With the bounty of household items you need on hand, a quality washer and dryer combo is an investment that you’ll use weekly. However, knowing which one to buy requires extensive research.
Much like microwaves and dishwashers, this dynamic laundry room duo comes in a well-varied selection, from front-loading to stacked.
To help make your shopping experience easier, we narrowed down the hundreds on the market to the seven best washer dryer combos of 2024, according to product experts and our at-home testing. We also put together an in-depth FAQ section to offer more to know about these home appliances.
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“Some washers now have ‘load and go’ dispensers for the washing machine, which gives you the option to pre-load the washer and it will automatically detect how much detergent the cycle needs,” Nikki Jones, Best Buy’s Home Expert, told the New York Post. “Front load washers and dryers also have the option to add pedestals, which can raise the machines to a more convenient height for loading and unloading. Some pedestals can also double as a sidekick washer, which are great for running smaller loads at the same time as your main washer.”
We even put one to the test — the LG STUDIO WashTower Smart Front Load 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Center Control ($2,599) — so you’ll hear our review notes below.
What’s more, our washer dryer experts provide all the answers to the home appliance type below, in addition to the top models we selected based on their expertise. While you’re at it, check out our expert-backed guide to the best laundry detergents, too.
LG STUDIO WashTower Smart Front Load 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Center Control
Pros:
- Easy to use yet is complete with a wealth of settings, depending on your load
- Extremely quiet operation
- AI technology selects optimal wash & dry motions and settings; washer can auto-select a compatible drying cycle
Cons:
- Requires additional cleaning, due to its front-load nature (to prevent mold and buildup)
In my household, we’ve never had a state-of-the-art washer dryer. Simply put, we previously owned the typical toss-in machine that’ll do the job. But then, the LG STUDIO WashTower Smart Front Load 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Center Control came along.
With an easy-to-follow included handbook, this full-blown unit is simple to use though equipped with myriad features. Most notably, it includes AI settings to automatically select the optimal wash cycle based on your laundry load. There’s even a setting for bath towels and jeans, alike, making me actually *want* to separate my load the proper way.
What’s more, you don’t even hear the system running. Everything is connected to the paired LG ThinQ app (which you don’t have to use, but it’s a nice feature regardless) and I always have fresh-scented clean clothes at the end of my full cycle. It’s worth every penny, and ultimately one that you’ll love using.
GE Profile 4.8. cu. ft. UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer with Ventless Heat Pump Technology
Pros:
- Saves space with its dual-operating design (non-stacking)
- Quite spacious capacity, given its two-in-one design
- Diminishes your laundry time
Cons:
- Requires additional cleaning, due to its front-load nature (to prevent mold and buildup)
“The GE Profile 4.8 cu. ft. UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer with Ventless Heat Pump Technology in Carbon Graphite is a great two-in-one washer/dryer designed to simplify your daily life,” Daniel Galinsky, merchant at The Home Depot, told The Post. “The smart technology and cutting-edge features eliminate the need to transfer clothes between machines. This really revolutionizes the way you do laundry.”
Moreover, it operates with warm, high-speed air to extract moisture from garments to gently dry large loads fast with less heat. You can wash and dry everything from a comforter to delicate items (which means less hang-drying) and it’s one of the simplest to incorporate into your weekly cleaning routine.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo with TurboWash 360 WiFi
Pros:
- Saves space with its dual-operating design (non-stacking)
- Fairly priced
Cons:
- Requires additional cleaning, due to its front-load nature (to prevent mold and buildup)
- Requires the purchase of the paired dryer
“The 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo with TurboWash360 WiFi in Black Steel allows you to perform a full wash and dry cycle in under two hours without having to transfer clothes from washer to dryer,” Galinsky says.
Additionally, the LG intuitive digital dial control feature is backed by an LCD Display to allow you to best understand your particular load, plus instant access to timesaving features like Smart Learner and Smart Pairing.
In essence, it’s most similar to our editor-tested pick, the LG STUDIO WashTower Smart Front Load 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Center Control, but for a fraction of the cost.
GE 3.9 cu. ft. Energy Star Electric Washer Dryer Combo
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Backed with a variety of load settings, including water temperatures
- Helps save money on your utility bills, in most cases
Cons:
- Not as modern-looking as some other top picks on this list
“The GE 3.9 cu. ft. Washer 5.9 cu. ft. Electric Dryer Combo in White, ENERGY STAR incorporates year-round energy-saving technology, ensuring reduced environmental impact but also significant cost savings on your utility bills,” Galinsky notes.
