Are washer-dryer combos worth buying in 2026?

Washer-dryer combos aren't a new phenomenon, especially if you've ever done laundry in Europe or the U.K., but the full-size models that have been on the U.S. market for a few years now prove that old stereotypes are wrong—they can actually dry clothes. That still doesn't mean they're the best choice for everyone.

Let's dispel a few washer-dryer combo misconceptions and outline the pros and cons of choosing one.

What is a washer-dryer combo?

A washer-dryer combo—also called an all-in-one washer-dryer—combines a washing machine and dryer in one appliance. You load dirty clothes into a single drum, select a wash-and-dry cycle, and the machine automatically transitions from washing to drying without making you move wet clothes.

Most current full-size models use a front-loading design. Many are ventless and rely on condensation or heat-pump drying technology rather than venting through an exterior dryer vent (although Samsung has introduced a vented all-in-one model).

The concept isn't new. What's changed is the technology, capacity, and overall performance. Manufacturers now build combos to serve as primary laundry appliances rather than as space-saving compromises.

GE Profile makes our current favorite washer-dryer combo. Lee Lagomarcino, vice president of clothes care at GE Appliances, says the company's full-size products save time, and that GE created the full-size washer-dryer combo category and intends to keep its lead with consumers.

Competitors like Samsung and LG have since released all-in-one washer-dryer combos, which also outperform the smaller models common in the European market. American laundry standards are different, and these brands show they understand their U.S. consumers. Both Reviewed and Consumer Reports rated LG the most trusted laundry brand in 2026.

Why washer-dryer combos are finally worth a second look

For years, washer-dryer combo units had a reputation for being convenient in theory but frustrating in practice. They could wash clothes, but drying took so long—or left loads damp—that hanging items on a drying rack or laundry line became routine.

The latest machines released in the U.S. market have changed the conversation. GE, LG, Samsung, and other popular brands offer full-size all-in-one models with improved drying systems, larger capacities, heat-pump technology, and smart-cycle controls.

Some newer models can complete a wash-and-dry cycle in about two hours or less, while Samsung's vented combo advertises a 68-minute Super Speed wash-and-dry cycle. Actual times vary depending on load size and settings.

That doesn't mean washer-dryer combos have replaced traditional laundry pairs. They solve a certain set of problems exceptionally well, but also introduce trade-offs that shoppers should understand before spending thousands of dollars.

Misconception #1: Washer-dryer combos can't actually dry clothes

This is the biggest misconception, and it's no longer accurate. Modern washer-dryer combos can dry clothes. However, drying performance and drying speed vary considerably from model to model, so don't expect a combo unit to perform exactly like a conventional vented dryer.

In our testing, washer-dryer combos washed impressively, while drying remained the harder part of the equation, still taking longer than most stand-alone dryers.

That doesn't mean you'll be left with wet laundry, though. The latest machines have sensors that ensure dry loads, so even if it takes longer, you'll still get dry clothes.

Misconception #2: A washer-dryer combo saves time

A combo unit can save you effort, but it doesn't necessarily save total laundry time. The biggest convenience is eliminating the wet-load transfer, and, let's be honest, the amount of time before you get around to making that transfer.

With an all-in-one, you don't have to remember to move clothes from the washer to the dryer, and you won't return hours later to discover a forgotten load sitting in the drum starting to smell.

This makes a washer-dryer combo particularly appealing to people who work long hours, travel, forget laundry easily, or simply dislike the constant interruption of moving clothes between machines.

But there's an obvious catch: you can't wash one load while drying another. With separate machines, you can wash your next load while the previous one dries. A traditional washer-and-dryer pair is more efficient for households that process multiple loads in succession.

Misconception #3: All washer-dryer combos are ventless

Ventless machines don't require a traditional exterior dryer exhaust duct, so they've long been prized for their ability to go where vented dryers can't, like apartments, mobile homes, and interior closets.

Depending on the model, they use condensation or heat-pump technology to remove moisture from clothes. Heat-pump systems recycle warm air within a closed-loop system, which improves energy efficiency and allows the appliance to operate at lower temperatures.

While most well-known all-in-one combos have historically been ventless, that's changing. Samsung's vented Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, for example, uses a 240-volt connection and a traditional exhaust duct to achieve its advertised 68-minute Super Speed wash-and-dry cycle. The ventless version requires only a 120-volt connection but tops out at 98 minutes for a Super Speed wash-dry cycle.

The emergence of vented combos is significant because it offers shoppers another option: the convenience of a single appliance combined with the drying performance they're used to.

Misconception #4: You're stuck doing small loads

Many full-size combos have capacities comparable to standard washers, although you should check the exact dimensions since some all-in-one units are taller or deeper than a typical stand-alone washer.

With capacities between 5 and 5.3 cubic feet, the units we've tested are on par with our favorite top-load washer, and larger than our winning front-loader.

Washer-dryer combo pros

The biggest advantage: no wet laundry transfer

The convenience of one-and-done laundry is difficult to overstate. With a traditional washer and dryer, it's on you to pay attention and remember when it's time to change over the laundry.

A combo unit eliminates that step. Once you select the appropriate cycle, the appliance handles the transition automatically.

This is especially helpful if you frequently forget laundry in the washer or have mobility limitations that make it difficult to transfer heavy, wet laundry.

