If you’re tight on space and don’t have room for a traditional washer and dryer set, then a combination washer and dryer may be a good option for your home’s laundry. A ventless washer/dryer eliminates the need for venting, making it suitable for homes and apartments where the dryer cannot be vented outside. Since a washer/dryer combo is essentially two appliances in one, the starting price is higher than most separate washers and dryers. Expect to pay at least $1,000, but a range of $2,000 to $3,000 is more common.
We researched the best ventless washer and dryer combinations to help you choose the right one for your home. Here are our top picks.
Top 6 Ventless Washer-Dryers
- LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer: Best Overall
- GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer: Best for Busy Families
- LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer: Best Value
- GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer: Best Budget Pick
- LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer: Best Small Capacity
- Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer: Best Design
Compare Top Ventless Washer-Dryers
| Product | All-in-One Washer Dryer | Capacity | Unit Weight | Annual Energy Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and DryerCheck Price | No | Washer: 4.5 cu. ft.; Dryer: 7.4 cu. ft. | 311 lbs. | 105 kWh |
GE Profile Electric Washer/DryerCheck Price | Yes | 4.8 cu. ft. | 298 lbs. | 136 kWh |
Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump DryerCheck Price | No | Washer: 2.5 cu. ft.; Dryer: 4 cu. ft. | 273 lbs. | Washer: 90 kWh; Dryer: 125 kWh |
LG Smart All-In-One Washer/DryerCheck Price | Yes | 4.5 cu. ft. | 214 lbs. | 105 kWh |
GE Top Load Washer and Electric DryerCheck Price | No | Washer: 3.8 cu. ft.; Dryer: 5.9 cu. ft. | 249 lbs. | 188 kWh |
LG Compact All-In-One Washer/DryerCheck Price | Yes | 2.4 cu. ft. | 170 lbs. | 120 kWh |
Best Overall
LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer
Good for: People who want a full-sized appliance with the latest technology.
With built-in AI intelligence, this sleek all-in-one washer-dryer does most of the thinking for you when it comes to selecting the perfect settings for fabrics. A built-in sensor detects moisture to automatically adjust drying times to reduce energy usage and wear and tear. Plus, the Allergiene™ wash cycle uses steam to sanitize and remove up to 95% of pet dander, dust, pollen, and other common allergens from fabrics.
Pros and Cons of LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer
- Has a sleek and attractive stacked design
- Features scratch-resistant tempered glass doors
- Has an impressive 7.4 cubic feet of space in dryer
- Unlike all-in-one units, this set requires the user to switch out laundry
- Requires extra vertical space
What People Are Saying About The LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer
This washer-dryer earns high praise among many customers due to its easy loading and quiet performance. The Wi-Fi connectivity also gets lots of positive feedback among busy people who appreciate that they can keep an eye on loads from afar. A few customers have shared that setup was slightly harder than expected.
Best for Busy Families
GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer
Good for: Households who do laundry frequently and are too busy to swap between appliances.
With 4.8 cubic feet of capacity, this full-size, high-efficiency appliance is perfect for a household where laundry piles up quickly. It can even handle a king-sized comforter. GE uses a “one and done” design for this appliance that allows users to skip transfers with help from a patented UltraFast Combo feature. This smart front load combo unit does a good job of gently and evenly drying larger loads with less heat.
Pros and Cons of GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer
- Is 50% more energy efficient compared to standard electric dryers
- Provides antimicrobial protection on the gasket, dispenser, and draining system to stop odors
- Adaptive SmartDispense technology holds detergent and softener for up to 32 loads
- Information on the app doesn’t always sync with the wash/dry cycle correctly
- Drying times can seem long
What People Are Saying About The GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer
Most people who own this appliance have plenty of good things to say about it. The capacity is a huge hit with users who are pleasantly surprised by how much this unit can hold. Customers also love that hookup is breezy. In addition, people who own this machine are thrilled by the fact that the smart features allow them to simply “load and forget” because they know that their loads will be dried to the optimal level. Among the people who are less than impressed with this washer-dryer, the main complaint revolves around defects with the display that are causing error codes.
Best Value
LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer
Good for: Someone who wants an all-in-one unit with the latest technology at a reasonable price.
Using Wi-Fi capabilities, this washer-dryer makes managing every load a breeze without devoting any brainpower to laundry. LG’s 6Motion™ technology uses up to six different wash motions to clean clothes as thoroughly as possible while still being gentle. For larger loads, LG’s enhanced TurboWash® technology can cut cycle times by 30 minutes. There’s even a ColdWash™ technology option that penetrates deep into fabrics using cold water to achieve hot-water levels of effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer
- Has great features for preserving fabrics
- Includes high-efficiency features can reduce energy costs per load
- Has an attractive design
- Wrinkle protection isn’t overly impressive
- Dry cycles seem longer than expected
What People Are Saying About The LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer
Customers are impressed by how little energy this unit requires. Many also appreciate the way the washing component can eliminate baked-in stains. A few people who have owned the unit for a while shared that the drain pump on this model was weaker than expected.
Best Budget Pick
GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer
Good for: Someone on a budget with limited space for a washer and dryer.
With 3.8 cubic feet of space, this stacked compact washer-dryer top-loaded model is great for being tucked into low spaces and tight corners while also offering 5.9 cu.ft worth of attached drying space. While this model doesn’t come with any smart features, it does have easy-to-use knobs and controls that anyone who has owned a basic washer-dryer should be able to figure out easily.
