How Do All-In-One Washer Dryer Combos Work?
A washer dryer combo is unique in that both the wash and drying cycles are completed in the same front-load appliance. Using a stainless steel interior drum, clothes can be laundered in consecutive wash and dry cycles, or just a separate wash or drying mode. There are a couple of advantages in having an all-In-one washer dryer combo.
Simplify the Process
A washer-dryer combo simplifies the whole laundry process, meaning you don’t have to wait on the wash cycle to complete and then move your clothes to the dryer. Once the washing part is complete, the drying phase will commence, saving the trouble of transferring heavy damp clothing.
Compact Footprint
Another benefit of a washing machine dryer combo is its space-saving footprint. Rather than having to have a large area to fit both a washer and dryer, all you need is a space about 3-ft by 3-ft with power and water access. Being able to fit into a smaller space means you can install in a hallway closet or even into a kitchen location.
Laundry Cycles
Wash Cycle
The actual washing method is the same as a normal washer does. Sort and fill with your dirty clothes, add detergent and fabric softener (if needed) to the dispenser, and set your wash cycle. Clothes are then washed, spun and rinsed, with the dirty water being sent down the drain.
Drying Cycle
The drying cycle is what is unique to these appliances. Drying is completed either with an energy-efficient heat pump or by a condensation drying method. The majority of all-In-one washer-dryer combos use ventless drying, which requires a drain access or a water collection tank for runoff. Heat pump dryers use hot air to take the moisture out of clothes, which then goes through an evaporator removing the water and constantly returning the hot air to dry your items. Garments that are dried via the heat pump method won’t have that immediate warm dry fabric feeling until they are shaken out. Condensation drying occurs by the drum being heated with hot air to remove moisture. This humid air then passes over a cool heat exchanger that will condense the moisture and send it down through the drain line placement in your yard.
All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo Features
While all-In-one washer-dryer combos share similar features with standard machines, there are particular features and options to consider when thinking about purchasing an all-in-one machine.
Load Capacity
Load capacity for washers and dryers is measured in cubic feet. All-In-one washer dryer combos are also measured this way. Standard washing machines usually have up to 6-cubic feet of capacity, while standard dryers can go up to 8-cubic feet or more. Combo units will have a much smaller capacity, usually between 2- and 5-cubic feet. The smaller capacity will be acceptable for a single-person household or if space constraints are an issue for the laundry area. Usually this means a couple of pairs of jean or a couple of towels. Along with the loss of laundry capacity, you don't have the option of washing one load while drying another.
Power & Vent Design
One of the advantages of an all-In-one washer dryer combo is that they can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. You don’t need the special 240-volt plug that standard electric dryers require or a gas line to power your dryer. Another plus is that many of these combos are ventless dryers, meaning you don't need to have a vent tube leading to the outside of your residence. Some models can operate as either a vented or ventless dryer.
A ventless washer-dryer combo is very helpful when using as an apartment-size washer and dryer. One drawback is that ventless drying via the heat pump will take more time than vented due to its drying process. However, the heat pump is more energy efficient by approximately 50%. Be sure to check the Energy Star rating of any appliance you may be considering.
Cycle Options
Wash cycles on washer and dryer all-in-one machines are much like the ones found on standard washers. Here are a few additional options to consider.
- Added cycles for special wash needs like baby clothes, delicates, wool garments, allergens, bedding or quiet mode are available.
- Units are capable of doing wash-only or dry-only cycles if needed.
- More advanced models are smart-compatible, meaning you can operate the unit from a smartphone app for remote start, energy monitoring or receiving alerts when your cycle is completed. Some units offer voice control operation. These smart models can also have up to 30 wash cycles.
- Drying cycles are also specialized, with settings for delicates, permanent press, and sanitizing.
Auto-Dispensing Feature
Having an auto-dispenser for your detergent and fabric softener can save you time and effort. Instead of having to watch over your cycle time, your unit will distribute detergent and softener at just the right time. It is worth noting that most if not all all-In-one washer-dryer combos aren't suited for use with detergent gel packs or pods. Liquid or powder detergents are recommended.
All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo Pros & Cons
Now that we’ve examined how these units work and their features, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons you should consider when thinking about an all-in-one washer dryer combo:
Pros:
- This compact washer-dryer combo is apartment size. It works well as an RV washer-dryer combo. Also consider these appliances for guest houses and tiny homes.
- No need for special outlets or dryer vents means they can be installed almost anywhere.
- Complete washing and drying cycles mean there’s no need to transfer wet clothes.
- Effective washers with energy-efficient drying.
- You still maintain the ability to do just wash or dry-only cycles.
Cons:
- All-In-one washer dryer combos are fairly expensive compared to a standard washer and dryer pair, especially the ones with more features.
- Drum capacity will limit how many articles of clothing can effectively be done at one time.
- You can only do one cycle at a time. With separate appliances you can wash one load while drying another.
- With the smaller drum capacity and ventless drying, getting your load fully dry will take longer than a standard dryer would.
- All-In-one washer dryer combos may not be as reliable as separate washers and dryers.