4 Best Washer-Dryer Combos (2023 Guide)

If you’re looking to save space and money, a washer-dryer combo—also called an all-in-one washer-dryer— is a great option. As the name suggests, this do-it-all laundry machine offers the functionality of a washer and dryer set in a single unit.

In this product review and buying guide, we’ll provide you with our top washer-dryer picks. We’ll also cover the features and benefits of today’s best washer-dryer combos and what to look for when buying one.

Top 4 Washer-Dryer Combos

• Best Overall: GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer
• Best Ventless Dryer: LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combo
• Best Compact Design: GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer Combo
• Best for RVs: Equator 2 Pro Convertible Washer-Dryer

Compare Top Washer-Dryer Combos

Best Washer-Dryer Combo Overall: GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer

Pros and Cons

✔ Features GE’s hyper-efficient ventless heat pump technology
✔ Includes app-based control and monitoring
✔ ENERGY STAR certified

✘ Has a large footprint that’s not ideal for all households
✘ Has a price point on the higher end

Good for: High-tech homes with considerable laundry demands.

What Customers Are Saying

Our research into consumer and tester reviews suggests that GE’s cutting-edge ventless dryer heat pump excels at minimizing dry time. Reviewers also praise its unique filtering system, which makes lint removal more manageable. Notable drawbacks include the machine’s propensity for selling out quickly and its relatively expensive price tag.

Best Ventless Washer-Dryer Combo: LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer

Pros and Cons

✔ Features steam-clean and TurboWash technology
✔ Comes with LG’s 10-year motor warranty
✔ Offers ThinkQ smart app connectivity

✘ Takes up to four hours for a full laundry cycle
✘ Not ENERGY STAR certified

Good for: Tech-savvy three-to-four-person homes that value thorough cleaning performance.

What Customers Are Saying

Our customer review research shows that most owners are satisfied with this unit, primarily for its ultra-high capacity, app control, and feature range. Some buyers rate this machine lower for its slow dry time and lint accumulation over time.

Best Compact Washer-Dryer Combo: GE Front-Load Washer and Dryer Combo

Pros and Cons

✔ Offers 14 wash cycles and 16 dry cycles
✔ Has a stainless steel drum
✔ ENERGY STAR certified

✘ Can take up to two hours to complete the drying cycle
✘ Does not come with a Wi-Fi

Good for: Small, eco-conscious households that want a sturdy and comprehensive all-in-one machine.

What Customers Are Saying

According to our verified buyer evaluation, this model receives 3.9 out of 5 stars for its ease of use, capacity, and trim profile. Some critical reviews express frustration with the drying cycle, which took up to two hours in one case. One reviewer claims that the spin cycle creates excessive reverberation.

Best RV Washer-Dryer Combo: Equator 2 Pro Convertible Washer-Dryer

Pros and Cons

✔ Features convertible vented or ventless drying
✔ Includes delayed start and efficiency sensors
✔ Operates at a quiet 60 A-weighted decibels (dB(A))

✘ Has one of the smallest drum capacities on the market
✘ Is prone to lint buildup when used on a ventless setting

Good for: Small apartments, campers, RVs, or tiny homes with limited space and minimal laundry needs.

What Customers Are Saying

Based on our research, most customers praise this compact all-in-one machine’s flexible ventilation/condenser, dual-fan design, and cleaning performance. However, several reviews criticize its small capacity and short, one-year warranty.

Buying Guide for Washer-Dryer Combos

The best washer-dryer combo for you will depend on your preferences and needs. Here are a few key factors to look for when shopping for an all-in-one unit.

External Dimensions

First, ensure the unit will fit in your available space. Measure the area where you plan to install the washer-dryer combo, then compare it to the dimensions of the unit you’re interested in to ensure a comfortable fit.

Laundry Capacity

You’ll also want to consider the capacity of the unit. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, you may want to opt for a larger unit.

Standard all-in-one machines have 2.4–3.5 cubic feet of interior space. Extra-large models, such as the GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer and LG Smart All-in-One Washer-Dryer Combo, have capacities of 4.8 and 4.5 cubic feet, respectively.

Note that washing capacity is usually greater than drying capacity, so you may have to split large loads into two drying cycles.

Drying Capabilities

Additionally, consider the unit’s drying capabilities. Look for a unit with a high maximum temperature and multiple drying settings, as this will allow you to dry various fabrics effectively.

Additional Features

Most washer-dryer combos have similar feature sets. Still, some of the latest models include smart capabilities, soil level detection, sanitization and steam cycles, self-cleaning, and “eco” modes.

Washer-Dryer Combo Benefits

There are several benefits to opting for an all-in-one washer versus a washer and dryer set. Here are the top three.

Space-Saving Design

The main benefit of a washer-dryer combo is its space-saving design. If you live in a small apartment, need a compact washer-dryer for your RV, or have limited space in your laundry room, a combined washer-dryer is a practical solution.

Energy Efficiency

In this review, we’ve specifically featured a combination of ENERGY STAR-certified and high-efficiency machines, which means they use less water and electricity than most stand-alone washers and dryers. Besides being more sustainable, efficient appliances also save you money.

Affordability

Many washer-dryer combos on today’s market are more affordable than separate washers and dryers, making them a good choice for those on a budget.

