Best Washer and Dryer

washer dryer

The Electrolux Laundry Bundle  is our best washer and dryer, which is a laundry bundle that uses less water, which also makes it energy efficient in the long run. Its washing time only takes 15 minutes and its dryer is very gentle on clothes.

Our step-up pick is the Maytag Maxima XL and it has a powerful motor and is made for commercial use. It has a graphite finish and it is a side by side designed washer and dryer combo.

The budget pick is the Haier 24-Inch HLC1700AXS and it has an automatic setting for temperature and washing and there is an option for adjusting the spin cycle. It is a vent-less design that measures 24 inches wide.

A Little Background

A washer and dryer combo is a type of washing machine that combines both a washer and a dryer in just one machine. While most of them are the front load type machines, there can also be units that have a top load configuration, such as those with a twin tub configuration.

The biggest benefit of a washer and dryer combo is that it can help save precious space at home, that you might have been reserving for other things. Most of these combo washer and dryers are also user-friendly so that you don’t have to do a lot of frustrating things to operate them. They can also be vent-less in their system so they can be connected to any kind of home.

Most people prefer the front load type of washer and dryer rather than the top load unit because top loads can take more space and are not stackable. However, for those with limited budget, it is okay to go for a top load washer and dryer, as long as it is durable and user-friendly.

These machines can be used by laundry shops due to their durability. If you ever want to establish your own laundry shop then you can consider investing in a heavy duty and fully automatic washer and dryer so that it can stand up to the challenge of providing quality laundry services for people and your customers.

One of the things that make a washer and dryer machine unique is the fact that it takes less space overall. In fact, some can be stackable. A washer and dryer takes the space of one with two functions: a washer and dryer at the same time. For heavy duty and fully automatic laundry needs, don't hesitate to buy a washer and dryer combo.

A laundry shop washer and dryer should come with heavy duty parts that can last a long time so they have more value in the long run and you reap their benefits. If you previously had a separate dryer then this is a good unit to buy. The only downside to this is that you also lose two units if it breaks, so make sure you go for the most heavy duty one for any of your laundry purposes.

How We Picked

In choosing the best washer and dryer, you should know the following:

Capacity: do know how many daily loads of clothes you need to wash every single cycle for the washer and dryer. This is mostly measured in cubic feet and is an important factor to decide. Whether you need one for a small or a large family, it pays to know if your washer and dryer is the right size. Some that are for use in businesses such as laundry shops should have a higher capacity for that will help customers with bulk items.

Size of the unit: consider getting a washer and dryer unit that is just the right size for your space and your needs. It will help if you do get a stackable washer and dryer so that you can maximize the space in your laundry room or in a community laundry room. You should also adjust for your laundry shop if it does not have a lot of building space, so that the customers can feel more comfortable when using the washer and dryer unit or preparing their laundry altogether.

Energy efficiency: do consider a washer and dryer that is energy efficient with its wattage and power consumption. It pays to know if the washer and dryer does not always affect your electricity bill deeply and if it is also eco friendly at some point. Most washer and dryers may also have vent less designs to make them less of a hassle with energy consumption.

Top load or front load: do ask yourself if you want a top load washer and dryer or a front load one. Front load washer and dryers can be stacked on top of each other.

Our Pick

The Electrolux Laundry Bundle is our best washer and dryer that has a gas dryer design. It has a capacity of 8 cubic feet and is Energy Star rated. It can take only 14 minutes to dry up your clothes with this unit.

It can be placed under your countertop as a washer and dryer combo unit that is a side by side design. It has a 1 year warranty.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only con about the Electrolux Laundry Bundle that is not really a deal breaker is that it is a side to side washer and dryer, since it can be hard to find stackable units anyway.

Step-up Pick

Our step-up pick is the Maytag Maxima XL, which is made with a steam technology so that you can steam dry clothes whenever you need it.

This unit is great for its electric dryer that does not need to be vented. It is also backed by a 10 year limited warranty for the basket and the motor.

Budget Pick

Our budget pick is the Haier 24-Inch HLC1700AXS, which has a silver finish and is a front load design. Its coating does not crack or peel so it does not affect your clothes at all. Its drum is also gentle on fabrics due to being made of stainless steel.

