6 Benefits of Washer Dryer Combos

If your living space seems too small for a washer and dryer but you’re tired of hauling clothing and bedsheets to and from the laundromat, a washer dryer combo could be the perfect solution. Even if you do have a laundry room in your home, the large appliance footprint may be interfering with your renovation dreams.

Some believe that stackable laundry units are the only way to save space—if they have the necessary ceiling height—but replacing multiple bulky appliances with a single, compact option opens up even more possibilities.

There are a lot of misconceptions about these appliances, as well as some confusion about how to use them, that could make you miss out on all the benefits of washer dryer combos. To help you determine if they’re the right choice for your home and lifestyle, discover these advantages and how simple they are to use—starting with what exactly they are.

What Is a Washer Dryer Combo?

A washer dryer combo is a washer and dryer in one unit that is typically the size of a washer. The machine cleans soiled clothes in a wash cycle, and afterward, clothes are dried with the condenser dryer function or, less frequently, a heat pump dryer function.

A condenser dryer blows warm, dry air through the wet clothes to capture moisture and then cools the humid air in a heat exchanger. The moisture is collected in a tank or pumped down the drain. The dry air is then reheated and the cycle repeats until the clothes are ready for you to unload them.

Most combo washer dryers don’t need to be vented like a standard standalone dryer does. This allows you to use your unit anywhere there is electricity and a water connection.

Common Misconceptions About Washer Dryer Combos

Before diving into the benefits, let’s dispel three combo unit misconceptions some people have around drying times, energy use, and moisture control.

The earliest models to hit the market did take a long time to dry, but modern washer dryer combos can dry a full load in as little as 45 minutes. Models that run on lower voltage may take longer, sometimes around 90 minutes.

Along with the misconception that combo units have to use more energy for such long drying times, many people assume that all the features that come with these units must also contribute to straining their utility bills. But condensing dryers use anywhere from 50-70% less energy than regular vented dryers and are designed to be efficient and economical for daily needs.

Finally, some worry that the “recycling” of humid air during the drying function is pushing moisture into the areas surrounding the combo unit. But condensing dryers use a closed-loop system to prevent releasing any heat, lint, or moisture into the air.

6 Advantages Washer Dryer Combos Have Over Their Full-Size Counterparts

Not only can you save a ton of space by eliminating the need for a separate washing machine and dryer, but combos are also incredibly versatile, efficient, and compact. Explore the top six benefits the washer dryer combo offers to help you decide if it’s the best choice for your household.

1. Save Valuable Space in Your Home

One of the most obvious benefits of using a combination washer and dryer is that you only need one appliance to do your laundry. This is great for anyone living in a tiny home, small house, condo or apartment, or any living situation where every square inch counts. Because you don't need a spot for a separate washer and dryer, washer dryer combos are an excellent option for anyone looking for a way to save space.

Regardless of the size of your home, a washer dryer combo can help you explore new ways to conserve space, remove clutter, and stay organized in your laundry area.

Many traditional washing machines and dryers can be large and somewhat oversized, but most combo washer dryers are typically about the size of a dishwasher. Because of that small size, the unit can easily be installed under a countertop, and some washer dryer combos are even compact enough to move and store out of sight when not in use.

A washer dryer combo will generally have a smaller capacity than conventional washers and dryers, but the convenience of an all-in-one unit and one-step washing and drying can outweigh that drawback.

2. Efficient Water and Energy Use

Another benefit of a washer dryer combo is that, when it comes to water and energy usage, they exceed efficiency standards.

Most units have a front-loading design, allowing for more effective water usage than top-loading washer designs. Washer dryer combos use less water, as they utilize a technology that is very similar to a front-loading washing machine.

In addition to helping conserve water, these units use significantly less electricity than most standard dryers. In fact, it’s not uncommon to discover that a washer dryer combo might only require a 110-volt outlet, whereas standard dryer units require a 220- to 240-volt electrical outlet.

And, you can earn even more efficiency and water savings by choosing from ENERGY STAR® certified washer dryer combos.

