The best washer dryers are ideal for smaller homes and apartments, as they effectively combine the best front load washers (opens in new tab) and the best dryers (opens in new tab) into one and take up half the space in your laundry room or kitchen. And, as you’re only buying one product, there’s also a possibility of making savings – depending on which model you buy, of course. Fortunately, the best washer dryer combos don’t force you to compromise on performance when compared to having a regular washer and dryer either. The best washer dryer combo, including those in our guide from brands such as Whirpool, LG, GE, and more, can still remove even the toughest stains and produce dry, wrinkle-free clothes. When deciding which washer dryer combo is right for you, start by considering the capacity you need. For larger families, a capacity of 4.5 cubic feet should be plenty, while couples or singles may be able to get away with an even smaller machine. Next, look at features. The best washer dryer combo is generally one that has a generous choice of cycles to choose from, from a quick refresh to heavy-duty settings for bedding and towels. Then there are specialist options such as steam sanitizing, wrinkle-reduction, and even anti-static, depending upon your needs. The final thing to work out when browsing all the top washer dryer combos is whether you need a vented or ventless model. Ventless versions are more versatile as they can be installed anywhere in your home, while vented washer dryer combos have to be positioned near a window for ventilation.
Best washer dryer combos
Looking for a machine that can do it all? We’ve rounded up the best washer dryer combos to help you save time with your laundry. We’re currently in the process of reviewing all the products in this guide, but for the moment we’ve included a summary of user reviews for any that we haven’t personally reviewed to help you choose the right appliance for you and your family.
Best picks
The GE GFQ14ESSNWW washer dryer combo (opens in new tab) is one appliance doing the work of two, and an excellent option if you’re on a budget. We were blown away by the performance of this combo for the price, especially given it features effective steam and sanitizer setting, plus 14 wash programs and five water temperatures to suit a myriad of different garments. At one time or another, we’ve all started a wash and realized that we’ve dropped some items on the way. The GE GFQ14ESSNWW’s handy add-a-garment function means you can throw in any loose socks, even if a cycle has already started. This washer dryer combo isn’t the largest model that we’ve tested, but on the plus side the 2.4 cubic foot capacity helps to keep the design compact, and it’s easily capable of fitting into a closet or kitchen corner. While this model doesn’t have an Energy Star verification to ensure that it uses power efficiently, you can take full control over your wash by choosing between five soil levels, five water temperatures and five spin speeds. If you’re looking to splash out on the best washer dryer combo on with no expenses spared, the LG Signature LUWM101HWA washer dryer combo is our top choice. It comes with ultra-convenient app and WiFi compatibility, plus a smart and original auto-dosing function which adds detergent to your wash automatically, detecting soil levels and adjusting the dosage accordingly so you never use more detergent than you need. The LG Signature LUWM101HWA washer dryer combo also comes with 16 wash cycles, including steam and allergen functions. It’s typical of washer dryer combos to have less options for dry cycles, but with 6 options the LG Signature LUWM101HWA still has more than most. What’s more, it has a brilliant warranty. There’s a year’s coverage on the entire machine, with 20 years coverage on the motor and a lifetime warranty on the stainless steel drum, so you can feel confident that the LG Signature LUWM101HWA will be a lasting investment. The one downside? Its sizable price tag!
Read our LG Signature LUWM101HWA washer dryer combo review (opens in new tab)
The average capacity of a washer dryer combo is under three cubic feet, which is what makes the LG WM3998HBA such a standout model. With almost double the capacity, homes with less space and plenty of wash loads need to look no further for an answer to their laundry needs. It also has seriously impressive smart features, so that you can get notifications of your laundry’s progress straight to your phone. The LG WM3998HBA has a lengthy warranty when it comes to the appliance’s motor and drum, giving you less to worry about after purchase. It also has six different motion types to choose from and is built to be as discreet as possible. With all of these features packed in, it’s no surprise that the LG WM3998HBA comes at a high price. If you have a little extra cash to spend on your washer dryer combo, this one will save you time and make your life easier. If you’re on a tighter budget, take a look at the Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 (opens in new tab).
