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If your home isn’t quite spacious enough to fit a separate washer and dryer or a stacked unit, an all-in-one washer-dryer combo may be the solution. An all-in-one washer-dryer combo can wash and dry items—hence the “all-in-one” name—and its compact design makes it an optimal choice for apartments, RVs, and other small spaces. Some units may even be tiny enough to fit under a kitchen counter! All-in-one washer-dryer combos dry clothing using a condensing drying system, which means they don’t need to be vented outside, allowing for more flexible placement options.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these units, here’s a guide that highlights some of the top products on the market and shares key considerations to keep in mind as you shop for the best all-in-one washer-dryer for your living situation.
- BEST OVERALL: LG Ultra Large Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DECO High-Efficiency Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer
- BEST PORTABLE: Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine and Spin Dryer
- BEST WITH STEAM: GE Ventless Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
- BEST SMART: LG Smart All-in-One Front Load Washer & Dryer Combo
What to Consider When Choosing the Best All-in-One Washer-Dryer
Each all-in-one washer-dryer combo offers different features designed to meet the varying needs and priorities of each user’s household. Be sure to consider the following options when shopping for the best one.
Size
While all-in-one washer-dryer combos offer a more compact size than most standard washers or dryers, there’s still some variation among the sizes of the different models. Before purchasing a new combo unit, measure the space in which the unit will go. Then, look at the dimensions of each model to ensure it will fit. All-in-one washer-dryers are usually between 23 and 27 inches wide, 22 and 30 inches deep, and 33 and 39 inches tall.
Capacity
The capacity of each unit—meaning the amount of space the interior of the unit has—is also an important factor to take into consideration, as this number will determine how much laundry will fit in each load. Capacity is measured in cubic feet.
Because of their compact size, all-in-one washer-dryer units typically have a smaller capacity than a standard-size washer or dryer. Most models have a capacity between 2.3 and 4.5 cubic feet; the average capacity of a standard washer and dryer is between 5 and 7.4 cubic feet, respectively.
The size of the household and how often laundry needs to be done will determine whether the capacity of an all-in-one washer-dryer is the right choice. Many households with four or more people require a washer with a capacity of at least 4 cubic feet. Those who are able to wash a few more loads of laundry per week, however, may benefit from an all-in-one dryer.
Electric vs. Gas
When it comes to purchasing a standard washer and dryer combo or a stacked unit, shoppers can choose between two fuel types: gas or electricity. While each type offers a number of pros and cons, there are four variables that’ll determine whether a gas or an electric combo is the best choice: installation, energy consumption, clothing treatment, and purchase and energy costs
Washer-dryer combo units are only available as electric units. The upside? Because washer-dryer combo units don’t require ventilation, they can be placed virtually anywhere there’s an electricity and water connection. What’s more, all-in-one washer-dryer combo units use less energy than vented dryers.
Wash Cycles
The number of wash cycles is another important shopping consideration to take into account, especially so for consumers who have special clothing items that need extra care. Different wash cycles may feature different water temperatures, spin speeds, agitation rates, and soak times to accommodate the laundering requirements for various fabric types.
Most standard models include the following cycles: normal, whites, heavy-duty, and delicate. Specialty cycles may be offered by specific models. These include quick wash, steam, permanent press, hand-wash, and extra rinse.
Water and Energy Efficiency
For shoppers who are concerned with costs, assessing the water and energy efficiency of each model may help save on utility bills each month. While the condensing drying system used by all-in-one washer-dryers takes longer than a traditional dryer, these models are designed with efficiency in mind. On average, a condensing dryer can use up to 50 to 70 percent less energy than a vented dryer.
Units with a greater capacity are typically more energy and water-efficient. This is because washing one large load of laundry consumes less water and energy than washing two (or more) separate smaller loads.
Smart Technology
Choosing a smart all-in-one washer-dryer combo unit can make doing laundry easy. Most smart models are designed to pair with smartphones and other mobile devices so consumers can monitor the progress of a cycle and start or pause cycles via their smartphone.
Additional Features
Some all-in-one washer-dryer combo units offer additional features. Here are a few additional options to consider before making a final purchase:
- Delayed-start allows users to program the unit to start at a scheduled time, rather than right away.
- Self-cleaning cycles help prevent mold, mildew, or detergent buildup from forming inside the drum of the unit for hygienic cleaning. For best results, add a washing machine cleaner to the unit, select the self-cleaning cycle, and then wipe down the interior of the machine upon the completion of the cycle.
- Automatic dispensers add laundry detergent, fabric softener, or bleach to a load of laundry at a predetermined time.
Our Top Picks
Continue reading to learn more about some of the best all-in-one washer-dryer combination units on the market. This list of products is based on the shopping considerations mentioned above.
