Washer-Dryer Combos

Laundry centers

Most laundry centers come in either 27-inch or 24-inch widths. The 27-inch models are the same width as full-sized washers and dryers. Compared with today's high-end washers, laundry centers have fewer bells and whistles. While you'll find pricey standalone washers with automatic wash levels, antibacterial cycles and programmable wash cycles, laundry centers have just the essentials. Most laundry centers require standard venting and a 240-volt electrical supply, just like a normal washer and dryer. (If you only have access to a 120-volt power supply and venting isn't practical, see the section below on washer-dryer combos.)

Kenmore and Frigidaire (both made by Frigidaire) make the widest variety of laundry centers in both 27-inch and 24-inch widths. The 27-inch models are 75.5 inches high, while the 24-inch models are a few inches shorter at 71.75 inches. Like most laundry centers, the controls for both the washer and dryer are placed at eye level. The washer is top-loading, so the lid serves as a shelf when pulling clothing out of the dryer. Both sizes have models with gas or electric dryers. Experts prefer a gas dryer over an electric dryer because a gas dryer will save money in fuel costs over the long run. However, according to Consumer Reports, about 80% of dryers now sold are electric, and obviously, your choice depends on whether you have a gas hookup. Experts also stress the importance of a moisture sensor in the dryer, which will allow the dryer to automatically turn off when clothes are dry. The cost of the Kenmore and Frigidaire laundry centers varies not only according to wash/dry capacity, but also to the number of dryer temperatures or wash cycle options such as prewash, energy saver, stain treatment and extra rinse.

The 27-inch Kenmore Super Capacity 97922 (*est. $1,100) has more features than most, including a moisture sensor in the dryer drum and an included drying rack. The washer size is 3.0 cubic feet, and the electric dryer is 5.7 cubic feet. It has eleven wash cycles and options and five dryer temperatures. This model gets very good owner ratings at Sears.com; owners agree that it washes and dries very well, but some think the dryer can be noisy. Another 27-inch Super Capacity machine, 97912 (*est. $1,100) has one fewer wash cycle and includes a moisture sensor in the dryer. Experts do recommend getting a model with a moisture sensor, which saves energy.

As compared with the Super Capacity machines, the Kenmore 27-inch Extra Large Capacity 97822 (*est. $1,000) has a slightly smaller washer (2.7 cubic feet) and the same size electric dryer. It has nine wash cycles and options and four dryer temperatures. The dryer does not have a moisture sensor, however. Owner reviews for this Kenmore laundry center are also very good, with some of the same minor complaints about a noisy dryer. Kenmore also offers 27-inch laundry centers with gas dryers. The washing and drying features are similar to those of the electric dryer models. The (*est. $1,170)Kenmore 27-inch Super Capacity Laundry Center with Gas Dryer model 97972 and model 97962 (*est. $1,170) differ in that model 97962 has one fewer wash cycle and a dryer moisture sensor. They each receive perfect ratings from a small number of owners.

To fit a smaller space, you can downsize to one of the 24-inch Kenmore laundry centers. The 3-inch difference in width will cut the washer size by nearly half, to 1.5 cubic feet. You’ll sacrifice some features, too. The washers offer three wash cycles and options. The 3.4-cubic foot dryer lacks a moisture sensor. The Kenmore laundry center with the most reviews is the 24-inch Kenmore 88752 with an electric dryer (*est. $1,000). The two dozen owner reviewers on Sears.com give it an average rating of 3.7 out of five stars. Some complain of repairs and noise, but most are happy with it. This model offers three dryer temperatures. For $50 less, you can forfeit one of them. The 24-inch Kenmore 88732 with an electric dryer is the least expensive Kenmore laundry center (*est. $950). It requires a 120-volt power supply instead of 240 volts. It still must be vented like a regular dryer. We didn't see much owner feedback on this model, however.

