Space – there never seems to be enough of it. And it’s one of the good reasons why a lot of folks want a washer-dryer combination instead of two separate stand-alone machines. These little machines are great for bungalow or apartment dwellers. Small families or singles who don’t dirty at lot of clothes at one time, would do well to have the convenience of one of these space-saving appliances. If you’re in the market for one of these gizmos, your best bet would be to start browsing online to get a comprehensive look at just what’s out there.
Though its name makes it look like it belongs on a military arms inventory list, the Frigidaire GLEH1642FS is one of the highest ranking washer-dryer combos on the market. A front loader with 3.1 cubic foot capacity, this machine is only 27 inches wide. The upper dryer has a moisture sensor so that drying stops when the clothes are dry rather than running too long on a timer. Power savings! Plus, the Frigidaire GLEH1642FS has a pretty fast drying time, and a gentle-wash cycle. The biggest complaint is the rather startling end-of-cycle alarm.
Another small washer-dryer combo that lives up to its name is the GE Spacemaker WSM2420DWW. This laundry machine is only 24 inches wide so it will certainly fit in a small space, but its capacity is small, too – 1.5 cubic feet of washer space and 4.3 cubic feet for the dryer unit on top. The GE Spacemaker, though rather basic, is given a good performance rating by users. It rates high for both washing and drying, though it does operate a bit loudly for all its small size. Of course, don’t expect this little marvel to keep ahead of the dirty laundry volume that a large family can produce..
The most confusing thing about another machine, the LG WM3431HW, is its name. This machine takes the combo concept to a new level of miniaturization. It is only 24 inches wide and 33 inches tall, but it does both washing and drying in the same drum. Though it doesn’t need an external vent for the dryer, it does take a bit too long to dry the clothes. With a capacity of 2.44 cubic feet, users say the washer function rates among the best.
