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Washer Dryer Buying Guide
The combo washer and dryer, invented by General Electric in 1954, combines the functions of a washing machine and a clothes dryer into a single appliance.
Many people enjoy the convenience of being able to wash and dry their garments in the same machine. Combo units, on the other hand, are more popular in Europe than in the United States.
We expect a new washer and dryer to last a few years when we buy them. However, decision-making is difficult due to the marketing lingo and the enormous number of options offered. The following guide was created to assist you in determining the desired features of a washer and dryer set.
Our goal is to assist you in finding a washing machine that meets your needs while also ensuring that you don’t miss out on modern features.
Our complete washers and dryers buying guide, on the other hand, will cover more themes and provide you with a starting point with our top washer and dryer recommendations.
Advantages of Washer Dryer
Having a washer dryer combo in your house has a number of benefits. They’re extremely adaptable, efficient, and small. You not only save space in your laundry room, but you also avoid time-consuming and expensive journeys to the laundromat.
Is a washer dryer combo, however, the best option for you?
Let’s take a deeper look at a few of the benefits that come with using a washer dryer combo to help you understand more about it and decide if it’s the appropriate fit for your lifestyle.
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Make the Most of Your Home’s Space
The fact that you only need one appliance to handle your laundry is one of the most obvious advantages of a combination washer and dryer. This is ideal for anyone who lives in a tiny apartment or house because it drastically minimizes the amount of room required to complete a basic domestic task.
Regardless of the size of your home, finding innovative ways to save space, eliminate clutter, and stay organized is always a good idea. In your laundry area, a washer dryer combo is an excellent method to achieve this.
Traditional washing machines and dryers are sometimes big and oversized, but most combo washer dryers are around the same size as a dishwasher. You can install it beneath counters or moved it around and stored it out of sight when not in use.
Use of Water and Electricity in an Efficient Manner
When it comes to efficiency, combination units excel in two areas: water use and power consumption.
Because they use a technique that is quite similar to that of a front-loading washing machine, washer dryer combinations consume less water. These dryers use substantially less electricity than typical ordinary dryers, in addition to helping to conserve water.
In fact, normal dryer units require a 230-volt electrical connection, whereas washer dryer combos just require a 115-volt outlet.
Highly Versatile
Washer dryer combo units are more adaptable than other options due to the fact that they may be used as both a washer and a dryer. Not only can it complete both functions, but it can also be made portable, increasing its versatility.
Simply add casters to the bottom of your combo washer dryer and you’ll be able to roll it out when you need to do laundry and then store it out of sight when you’re finished.
There are numerous models and brands to choose from.
Everyone’s laundry requirements are different. As a result, it is critical that a wide range of options be available. This makes finding a washer dryer combo that meets your unique requirements much easier.
The good news is that combo washer dryers are available from major manufacturers in a wide range of models and load capacities.
Obviously, each combo unit has a washer and dryer, but there are numerous more functions and features that vary from one unit to the next. When determining which model is best for you, keep in mind your individual lifestyle and requirements.
It’s Easier on Clothes
A horizontal axis drum is used in combination washer dryer systems. This arrangement, which is comparable to front-loading washing machines, allows the combo unit to be softer on the garments tumbling about inside. Because the combo units remove the garments out of the water before plunging them back in, this is the case.
Extremely Simple to Use
The fact that these are so simple to use is maybe the finest benefit of all. Because you’re using a two-in-one appliance instead of two separate machines, washing your clothes is really simple.
The Drawbacks of a Washer/Dryer Combo
However, there are a few drawbacks to using a combination washer and dryer, one of which is the low capacity. A typical washer and dryer combo may hold 10-30% less clothes than two separate washing and dryer units.
This is a significant disadvantage for families who wash the maximum number of loads at any given time.
It’s also possible that a washer and dryer combo will take longer to dry items. A conventional clothes dryer can finish a full drying cycle in about an hour, but a combined machine may take two or more hours.
Users have complained about the slow drying periods of combo washers and dryers in dozens of online customer reviews.