Although Kenmore has the best selection, Frigidaire laundry centers are slightly more reliable, according to owner surveys. Frigidaire also has a laundry center with a front-loading washer, which is more energy efficient than a top-loading washer. Kenmore doesn't offer a laundry center with a front-loading washer. The Frigidaire GLEH1642F (*est. $1,200) has 16 wash/rinse combinations, and holds as much laundry as a normal washer and dryer. The dryer has a moisture sensor. In tests, the Frigidaire laundry center dried clothes well, but its washer fell short of a full-size washing machine. Even so, about two dozen owners posting reviews at Sears.com give this model a nearly perfect score. Owners seem very happy with the Frigidaire laundry center, except for its very loud buzzer that cannot be adjusted. On Amazon.com and Epinions, the Frigidaire also receives high ratings from owners. One owner found the installation instructions inadequate and had a bad experience with customer service.

Other manufacturers of laundry centers include GE, Maytag and Whirlpool. We found few reviews for these models.

Stackable washers and dryers

Another option is to go with a stackable washer and separately purchased dryer. Not all models can be stacked. Only washers with flat, smooth tops can support a dryer, so that limits your choice to front-loading washers with controls on the front. Once you stack a dryer on top, however, the dryer controls may be too high to reach comfortably. An advantage to buying stackable but separate washers and dryers is that you can opt for more features on both units. Note that you may need to purchase a kit to safely stack the machines.

Most experts agree that front-loading washing machines are better overall than top-loaders. Front-loaders are gentler on clothes and cause less tangling. In addition, they remove more water from clothing, thereby reducing drying time. "HE" or "high-efficiency" machines require special laundry detergents.

Several of the top washing machines on the market right now are stackable. In our report on washing machines , we highlight the LG Tromm SteamWasher (*est. $1,600) . The two steam cycles offered by this machine sanitize clothes and prepare them for ironing. It has ten wash cycles and a 4-cubic foot capacity. In a study of major appliances from J.D. Power and Associates, LG washing machines in general have the highest customer satisfaction rating of all brands. The matching dryer (*est. $1,050) receives good marks in our report on dryers ; only its high price prevents it from being a top pick. It is quiet, large enough to fit comforters and quilts and gentle with delicates. Plus, you get many added features, such as a remote that tells you when clothes are dry. Both the Tromm washer and dryer are 39 inches high, so your dryer controls will be almost 6½ feet off the floor.

A stackable washer and dryer from Frigidaire Gallery also receive good reviews, and the set is several hundred dollars less than the Tromm SteamWasher and dryer. Although some fancier front-loading washing machines have more bells and whistles, better efficiency and a larger capacity, the 3.5-cubic foot Frigidaire GLTF2940F washer (*est. $650) is less expensive and cleans clothes well, reviews say. The Frigidaire doesn't have a huge range of cycles and temperature options, but it does have automatic wash level and temperature control. Because of the placement of its controls, it can be stacked with a dryer, including the matching electric Frigidaire Gallery GLEQ2152E (*est. $600) or gas Frigidaire GLGQ2152E (*est. $660) . The washer and dryer are each 36" tall and come in either black or white.

Washer-dryer combos

Besides stacked washer-dryer units, there is another class of combined washer and dryers called washer-dryer combos, clothes processors or all-in-one machines, which wash and dry clothes in the same tub. You load the dirty laundry, make your selections and then remove the clean, dry items when the drying cycle is done. These washer-dryer combos are compact, use a standard 120-volt electrical supply and do not need to be vented. Rather, water is pumped out of the drum and out a hose, so you need a sink, drain or tub nearby.

Although washer-dryer combos are an option for those who cannot use standard washers and dryers, there are some significant drawbacks. Capacity is much smaller than full-sized washers. Most models are 24-inch compact washer-dryers. It also takes much longer to process a load of clothes. The standard drying cycle is one hour, but many owners report that clothes are still not dry. Part of the problem is that these washer-dryer combos can only dry about half as much laundry as they wash, so you have to either wash half-loads of laundry or remove some of the wet laundry before the drying cycle. Opinion sites like Epinions are full of owners complaining about this cumbersome aspect of washer-dryer combos.

