drum Capacity | Dryer Type | Energy Star Certified? | Dimensions |
Best Washer-Dryer Combo Overall
GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer
- $2,900
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: High-tech homes with considerable laundry demands.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research into consumer and tester reviews suggests that GE’s cutting-edge ventless dryer heat pump excels at minimizing dry time. Reviewers also praise its unique filtering system, which makes lint removal more manageable. Notable drawbacks include the machine’s propensity for selling out quickly and its relatively expensive price tag.
Best Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo
LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer
- $2,099
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Tech-savvy three-to-four-person homes that value thorough cleaning performance.
What Customers Are Saying
Our customer review research shows that most owners are satisfied with this unit, primarily for its ultra-high capacity, app control, and feature range. Some buyers rate this machine lower for its slow dry time and lint accumulation over time.
Best Compact Washer-Dryer Combo
GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer Combo
- $1,260
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Small, eco-conscious households that want a sturdy and comprehensive all-in-one machine.
What Customers Are Saying
According to our verified buyer evaluation, this model receives 3.9 out of 5 stars for its ease of use, capacity, and trim profile. Some critical reviews express frustration with the drying cycle, which took up to two hours in one case. One reviewer claims that the spin cycle creates excessive reverberation.
Best RV Washer-Dryer Combo
Equator 2 Pro Convertible Washer-Dryer
- $1,012
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Small apartments, campers, RVs, or tiny homes with limited space and minimal laundry needs.
What Customers Are Saying
Based on our research, most customers praise this compact all-in-one machine’s flexible ventilation/condenser, dual-fan design, and cleaning performance. However, several reviews criticize its small capacity and short, one-year warranty.
Best Design
LG SIGNATURE Smart Washer/Dryer Combo
- $3,199
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Those looking for a premium model with a stylish design.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who left positive review for this washer-dryer liked that it worked efficiently and did not overuse power. Others were impressed with its stylish appearance, and its quiet operation. On the other hand, those who left mixed or negative reviews for this product said that it took a long time to dry, and others found it difficult to clean, particularly the lint filter in the dryer.
Best Value
Magic Chef Front Load Washing Washer And Dryer
- $229
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Small spaces, those looking for a standard, no-frills washer-dryer combo.
What Customers Are Saying
Our research showed that customers who were pleased with this appliance liked that it had a compact design and worked quickly and efficiently with minimal vibration. However, others who were let down by this washer-dryer combo were disappointed with its small load capacity, and its long drying time.
Buying Guide for Washer-Dryer Combos
Finding the best washer-dryer combo for you depends on what your biggest needs are. For some, a unit with a large capacity may be the most important factor. For others, it’s having a unit with Wi-Fi compatibility and a large amount of cycle options. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider before deciding on a washer-dryer combo.
External Dimensions
First, you will need to ensure the unit will fit in your available space. Measure the area where you plan to install the washer-dryer combo, then compare it to the dimensions of the unit you’re interested in to ensure a comfortable fit. It’s important to always leave a few extra inches on each side to make sure the unit fits properly.
Laundry Capacity
You’ll also want to consider the capacity of the unit. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, you may want to opt for a larger unit.
Standard all-in-one machines have 2.4–3.5 cubic feet of interior space. Extra-large models, such as the GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer and LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combo, have capacities of 4.8 and 4.5 cubic feet, respectively.
Note that washing capacity is usually greater than drying capacity, so you may have to split large loads into two drying cycles.
Drying Capabilities
Additionally, consider the unit’s drying capabilities. Look for a unit with a high maximum temperature and multiple drying settings, as this will allow you to dry various fabrics effectively.
Additional Features
Most washer-dryer combos have similar feature sets, but there are some models that have extra features that help them stand out. Some examples of extra features to look for include:
- “Eco” modes for saving water
- Fast washing and drying cycle
- Numerous wash cycle options
- Sanitization capabilities
- Soil level detection
- Steam cleaning
- Wi-Fi compatibility
Washer-Dryer Combo Benefits
There are several benefits to opting for an all-in-one washer versus a washer and dryer set. Here are the top three.
Space-Saving Design
The main benefit of a washer-dryer combo is its space-saving design. If you live in a small apartment, need a compact washer-dryer for your RV, or have limited space in your laundry room, a combined washer-dryer is a practical solution.
Energy Efficiency
In this review, we’ve specifically featured a combination of ENERGY STAR-certified and high-efficiency machines, which means they use less water and electricity than most stand-alone washers and dryers. Besides being more sustainable, efficient appliances also save you money.
Affordability
Many washer-dryer combos on today’s market are more affordable than separate washers and dryers, making them a good choice for those on a budget.