The set-it-and-forget-it approach is also useful if you like to start laundry before bed. With a combo unit, you could even start it before leaving for a trip, which would otherwise leave you with a smelly mess in a stand-alone washer.

It works best for households that don't need to process several loads back-to-back. If you can start a load and leave it alone until it's finished, a combo can make laundry feel much less demanding.

They save space

A washer-dryer combo occupies the footprint of one appliance instead of two. That makes it a useful option for apartments, condos, small homes, laundry closets, and other spaces where installing a separate washer and dryer would be difficult or impossible.

Ventless models offer flexible installation

Ventless models don't require an exterior dryer exhaust duct. Some can run from a standard 120-volt outlet, although installation requirements vary by model. This makes it possible to place laundry equipment in locations that can't support a conventional dryer, provided the space has the necessary water, drainage, electrical, and clearance requirements.

They reduce the number of decisions you need to make

A traditional laundry pair requires you to manage two machines. A combo lets you select one cycle and leave the appliance to complete the process. Many current models also include automatic detergent dispensing, moisture sensors, fabric sensing, smart controls, and cycle customization.

They can save energy

Heat-pump drying systems recycle heat instead of continuously exhausting heated air outdoors. They operate at lower temperatures and use less energy than conventional electric dryers, although actual energy use depends on the model and cycle.

They can be gentler on fabrics

Since heat-pump dryers typically use lower drying temperatures than conventional dryers, they also tend to be gentler on fabrics. A lower temperature doesn't automatically mean every garment is safe to dry, but you'll likely experience less wear over time.

Washer-dryer combo cons

Drying can still take a long time

Improved drying technology has made combos more practical, but cycle length remains a major consideration. Manufacturers advertise faster cycles for certain models and test conditions, like GE Profile's roughly 90-minute Quick Wash and Dry cycle for a 10-pound load on its UltraFast model. LG advertises wash-and-dry times as fast as two hours under specified conditions, but your real-world usage could look nothing like that.

These claims are useful for comparison, but you shouldn't treat them as guaranteed times for every load. Towels, jeans, bedding, bulky items, and heavily loaded machines can take substantially longer.

You can't process multiple loads simultaneously

This is the most important disadvantage for large households. With a separate washer and dryer, you can begin a new load while the dryer finishes the previous one. A combo must complete its wash-and-dry sequence before the machine is available for the next load.

If you regularly wash four or five loads in one day, the time difference might be prohibitive.

They can be expensive

Full-size washer-dryer combos typically cost more than $2,000. Some combo units cost less than comparable separate machines, but that depends on the level of performance and tech you're willing to pay for.

Repairs may be more complicated

A washer-dryer combo combines two major functions in one appliance. A problem with the machine can affect both washing and drying, potentially leaving you without either function until it's repaired. That doesn't mean every combo is unreliable, but it does make service availability and warranty coverage an important consideration.

Before purchasing, find out whether the manufacturer has authorized service providers in your area and what the warranty covers for the motor, heat-pump system, electronics, and labor.

Washer-dryer combo FAQs

What's the difference between a washer-dryer combo and a laundry center?

A washer-dryer combo combines washing and drying in one drum. A laundry center consists of a washer and dryer stacked and attached vertically into one unit. Both save floor space, but in a laundry center, the washer and dryer remain two distinct appliances.

Are washer-dryer combos good for apartments?

Yes. Ventless models can be particularly useful in apartments because they don't require an exterior dryer vent, and most can operate from a standard 120-volt outlet, depending on the model. However, installation still requires appropriate water, drainage, electrical service, and clearances.

Do washer-dryer combos use more electricity?

Energy use depends on the model and drying technology. Heat-pump systems can be more energy-efficient than conventional electric dryers, but you should compare the complete energy specifications of a combo against both a washer and a dryer combined, rather than judging by appliance type alone.

Can a washer-dryer combo handle towels and bedding?

Many full-size combos can wash bulky items, but drying large loads of towels and bedding may take longer, and these loads may perform better in smaller batches to ensure effective air circulation. It's best to check the manufacturer's capacity and cycle recommendations.

Who should buy a washer-dryer combo?

An all-in-one washer-dryer may be a strong fit if you: * Live in an apartment, condo, or small home and have limited space for laundry equipment * Live somewhere that can't vent a traditional dryer * Want to avoid transferring wet laundry * Usually process one load at a time * Value convenience more than maximum laundry speed

Are washer-dryer combos worth buying?

Yes—but the right answer depends on your laundry habits and priorities

The latest washer-dryer combos have overcome one of the category's biggest historical problems: they can dry clothes. Improvements in heat-pump technology, capacity, sensing, and cycle controls have made them more useful for everyday laundry.

But a combo isn't automatically better than a separate washer and dryer.

Choose an all-in-one if you value space savings, flexible installation, and the set-it-and-forget-it convenience of loading your laundry once. A ventless model may be particularly useful if your home doesn't have a dryer exhaust duct.

Choose separate machines if you have a large household, need to process several loads back-to-back, or prioritize faster laundry throughput.

The trade-off comes down to this: Washer-dryer combos save space and eliminate the wet-load transfer. They don't necessarily save time. For the right households, that's worth it.