But if you are limited to 120 volts and can't vent the dryer, washer-dryer combos are really your only option besides the laundromat or a laundry service. Combo washer-dryers are more popular in Europe. The UK consumer site Which? has a recent test of 39 units. Although some of the brands haven’t made it across the pond, a few are recognizable: AEG-Electrolux, Bosch, Hoover, Miele and Whirlpool. Units from Miele and AEG-Electrolux are rated as best buys, but they are not marketed in the United States.

The Malber WD1000 (*est. $1,000) compact washer-dryer combo is one of the least expensive models we saw. The 24-inch Malber washer doesn't take up much space, but it also doesn’t hold a huge amount of laundry (up to eleven pounds). The Malber holds a little more than half the amount of a full-size washer. There's a stainless steel drum on this front-loader, which has eight wash/rinse cycles and two drying temperatures. Reviewers say that although manufacturers claim combo machines are quiet, most are quite noisy when drying, and the Malber washer-dryer is no exception. At Epinions, this machine receives a mixed overall score from about two dozen owners, many of whom say customer service from Malber is a big problem.

Alternatively, LG makes some washer-dryer combo units. The LG WM3431HW (*est. $1,400) and WM3431HS (*est. $1,500) are identical, except the more expensive model comes in a titanium finish. They are 24 inches wide, with a 2.44-cubic foot capacity. Both have nine wash/dry cycles. Water levels are automatically set -- a water-saving feature admired by experts. These models are reviewed together at Epinions, where they receive an average score of 3.5 out of five stars from more than 40 owners posting reviews. The complaints we read here are common to all of these washer-dryer combos -- the cycles take a very long time compared to conventional models, and they seem to need repairs more often that regular washers and dryers. However, we didn't read the same type of customer service complaints about LG as we did for Malber.

LG also offers a larger model, the LG WM3988HWA (*est. $1,900) . This 27-inch unit has a capacity of 4.2 cubic feet. It has nine washing cycles and five wash/dry programs. At Good Housekeeping magazine, editors say that an earlier 27-inch LG model "outcleaned some standard washers." Like most washer-dryer combos, the LG models use a standard 120-volt power supply and need a nearby tub or sink for drainage. Some owners say the LG washer-dryer combination is also noisy when pumping out the water.

Important Features: Washer-dryer combos

In general, experts say to consider the following when shopping for a laundry center, stackable washer and dryer or washer-dryer combo:

• Front-loading washers are better than top-loading washers because they use less water and electricity. Their fast spin speed removes more water from clothing to cut drying time, they're easier on fabrics and they use smaller amounts of regular detergents.

• It's worth paying extra for a moisture sensor in the dryer. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry, drying laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. Despite the extra cost, a moisture sensor helps save energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. Most models these days have this feature.

• A gas dryer is preferable to an electric dryer, if you have the option. Gas dryers are usually cheaper to run (they often pay back their higher purchase cost within the first year, depending on usage and local utility rates) and tend to dry a little quicker. Full-size, 27-inch laundry centers are generally available with a gas dryer, but smaller 24-inch models are usually electric-only.

Experts say that you should be sure to measure your available space before shopping, including clearance for electric cords and the dryer's exhaust duct, doorways and potential obstructions leading to the location. Be aware that most stacked units require a 240-volt outlet. If you don't have one where you plan to install the unit, you will need to install one. The dimensions of these units are listed in our Comparison Chart .

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
3	Frigidaire laundry center (*est. $950 to $1,200, depending on size)	details
2	LG Washer-Dryer Combo (*est. $1,400)	details
1 each	Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940FS (washer) , LG Tromm SteamWasher (washer) , GE DBVH512EFWW (dryer) , Kenmore Laundry Center, Malber Washer-Dryer Combo, GE Unitized Spacemaker Washer and Electric Dryer

We didn't find many professional reviews for laundry centers, but owners are happy overall with their Frigidaire laundry centers. We found more than one recommendation for LG combo washer-dryers, which we've included in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers. Kenmore makes a wide variety of laundry centers, but Frigidaire washing machines are slightly more reliable in the long-term. Keep in mind that many front-loading washing machines and dryers are stackable.

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