Vented vs. Ventless Washer-Dryer Combos
When looking for an all-in-one washer-dryer, you can choose between vented, ventless condensation, or ventless heat pump models. The primary difference between vented and ventless units is the drying mechanism. A vented machine requires an exhaust system to vent off steam during the dry cycle, whereas a ventless machine captures the steam, condenses it into liquid, and then releases it via a drain or hose.
Here’s a detailed look at how each drying mechanism works.
Vented Dryers
A vented system works similarly to a traditional washer and dryer setup. Once the wash cycle is complete, the drying system pulls in and heats air from outside the machine. That air then circulates through the wet clothes, picking up moisture and producing steam. That steam escapes through a vent, and the system pulls in and heats more external air. This process continues until the load is dry.
Ventless Condensation Dryers
In a ventless system, the drying mechanism also draws in and heats cool air from the area surrounding the machine. The hot air then passes through the drum, picking up moisture from the wet clothes. The moisture-laden air is then circulated and cooled in a separate chamber that condenses the water vapor and flushes it out via a drainage system into plumbing lines, a sink, or an alternative drain. This process repeats until the clothes are completely dry.
Non-vented washer-dryer combos are relatively easy to install and best suited for small spaces or locations without adequate access to an external venting system.
Ventless Heat Pump Dryers
Ventless heat pump systems are relatively new and generally more expensive than vented and condensation systems. However, heat pump models are notably more energy efficient and provide faster, more thorough drying than condensation models.
Instead of drawing in and heating outside air, the non-vented heat pump mechanism uses a heat exchanger to remove moisture from the air inside the dryer, then recirculates that air back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. This process is more energy-efficient than traditional dryers because it uses less electricity to heat the air and doesn’t require a vent to release hot air outside.
As with condensation models, heat pump dryers have a secondary heat exchanger that captures and drains off the extracted moisture.
FAQ About Washer-Dryer Combos
What is the best washer-dryer combo?
After thoroughly evaluating numerous combo washer-dryers, we’ve concluded that the GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer is the best model currently available. The machine benefits from a suite of smart features, a substantial 4.8-cubic-foot drum capacity, and GE’s newly premiered ventless heat pump architecture.
How much laundry can I do in one load with a washer-dryer combo?
Our evaluation of numerous models indicates that the maximum load size for a combined wash-and-dry unit ranges from 9–15 pounds, depending on the unit. While washer-dryer combos are space-saving, their load capacity is limited.
How do I choose the right size washer-dryer combo for my needs?
Choosing the right washer-dryer combo requires consideration of your household’s laundry needs and the amount of space you have available. If you have a larger family or need to wash bulky items such as comforters, consider an all-in-one with at least 4.5 cubic feet of capacity, or opt for a traditional washer and dryer set instead of a combined unit. As with any major appliance, we recommend measuring your space before investing in a machine.
How long do the cycles on washer-dryer combos take?
According to our research, the average cycle duration for an all-in-one unit is two to three hours. Less powerful machines can take around five hours. That estimation includes the average wash time, which runs between one to one and a half hours, and the average dry time, which takes between one and a half and two hours.
The time it takes a hybrid washer-dryer to complete a load of laundry varies based on the machine, the cycle, the load size, and the density of the fabrics in that load.
How does the energy consumption of a washer-dryer combo compare to a stand-alone washing machine and dryer?
According to the consumer advocacy group CHOICE, the energy consumption of a combined unit is comparable to that of a front-load washing machine and a small electric dryer. If you use the machine’s dryer regularly, vented and ventless heat pump systems are far more energy efficient than ventless condensation systems.
Are washer-dryer combos as effective at cleaning clothes as stand-alone washing machines?
Generally, washer-dryer combos are just as effective at cleaning clothes as stand-alone washing machines. However, they may not be as effective at drying clothes as stand-alone dryers. All-in-one washer-dryer combos typically take longer to fully launder a single load than most side-by-side or stackable washers and dryers.
Is it possible to only wash or only dry a load with an all-in-one washer-dryer?
Yes, it is possible to only wash or only dry a load with an all-in-one washer-dryer. All of the options we’ve included in this roundup allow you to select wash-only, dry-only, or full wash-and-dry cycles.
Our Rating Methodology
Our small team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.
We rate the laundry appliances we review on a 100-point system across seven key factors:
- Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after features, including ENERGY STAR certification, quick wash and wrinkle-release settings, stain removal, an intuitive control panel, vibration reduction, reliable drying mechanisms, and more.
- Finishes (up to 5 points): Washer-dryer combos that come in more than one finish were rated higher than those with only one finish option.
- Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each machine received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
- Capacity (up to 10 points): Combo washer-dryers with a large capacity of at least 3.5 cubic feet received more points than their smaller counterparts.
- Smart features (up to 5 points): If a product included smart device integration, app-based controls, intelligent dispensers, or Wi-Fi compatibility, it received five points.
- Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 20 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
- Customer service (up to 10 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their item. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.