What to Look for in a Washer and Dryer
Laundry is one of everyone’s least favorite duties, despite the fact that it is a necessary evil. It’s not easy to pick a washer and dryer, either, because there are so many various brands, models, and features to choose from.
Is it better to buy a front-load or top-load washing machine? Is it better to use a high-efficiency (HE) washer or a conventional washer? Or just use a gas or electric dryer? Is it worth it to invest in a smart washer and dryer, or are they a waste of money?
We’ll show you how to choose a washer and dryer, including which features to look for and which model is right for you.
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Types
The type of washer and dryer you get will be mostly determined by the amount of room you have in your home. For example, if your laundry is confined to a small closet, the only alternative is to use a stackable washer and dryer set.
Because these machines are smaller, you may not be able to fit your giant comforters in them, but they are useful for compact areas. Compact dryers are also perfect for people with limited space or who require specific functions. Gas and electric dryers are both available, so which one you choose will depend on your home’s capacity.
Size
Washing machines and dryers are large pieces of equipment. You might be wondering if you’ll have any trouble getting them into your house. Most homes have doorways and halls that can accommodate things that are 30 to 31 inches broad.
Dryer capacity
When picking a dryer to go with it, capacity is also vital. The first difference you’ll notice is that dryers have a larger capacity than washers. This is because as your clothing dries, they fluff up and take up more space.
You don’t want a dryer that contains less clothing than your washer because you’ll have to dry in shifts otherwise.
To avoid this, simply get a dryer that is rough twice the size of your washer. With compact models, this might not be possible. You shouldn’t have to overload your dryer as long as you’re close to doubling the size.
Features
Washers and dryers with only a few wash and dry cycles are still available. Choosing one with fewer options will help you save money.
Unless you’re tech-savvy, many of the newest machines, particularly front-loaders, come with so many settings that you’ll need to spend some time with the handbook to learn about them all.
Salespeople will walk you through the highlights, but it will take some time to understand what all of those buttons and settings do.
Warranty
The majority of appliances come with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Some warranties are even three years long. Extended warranties will be available for purchase at a cost in stores.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Washer and Dryer?
Let’s start with how frequently you should clean your washer and dryer. Deep cleaning your machine at least once a year is necessary to guarantee that all lint, dust, and other filth and grime are eliminated.
Failure to do so may result in a clog, preventing it from performing properly. Here’s how to clean your washer and dryer thoroughly:
- Set your washing machine to the hottest and longest wash cycle.
- Fill the drum with two glasses of vinegar.
- Add a quarter cup of baking soda to the mixture.
- Begin the cycle.
- After the cycle is complete, use a sponge to scrape the interior of the drum with a quarter cup of water.
- Ensure that the inside of your machine is completely dry.
It won’t take long to deep clean your appliance using the instructions above, and it will help it last longer.
Bonus Maintenance Tips
It’s also a good idea to clean your machine lightly on a regular basis. When you’re cleaning your washer and dryer, keep an eye out for the following:
- If the drum is clogged with lint, a blockage in your vent or drum might be caused by a build-up of lint.
- Remove the lint trap if your machine has one and wipe it down.
- Remove any dust, lint, or other debris from the vent, the hose attachment, and the interior of the vent hole with a vent cleaning brush.
- Any debris on the door seal should be removed.
- Any leftover detergent in the detergent pan.
- Within the drum, there are dye or stain marks.
- To avoid them moving to the following load of laundry, remove them as soon as you notice them.
- If you reside in an area with hard water, we recommend using a hot water cycle with 3.8 litres of white vinegar once a month or every ten loads, whichever comes first. This will prevent limescale build-up, which can damage the machine’s interior.
Once a month, wipe off the exterior of your washer and dryer with a damp sponge. This will not boost performance, but it will keep the system looking good.
Final Thoughts
A new washer and dryer will brighten your laundry day. Today’s washers and dryers are built to handle larger loads, clean filthy clothing more rapidly than ever before, use less water, and conserve electricity.
In washers and dryers laundry facilities, you’ll enjoy the creative cycles and stylish models accessible. There’s a solution to meet your family size and available space, whether you wash every day, large or little loads, in a laundry room or closet.
