Are All-In-One Washer-Dryers Worth It?
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Find out if All-In-One Washer-Dryers are right for you!
Many people without an all-in-one washer-dryer wonder about their convenience. Moreover, many aren’t aware that the machines exist or existed since the 1953s. Washer-dryer technology has reached a point where companies like LG actively advertise them in retail stores. However, all-in-one washer-dryers aren’t to be confused with washer-dryer combo machines. The combo machines have a dryer stacked atop the washer as one unit. An all-in-one washer-dryer, also known as a two-in-one washer-dryer, is a machine that does both jobs within one cabinet.
There are pros and cons to owning an all-in-one washer-dryer, a washer-dryer combo, and two separate units. This article provides the necessary information to help determine which choice is right for you.
All-in-One Washer-Dryers
These machines are the most convenient among washer and dryer types. Washer-dryers beneficially wash and dry clothing in one cabinet. The washing and drying cycle is seamless and programmable. Full loads are washed and dried in two hours, although this depends on the machine.
These machines can be bulky but don’t take up too much vertical or horizontal space. In fact, families can utilize more space in a laundry closet or room as now they only need one machine.These two-in-one machines greatly serve all kinds of families but are advantageous to smaller households of one to four. This factor is due to losing the ability to wash clothing while another machine is drying a previous set, and vice versa. Moreover, a plausible scenario is an article of clothing that becomes wet and needs to dry for an event. The all-in-one machine must stop its wash cycle to dry that one piece of clothing.
Smaller machines run at a compact size of 2.4 cubic feet. However, they can be somewhat bulky and have a hefty size of 4.8 cubic feet. All-in-one washer-dryers are remarkably heavy as they contain washing machine and dryer parts. Washing machines weigh more than dryers due to their components. The weight of an all-in-one machine feels like one and a half washing machines due to all the parts inside the unit. Moreover, the size of these washer-dryers is either the size of a standard washer or wider and about a foot taller. Smaller sizes easily fit within spaces of 25 inches.
All-in-one washer-dryers are susceptible to spawn mold in their side-loading doors. However, the drying process eliminates the mold-creating environments within the seals and gaskets. Still, owners should check for and clear water from the door after every cycle.
Pros
- Washes and dries in one cycle
- Great machine for all households
- Perfect for smaller households
- Doesn’t take up space
- Low susceptibility to mold
Cons
- Expensive – $1200-$2100
- Very heavy
- Possibly susceptible to mold
- Can only wash or dry one load at a time
Washer-Dryer Combos
Washer-dryer combo machines are another great option for washing and drying clothes. Each unit has a washing machine bottom and a dryer affixed atop it. These machines have two separate compartments that allow for simultaneous washing and drying. Their other name, “Washer-dryer towers,’ stems from their vertical orientation.
These machines are a few inches taller than refrigerators. Also, they generally weigh more than fridges because of their inside components. The top of washer-dryer towers are poor storage areas due to their height. However, their vertical orientation provides more horizontal space around the unit to utilize for storage.
Anyone shorter than 5″ needs a step stool to reach in the dyer. Fortunately, almost all of these machines have their control panels built under the dryer. The centralized location provides easy access and unit control to essentially everyone. Side-loading washer-dryer combo machines need their gaskets and seals cleared of water to prevent molding. Some manufacturers offer units with top-loading washers for those more concerned with mold.
Combo machines’ ability to simultaneously wash and dry is an advantage the all-in-ones don’t share. Users don’t need to wait for the dry cycle to complete to wash a new set of clothing. Moreover, larger families can prep freshly washed clothing for a new dry cycle while they wash another load. This process streamlines and quickly gets laundry clean and ready to store or wear.
Pros
- Washes and dries in one cycle
- Great machine for all households
- Perfect for smaller households
- Utilizes vertical space and allows for more floor space
Cons
- Expensive – $1200-$2100
- Very heavy
- Side-loading machines are susceptibility to mold
Separate Washers and Dryers
Standalone washer and dryer units have been household staples since the late 20th century. They aren’t costly like all-in-ones and combo machines. The lowest-priced washers and dryers cost about $500 and are $200 less than the lowest-priced combined units.
Individually sold units are sometimes stackable, just like tower washer-dryer machines. These machines need a stacking kit or bracket to achieve such orientation. However, a possible problem arises for shorter people who can’t reach the control panel on the top of the dryer.
Using vertical space is generally a space-saving hack for homeowners. However, side-loading washers and dryers offer additional horizontal storage space with their tops. Detergent, fabric softener, laundry baskets, and more are storable atop these units. This available storage space comes at the cost of more frequent washer cleaning to prevent mold.
Separate washers and dryers allow for the cycle-like and simultaneous washing and drying of clothing. It’s possible to dry a new batch of clothing while another set is in the wash and vice-versa. Separate washers and dryers ready families for any accidental clothing wetting and dirtying.
Pros
- Possible cheapest option at $500 per unit.
- Can use both machines simultaneously
- Great machine for all households
- Top of side-loading machines can be used for storage
Cons
- Pricey or Expensive – $1000-$2800 for both units.
- Washers can be heavy
- Stackable dryers may have out of reach top control panels
- Side-loading washers are susceptible to mold
- Two units take up horizontal space
The Verdict
Washer-Dryer machines are definitely a good investment for smaller households or households with lighter laundry loads. The single and compact unit allows for more space for storage. Households that have multiple members performing dirty jobs or sports may run into trouble if a cycle is running and clothing must be cleaned. Moreover, forgetful and busy people will appreciate the ability wash and dry in one cycle. Forgetting to dry clothes may lead to spoiling and re-washing.
If you have a smaller household that’s conistently organized and where members don’t get dirty frequently then all-in-one washer-dryer machines are definitely worth it. Ultimately, the choice depends on the needs of your home.