Upon purchase, you’ll appreciate how its wash cycles are designed to specifically handle various fabrics and soils. Specifically, there are six wash and rinse temperatures, with its speeds auto-matching to your fabric type.
It even features auto-load sensing with four water levels to choose from. This allows you to automatically measure the load size and add just the right amount of water, or choose your own.
LG 4.5 cu. ft. Stackable Smart Front Load Washer with Steam and TurboWash360 Technology
Pros:
- Pairs with an app to customize and control your laundry load
- Can finish a full load in 30 minutes
Cons:
- Requires additional cleaning, due to its front-load nature (to prevent mold and buildup)
- Requires the purchase of the paired dryer
“The LG 4.5 Cu. Ft. Stackable SMART Front Load Washer in Black Steel with Steam and TurboWash360 Technology uses built-in sensors to detect fabric texture and load size and then automatically selects the right settings for advanced fabric care,” Galinsky notes. “Activate Smart Pairing in the ThinQ app, and the washer can even tell the dryer to select a compatible drying cycle, making it the ultimate laundry hack.”
Impressively, this model can finish your laundry load in 30 minutes, per the brand’s description. If it’s anything like the editor-tested LG STUDIO WashTower Smart Front Load 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Gas Dryer with Center Control, we can vouch for its quickness and efficiency.
Not to mention, its sleek look is one that you’ll love to have in your laundry area. Its dial up front makes it simple to navigate your preferred settings, too.
An FAQ on Washer Dryer Combos
Ahead, our washer-dryer experts detail the 411 on all things washer-dryer combos, including what to look for in a top bundle.
What is a washer-dryer combo?
“A washer-dryer combo is a single appliance that combines the functions of a washing machine and a clothes dryer,” Galinsky told The Post. “It typically works like a traditional washing machine featuring a drum where you can load your dirty clothes, after the washing cycle is complete, the same drum is used for drying the clothes.”
What to look for in a washer-dryer combo, per experts
The first thing to consider when looking for a new washer and dryer set is the style, according to Jones.
“Some units are top loaders, some are front loaders, and of course, you have combo units and stacked units that are a good pick for smaller spaces,” she says. “Once you figure out the style, then you can dive deeper into other features, like capacity and color.”
Even better, some units have more presets to allow for even more precise washing and drying cycles based on the laundry load.
How do washer and dryer combos differ from traditional machines?
Washer-dryer combos differ from the traditional side-by-side washer and dryer units in several ways, per Galinsky:
- Design and Size: Washer and dryer combos integrate both washing and drying functions into a single, compact appliance, while traditional setups involve separate machines, occupying more floor space.
- Capacity: Washer-dryer combos typically have a smaller combined capacity than standalone machines, requiring smaller loads and limiting the ability to wash and dry large loads simultaneously. Nowadays, we’re seeing newer models launch with larger capacities so you wash and dry a full-size load.
- Flexibility: Separate units provide more flexibility, enabling users to choose different models or brands for washing and drying according to their specific preferences and needs.
- Cycle Time: Combo units may have a longer drying time than traditional dryers because they use the same drum for both washing and drying and their drying mechanism, such as ventless drying, may differ. New models can wash and dry a full load in under two hours.
Is it better to buy washers and dryers separately?
Though this is something to consider — especially if, say, your washing machine is fine and dandy but your dryer needs a repair — Jones still recommends a matching pair.
“This helps ensure the technology in each unit matches, as manufacturers often make the pairs to complement each other for a seamless experience at home,” she explains. “The steam feature is a good example of this, as the washer will use steam to remove stains and your dryer will also use steam to get rid of wrinkles.”
Although washer-dryer combos are a higher upfront investment, there are many benefits of using a washer-dryer combo and having one in your laundry room or closet.
“Some benefits are that they’re space-saving, easy to install, energy-efficient and wash and dry in one cycle,” Galinsky adds. “With a washer-dryer combo, there is no change over and no rewashing because you left it in the washer for too long.”
The newer units run on a standard 120V plug, meaning more flexibility in where you can put it. With some models, any room can be a laundry room, too. “The newer models also use heat pump technology, meaning they do not need an exterior vent,” Galinsky explains. “Between the plug and no exterior vent, you can basically put the machine anywhere you have a plug, waterline and drain.”
What’s more, most of the new machines are smart, meaning they have a combination of smart features, including auto-dispense, AI-driven weight and fabric detection and smart app control. “All of these features revolutionize the laundry experience for you,” Galinsky pinpoints.
How do you use a washing machine?
