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The Spruce / Jay Wilde
All-in-one washer dryers are the 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, a washer-dryer combo can save space and hands-on time doing laundry, especially for individuals or small households.
Shopping for an all-in-one washer dryer means being realistic about your needs and the limitations of these machines. Jay Gaylen of 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 tradeoffs, which may also include smaller load capacity and longer cycle times. With all this in mind, we researched the best options available based on capacity, efficiency, reliability, and helpful features.
Best Overall
GE Ventless Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
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Amazon
Compatible with detergent packs
Steam and sanitizing functions
Only requires a standard 120-volt outlet
Lacks smart capabilities
Spin cycle can be loud
For cleaning capability and convenience in a single laundry appliance, the GE All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo is the front-runner. We recommend this model because it offers useful cycles and features for your clothes care routine, including steam and sanitizing. It’s well-equipped to take your laundry from dirty to dry, with no need to switch the load over to a separate machine after the wash cycle is complete.
There are 14 cycles to suit your laundry loads, including a quick wash cycle for small loads that you need in a hurry. The stainless steel 2.4 cubic foot drum of the GE GFQ14ESSNWW is smaller than most front-load washing machines—but the limited size isn’t a surprise for all-in-one units, which tend to be more compact. Still, the capacity is plenty for the laundry needs of one or two people and it can accommodate even bulky items, like sheets and towels.
Along with the compact dimensions, the ventless design of this popular all-in-one washer dryer makes it suitable for installation in a closet or under a counter. It only requires a single 120-volt outlet, rather than the heavy-duty 240-volt outlet that most electric dryers plug into. There are no smart features, so it’s not possible to check remaining cycle status from an app or start and stop the machine remotely. But the fact that this machine washes and dries without the need for you to lift a finger is clever enough to save you time and hassle on laundry day.
Price at time of publish: $1,399
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 33.25 x 23.44 x 25.63 inches | Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No
Best Budget
Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 All-in-One Washer and Ventless Dryer
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Courtesy of the Home Depot
Stainless drum won’t rust or snag clothing
16 wash cycle settings for more effective clothes care
Drum size is on par for all-in-one washer dryers
Long drying times frequently noted
Not as equipped to handle large, bulky loads (like blankets)
If you prioritize price, consider this affordable but capable model from budget-friendly appliance brand Magic Chef. The compact ventless washer-dryer combo has a stainless steel drum for the sake of durability and 16 wash cycles and four drying cycles for competent cleaning of loads like activewear, sheets and towels, or delicates. Best of all, it only costs about $1,000—a significant savings compared to the $1,500 or more you’ll spend on most other models of all-in-one washer dryers.
The Magic Chef MCSCWD27W5 may cost less than competing models, but not at the expense of drum capacity. It has 2.7 cubic feet of space and a stainless steel drum for durability and snag-free clothes care. Keep in mind that the key to success for using this combo unit is the same as other all-in-one units: Don’t overload the washer drum, especially if you plan to also dry the full load. Long drying times and damp items (especially towels) are the most frequent complaints for this budget combo washer dryer. But if you plan to do laundry frequently so that load sizes stay small, you should be able to minimize this issue. It makes a good pick as a ventless washer dryer for an apartment or if you have a small laundry space and a modest budget for buying new appliances.
Price at time of publish: $1,179
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 33.5 x 23.4 x 23.4 inches | Capacity: 2.7 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No
Best High-Capacity
LG Electronics WM3998HBA Ultra Large Capacity Electric All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
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Amazon
Larger drum compared to other all-in-one models
Cold water setting
Only requires a 120-volt outlet
Lint and debris can collect on gasket
Not compatible with detergent packs
Most all-in-one washer dryers have limited ability to handle larger loads, which can be a problem if you wait till the laundry basket overflows to do laundry or you do laundry for a family. For a high-capacity all-in-one washer dryer, the LG WM3998HBA is your best bet. This model has a 4.5-cubic-foot drum that's nearly double the size of other popular combo units (such as the GE GFQ14ESSNWW, our best overall pick, which only has 2.4 cubic feet of space). The larger capacity comes with a larger price tag; this machine retails for about $2,000. However, considering that it does the work of two laundry appliances in one, it's worth the spend for some people.
