The Best Washer-Dryer Combos for Doing Laundry in Less Space (2024)

All-in-one washer-dryers (also known as washer-dryer combos) are a single-step solution for your laundry needs. This type of appliance serves two purposes; it washes laundry loads, then switches over to drying mode—usually with no action required on your part. While a full wash-and-dry cycle typically takes longer than two standalone machines (and can be less effective, leaving you with a load of somewhat-damp items), a washer-dryer combo can save space and hands-on time doing laundry, particularly for individuals or small households.

Shopping for a washer-dryer combo means being realistic about your needs and the limitations of these machines, though. Jay Gaylen, showroom consultant at Pirch Appliances, emphasizes the importance of considering reliability, capacity, and cycle time. He acknowledges that this type of laundry appliance sometimes has a shorter lifespan, but he also points out that those with limited space may find it worth the trade-offs, which may also include a smaller load capacity and longer cycle times.

With all this in mind, we researched the best washer-dryer combos available based on their capacity, efficiency, reliability, and helpful features. For larger households that do three to five loads per week, and even multiple loads per day, we definitely recommend looking at a traditional washer and dryer set. However, all-in-one machines remain an option for small space dwellers and small households and can be an efficient choice for those who want to set up their laundry and forget it.

How Do Washer-Dryer Combos Work?

As with a traditional washer, you'll add your dirty clothes to the drum, making sure they have a similar fabric type and are evenly distributed. Then, you may put detergent into a dispenser—in addition to fabric softener, if your load calls for it—if your appliance has an automatic dispenser (more on that below!). You'll select a wash cycle and drying cycle for the machine to transition to after the wash cycle is complete.

Some models give you the option to set a dryer cycle after a wash one is completed, and will alert you when it's time to make this switch. Some models also feature "wash only" or "dry only" cycles that allow you to run just that one function of the appliance. This is all so you can remove some of the clothes from your load (if, for example, they need to air dry).

The drying capacity of an all-in-one model is half of its washing capacity, since the clothes expand. If you want your machine to automatically start a drying cycle, be sure to only add half of your typical load to the washer for effective cleaning and drying.

What to Look for in a Washer-Dryer Combo

The Capacity of the Appliance

The capacity of a washer-dryer combo (measured in cubic feet) is generally much smaller than a separate washer or dryer. Washer-dryer combos typically have between 2 to 5 cubic feet of interior space. In comparison, a full-sized washer has an average of 5 cubic feet, and a dryer has an average of 7.4 cubic feet.

This range is fine if you're living in a smaller household where an all-in-one model is most suitable due to space constraints or because you don't run your machines too often. However, it isn't suitable for tackling a larger household's weekly towels in one go. Plus, and maybe most importantly, you are losing the luxury of freeing up the washer for a new load when you move items to the dryer, since the machine tackles everything in one place.

With around 2.3 cubic feet of drum space, you can expect to wash two to three outfits at a time. A 4.5-cubic-foot drum should be able to tackle up to five outfits, or even a lighter load of towels. On our list, the most spacious option is the LG WM3998HBA (our best high-capacity pick).

The Cycle Times and Options

The wash cycles of a washer-dryer combo range from a handful of basic options to care for normal to heavy-duty loads, to more advanced cycle settings that address specialized loads like activewear, baby clothes, or wool. Gone are the days of deciphering whether hot or cold water and light or heavy soaking is best for your laundry pile—our favorite washer-dryer combos offer a minimum of 14 cycles and max of 17, for delicates, sanitizing, tackling stains (with the help of steam technology), and more. These settings deliver if you prefer to press a button and walk away. But they don't totally eliminate customizability, either.

If you frequently wash specific types of laundry loads, like activewear, it may make sense to look for a machine equipped with specific cycle settings—that goes for traditional washing machines too. Most all-in-one washer-dryers have more limited drying options; there may be only two or so drying cycle selections to pick from.

Additionally, while the washing cycles may operate fairly quickly and efficiently relative to those of a traditional washing machine, drying cycles in all-in-one machines tend to be less effective and very long. You may need to run your clothes through an additional dry cycle or hang them up on a rack if they're still a bit damp. Machines can come with "wash only" and "dry only" settings, so that you can use just one function of the machine or have an opportunity to hang your air-dry-only items before the machine moves on to the next phase.

The Fuel Type and Vent Design

Washer-dryer combos are electric only. If you have an existing natural gas connection for a gas clothes dryer, it won’t be needed for a combination model. Instead, most machines plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. This one outlet is all that’s required for this unit that does the job of two appliances.

These machines are also typically ventless, meaning that they operate via a heat pump and don't require an exhaust duct like vented dryers do. As a result, you don't need to worry as much about where you want to install your all-in-one machine, since it doesn't need to work with a vent and a specific venting location. This type of dryer collects the moisture and drains it from the appliance, rather than sending hot, moist exhaust through a vent through the wall of your home. Ventless dryers typically take longer to dry clothes as a result, whether on their own or part of a combo washer-dryer.

Notably, the heat pump does make the dryer function of combo units more energy-efficient. Jay Gaylen, showroom consultant at Pirch Appliances, advises that if the appliance utilizes a heat pump, “these units are about 50 percent more efficient.” To really know how energy efficient your appliance will be, though, look for an Energy Star rating and look for the appliance's energy report that's often attached to its product listing. The report will note approximately how much annually the appliance will cost to operate, based on how much resources it typically needs and consumes. None of our top recommendations have an Energy Star rating unfortunately.

Standout Features

An Automatic Dispenser

A significant advantage of an all-in-one washer dryer is the fact that you can quickly load your dirty laundry and set the machine to its task of washing, spinning, and drying the load. To streamline the process further, some combo washer-dryers have an automatic dispenser for adding your laundry detergent and fabric softener to your load at just the right time in the cycle.

Fill the reservoir and the machine will dispense the right amount of product based on load size and soil and cycle settings. Just keep in mind: some machines, like our best high-capacity pick, the LG WM3998HBA, are not compatible with detergent packs and pods.

A Stainless Steel Drum

Stainless steel drums (otherwise known as wash tubs) make the interior of your appliance extra durable and gentle for clothing. The material is less likely to chip, dent, or show wear and tear in general, making it a long-lasting option for any washing machine. If you're particularly concerned about the longevity and gentleness of your appliance, look for an appliance with a stainless steel drum—such as our best overall pick, the GE 2.4 cu. ft. Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer Combo.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis is a product researcher and freelance writer for The Spruce, with years of experience testing and writing about small and large appliances. She has hands-on experience with washer-dryer combos and currently relies on an LG model for her clothing care routine. No stranger to the capacity compromises that come with choosing a combination unit, Puisis thoroughly researched the latest models available from GE, Magic Chef, LG, and more. Each model was evaluated based on capacity, cycle options, and additional features.

Our Experts:

• Jay Gaylen, showroom consultant at Pirch Appliances
• Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce
• Morgan Bulman, senior writer at The Spruce