Washer and Dryer Combos

Washer dryer combos can be a great option for condos and apartments which don't have laundry hookups. They function as a front load washer, but with the added benefit of a dryer built right in.

These units can be utilized in homes that have traditional water connections, using a Y connector as well as a faucet adapter. There are a variety of reasons homeowners decide to use these devices.

Space Savings

Washer dryer combinations take up only a small portion of the space in your laundry room required by a separate washer and tumble dryer. In fact, some units are smaller than the typical dishwasher [source: Creative Laundry Systems]. These compact washer dryer combination units are ideal for small apartments, homes, condominiums, and other spaces with little storage. The majority of washer dryer combination units also have a short height, which makes them able to fit into tight spaces, such as under a counter or in a closet.

Combination washers combine a front-loader and a dryer into one unit. Their performance is comparable to standalone washing machines. However, a combination washer and dryer also helps save space by removing the requirement for a clothes dryer.

All-in-one washer dryers are typically vented units, which connect to the household plumbing and vent through the wall. Some combinations are ventless models, which do not require venting. These units can be installed wherever you have electricity and water regardless of whether you opt for a vented model or not.

The majority of washer dryer combo units have drums to store the wet laundry while the cycle is running. Depending on the unit the drum could have paddles or an agitator that help thoroughly clean the laundry and remove stains and dirt. After the wash cycle, the machine will go into the drying phase, which can last up to an hour. During this time, the dryer will spin your laundry to ensure that it reaches its maximum dryness.

After the drying process is finished, the washer dryer will enter a cooling down phase to avoid wrinkles and make the clothes easier to manage. The washer dryer will indicate when your laundry is ready to be taken away after the cooling phase has completed. The majority of units have an indicator light that turns on when your laundry is ready to be taken away, but some may also have an indicator on the control panel to let you know when the cycle is completed.

Convenience

Washer dryer combos are compact units that combine the functions of a washer and clothes dryer into one. In contrast to standalone washing machines and dryers, which require separate water and vent connections, washer dryer combos are designed with just one connection, making them ideal for small homes and apartments. Combinations of dryers and washers allow you to wash and dry clothes in one step and eliminate the need to transfer laundry from a washing machine to dryers and back. This will save time and effort during your routine of washing and drying your laundry. It's an ideal choice for busy families.

All-in-one units are usually designed to be less than a dishwasher which allows them to easily slide under the counter in your kitchen or into the closet when not being used. Their small size makes them a perfect choice for those who live in apartments or homes with smaller spaces as they free up floor space in the laundry room and kitchen. The compact design of washer and dryer combo units can save you money on your energy bills. They are quieter and use less energy than standalone appliances.

Depending on the model you choose, a washer and dryer combination may include all of the options and features of a stand-alone washer and dryer. However due to their space-saving design, all-in-1 units have the capacity to handle loads which is typically smaller than a standalone washer and dryer. In addition drying for all-in-one units can take longer than the drying cycle for standalone dryers, which could result in an increase in energy costs.

During the drying process All-in-one washer dryers come with sensors which monitor the level of moisture in your clothing. The sensors allow the machine to stop drying your clothes when they are dry. This reduces energy usage and also prevents over drying. Some models come with additional features, such as wrinkle prevention and static control to further improve the drying process.

Energy Efficiency

One of the main reasons why people choose combo washer dryers is because they are often more energy efficient than separate appliances. This varies based on the model and manufacturer of the washer dryer combination. These appliances are smaller in capacity than a standalone dryer or washer and therefore use less energy. A majority of these appliances utilize cold water instead of hot water, which is more efficient.

Another aspect that affects the energy efficiency of washers and dryers is the time it takes for the appliance to dry laundry. Some dryers have high max spin speeds that means they can dry laundry in shorter time than conventional machines. Some of these dryers also come with advanced humidity sensors that track the internal temperatures and humidity levels to stop over-drying. This will help save energy and also protect fabrics.

If you're worried about how much energy your dryer/washer consumes be sure to look for an Energy Star certification. It is a certification that indicates that the appliance has been tested to meet the strictest standards for energy efficiency. Additionally, you can find CEE and NSF ratings that provide similar information.

Abt offers a wide selection of energy-efficient washer/dryer combinations, whether you're concerned about the environment, wish to save money on your energy bills, or have limited space at home. These units can be vented or without vents depending on your requirements and the location where you're planning to install the appliances.

Ventless units are more popular with those who live in apartments or reside in small spaces. These units channel the heat from your laundry to the air in your home. They don't require dryer vent or ductwork. These dryers are smaller than vented dryers. This makes them perfect for apartment dwellers and anyone who doesn't have a lot of closet space. A lot of these appliances can be stacked, which reduces the size of your laundry room. Some of these appliances can be combined with pedestals for laundry that raise the washer and dryer to make it easier to reach.

User-Friendliness

The convenience of dryer and washer combos makes them an ideal choice for anyone who wants to make their laundry easier. They're perfect for inner-city living in which space is a challenge and busy households where long hours at work make it impossible to return home to dry, clean laundry. They're also an excellent choice for single or two-person households, as they can accommodate the same amount of laundry of a single washing dryer combo machine and dryer in less space than a pair of separate appliances.

Washer dryer combo units are typically front-loading. This makes them simpler to load and improves efficiency since you can pull out your clean clothes and move them to the dryer while they're still wet. The stainless steel or sturdy plastic construction makes them easy to clean. Some models even have a built-in water softener or stain remover, which can help reduce the amount of detergent and softener that you use, while keeping your clothes looking and feeling new.

These all-in one laundry solutions are both water- and energy-efficient. They come with advanced sensors that track the progression of cycles and minimize water and combo washer dryers energy consumption in order to maximize efficiency and save money. This will not only help you reduce your energy bills, but helps to reduce environmental impact.

Most models feature a touch-sensitive control panel that lets you control and select cycles and settings. You can choose the desired cycle and decide on the start and finish times for each step and set the temperature, spin speed, and the level of water. They also have dedicated dispensers or trays where you can add laundry additives, such as fabric softener, bleach and stain remover. The paddles or agitators inside the drum then release these products at the right time during each cycle to provide a thorough cleaning and help your fabrics look their best [source: Whirlpool].

Some dryers with washers have a smaller capacity than standalone appliances and this can be an issue for households with larger families or households with heavy-duty wash needs. They also have longer cycle times because they combine drying and cleaning functions into one machine. This can be a problem for certain users.