The LG Ultra Large Capacity Washer Dryer Combo shares the size and dimensions of most front-load washing machines but adds drying capabilities to its list of features. It has 14 cycles for washing everything from activewear to delicates, with designated cycles for pre-washing heavily soiled garments or a tub cleaning cycle for keeping your washer clean. Since this washer-dryer combo also has a steam function, you can use the "Allergiene" cycle to eliminate dander, pollen, and other common allergens from your laundry load.
The temptation of having a high-capacity all-in-one washer dryer is overloading the machine. While it’s true that it can handle more jeans, towels, or dirty T-shirts in a single load, if you want the machine to dry effectively, you shouldn’t load it more than half-full. If you do, you may find that clothes come out slightly damp at the end of the dry cycle. Other drawbacks to note are the fact that the manufacturer doesn’t recommend the use of laundry detergent packs with this all-in-one unit and the gasket around the door tends to be a lint magnet. Keep it clean to avoid maintenance problems with the unit.
Price at time of publish: $1,999
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 39 x 27 x 30.25 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: No
Best for Energy Efficiency
Whirlpool WFC682CLW 4.5 cu. ft. Ventless All-in-One Washer Dryer
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Energy Star certification means you’ll spend less on utilities
Cold water wash setting
Auto-dispenser for laundry detergent with separate single-load dispenser
Only available in white finish
No smart features
You can save steps in your laundry routine while also saving on utility costs if you pick an energy-efficient all-in-one washer dryer. If that’s your priority when shopping for a new laundry appliance, we recommend the Whirlpool WFC682CLW. It’s Energy Star certified—a claim that no other combo washer dryer on our list can make. It also has a cold water wash option to keep your energy usage low and your clothes clean.
With this all-in-one washer dryer, you benefit from its ultra-efficient operation without sacrificing capacity. It accommodates larger-than-average loads in the 4.5-cubic-foot drum. Aside from the cold wash option, other notable features include a quick wash cycle that can wash a 3-pound load of laundry in about 15 minutes. For a full load that you plan to wash and dry, you’ll need to allocate more time—about 3.5 hours, according to the manufacturer.
There are no smart features to help you keep tabs on your clothes care, which is a bit of a disappointment. However, you will appreciate the fact that this model includes an automatic dispenser for laundry detergent, along with a separate single-dose dispenser if you need to use special detergent for an individual load. It’s only available in white, which might not be your pick if you’re accustomed to dark-colored appliances. All things considered, though, this combo washer dryer is the most efficient choice you can make.
Price at time of publish: $1,549
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 40 x 27 x 31.56 inches | Capacity: 4.5 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 16 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: Yes
Best Value
Summit SPWD2203P 24 in. 2.7 cu. ft. Platinum All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo
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Amazon
16 wash and dry cycles to pick from
Easy-to-use LCD display
Powerful 1300 RPM speed for more thorough drying
Limited selections for soil level, spin speed
Non-reversible door
If you're cost-conscious but have wiggle room to pay a bit more on an appliance than our "best budget" pick, the Summit SPWD2203P is a popular pick for a washer-dryer combo. This option includes many of the most desired features for this type of appliance, like a multitude of wash and dry cycles (16 in total), a sanitizing function, and a dispenser drawer for detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. It retails for about $1,500 and offers easy installation (it plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and has a ventless dryer), although the door is left-swing only and not reversible.
Adding to the value of this all-in-one washer dryer is the 2.7-cubic-foot drum. It’s not the most high-capacity model on the list—the LG WM3998HBA is unmatched for that spec—but it’s bigger than other picks with 2.4 cubic feet of capacity or less. That’s enough space for about 15 pounds of laundry, though you’ll want to be mindful of not overloading the drum if you plan to wash and dry your clothes. Generally speaking, combination washer dryers do the best at drying duty when the drum isn’t filled to capacity. For this model, you should keep a load between 7 and 8 pounds for effective drying.