It is ideal for those who live in small areas and it also has 2 temperature settings. It has a detergent dispenser as well.

Best Washer and Dryer that is Ventless

The Dometic WDCVLW2 can take up to 15 lbs of load per cycle and has additional cycles for you to use. It has an adjustable timer and drying level for the dryer feature. It has a continuous setting and is a ventless combo unit.

Best Washer and Dryer that is Stackable

The Crossover Non-Metered can be stacked and is Energy Star certified. It can dry within 15 minutes and is easy to install due to the 8-point suspension design. It has counterweights made of stainless steel.

Best Washer and Dryer that is Vented

The Arbreau Compact can take up to 1.6 cubic feet of load and has 7 wash cycles. It has different rinse and drying cycles and has a spin speed of 1,200 rpm, and is energy efficient.

Best Washer and Dryer that is a Front Load

The Meridian Compact Combo is a front loading combo unit that has a venting kit plus some sensors so you can eliminate guesswork with any laundry that you put in there for drying.

Best Washer and Dryer that is Gas Powered

The Frigidaire FFLG4033QT is an Energy Star certified unit and is also gas powered so it is great for homes with a gas line connection. It has a good finish that can complement any kitchen.

Best Washer and Dryer that is Energy Star Certified

The Ariston ARWDF is an Energy Star rated combo unit that can spin up to 1,200 rpm. It has quick wash and dry settings and has 10 washing cycles in total. It has a width of 23.4 inches and an electronic display for your convenience.

Best Washer and Dryer for Home Use

The EdgeStar 2 Cu-Ft is a ventless washer and dryer combo that has 7 wash cycles and a spin speed of 1,200 rpm. Its total capacity for laundry is up to 2 cubic feet and it has a white finish. The size is just right for most homes.

The Competition

Other washer and dryers did not make it to our list because they were not of heavy duty and were also not easy to operate. A washer and dryer should be user friendly and should be made out of durable materials to last longer.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a washer and dryer set and a washer and dryer combo?

A: A washer and dryer combo  can be different from washer and dryer sets.

A washer and dryer set is a set of two machines, the washing machine and the dryer, and are ideal for those who don't have a lot of budget for a washer and dryer combo and have the necessary space in their home. This setup requires two units together and can have the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

They are easier to repair and replace separately, as one combo unit would mean that you also get two broken units in just one go. Therefore, those who don't have a lot of budget to repair or replace a washer and dryer combo may just go for a washer and dryer set so they can replace the unit one by one. After all, most people can use the washer without a dryer.

A washer and dryer set is great for larger sets of laundry. If you have a large family then you could consider this type of laundry set instead of a combo machine. Having a separate washer from a dryer means that you get more space and capacity instead of a combo machine.

You can effectively process more clothes in the dryer. Because the dryer unit is larger than with a washer and dryer combo unit, you can dry up clothes in bulk. You can go for more loads of laundry with a separate system than with a combo unit, which saves more time and effort in the long run.

Disadvantages:

The washing machine and dryer set may take more space in your home. A washer and dryer set might be too bulky for those who live in apartments, dorms and small spaces. Subsequently, if you have a laundry shop and don’t want to spend a lot of space in your area then a dual washer and dryer set may not be ideal for you.

A separate dryer may need to be vented outside in order to work. Most washer and dryer sets are not vent-less so they need to be situated in an area where a venting system needs to work. If you don’t have this space then your only option is a vent-less washer and dryer combo unit.

You need to transfer laundry load from one machine to another. One of the reasons why people go for a washer and dryer combo instead is because of the fact that two units require a lot of effort. Transferring from the washing machine to the dryer can take some effort, this is because some clothes can become bulkier when they are wet, such as denim jeans.

The washer and dryer combo is a great solution for those who need a lot of precious space not to be wasted at home or in their laundry shop. They come as just one unit instead of two, and are usually stackable and front loading. Some washer and dryer combo units are, however, twin tub in design and are top loading. Here are their advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

A washer and dryer combo can take up less space in any home or room. They are mostly stackable so they are great for those who have more vertical space and less of floor area or footprint. If you want a space saving washer and dryer system then go for a combo unit.