Read our LG WM3998HBA washer dryer combo review (opens in new tab)
The Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 has a capacity of 2.7 cubic feet, which is by no means the largest washer dryer combo in this roundup. The maximum load capacity is different depending on whether you’re washing (26.4 lbs) or drying 17.6), however, what it lacks in capacity it makes up for in compactness. Looks-wise, this washer dryer combo is a basic black-and-white number, with an LED display in the center above the front-load opening that lets you choose between five temperature settings and spin speeds. The black dial to the right-hand side gives you a choice of 14 washing cycles (and 2 for drying), including a helpful tub clean cycle that helps with machine maintenance by removing residue to keep things squeaky clean inside. Other helpful features include a child lock to give you peace of mind if the machine is near little ones. So, what’s missing compared to other washer dryer combos? You don’t get smart Wifi Capabilities, there are no steam options, and the door hinge isn’t reversible should you want to position it in a tight gap with limited access. But it does have all the essentials packaged up in a small design and great price. The Koolmore WAD-3CF-W is a smart two-in-one washer dryer that’s designed for areas in the home where space is limited. The washer capacity is slightly less at 2.7 cubic feet compared to the dryer capacity of 3 cubic feet, which isn’t unheard of for combination models, but something to be aware of. It’s common for combination machines to have more washing than drying options, and the Koolmore has 16 custom wash cycles and 4 dry cycles – covering all the bases from activewear to baby wear, to wool and delicates. If you only need to give items a quick refresh, there’s also a convenient 20-minute wash cycle to save time and energy. The washer dryer combo has a simple, slightly utilitarian design, but it gets the job done. Like the Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 above and most other washer dryers, the drum is made from stainless steel to resist rust. Once a wash has started, it’s possible to pause it to add a garment – very handy if you’ve dropped a sock or two on the way – and you can delay the start time if you’re going out or want to set the machine to run overnight. Its a convenient machine, especially if space is limited. In most cases you will spend over $1,000 on a washer dryer combo, so it is worth researching warranty coverage for these products. Otherwise one repair could lead to a pretty big impact on your budget. We noticed the excellent LG WM3488HW coverage as we compared some of the best washer dryer combos on the market. It has 10 times the warranty on its motor when compared with some of the others. It also has lifetime coverage on the wash drum. So both of the most expensive parts are covered for much longer than average. Parts and labor are covered for just one year, but that is standard. The LG WM3488HW is not the best in every way – it has a smaller-than-average capacity and no steam setting. However, you do get a lot for the price, including a TrueBalance anti-vibration system and compact design.
Read our LG WM3488HW washer dryer combo review (opens in new tab)
The Whirlpool WFC682CLW all-in-one washer and dryer is one of the biggest in its class, with a 4.5 cubic foot capacity to make light work of large loads. This appliance has an accessible design as specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act, so it’s incredibly easy to use – even for teenagers who you’ve tasked with doing the laundry. In terms of handling, the main control is split up into two lines, which are labeled “what to wash” and “how to wash,” (pretty simple), while the top right panel is broken down into temperature, spin level and soil level, which allows you to fully customize your dry, wash, or both, for the best results. Being ventless, you can install this washer dryer combo almost anywhere in your home (as long as there’s a water hookup), and it’s even compatible with a laundry pedestal so that you can raise it up higher for easy access when you’re loading and emptying. With a whopping 41 wash cycles to choose from, intuitive controls, plus steam clean and sanitize options to get deep into fabrics, this capacious washer dryer combo delivers pretty much everything a busy family could need. In addition to being the most affordable washer dryer combo we reviewed, the Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 washer dryer combo has a nice feature set that includes all the essentials plus extras such as a self-cleaning cycle. It also includes a delayed-start feature you can set up to 24 hours in advance. As such, you can set it to start a load of clothes when you are away so it finishes close to when you get home. That way, clothes don’t sit in the drum long enough to wrinkle, although it also includes a de-wrinkle cycle. The Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 washer dryer combo has a standard capacity of 2.7 cubic feet and holds about 10 pounds of clothing. The tub clean cycle removes residue inside the machine to keep it fresh and reduce maintenance. The machine’s settings dial is clearly marked and easy to read. Using its LCD screen, you fine-tune the settings by adjusting the temperature or soil level. Overall, the Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 is a great deal for the money, and it has most of the features people look for in a washer dryer combo machine.
Read our Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 washer dryer combo review (opens in new tab)
The LG WM3555HWA is a front load washer and electric dryer in one, with an impressive 13 different wash cycles, and the added benefit of a steam cycle to reduce allergens such as pollen, pet hair and dust. Labeled as a high-efficiency product, when it comes to drying the WM3555HWA uses built-in sensors to work out how much moisture is left in garments, shutting off when the right level is reached to save you energy. With smart technology built-in, users can operate the machine using LG’s ThinQ app, which notifies you about your usage and maintenance but also lets you start the laundry while you’re out and about. Certain features also work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so if you’ve got a smart home linked up, you’ll be able to control the machine from wherever you are in the house. In terms of design, this washer dryer combo has a large chrome dial to choose the best wash cycle, a simple LCD screen to display wash times, and a tempered glass door that resists damage from scratches. For the price, it’s not a machine you’d want to buy twice in a hurry, but as it’s backed by a 10-year limited warranty from LG, you shouldn’t need to worry about it giving you a durable performance for many years. The Whirlpool WFC8090GX packs in a lot of features for the price, including a unique TumbleFresh function which keeps laundry wrinkle-free for 12 hours after your cycle finishes. You can also connect the Whirlpool WFC8090GX to your phone or WiFi and manage it from an app or using Alexa or the Google Assistant. We were also impressed by the Whirlpool WFC8090GX’s large capacity - 2.8 cubic feet, which is the largest you can get for a washer dryer combo of this size. There are a few drawbacks to the Whirlpool WFC8090GX, though. The washer dryer combo has an unimpressive warranty and users have reported wash times of up to six hours! Of course, there are also many happy users of the Whirlpool WFC8090GX, but this is worth taking into account when the machine is only covered by a one year warranty.