Making cycle selections is intuitive and simple using the dial selection knob with the accompanying LCD screen for picking water temperature and spin speed. You can indicate a lightly soiled load of clothes, too, but there’s no option to modify standard cycles for heavily soiled clothes, outside of picking the heavy-duty wash cycle. It’s also worth noting a lack of a low spin speed setting, but you will appreciate that this machine is capable of a high-speed 1,300 RPM spin cycle which more effectively dispels moisture from items. That’s important for shortening up drying cycles, which are somewhat long on combo units.
Price at time of publish: $1,395
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 33.25 x 23.38 x 23.5 inches | Capacity: 2.7 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 14 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No
Best Splurge
LG Signature LUWM101HWA 2.8 cu. ft. Smart All-in-One Front Load Washer & Electric Ventless Dryer
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Auto-dosing detergent dispenser
Advanced cycle selection for washing and drying
Compatible with LG’s pedestal washer
Sleek, on-door LCD control pad
Only available in white finish
Drum capacity is small for the price tag
If your purpose in shopping for an all-in-one washer dryer extends beyond convenience, consider splurging on a high-end and full-featured model, like the LG Signature LUWM101HWA. This smart all-in-one washer dryer is compact but includes all the bells and whistles, including steam technology, an LCD digital control pad integrated into the door of the washer, and an impressive roster of 17 wash cycles and 6 drying cycles. We especially like that it includes cycles for specific types of laundry loads, such as wool items that usually have to be hand washed or heavy-duty outdoor clothing that is heavier (and dirtier) than your delicates.
This combo washer dryer carries the LG Signature badge, meaning that it’s designed with a sleek appearance and the most advanced features, including the brand’s advanced TurboWash technology, steam for quickly refreshing garments, and smart technology that lets you monitor your laundry from anywhere or use voice commands to get an update on remaining cycle time. It also automatically dispenses laundry detergent based on the settings and size of your laundry load. Basically, throw your dirty clothes in, pick a cycle, and this LG machine takes care of the washing and drying.
The LG Signature LUWM101HWA is compatible with LG’s pedestal wash system—this can add a bonus small-capacity washer, which might be handy if you feel limited by the 2.8-cubic-foot drum of this model. Of course, all these features don’t come cheap. You can expect to spend upwards of $3,000 for this high-end, smart washer and dryer appliance. But it’s one of the most sophisticated models on the market and is backed by LG’s impressive 20-year warranty for the motor and lifetime warranty for the drum.
Price at time of publish: $3,199
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 33.5 x 23.63 x 26.5 inches | Capacity: 2.8 cubic feet | Vent Type: Ventless | Wash Cycles: 17 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: Yes | Energy Star Certified: No
Best for RVs
Equator Advanced Appliances EZ 4400 N 1.57 cu. ft. White Ventless All-in-One Washer Dryer
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Lowes
Offers ventless and vented dryer capability
Winterize cycle setting prepares appliance for storage
Quiet cycle option reduces operating noise
Available in several finishes
Small capacity
No steam or smart functions
For clothes laundering on the go, outfit your RV with an all-in-one washer dryer. A combo appliance is about the only option available for homes on wheels, which have notoriously small closets and limited floor space. But this model from Equator overcomes these challenges with a small 1.6-cubic-foot drum and space-saving footprint designed to fit into a cabinet, closet, or under-counter location.
The Equator EZ 4400 N includes several features that RVers or tiny house dwellers will appreciate. For starters, this washer has a quiet cycle setting that reduces noise levels to 60 decibels, which is comparable to the noise level of a dishwasher or average conversation. In the confined space of an RV, the option to reduce the operating noise of the washing machine is a major advantage. In addition to the quiet cycle, this washer dryer has 13 other cycle settings for washing and drying heavily soiled loads, wool or delicate items, or items you need in a hurry. A winterize setting is another reason to consider this model as the best option for an all-in-one washer dryer in an RV. The two-minute cycle sends antifreeze through the appliance and prepares it for cold temperatures and extended storage.
