Best Overall All-in-One Washer/Dryer
LG Smart Electric All-in-One Washer/Dryer
You don’t have to give up capacity for convenience with the LG electric all-in-one washer/dryer combo. It has an impressive 4.5-cubic foot stainless-steel tub so you can do more laundry in fewer loads. In a hurry? Set it to TurboWash and cut up to 30 minutes off your wash time. This machine dries your clothes using ventless condensing technology.
“Just absolutely love this combo washer/dryer. Where to start?” writes one five-star reviewer. “There’s so many fabulous features. It’s ventless. So no more freezing cold air seeping into the laundry room during the long cold winters. The many different washing cycles include drying at the end. So one doesn’t even have to open the washer’s door to pull out wet clothes. Just load and go!”
Pros
- Larger capacity than other models
- Turbo setting washes clothes faster
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- 10-year warranty
- Ventless
Cons
- Can’t wash large, bulky items like blankets or rugs
Best Budget All-in-One Washer/Dryer
GE Compact Ventless Electric All-in-One Washer/Dryer
Overall, this washer/dryer combo gives you the biggest bang for your buck—and a lot of choices. You can wash and dry clothes (2.4 cubic feet capacity) in one step, or choose to wash or dry only. Simply press “pause” to unlock the door and add a forgotten item at the last minute—even after the wash cycle has started.
For those times when you don’t want to decide, the machine does it for you. Set auto dry and the unit will default to the correct dry cycle based on the wash cycle you select. Detergent, bleach and fabric softener are also added automatically. Reasonably priced, this is a great option for most households.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Five soil levels, wash temperatures and spin speeds
- Steam-wash function
- Ventless
Cons
- Some reviewers noted that the spin cycle was noisy
Best All-in-One Washer/Dryer for Small Spaces
Equator Advanced Appliances All-in-One Combo Washer/Dryer
Apartment dwellers take heart—this all-in-one combo washer/dryer has a 1.6-cubic foot, 13-pound washer capacity. Just how small is it? The length is 22 inches, the width is 23.5 inches and the height is 33.5 inches. Oh, and it weighs less than an average adult. Despite its compactness, it has full-sized features like a color-coded LED display, delay wash setting, 14 wash cycles and more. Here are a few tips for buying an apartment-sized washer and dryer.
“This machine is so amazing!” writes five-star reviewer Natalie. “I love that it is small, yet gets the job done. It’s nice that you don’t need a vent or a special power outlet. It’s really great being able to start a load and when you come back it’s washed and dried. Highly recommend this machine for a 1-2 person home and for people living in small apartments.”
Pros
- Compact (barely two feet wide)
- 14 programmable wash/dry functions
- Sensor dry
- Wrinkle guard
Cons
- Some reviewers complain the door handle is flimsy
- Some reviewers also noted shakiness during the dry cycle
Best Portable All-in-One Washer/Dryer
Giantex Full-Automatic Portable Washer and Spin Dryer
The Giantex Portable Washer and Spin Dryer is perfect to take camping or to college. This top-loading, cylinder-shaped traveler is deceiving. Despite its small size (16.5 x 16 x 29.5 inches), it can handle up to 8 pounds of laundry per load. While this won’t serve as a portable dryer, it does have a powerful spin cycle that removes water from items for reduced line-drying times. The imbalance adjustment keeps the unit from vibrating. Plus, it comes with a built-in drain pump and tube to expel dirty water.
Pros
- Portable (weights just 40 pounds)
- Energy-Star certified
- Imbalance adjustment function reduces shaking
- Three water level choices
Cons
- No heated dryer
Best Energy-Efficient All-in-One Washer/Dryer
Deco High-Efficiency Compact Electric Pro All-in-One Washer/Dryer
Upping the ante on energy efficiency, the Deco electric all-in-one washer/dryer combo is the future of sustainability. Unlike many all-in-ones, this machine meets strict energy standards and can convert the drying mode from ventless to external venting with the press of a button. It dries 30% faster due to its dual fan system which increases airflow.
The slimmest model in North America, it fits into tight spaces. It has a load capacity of 1.6 cubic feet, and its chic design is available in white, black or merlot. Get to know the benefits of ventless washer-dryer combos.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Sensor dry and dual fans means less energy and quicker drying
- Convertible venting system
- Quiet mode
- Automatic wrinkle guard
- Available in three colors: white, black and merlot
Cons
- Some reviewers complain of shaking
What to Look for When Buying an All-in-One Washer/Dryer
When looking for the best all-in-one unit, the first thing to consider is how much space you have for your new appliance. Find a place that’s close to an electrical outlet and a line for running water, such as a bathroom faucet, bathtub or utility sink. If this area isn’t close to a window or ventilation system, you’ll need to look for a ventless model. Once you’ve found a model that fits in your space, look for the model with the largest drum capacity, which will allow you to wash and dry more clothes.
Next, consider the different wash and dry cycles. If you’re washing a lot of delicate items, like bras and hosiery, you’ll want to find the best all-in-one washer/dryer with a gentle cycle. You may also want a model with a quick wash setting for things like gym clothes or dirty kitchen towels.
Finding the best all-in-one with Energy Star certification will help you save money on electric and water bills. You’ll also want to purchase a model with a warranty, in case anything breaks.
How We Found the Best All-in-One Washer/Dryers
Here at Family Handyman, we’re always looking to help readers discover top products, and finding the best all-in-one washer/dryer is no different. We analyzed the top-selling washer/dryer models on the market, comparing and contrasting product specs, manufacturer reliability and user reviews. After calculating the data, we sifted through the best of the best to find all-in-one options for different spaces and situational needs.
FAQ
How effective are all in one washer dryers?
If you need to get your clothes clean, the best all-in-one washer/dryer will make that happen! These machines are most certainly effective in washing your laundry, but there are some caveats. Washer/dryer combos have smaller drums than standalone washing machines and dryers, so you won’t be able to wash as many clothes at once. Also, since you’re washing and drying in the same unit, you won’t be able to have multiple loads of laundry simultaneously.
Do all-in-one washer dryers need to be vented?
The majority of washer/dryers are ventless, so they don’t need to be attached to a venting system or window to push out moist air. The best all-in-one washer/dryer units use condensation technology to recycle warm, moist air in the drum as the laundry tumbles.
Sources:
- Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance
Additional research contributed by Allison T.S. Robicelli