Read our Whirlpool WFC8090GX washer dryer combo review (opens in new tab)
Buying advice
Key features to look for when buying a washer dryer combo
We researched for more than 120 hours to find and compare the best washer dryer combos out there. We looked at specs pages to compare features and determined which are most important for consumers. In each of our reviews, we highlight the washer dryer’s strengths and weaknesses. Functionality In general, washer dryer combos have capacities of around 2.5 cubic feet. That’s enough space to wash and dry about 10 pounds of laundry. We looked for machines with bigger drums, since they allow you to wash fewer loads and use less energy over time. As you compare machines, look for one with multiple water temperature, soil level, wash cycle and dry cycle setting options. Washer & Dryer Cycles The best washer dryer combos have many cycle settings and clean your clothes without damaging them. For example, they have settings for delicate fabrics and for washing colors that run. Machines should also fully dry items of all kinds, even jeans and bulky towels. Some washer dryer combos only have one or two dryer settings, while others let you set the temperature, which is useful when you need to dry delicate fabrics. Additional Features All the washer dryer combos we compared have automatic dispensers that release detergent at the right time during the wash cycle. Most also include a lock that protects your children and the machine during a cycle. In addition, they usually have a digital display that shows what is happening during a cycle. Features like an automatic load sensor, which fills the drum with the right amount of water based on load size, are less common.
How does a washer dryer combo work?
Although washer dryer combos may look like regular washers or dryers, these machines work rather differently. First, washer dryer combos do not need a dryer vent, because they use condensation drying. This means that, instead of expelling heat through a vent, they use heat to filter through the load before it passes through a heat exchanger that helps to cool the air and collects any vapor in a tank. Unlike regular washers and dryers, the combo units use the standard 110-volt power, so you don’t need to plug them into a special outlet. Washer dryer combos are typically much smaller than regular washers and dryers, are relatively lightweight and often have wheels so that you can push them around your home. This portability is one of the reasons these combo units are so popular in apartments and other small living spaces. Although they often take longer to complete the washing-and-drying process, they’re great for people who have limited space. The washer dryer combo doesn’t overcomplicate things. Once you’ve whacked on a load and added detergent, the washer dryer will send your dirty laundry through the same cycle you’d get with a traditional washer. The difference is that rather than needing to move wet clothes into a separate dryer, the dryer cycle commences straight afterwards, saving you the labour. Unlike a regular dryer, which channels hot air into your laundry before pumping it out into the room, this design’s drying system is typically sealed. This means that it extracts moisture from your garments before cooling things down with a heat exchanger, so that you won’t need to fret over air vents so much.
Are washer dryer combos worth it?
If you’re wondering whether a washer dryer combo is the appliance for you, then you’ll want to consider your space and the size of your typical loads. If you live in an apartment in a big city, then the washer dryer combo may be a good pick, as it’s far easier to squeeze into a tight space than two separate appliances. One of the biggest downsides to the washer dryer combo is that it gets tricky if you want to process back-to-back loads. As you can expect, getting one load finished can take up to a few hours, as the washer dryer combo sends your clothes through both cycles. Therefore, if you’re a big household wanting to get several loads out of the way in one day, you may be disappointed or you’ll at least miss out on a lie-in to get an early start on laundry day. Another qualm users have about investing in a washer dryer combo is their potential to be pretty noisy. However, you’ll find that most modern models are fairly quiet, as they often have built-in anti-vibration systems. Plus, with other extra features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, you’ll be well-sorted to track your laundry directly from your phone.
How much does a washer dryer combo cost?
The average price of the most popular washer dryer combos on the market is right around $1,400. The ones we reviewed ranged between $900 and $3,000. That sounds like a lot until you realize you get two appliances in one, and if you are limited on laundry space that investment can still make a lot of sense.
Are washer dryer combos efficient?
Washer dryer combos are an excellent choice for saving space, but does the same apply to saving valuable energy in your home, seeing as you now have both functions in one machine? The answer is likely to be yes, as these handy appliances tend to use less hot water and less energy when it comes to washing rotations. Plus, they need to work faster to rid the drum of water in time for drying to begin. As with most large appliances, the thing that you’re looking for if this is a central concern is an Energy Star Certification. You can also check out the Energy Guide for each model on retailer’s websites, which gives you an indication of the monthly and yearly running costs, so you can see your outgoings before you make a decision.