Best Overall
LG Ultra Large Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
This all-in-one washer-dryer combo unit from LG Electronics boasts a spacious 4.5-cubic-foot capacity. It offers special TurboWash technology that can reduce wash times by as much as 30 minutes. The washer also uses six different wash motions with each load to remove stains and leave clothes thoroughly cleaned while also extending their lifespan. Additionally, this model is certified as asthma- and allergy-friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, thanks to its special Allergiene cycle that utilizes steam to remove allergens from each item.
This all-in-one combo is equipped with ThinQ smart technology that allows individuals to control a variety of features and monitor the status of each load from the convenience of their smartphone. Other stand-out features include the ventless condensing drying system, ColdWash technology for superior energy-efficient cleaning performance, and the TubClean self-cleaning cycle.
Best Bang for the Buck
DECO High-Efficiency Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer
Individuals looking for a more budget-friendly option should consider DECO’s 1.57-cubic-foot all-in-one washer-dryer combo. Despite its lower price tag, this technologically advanced model offers a variety of features for simple yet effective washing and drying. The unit features 14 programmable wash and dry cycles, a sensory dry feature, and an automatic water-level sensor. Other notable features include the delayed-start option, automatic detergent dispenser, wrinkle guard, and booster fan to reduce dry times.
This model also offers the option to switch between vented and condensing drying settings. Use this all-in-one combo to wash and dry clothing, or set it to complete one wash or one dry cycle. The unit boasts an easy-to-read LED display and cycle selector knob to set and monitor wash and dry cycles.
Best Portable
Giantex Full-Automatic Washing Machine and Spin Dryer
Giantex offers an ideal solution for individuals who are looking for a compact and portable all-in-one unit. This unit offers six program settings in addition to three water-level selections for greater customization to match the demands of each load of laundry. It also features a spin-dry setting to remove water from clothing items for reduced line-drying times. The imbalance adjustment of the unit prevents excess vibrations if items are not properly balanced in the tub.
This washer and spin dryer all-in-one unit can clean up to 7.7 pounds of laundry at a time. The interior features a stainless steel tub with a barrel light so users can see the contents of each load. An automatic shutoff safety feature turns the machine off after the completion of a wash and spin-dry cycle or after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Best with Steam
GE Ventless Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
GE’s 2.4-cubic-foot all-in-one washer-dryer offers 14 different wash cycles, one of which removes stains with powerful yet gentle steam-cleaning technology. Other cycles include a sanitize cycle that uses higher water temperatures to kill household bacteria and an auto wash and dry setting that automatically adjusts the dryer setting based on the selected wash setting. There are five wash-temperature levels, five soil-level settings, and five spin-speed options for greater customization of each cycle.
This model offers automatic dispensers for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. It also features an “add a garment” option that allows users to pause the machine to unlock the door to toss in a forgotten item. Only a 120-volt plug is needed for this unit.
Best Smart
LG Smart All-in-One Front Load Washer & Dryer Combo
This all-in-one washer-dryer combination unit from LG Electronics features SmartThinQ technology that provides users with advanced control options. The washer-dryer unit connects to the user’s Wi-Fi network so they can monitor the status of a cycle or start and stop loads from any location using a smartphone. It can also be set to send notifications to users at the end of a load or connected to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice-activated control options.
This all-in-one washer-dryer combo features a 2.3-cubic-foot capacity. It offers settings with steam technology to gently remove stains, get rid of dirt and odors, and leave clothing wrinkle-free. The “Allergiene Cycle” removes allergens on fabrics from pet dander. Other noteworthy features include ColdWash technology for enhanced cleaning with cold water, a ventless condensing drying system, and a FreshCare setting to periodically tumble a completed load to maintain freshness and prevent wrinkles.
FAQs About Your New All-in-One Washer-Dryer
Choosing the right all-in-one washer-dryer is not an easy task. For further information, consult the common questions below to gain additional information to make a final decision.
Q. How do I install an all-in-one washer-dryer?
An all-in-one washer-dryer will require a 120-volt electrical outlet as well as hot and cold water hookups. The installation instructions may vary by model, so be sure to check with the instructions from the manufacturer for each unit. Many retailers offer installation services, or a certified electrician or plumber can do the job.
Q. Does an all-in-one need to be vented outside?
No, most all-in-one washer-dryer combos use a condensing drying system that does not need to be vented.
Q. Can I use dryer sheets with my all-in-one combo?
It’s not advisable to use dryer sheets with a ventless dryer.
Q. How long does it take to do a load of laundry in a washer-dryer combo?
The length of time it takes to complete a load of laundry in a washer-dryer combo will vary based on the settings and the model. Most units take somewhere between 3 and 6 hours to finish washing and drying a load.