3. Incredibly Versatile

By their very design, washer dryer combo units are more versatile than other options. Both the washer and dryer can function separately; they don’t have to be combined. So a washer dryer combo is perfect if you prefer to line-dry your clothes or hand-wash delicate garments or baby clothes and then dry them.

Not only can they both wash and dry as separate tasks, but you can take this versatility to the next level by making your washer dryer combo portable. Simply add a set of casters to the bottom of your unit, and you’ll be able to roll it out when you need to do some laundry and then store it out of sight when you’re done. This bonus feature makes a washer dryer combo even more convenient, as well as even better at conserving valuable space within your home.

Additionally, in a household with a large family, a washer dryer combo can provide a place to wash surplus loads when the traditional washer and dryer units are occupied.

4. Lots of Models and Brands Available

Each household has different needs relating to laundry, so a variety of available options is important for finding a washer dryer combo that is suitable for your home. The good news is that combo washer dryers are indeed available from big brands with a variety of models and load capacities to choose from.

Obviously, each combo unit comes equipped with washer and dryer capabilities, but there are many other functions and features that differ from unit to unit, including multiple wash and dry cycles. Consider your unique lifestyle and specific needs when deciding on which model is the right choice for you.

5. Horizontal Axis Drum Easier on Clothes

Combination washer dryer units use a horizontal axis drum, with a design very similar to front-loading washing machines, that allows for gentler handling of the clothes tumbling around inside it. This is due to the way the combo units lift the clothes out of the water and then plunge the clothes back in. They also use much less water (and detergent) and, consequently, have less water to wring out, inflicting less stress on clothing. This gentler cleaning method is similar to the washboard action and is an added benefit of using combo units.

6. Easy to Use

Perhaps the best benefit of all is how easy these are to use. Because it’s a two-in-one combo appliance instead of two separate machines, the process of washing your clothes is incredibly simple. Simply pick the right settings for your load and hit start. No worrying about leaving clothes in the washer too long and picking up that musty mildew smell.

Some units come with a delay option, allowing you to load your clothes and set the washer dryer combo to start its cycle at whatever time is most convenient for you. You can load your clothes into the unit before you leave for work and return home at the end of the day to a freshly completed load of laundry.

In addition to saving space, operating more efficiently, and offering impressive versatility, the ease of use is one of the many benefits of using a combination washer dryer unit.

Combining washing and drying in the one appliance is the ultimate laundry convenience: Dirty clothes go in, and clean, dry clothes come out!

How to Use a Washer Dryer Combo

Even though they’re easy to use, washer dryer combos seem a lot different than what many people are used to. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow so that you can use your unit effectively.

Choose Your Load Size

Most units have a total capacity from around 2.7 to 5.3 cubic feet, although there are some that come much higher. The capacities for the separate washing and drying functions can also be different from each other.

It is important not to overload the unit, as it will not get your clothes as clean as they can be and it will be harder for the unit to dry the clothes.

Combo Washer Dryer Detergent

Next comes the detergent. Whether powder or liquid, you need to make sure you use a detergent with the high-efficiency label. Use the amount specified—as with any washer, soap can be too much of a good thing.

Most units will also have a space for fabric softener, which helps cut down on wrinkles and makes your clean laundry feel nice to the touch. There will also be a place to add bleach. You can also choose either powder or liquid softeners and bleach for washer dryer combos. Just as with soap, make sure not to use too much.

Water Setup

If you have the unit hooked to separate hot and cold water outlets, then you can just choose whichever setting will work for your load. But if you have the unit hooked to just one outlet with a faucet adapter and Y connector, use just cold water. If you want to wash something in hot, set the machine for hot water and the unit will heat the water for you. It may seem counterintuitive, but cold water helps the unit dry the clothes better than hot water.

Washing and Drying Cycles

Now, just load the clothes, put in the detergent, choose your cycle, and you are off and running. Once the cycle starts, the door will lock and you will be unable to open until the entire cycle is finished. You can set these units to wash only, dry only or both. Generally, a full wash and dry cycle takes about 3 hours.

Washer Dryer Combos Offer Convenience and Versatility

A machine that promises to do two jobs in one is the very essence of 21st century accessibility. An all-in-one washer dryer does exactly what it promises, with the advantage of saving you time and energy.