The convenience of a washer and dryer makes transferring loads from one machine to another not required anymore. Most washer and dryer combos can help if you are trying to wash denim jeans and other bulky items that need a heavy duty washer and dryer combo for it.

There are some units that wash and dry clothes separately. If you fear that washing and drying in just one machine can affect your other laundry items then go for a washer and dryer that separately washes and dries instead of a fully automatic washer and dryer combo unit.

Disadvantages:

The problem with washer and dryer combo units is that when one breaks, you could lose both. There are some washer and dryer units that can separately be used. Most are in a combo unit and if one breaks then the other will also break, which can be a waste of time and money. Some washer and dryer combo units won't work if the dryer is broken, whereas a washer/dryer set can still be used even without the dryer.

The amount of load or capacity of washer and dryer combo units is not that high, compared to washer and dryer sets. This is because they are cramped into just one unit instead of two separate units, making them not very suitable for large families or for large bulks of loads of laundry.

A single load of laundry can take some longer time to finish, as compared to washer and dryer sets. The mechanism of a washer and dryer combo unit is combined into one rather than two separate, so it might take a toll on the motor of the unit. This is why if you want to wash separately and dry separately but with speed, a washer and dryer set is better for you.

You can't dry a lot of laundry in the washer and dryer combo unit due to the limited capacity. This makes it more time consuming versus using a regular dryer unit, which is usually more in capacity and faster in its drying time.

Q: What is the average capacity of a washer based on its design?

A: A washing machine  can have a different average capacity based on its design, such as with the following:

Type of Washing Machine

Minimum Capacity

Maximum Capacity

Compact washing machine

2.3 cubic feet

2.45 cubic feet

Standard top load washing machine

3.1 cubic feet

4 cubic feet

High efficiency top load washing machine

3.1 cubic feet

4 cubic feet

Standard front load washing machine

4.2 cubic feet

4.5 cubic feet

High efficiency front load washing machine

4 cubic feet

5 cubic feet

If you are unsure on how each item of clothing can contribute to the total weight of each load of laundry, here is a helpful guide for various kinds of laundry items:

Laundry type

T-shirt

Bath towel

Bed sheet

Denim jeans

Sweatshirt

Typical weight

0.5 lb

1.6 lbs

1.3 lbs

1.6 lbs

0.9 lbs

Q: What is the difference between a side by side washer dryer and a stacked washer dryer combo?

A: A washer dryer combo  can be either stacked or side by side. Here are the differences:

A side by side washer and dryer combo has the following features:

They can either be a front loader or a top loader, but mostly a front loader. If you choose a front loader then it can go under the countertop or under a shelf because of its space saving capabilities, since top loaders cannot go underneath due to the design.

Most of them are only ideal for rooms that have sufficient under counter space and not much vertical space. If you want a combo unit that is closer to the ground and if you have difficulty reaching up on a stacked combo unit then consider a side by side washer and dryer combo instead.

A stacked washer and dryer combo has the following properties:

When it comes down to noise, stacked washer and dryer combos are less noisier because the stacking capability makes them more stable. Being stacked makes them less likely to vibrate because of the weight supporting each other.

They mostly use electricity compared to gas, which is used by those units that need to be vented, such as those washer and dryer combos that are side by side. This makes them easier to install and to maintain.

If you don't have a lot of room, you can consider a washer and dryer combo that is stackable. This makes it more efficient for rooms or areas that are slim and don't have a lot of horizontal space, but have good vertical space.

Q: What are the deciding factors that make a stackable washer and dryer unique?

A: A stackable washer and dryer  can be unique due to the following factors:

Its size and capacity can determine how much it will be able to handle in one cycle. This depends on the amount of average load that you often do each cycle. Most stackable washer and dryers can be sized 24 to 27 inches more or less when it comes down to its width. If you want to go for a machine that is ideal for community laundry areas or for business use, go for a larger washer and dryer unit.

A stackable washer and dryer can be more energy efficient due to the fact that it vibrates less and consumes less energy. Look for a washer and dryer combo unit that is Energy Star certified and has an energy rating sticker for you to know how much it costs to operate per month.

Some washer and dryer units can be made with an electric configuration for the dryer while some are gas powered, so they need to be vented. It depends upon the style of your home whether you need a gas powered or electric powered washer and dryer for the dryer unit, and whether it needs to be vented or not.