A few final things to note about the Equator EZ 4400 N is the fact that it offers wash-only mode, dry-only mode, or wash-and-dry mode. Many other all-in-one washer dryers require you to select a wash cycle (or just a rinse cycle) before the machine will activate the dryer function. It also stands alone as the only washer-dryer combo on the list to offer ventless or vented installation, depending on your RV setup. The biggest compromise you’ll make for all these features is the limited size of the drum. At 1.6 cubic feet, it has by far the smallest capacity of the appliances on this list. However, the small size can be a bonus for full-time RVers where space-saving is a way of life.
Price at time of publish: $999
Fuel Type: Electric | Dimensions: 33.5 x 23.5 x 22 inches | Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Vent Type: Convertible | Wash Cycles: 8 | Drum Material: Stainless steel | Smart Capabilities: No | Energy Star Certified: No
If you’re looking for an all-in-one washer dryer, know this type of machine is most suitable for smaller households. Compared to standalone machines, these appliances have more limited capacity and longer drying times. The best option on the market is the GE 2.4 cu. ft. Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer Combo because of its combination of features and simple installation requirements. It is ventless and plugs into a typical 120-volt outlet, has steam for enhanced garment care and sanitizing loads, and it is compatible with single-dose detergent packs. But if you’re feeling concerned about capacity, the LG Ultra Large Capacity Washer Dryer Combo's 4.5-cubic-foot drum may be a better match. The extra space, along with advanced cycle settings and steam, make it a well-equipped all-in-one washer dryer, but it does come with a higher price tag and you shouldn’t use detergent packs in the machine, according to the manufacturer.
What to Look for in an All-in-One Washer Dryer
Drum Size
The capacity of an all-in-one washer dryer is generally much smaller than a separate washer or dryer model. All-in-one washer dryers typically have between 2.3 to 4.5 cubic feet of interior space. In comparison, a full-size 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. With 2.3 cubic feet of drum space, you can expect to wash two to three outfits at a time. A larger 4.5-cubic-foot drum should be able to tackle up to five outfits, or even a load of towels.
Fuel Type
All-in-one washer dryers are electric models only. So if you have an existing natural gas connection for a dryer, it won’t be needed for a combination unit. Instead, the machine plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet (perhaps the same one you used for a former standalone gas dryer). One outlet is all that’s required for this single unit that does the job of two appliances.
Wash Cycles
The wash cycles of an all-in-one washer dryer range from a handful of basic options to care for normal to heavy-duty loads, to more advanced cycle settings that address specialized laundry needs. If you frequently wash specific types of laundry loads, like activewear, baby clothes, or wool items, it makes sense to look for a machine equipped with those specific cycle settings. Most all-in-one washer dryers have around a dozen cycles, which is more than the washer cycles you'll find on the most basic standalone washing machines. Drying cycles are typically more limited on all-in-one washer dryers—there may be only two or three drying cycle selections to pick from.
Energy Efficiency
All-in-one washer dryers can be an energy-efficient choice when compared to conventional, freestanding washers and dryers, though it will depend on the exact model. When shopping for an all-in-one washer dryer, Jay Gaylen of Pirch Appliances says that if the appliance utilizes a heat pump, “these units are about 50 percent more efficient.” Ultimately, you should look for an appliance with an Energy Star rating if energy efficiency ranks high on your list of priorities for an all-in-one washer dryer.
The first model to receive the designation, and the only on our list with this credential, is theWhirlpool WFC682CLW 4.5 cu. ft. Ventless All-in-One Washer Dryer, our "best for energy efficiency" pick.
Standout Features
Steam Function
A steam function may be helpful if your household commonly deals with gentle fabrics or wrinkly clothes, although it can sometimes leave your clothes feeling a bit moist. This feature is quite common in all-in-one models, but not every model will have it. When shopping, look for a steam function if you think it might come in handy when refreshing your clothes or want an affordable "extra" perk that's easy to use.
Smart Features
Smart features in all-in-one washer dryers include the ability to control and manage your model via an app on your phone, and load-sensing dispensers. The app uses your home's Wi-Fi to connect to your all-in-one model. Once connected, you can receive cycle alerts and select settings remotely. The load-sensing dispenser reads the amount of soil within your load and uses that reading to add just the right amount of detergent. Although combo units with smart features can be more expensive, they are typically a bit more streamlined. (If you're interested in shopping additional smart options, our guide to the best smart washer and dryers could come in handy.)
