Top Five Washer/Dryer Combos
There are scores of companies offering washer/dryer combinations, but how do you choose which is right for you? For one thing, the prices of washer/dryer combos vary depending on the size and functions of each set, which means a lack of research might have you spending too much for something you don’t need, or too little for a set that simply won’t cut it. Before you buy, consider the following:
1. Size of your family. A one-person household will need to do far less laundry than a family of eight. Depending on how many people will be using your washer/dryer – and how often – you might need to adjust the size and functions accordingly.
2. Space. Some laundry rooms are full-size and can accomodate any size washer/dryer, while others are small and can only fit more compact models. Measure the dimensions of your laundry room before looking for a washer/dryer combo.
3. Color. If you don’t have a preference, then don’t wory about it, but you can find washer/dryer combos in almost every color imaginable. You might also want to consider whether you want a front-loading or top-loading washer and dryer, and if you want a combination that stacks or sits side-by-side.
Kenmore 88732
If you need a small, yet efficient washer/dryer combo, then this is the model for you. This twenty-four inch laundry center can be purchased on a budget, and it will meet the needs of a one-or-two-person household. It is a white-on-white stackable laundry center with two motor speeds and nine seperate cycles. It has a Dual Action agitator, variable water levels, four temperatures and delicate, prewash and soak settings. If you purchase through Sears.com, you will receive a one-year warranty. Just remember, it requires 120 volts of electricity.
Price: $879.00
Find It: www.Sears.com
Frigidaire Gallery GLEH1642D
If you need about twice the capacity of the above Kenmore washer/dryer and a few more available functions, then this Frigidaire model will be a great step up in value, without a huge step in price. Twenty-seven rather than twenty-four inches, this washer/dryer combo allows for full-capacity laundry, but doesn’t take up a lot of space. It is front loading, white-on-white, and offers extra features such as a motion sensor in the dryer so that energy isn’t wasted.
Price: $924
Find It: www.frigidaire.com
Malber WD1000
I’ve heard mixed reviews about this washer/dryer combo. Some say that the Malber WD 1000 is the best washer/dryer set in the world, while others complain of still-damp clothing and tiny laundry capacity. For the price, it certainly isn’t a bad deal, and it stacks easily in very small laundry rooms with only a 110 volt power supply. Washing times will be longer because it is a combination, and not a standard appliance, but for a small family needing it only once a week or so, the Malber might be a great option at a great price.
Price: $1,000
Find It: www.malber.com
LG WM3677HW
This is my favorite washer/dryer combo for a number of reasons. First, it doesn’t need to be vented, although you will have to drain it every once in a while. Second, it can wash up to twenty-three pounds of laundry, and it has advanced features such as electronic controls and automatic wash levels. It does take quite a long time – more than three hours to complete a load – but as washer/dryer combos go, this is one of the best. It is one of the most durable I’ve seen on the market, and is just the right size for a famile of four or five.
Price: $1,600
Find It: www.bizrate.com
Whirlpool Duet
This washer/dryer combo is for the family that needs a full-size washer and dryer, but still wants the combination set. It is considerably more expensive than most of the other models you’ll find on the market, but for good reason. The washer and dryer can each be bought seperately and with a pick-and-choose function option. The entire set together is approximately six feet, three inches tall, which may not be practical for shorter owners, but the washer by itself is a wonderful machine.
Price: $2,300
Find It: www.whirlpool.com
