Wouldn’t it be awesome to simply throw your dirty laundry in the wash, and come back a couple of hours later to clean, dry clothes? Thanks to the washer/dryer combo, that dream can become a reality. Not to be confused with a stackable washer and dryer, the washer/dryer combo is a single, dryer-sized machine, that can perform both services. Sound too good to be true? Below are some pros and cons of a washer/dryer combo to help guide your decision.
Pro: they take up less space
Apartment dwellers—particularly studio apartment dwellers—are clearly the prime purchasing demographic for the washer/dryer combo, as the machine takes up half the space of a traditional washer and dryer set. Those with compact laundry rooms, or no laundry room at all, will also find this appliance incredibly handy. If you’re sharing a house with multiple roommates, you might even be able to tuck a washer/dryer in your bedroom and avoid having to share.
Pro: they clean just as effectively
Influenced by modern buying habits, manufacturers are constantly trying to make household appliances smaller and sleeker, often resulting in a distinct loss of performance. With the washer/dryer combo, this isn’t the case. Product testers have found that most washer/dryer combos can achieve a similar wash quality as standalone washing machines and process detergent in much the same way. In other words, you’re getting the same level of cleanliness, in half the space.
Pro: they’re super convenient
Convenience is by far and above the best advantage of a washer-dryer combo. At last, you can just pop your dirty clothes in and take them out when they’re dry—no need to remember to switch items around in the middle. If you have a busy, fast-paced lifestyle, a washer/dryer combo might be just the thing you need to help everything run a little easier.
Con: their drying quality is lower
Washer/dryer combos are relatively new to the market, and even as we write this, improvements are doubtlessly being made to correct this issue. For now, though, washer/dryer combos have been found to underperform in the drying department. That’s because, unlike a standalone dryer, a washer/dryer combo is full of plumbing fixtures and water inlets that support the washing action; the drawback is that they interfere with the drying. They are also typically condenser dryers, so that they suck moisture out of clothes and drain it away, rather than blowing hot air into the drum. All this means that it will take much longer for a washer/dryer combo to dry your clothes—about thirty minutes to forty minutes more—and you may still have to hang them up to achieve a perfect dry.
Con: they use a lot of water
A standard washing machine uses about 20 gallons of water to complete a full load. Some energy-efficient models are capable of getting the job done in 10 gallons or less. The average washer/dryer combo, however, uses a whopping 55 gallons to complete a single load—a difference that is definitely going to impact your water bill. While there are some heat pump washer/dryer combo models available that don’t use as much water, they will have a higher up-front cost.
Bottom line: Should I purchase a washer/dryer combo?
It’s difficult to make a recommendation without knowing you personally, but there are a few ballpark tips we can give you based on your overall lifestyle. If you are a single, working professional living in a small space, the washer/dryer combo is definitely something you should consider. The hours you spend working will hopefully help give you the income you need to cover the higher water bill, and the space and time you save will make it more than worth it. On the other hand, if you live in a big house with a large family, you might benefit more from a pair of traditional standalone machines. You’ll be able to fit much more laundry in these, and you’ll (hopefully) have a lot more hands to help turn it around.
If you need further recommendations, feel free to come visit Garner Appliance & Mattress at our Raleigh, Clayton, or Garner locations. Our friendly staff members take the time to get to know you and your needs and provide assistance that goes above and beyond anything you’ll find at big-box stores. To view our wide selection of washer and dryer units, click here.