Today, you have a choice of either 220 volts or 110 volts for your washer and dryer unit. For those that run at 220 volts, an electrician should be called, whereas those washer and dryer units that are compact enough may only be 110-volt powered for added convenience.

A washer and dryer can be either top loading or front loading. Do know that a top loading washer and dryer cannot be stacked on top of each other but they are less expensive compared to front loading machines. If you want a stackable washer and dryer unit then you should buy a front loading machine instead, despite its price.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of washer and dryer units that are stackable?

A: A stackable unit  of a washer and dryer combo can have the following benefits and drawbacks:

Advantages:

Space-saving: most stackable washer and dryers can be more space saving because you can stack them together in a narrow room that does not have a lot of horizontal space but has enough ceiling space. They are great for those who don't have an upper cabinet and have room for a stackable unit.

Less vibration: one of the benefits of a stackable washer and dryer is that it vibrates less than regular washer and dryer combo units. This makes them less noisier and also less likely to wear down as opposed to units that are not stacked on top of each other.

Disadvantages:

Stacked height: the obvious downside to a stackable washer and dryer is that if you’re not that tall, you may not be able to reach the other unit that is stacked on top of the other unit. Therefore, if you consider a stackable washer and dryer, make sure that it’s on a reachable unit and consider having shorter units rather than tall ones so that when they are stacked, you can reach them.

Expense: a stackable washer and dryer may be more expensive than a side by side unit. This is because of the fact that it requires a different design and are usually front loading washer and dryers that make it more expensive altogether.

Q: What makes a washer and dryer combo unit better than separate units?

A: Instead of a separate unit, a washer and dryer combo  can have the following advantages:

Advantage

Description

Energy efficiency

You can save both water and electricity as part of energy efficiency. Most combo units are set at 115 volt systems instead of 230 volts as a unit.

Space

You can save a lot of space in your home when you go for a 2 in 1 unit. Instead of using two separate units, you have an all in one unit instead of two space hogging units.

Load capacities

Many kinds of combo units have different load capacities so that you can pick one that is tailored to your laundry needs.

Two in one

The two in one functionality makes it not just space saving but also versatile. You can wash and dry on the same unit and you do not have to worry about transferring one load to another machine.

Horizontal axis

Most washer and dryer combos are front load machines, so they are more efficient due to the horizontal axis design, which is great for those who have delicate clothes.

Ease of use

A washer and dryer combo is usually more user friendly because it is mostly fully automatic and can be timed whenever you need to have a washing and drying unit to wash your clothes when you’re sleeping or off somewhere.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a dryer to dry versus air drying or line drying?

A: A dryer  can be a great thing to dry your clothes with but there are also some pros and cons, as compared to air drying or line drying:

Advantages of Dryers:

Fast drying laundry: dryers make it quicker to dry your clothes or laundry. A dryer is very dependable because it can dry your laundry items in a matter of minutes. If time is a very valuable thing to you then getting a dryer is a good investment. Dryers are time savers and effort savers as well for those who don’t have a lot of time to dry their clothes outside.

Useful in cold weather: if you get stuck with rainy days during your laundry period and when it’s cold or winter time outside, you don’t have an opportunity to air dry. This is when a dryer comes in handy – it can help you dry your clothes and laundry even if the weather outside is bad and there is no sun to help you dry your laundry.

Great for emergency situations: if you really need to wash and dry something for a certain appointment or occasion, then that is where a dryer comes in handy. You do not have to wait for warm weather or for time to dry when you want to dry your favorite shirt or dress – a dryer can take a few minutes for your clothes to dry, which is very convenient especially if you’re running late for a date.

Disadvantages of Dryers:

Puts strain on fabrics: the only con about a dryer is that whether you have sensitive or non sensitive fabrics, they may be put on some pressure, since drying in a dryer is an unnatural way of drying your clothes and laundry items. If you have delicate clothes that cannot go on a dryer then they should be air dried to ensure they don’t fall apart.

Can cost some money: it is common knowledge that a dryer unit is expensive, as well as those washer and dryer combo units. In addition to that, dryers can cost some electricity to run so it might have an effect on your monthly bill. If you do consider one, make sure it is energy efficient, at least, so that you don’t have to worry about using it per week or when you need to use it.

