Whether you’re short on space, prefer the convenience of a single appliance, or just want one less thing to think about when doing your chores, choosing the best washer-dryer combo could be the answer.
As the name suggests, they wash and dry your clothes without transferring piles of wet laundry from a washer to a separate dryer. Some combos from our best washing machines list switch between modes without input; others use sensors to monitor load weight or will automatically stop the cycle when they sense your clothes are fully dry.
If you’ve been considering a washer-dryer combo, you’re probably wondering how a single machine can handle both tasks and if it's worth the extra space and convenience for an all-in-one appliance. In this guide, I explain how washer-dryer combos work, the pros and cons, and get expert insights from Grace Haly, Product Manager at Smeg.
What is a washer dryer combo?
A washer-dryer combo is a single appliance designed to wash and dry your clothes, eliminating the need for two machines. Unlike standalone washers, washer-dryer combos use the same drum for both tasks. For example, they typically cost more than buying a washer, but they're usually cheaper than buying a washer and dryer separately. Prices start at around $1,000 for combos from Equator and Summit and go up to $2,500 for Samsung and GE models. You can buy washer dryers in either freestanding or built-in models.
"Washer-dryers are a great way to save space," explains Haly. "Having a washer dryer removes the need to transfer clothes from one machine to another, and many models include a washing and drying cycle, so you don't need to return to the machine when the washing cycle has finished; it will automatically switch to drying."
What maintenance and cleaning is required?
"Just like standalone machines, the best way to keep a combo model running well is to keep it clean," says Haly. "We recommend cleaning the drum every two months. Cleaning the detergent drawer at regular intervals will prevent the accumulation of detergent. Following the maintenance and cleaning guidance in the manual will extend the product life, and frequently experienced problems will be reduced."
1. Washing cycle
During the wash cycle, washer-dryer combos work like traditional, standalone washers. Water flows into the drum, mixing with detergent to clean the clothes.
As the drum rotates, it creates friction between the items of clothes and the drum's metal surface to lift and remove dirt and stains.
"Similarly to standalone washers, combo models include specific washing programs for materials including Cottons, Synthetics, Wool, and more," adds Haly.
Grace Haly, Product manager at Smeg, says: "When a combined washing/drying program is selected, after washing, the machine will briefly pause to drain the water and reset internally; the drying cycle will begin."
Once the clothes have been washed, the machine switches to a spin cycle. During this stage, the drum rotates high speeds to remove excess water from the clothes. This step is crucial for preparing the clothes for drying, as less moisture reduces drying time.
Many washer-dryer combos come with specialized settings, such as pre-soak and quick wash. Advanced models feature sensors that automatically adjust the water levels and cycle times based on the amount of laundry you're washing, and the majority have digital displays so you can see how much time is left at a glance.
2. Transition to drying
It is possible to use a washer-dryer combo for washing or drying. However, if you want to complete both chores in one, select the relevant washing/drying setting. When selected, the transition from washing to drying will happen automatically.
After the spin cycle finishes, the machine will pause to drain any remaining water. This step makes sure the drum is ready for drying. During this pause, the machine also resets its internal components to prepare for drying.
“When a combined washing and drying program is selected, the machine automatically switches to drying without requiring user input,” says Haly. This automation removes the need to manually transfer wet clothes and means damp laundry isn't left in the drum for ages, causing it to smell.
3. Drying cycle
Once the drying cycle starts, the machine uses a heating element to warm the air inside the drum. As the drum rotates, the warm air passes through the clothes, evaporating water trapped in the fabrics. Depending on the model, this evaporated moisture turns to steam, either condensed into water or vented.
Advanced sensors inside the machine can monitor this process to measure moisture levels, adjusting the heat and drying time to ensure the clothes dry evenly without overheating or shrinking. This also helps optimize energy use by stopping the cycle once the clothes are dry.
In some models, airflow is regulated to maintain consistent drying conditions, and the drum's tumbling motion can be programmed to reduce creasing, often labeled Anti-Crease or similar.