Activewear Cycle
From leggings to wicking shirts, activewear is often built differently from the average T-shirt. These items typically require hand washing with cold water and gentle agitation. Relatively new to the market, an activewear cycle in a washer will be designed to meet these needs, gently removing sweat from clothing items that may contain elastane or other synthetic materials.
Allergen Cycle
An allergen cycle specifically targets triggers like dust, pollen, and dander in clothes. It typically uses steam to gently treat all fabric types. It's very useful if you live in an area with a high pollen count, or have someone in your household who suffers from asthma but does typically come at a higher price point.
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 your laundry detergent and fabric softener.
Fill the reservoir and the machine will dispense the right amount of product based on load size and soil and cycle settings. Some advanced machines, like the Whirlpool WFC682CLW (our "best for energy efficiency" choice), include a separate single-load detergent dispenser. This is handy if you want to use a special detergent for a load of laundry, like baby clothes, without emptying the bulk dispenser containing your usual detergent.
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How do all-in-one washer dryers work?
All-in-one washer dryers care for your laundry by putting them through the wash cycle of your choice, and then the dry cycle of your choice. As usual, you'll add your dirty clothes to the drum, making sure they have a similar fabric type and are evenly distributed. Then, you'll put detergent into a dispenser—in addition to fabric softener, if your load calls for it. You'll select a wash cycle like normal, delicates, or speed wash, as well as a drying one.
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. This is so you can remove some of the clothes from your load (if, for example, they need to air dry), and prepare the drum for drying. 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, then be sure to only add half of your typical load to the washer for effective cleaning and drying.
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Are all-in-one washer dryers ventless?
According to Gaylen, many combo washer dryers utilize a heat pump, which allows for ventless installation. Instead of requiring an external vent, this type of dryer collects moisture and drains it from the machine, rather than sending hot, moist exhaust through a vent through the wall of your home.
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How well do all-in-one washer dryers work?
While all-in-one washer dryers have many of the same settings and technology as their counterparts, they can be less effective and more time-consuming. You may find that your clothes are a bit damp at the end of a cycle, and many machines can take anywhere from three to six hours to complete a load. On a positive note, combo units allow you to drop in your clothes and not worry about switching them. Plus, you can do smaller loads to help the unit wash and dry your clothes more effectively.
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How do you install an all-in-one washer dryer?
If you already have the connections you need (hot water, cold water, and a drain) in your laundry area, it's possible to install an all-in-one dryer yourself with a little plumbing knowledge. If you don't have these connections or if you have a gas-powered machine, you will need a plumber to install them for you.
The first thing you will need to do is to remove the transport bolts in the back of the machine that protect it during transit and place the covers to seal the holes. You will then connect the hoses to your water supply and drain and plug the machine into the nearest outlet.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Erica Puisis is a product researcher and writer with years of experience testing and writing about small and large appliances. She has hands-on experience with all-in-one washer dryers and currently relies on an LG model for her clothes care routine. No stranger to the compromises on capacity that come with choosing a combination washer dryer, Puisis thoroughly researched the latest models available to find the best options on the market. Each model was evaluated based on the most important features, like capacity, cycle options (including steam and sanitizing), and smart features.
For extra insight, Puisis interviewed Jay Gaylen of Pirch Appliances. He has firsthand experience with a wide range of appliances and spoke about the benefits and drawbacks of all-in-one washer dryers. Specifically, Gaylen points out the ventless design of most combo units and the resulting energy savings. However, he also cautions that capacity limitations aren’t the best fit for every household.
Marisa Casciano, senior commerce editor for appliances, cleaning, and organization for The Spruce, also contributed to this article. Casciano has lived in multiple apartments and greatly understands the need to save space but also to have a reliable machine at your disposal. For this piece, she read through dozens of user manuals, verified customer reviews, and third-party pieces. She also vetted the specifications for usefulness and watched informational videos to understand further how an all-in-one washer dryer works.