Advantages of Air Drying or Line Drying:

Does not put strain on fabrics: a good advantage of air drying or line drying is the natural feeling that your clothes can get. Compared to pressure drying using a pressure, air drying is better for your fabrics because it does not make them suffer a lot. If you do have certain pieces of clothing or laundry items that cannot be put in the dryer then line drying is your best option for them.

It’s free of charge: it is not just cloth friendly but also budget friendly. You don’t need machinery to hang a bunch of clothes outside – the energy of the sun will do the work. In addition to that, drying under the sun costs neither monthly bills nor an upfront cost, so it’s great for your wallet.

Your clothes smell more natural: because it is an eco friendlier way of drying your clothes, it will not smell weird, especially if you don’t often clean your dryer from time to time. Air drying reduces the chances of funky smell, even if you do add fabric conditioners in your dryer.

Disadvantages of Air Drying or Line Drying:

Very slow: air drying is not ideal for those who do not want to wait for a very long time to dry their clothes. It is only meant for those who aren’t concerned about time and have a lot of time to prepare for the next appointment so they can just wait for the clothes to dry later on.

Does not work in the cold or rainy days: if you live in an area where it rains a lot, or if it’s the season of coldness in your country then you still need to have a dryer to dry your clothes efficiently. Even if you do dry your clothes indoors, it will not be the same without the power of the sun due to the funky smell, so it’s a good idea to have a dryer for when it gets chilly outside.

Not for emergency situations: if you really need to wear that suit for party and you need to wash and dry it now, you cannot do so if you depend on air drying or line drying. This is when you will need a dryer so that it will help you dry what you just washed right away so you don’t have to wait for the next day for your suit to dry.

Q: What are gas dryers and what are electric dryers?

A: The two types of dryers  are gas and electric types, and they are characterized by the following:

Gas dryers are those that are usually vented in order for them to work. They are an ideal solution if you don't want to spend a fortune each month when it comes down to electric expenses. They do cost more upfront but in the long run, you may be able to save more money with its operation costs.

Some models of gas dryers also have the same features as electric models, such as auto cool down and auto shut off when your clothes have reached a certain dryness. These can be helpful if you want to make sure that the dryer stays put and does not damage your clothing with over drying. They also dry faster than with electric dryers because they are vented in design.

Electric dryers can be less expensive because of their design. If you want to save more on the upfront costs then the electric dryer may be the one for you. In addition to that, they are also usually vent-less in design so you can install them easier than with gas dryers, which may need an electrician for you to install. They are ideal for those homes that do not have a gas line or gas connection yet.

Q: What washer and dryer features can help the unit become budget friendly?

A: If you want to save money  with a washer and dryer combo unit then these features should be in the unit:

An automatic detergent dispenser or smart dispenser is important so that it will dispense the bleach or detergent as well as the fabric softener at the best time in the cycle so that it can help make your laundry cleaner in a more efficient way. There are also some dispensers that can store the liquid detergent for months as long as they are not expired yet. These dispensers are handy for not creating mess while in the laundry room.

An auto load sensing feature fills up the water according to how much load you have in one cycle. This makes it easier for you to wash with the right amount of water to eliminate guesswork. This is ideal for those who want a fully automatic washing machine which can also save water in the long run.

A large capacity machine is great for business use and it also gets the job done faster, especially if you own a laundry shop or need to maintain the laundry of a large family. Some can handle up to 24 lbs of laundry or more.

A temperature control mechanism is a good addition because some clothes are better washed with hot water while others are ideal for cold water - same with your detergent type (cold water is better with liquid detergents). This is important for those who need to control the temperature based on the type of laundry fabric you have.

An extra cycle for rinsing is great for those with sensitive skin. Some washers may not have enough rinsing capabilities or if you are not sure with the rinse, you can use this to make sure you get rid of all the detergent residue. It also helps if you think you added too much detergent or if your detergent is strong.

A dryness sensor or a moisture sensor can help determine if your dryer needs to stop drying or else it will make the clothes too dry. Do consider this if you want a fully automatic washer and dryer combo so that it will not damage your clothes or laundry by being too dry.