“Once you’ve separated your laundry and placed it in the washing machine, add laundry detergent and fabric softener to the dispenser before selecting the cycle you want,” Jones begins. “The machine will wash according to the cycle you choose, and you’ll hear a ring once it’s ready for the dryer.”
Washers use moisture sensors to control how much water your machine uses based on the load size to ensure your clothes are clean and fresh with every cycle, too.
How do you use a dryer machine?
After washing your clothes, begin by transferring the load over to the dryer. “Some dryers also use moisture sensor technology built into the unit to eliminate any guessing around the time it takes for your clothes to completely dry,” Jones says. “It also means you don’t have to constantly check if your load is done.”
What’s more, the sensors also help save energy as the cycles run more efficiently and effectively.
The different types of laundry machines, explained by an expert
Jones broke down the different types of washer and dryer machines to help match the model below to your preferences:
- Top-Loading Machines: These are what customers are most familiar with. They have an agitator that moves the clothes around during the wash cycle. Some top-loading machines now have impellers, so they don’t have an agitator in the middle of the machine to allow for more room and larger items.
- Front-Loading Machines: These give users easy access to their clothes, allowing them to easily load and unload their laundry. They also typically use less water and can be stacked if necessary to fit a space.
- Stacked Machines: These are great for those with limited space that have the two machines connected vertically, with the dryer on top and the washer on the bottom. An all-in-one combo unit washes and dries your clothes using the same machine, so it takes up half the space in your home.
Should I buy a washer-dryer combo with smart features?
Smart features, like smartphone integration and customized presents, can help make laundry more convenient.
“Connecting your laundry units to your phone will notify you when the load is done, so you don’t have to guess when it’s time to take out the clothes,” she notes. “With some units, you also have access to more preset cycles through the app, so you can better customize your washing and drying cycles based on the needs.”
How to properly clean your washer-dryer combo to prevent mold, per experts
It’s been said that front-loading washer-dryer combos, specifically, can lead to product buildup (which we definitely *don’t* want. Galinsky breaks down how to care for your new unit.
“Knowing how to clean a front load washer is important to prevent mold and mildew,” he says. “Generally, cleaning the machine once a month is a good starting point, but more frequent cleaning may be necessary in high-humidity environments or with heavy usage.” Here are some tips:
- Clean the washing machine tub and detergent trays while soaking them.
- Wipe down the outside of the washer, scrub the door gasket after a cleaner load, clean the filter, and finish by wiping the inside of the tub and the door with a microfiber cloth.
- Prop the door open for thorough drying.
Cleaning a washer-dryer combo is essential to maintain its performance and prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and detergent residue. A general cleaning routine includes:
- Clean the drum: Run a hot water cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a solution of vinegar and baking soda.
- Clean the door seal and gasket: Wipe down the rubber door seal and gasket with a damp cloth or a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Clean the lint filter: If your washer-dryer combo has a lint filter, remove and clean it regularly to prevent lint buildup and maintain proper airflow.
- Clean the exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Some washer-dryer combos have a specific cleaning cycle.
How do I install a washer-dryer combo?
Washer-dryer combos are easy to install if you are replacing an old unit with a new one. As long as you already have the necessary plumbing ready, installing a washing machine only requires you to make the right drain and supply connections, level the washer and plug it in.
“If you don’t have existing plumbing or are installing a washing machine in a new location without plumbing, you can either connect your washer to a laundry or kitchen sink or run the appropriate plumbing lines to the new laundry area,” Galinsky advises.
What’s a ventless washer-dryer combo? How do these types differ from gas and electric models?
“A ventless washer dryer combo essentially means that the machine doesn’t require an exterior vent,” Galinsky defines. “Since these models don’t need a vent, you can put them in any room as long as it has electricity, a water line and a drain.”
Gas and electric models differ in venting requirements, installation flexibility and energy sources. “Ventless units, suitable for various locations, don’t need external vents and can be electric or use alternative drying methods,” he adds.
How to lower your utility bills with your washer-dryer combo, per experts
Lower your gas or electric bill with a washer-dryer combo by investing in energy-efficient units and ensuring your laundry load matches the machine’s capacity. “Additional tips include unplugging appliances when not in use, insulating your home to reduce energy costs and maintaining your combo for optimal efficiency,” Galinsky lists.
Another tip: front-load washers use less water than top-load washers, which is another benefit to consider.
“Additionally, with smart technology, many machines can sense the type of clothes and adjust the cycles which can help on lowering those monthly bills,” he adds.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.