Vented vs. Ventless Washer-Dryer Combos

When looking for an all-in-one washer-dryer, you can choose between vented, ventless condensation, or ventless heat pump models. The primary difference between vented and ventless units is the drying mechanism. A vented machine requires an exhaust system to vent off steam during the dry cycle, whereas a ventless machine captures the steam, condenses it into liquid, and then releases it via a drain or hose.

Here’s a detailed look at how each drying mechanism works.

Vented Dryers

A vented system works similarly to a traditional washer and dryer setup. Once the wash cycle is complete, the drying system pulls in and heats air from outside the machine. That air then circulates through the wet clothes, picking up moisture and producing steam. That steam escapes through a vent, and the system pulls in and heats more external air. This process continues until the load is dry.

Ventless Condensation Dryers

In a ventless system, the drying mechanism also draws in and heats cool air from the area surrounding the machine. The hot air then passes through the drum, picking up moisture from the wet clothes. The moisture-laden air is then circulated and cooled in a separate chamber that condenses the water vapor and flushes it out via a drainage system into plumbing lines, a sink, or an alternative drain. This process repeats until the clothes are completely dry.

Non-vented washer-dryer combos are relatively easy to install and best suited for small spaces or locations without adequate access to an external venting system.

Ventless Heat Pump Dryers

Ventless heat pump systems are relatively new and generally more expensive than vented and condensation systems. However, heat pump models are notably more energy efficient and provide faster, more thorough drying than condensation models. 

Instead of drawing in and heating outside air, the non-vented heat pump mechanism uses a heat exchanger to remove moisture from the air inside the dryer, then recirculates that air back into the drum to continue drying the clothes. This process is more energy-efficient than traditional dryers because it uses less electricity to heat the air and doesn’t require a vent to release hot air outside.

As with condensation models, heat pump dryers have a secondary heat exchanger that captures and drains off the extracted moisture.

FAQ About Washer-Dryer Combos

What is the best washer-dryer combo?

After thoroughly evaluating numerous combo washer-dryers, we’ve concluded that the GE Profile UltraFast 2-in-1 Smart Washer-Dryer is the best model currently available. The machine benefits from a suite of smart features, a substantial 4.8-cubic-foot drum capacity, and GE’s newly premiered ventless heat pump architecture.

How much laundry can I do in one load with a washer-dryer combo? 

Our evaluation of numerous models indicates that the maximum load size for a combined wash-and-dry unit ranges from 9–15 pounds, depending on the unit. While washer-dryer combos are space-saving, their load capacity is limited.

How do I choose the right size washer-dryer combo for my needs? 

Choosing the right washer-dryer combo requires consideration of your household’s laundry needs and the amount of space you have available. If you have a larger family or need to wash bulky items such as comforters, consider an all-in-one with at least 4.5 cubic feet of capacity, or opt for a traditional washer and dryer set instead of a combined unit. As with any major appliance, we recommend measuring your space before investing in a machine.

How long do the cycles on washer-dryer combos take?

According to our research, the average cycle duration for an all-in-one unit is two to three hours. Less powerful machines can take around five hours. That estimation includes the average wash time, which runs between one to one and a half hours, and the average dry time, which takes between one and a half and two hours.

The time it takes a hybrid washer-dryer to complete a load of laundry varies based on the machine, the cycle, the load size, and the density of the fabrics in that load.

How does the energy consumption of a washer-dryer combo compare to a stand-alone washing machine and dryer? 

According to the consumer advocacy group CHOICE, the energy consumption of a combined unit is comparable to that of a front-load washing machine and a small electric dryer. If you use the machine’s dryer regularly, vented and ventless heat pump systems are far more energy efficient than ventless condensation systems.

Are washer-dryer combos as effective at cleaning clothes as stand-alone washing machines?

Generally, washer-dryer combos are just as effective at cleaning clothes as stand-alone washing machines. However, they may not be as effective at drying clothes as stand-alone dryers. All-in-one washer-dryer combos typically take longer to fully launder a single load than most side-by-side or stackable washers and dryers.

Is it possible to only wash or only dry a load with an all-in-one washer-dryer?

Yes, it is possible to only wash or only dry a load with an all-in-one washer-dryer. All of the options we’ve included in this roundup allow you to select wash-only, dry-only, or full wash-and-dry cycles.

Who This Washer-Dryer Combo Guide Is For

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, veteran home renovator, or somewhere in between, a quality washer-dryer combo can level-up your space. Our Reviews Team considered a variety of washer-dryer combos, including a ventless washer-dryer combo, a compact washer-dryer combo, and more.

Our Rating Methodology

Our small team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.

We rate the laundry appliances we review on a 100-point system across seven key factors:

• Features (up to 35 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after features, including ENERGY STAR certification, quick wash and wrinkle-release settings, stain removal, an intuitive control panel, vibration reduction, reliable drying mechanisms, and more.
• Finishes (up to 5 points): Washer-dryer combos that come in more than one finish were rated higher than those with only one finish option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each machine received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Capacity (up to 10 points): Combo washer-dryers with a large capacity of at least 3.5 cubic feet received more points than their smaller counterparts.
• Smart features (up to 5 points): If a product included smart device integration, app-based controls, intelligent dispensers, or Wi-Fi compatibility, it received five points. 
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 20 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 10 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their item. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.