Q: What is the difference between a regular washer and an HE washing machine?

A: A regular washer  is different from an HE washer due to the following:

·         High efficiency or HE washers consume less electricity in the long run.

·         It also uses less water in terms of its design.

·         The washing action is different due to the short agitator that's different from a regular washer.

·         It is also less likely to waste detergent with its design.

Q: What is the difference between a vented and a vent-less dryer?

A: A dryer  can either be vented or vent-less:

A vented dryer is usually a gas type and needs to be vented outside. If you do have the space and you have the connection lines then a vented dryer is good for you.

However, if you don't have a large space and don't have the convenience of connection lines then a vent-less dryer is for you.

Q: Should I get a top load washer and dryer or a front load?

A: A washer and dryer combo  can be used or different purposes.

A top load washer can be used if:

·         You don't have a lot of budget for buying a front load washer.

·         You don't need long wash cycles.

·         You can add more laundry while it spins.

·         You need a lot of load to wash in one cycle.

·         You want a level washer and dryer so you don't have to kneel down to take out the laundry.

A top loading washer can be used if:

·         You want to stack the washer on top of each other for saving space.

·         You want a steam option for stain removal.

·         You need a 2 in 1 washer and dryer, as some can also come in combo units.

·         You want to save up on water and energy in the long run.

Q: How do I stop my washer from vibrating too much?

A: You can do the following  in order to stop it from vibrating too much:

1.       Consider leveling the front and rear legs.

2.       Make sure it is sitting on an even surface.

3.       It may be time to replace your washer if it doesn't stop vibrating.

Q: How do you add bleach in a washing machine? Is it safe?

A: A washing machine  may have a bleach dispenser. However, it is wise to dilute your bleach when you put it in the dispenser so that it will not affect your clothes badly, especially for sensitive fabrics.

Q: What are the different cycle selections in a washer and dryer combo?

A: A washer and dryer combo  can have a cycle selection for different materials such as the following:

·         Delicate materials - mostly for wool, silk and things that you should normally hand wash such as underwear and the like.

·         Speed wash - for those times you need a high speed spin so that it will cater to big loads of laundry in one go.

·         Wrinkle control - ideal for those with colors, casual clothing, synthetic fabrics and the like. It uses a special washing action to keep wrinkle to a minimum.

·         Normal - use this cycle for regular items, especially for cotton and the like. They have a medium high speed and can be great for soiled clothes.

·         Bulk items - this is great for comforters, blankets, bed sheets, pillows, pillow cases, rugs and the like.

·         Whites - this is a setting for white clothes that you can add bleach onto.

Q: What temperature should be used for washing clothes?

A: It depends on your laundry , such as with the following:

Hot water (130 degrees F): ideal for super dirty clothes and for disinfecting.

Cold water (80 degrees F): great for delicate fabrics and dark colors.

Warm water (90 degrees F): for denim jeans, knits and synthetic fibers.

Q: What are the effects of overloading your washer?

A: A washer  that is overloaded could potentially shut off and stop working, and get worn down in its internal motor. It may also blow a fuse if you overload it.

Q: How do you clean up a washer from bad smells?

A: To remove bad smells  and mold from a washer, consider the following:

·         Clean a gasket with a mildew cleaner or some soap mixture.

·         Next, clean the dispensers of the detergent.

·         Give it a spin cycle on a hot water cycle with bleach, baking soda, dishwashing detergent and a washer cleaner.

Q: How is a commercial washer and dryer different from a home unit?

A: A commercial washer and dryer  is a unit that is usually more expensive but can be of heavy duty compared to those with plastic components. Most commercial units are made of full stainless steel material and have more options and capacities.

Q: What common problems could happen to your washer and dryer?

A: A washer and dryer combo  could run into the following problems:

1.       If the door has problems then it could be due to a draining problem or damage from water. The machine can be manually drained in this case.

2.       If the unit does not start, you can check if the door is not closed properly or if the seal of the door is broken or not.

3.       If it vibrates too much, consider putting it in a level ground or even floor and make sure the machine is aligned.

Wrapping It Up

The Electrolux Laundry Bundle  is our best washer and dryer due to its quick drying time and washing time, plus the Energy Star certification and many different settings.