Pros and Cons of GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer
- Is easy to use
- Good space-saving alternative to side-by-side units
- Spin feature prevents mold-causing standing water
- Spin cycle can be very loud
- Top-loading feature isn’t ideal for people with mobility issues
What People Are Saying About The GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer
Overall, owners of this unit are pleased with the sizes of its washer and dryer tubs when considering the amount of space it takes up. Some users did find performance to be a little bit loud and clunky.
Best Small Capacity
LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer
Good for: People with very limited space who still want modern laundry features.
Measuring in at just 2.4 cubic feet, this small model uses technology to its advantage to make up for what it lacks in load capacity. The built-in Wi-Fi intelligence in this combo washer-dryer makes it easy to “select and forget.” Built-in clothes dryer sensors detect temperature in order to adjust drying time for better efficiency and garment protection.
Pros and Cons of LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer
- Features LG’s Allergiene™ technology to protect against dander, dust, and pollen
- Has a compact design makes in-house laundry possible in very tight quarters
- Includes AI-powered smart features
- Drying power is slightly lacking
- Is slightly noisy
What People Are Saying About The LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer
Customers love the compact design of this unit. Several people shared that they were able to install this washer-dryer in their bathrooms even though they don’t have designated laundry areas. One reviewer shared that they were able to place this unit in an aging relative’s bathroom after they were no longer able to walk down the basement stairs to access laundry. However, a few reviewers did share that the washer-dryer was shakier and louder than expected.
Best Design
Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer
Good for: Someone who wants a high-end appliance that takes up minimal space.
While this design has just 4 cubic feet of space, it packs in plenty of smart features. The AI Smart Dial streamlines the unit’s control panel to the point of learning your laundry behaviors. It actually learns your favorite cycles in order to make recommendations while still making customizing your cycles simple. Once connected to the app, users receive end-of-cycle alerts on their phones. It’s also easy to start, stop, or delay cycles fully remotely.
Pros and Cons of Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer
- Has an aesthetic design
- Shallow depth is ideal for closet installation
- Optimizes time and temperature to protect fabrics and avoid excess energy use
- Washer and dryer are two separate units
- Capacity is tight
What People Are Saying About The Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer
Overall, customers are excited about the look and performance of this unit. The wrinkle-control features get five stars from many users. While people who own this appliance generally like it, a few question if it’s a good value compared to other options out there.
What To Know Before Buying Ventless Washer Dryers
For most people, a washer-dryer is one of the appliances they use most. That’s why knowing what you need in terms of features and performance is so important before making any purchasing decisions.
Front-Load vs. Top-Load
While front-load vs. top-load is essentially a matter of personal choice, many people feel passionately about the topic. In general, front-load appliances are considered better because they clean clothes thoroughly while reducing wear and tear for fabrics. However, top-load washers generally clean fabrics much faster. When comparing the two, most people like the fact that loading a front-load washer makes it easier to arrange bulkier fabrics in a balanced way within the machine because of the easier access. It’s also important to know that you’ll generally pay a premium for a front-load washer-dryer.
Capacity
It’s easy to be surprised by how little a washer and dryer can hold after picking up a “bargain” model. In many ways, capacity is the most important feature when picking out a washer-dryer because it determines how frequently you’ll be swapping out loads. Pay attention to cubic feet when comparing washer-dryers sets. One helpful thing to know is that the dryer capacity should be about double compared to a companion washer’s capacity due to the extra space needed for tumbling.
Smart Features
Like loading style, smart features really come down to personal preference. Do you like the idea of managing your load from your desk without getting up while working from home? A unit with Wi-Fi features might be ideal for you. If you simply prefer the old-fashioned method of adjusting knobs and setting a timer, a bare-bones unit may make you more comfortable. The one perk of smart features is that they often adjust loads in real time to make sure that you’re not using excessive heat or energy on a load.
Energy Use
While getting a washer-dryer may feel like a real upgrade from frequenting the laundromat, the truth is that you’re still paying for every single load out of your pocket via your home’s energy bills. Luckily, any newly manufactured washer-dryer you purchase is going to be much more efficient than models available just five to 10 years ago. However, looking for a high-efficiency model bearing an Energy Star certification can help you potentially save hundreds of dollars per year if you do laundry frequently. Better efficiency can also increase the lifespan of an appliance by reducing unnecessary usage.
Finding a Place for Your Washer-Dryer
While a ventless washer-dryer offers more flexibility compared to a traditional unit, you’ll still need to be specific when it comes to placing your new appliance in the right spot. Common spots where people place ventless dryers include:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Bedroom closets
- Garages
- Kitchens
- Laundry rooms or nooks
- Utility closets/rooms
Ventless dryers use a heat pump to dry clothes, which is why they are able to be installed just about anywhere.
Of course, the one condition that’s necessary is access to a water hookup. Some combo washer-dryers can work in standard plug outlets. However, a 120-volt GFCI receptacle is necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and appropriate installation before attempting to place a ventless washer-dryer in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ventless Washer-Dryers
What is a ventless dryer?
Ventless dryers are alternatives to traditional laundry machines that continuously recirculate air in order to dry clothes instead of pushing the heat out through a vent. A heat exchanger is used to condense the moisture that is collected.
What’s the difference between a condenser dryer and a heat pump dryer?
The difference between a condenser dryer and a heat pump dryer comes down to the way hot air is extracted. With a condenser dryer, hot air is turned into water. Ventless heat pumps preserve and reuse hot air instead.
Do you have to empty water in a ventless dryer?
The answer depends on the model. Some ventless dryers contain basins that must be emptied after each cycle. Others utilize drain hoses that require no extra steps.
Are ventless dryers safe?
Ventless dryers are considered as safe as traditional vented dryers. Like all electrical appliances, ventless dryers can pose fire risks when installed or used improperly.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of ventless washer-dryers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.