A washer dryer seems to solve problems of space and efficiency, but beware. Here are three reasons why you should not buy this appliance.
Have your washer and dryer broken down or just become outdated? If so, you might find a washer dryer combo unit appealing when you do your browsing online or at an appliance store.
After all, you have the potential to save space and still get a similar washing performance like you would with standalone units. The costs of energy usage are also similar thanks to a focus on energy efficiency for appliances.
However, you might be surprised to learn that an all-in-one washer and dryer has drawbacks that can cost you more time and money in the long run. That combined unit might also bring headaches when it comes to repairs.
Read on to learn all about these three good reasons not to buy a washer dryer combo.
1. The Dryer Capacity Is Limited
While you can expect to wash a regular-sized load of laundry in your combined unit, you’ll find that the dryer part can only dry about half the load. This means you’ll have to deal with two drying loads for each full load of washed laundry. If you’re already limited on time, you’ll find this limitation a big inconvenience.
You’ll experience the capacity problem even with the best washer dryer combo. So, if you want to wash your clothes most efficiently, going for a separate washer and dryer set is the way to go.
2. Washer and Dryer Combo Models May Have Worse Reliability
When you have your washer and dryer as a combined unit, you face a big risk and potential inconvenience. If either the washer or dryer functionality breaks, you’re stuck with repair costs that could run higher for a combined unit.
Even worse, you might find that it’s not worth repairing your non-working unit. You’d then have to either replace it with another combined unit or separate washer and dryer. You also have to consider the removal and disposal costs, which you can read more about here.
3. You’ll Use a Lot More Water
Using a washer and dryer combo will raise your water bill so that you pay more than you would with separate units. This is due to most of these units having a condenser dryer that needs as much as 55 gallons (210 liters) of water during use.
If you want to save money and not waste as much water, you should consider a standalone washer and dryer. If you must have a combo unit, you could get a heat-pump combo unit that works more efficiently. But this technology comes at a high price, and you may also face a learning curve trying to get used to it.
Now You Know Why You Should Avoid a Washer Dryer Combo
If you can avoid combo washer and dryer units, you can get better performance, spend less time doing laundry, and avoid using a lot of extra water. You’ll also probably find standalone units with better reliability.
Of course, if you have limited space in an apartment or live in an RV, a washer dryer combo might be the only option for you. In that case, carefully read the reviews of the best washer dryer combo units to find the most reliable option.
Be sure to check out our other posts about home appliances and home design.
