Whether you live alone or surrounded by family, you can’t avoid doing laundry on a weekly basis. And if you’re looking to make laundry day as efficient as possible, you might view a washer-combo dryer as the ultimate convenience.
But before you invest in a new laundry appliance, let’s see if 2-in-1 washer-dryer combos are worth it! Below, we’re breaking down the top pros and cons of washer-dryer combos.
What Is a Washer-Dryer Combo?
Before we jump into the pros and cons of washer-dryer combos, let’s break down exactly what this laundry machine is and how it functions.
A washer-dryer combo is a compact appliance comprised of a washer and dryer combined into a single unit. It is available as either a vented or ventless system—this only affects the drying cycle, as the washing cycle is very similar to that of a standalone front-loading washing machine.
Vented systems import air from the surrounding room and heat it up while the clothes are spinning. The warm, dry air absorbs the moisture from the laundry, and the resulting steam is released outdoors via the vent. The cycle is repeated until the clothes are completely dry.
Ventless systems, on the other hand, don’t require an outside exhaust due to the built-in condensing chamber. As the heated air extracts moisture from the wet laundry, it is circulated through the condensing chamber, where it turns into condensation. The water is removed through the water drainage tube. The cycle is, once again, repeated as many times as necessary to fully dry your clothes.
Pros and Cons of Washer-Dryer Combos
Now that you know how this technology works, you might be wondering whether a 2-in-1 washer-dryer combo is worth it. While that’s for you to decide at the end of this article, we hope to make it easier for you by detailing the pros and cons of washer-dry combos.
Pro: Great for Small Spaces
Do you live in a small condo? Maybe your basement is too cluttered for a separate washer and dryer? Consider a washer-dryer combo instead. Its compact size is perfect to help you save space in your laundry room.
Con: Not Eco-Friendly
If you have a green thumb, then a 2-in-1 washer-dryer combo is not worth it for you. These machines use a staggering amount of water per laundry cycle; some models may use up to 210 liters! Consider a heat pump washer-dryer combo if you don’t want separate machines for washing and drying but also want to save on water consumption and costs.
Pro: Washing Performance Is Equivalent to That of a Standalone Washer
The good news is that you won’t have any dirty clothes to deal with! Washer-dryer combos performed exceptionally well when compared to standalone washing machines, according to a test conducted by Consumer Reports.
Con: Dryer Takes Twice as Long to Complete
Unfortunately, the same test discovered that the drying cycle is not as effective. For optimal dryness, cutting your wash load in half is recommended. Otherwise, you might have a dry time of 3+ hours.
Pro: Washer and Dryer Function Separately
You don’t have to both wash and dry your clothes in one go. If you prefer washing delicate garments by hand or air drying freshly washed clothes, you can! A washer-dryer combo is a very versatile laundry appliance.
Con: Long Running Time
Last but not least, be patient. A combined wash and dry cycle can take anywhere from three to six hours.
Appliance Doctors Offers the Best Washers and Dryers at Affordable Prices!
Is a 2-in-1 washer-dryer combo worth it for you? Most homeowners would opt for a regular front-loading washer and vented dryer. For starters, it’s the most energy-efficient option. Plus, separate machines come with an array of features that a washer-dryer combo can’t offer.
If you’re looking for a washer or dryer installation, contact Appliance Doctors today! We’re Cayman Islan’s leading experts on all major household appliances. We repair, maintain, and install washing machines and dryers with a smile.
