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LG / Samsung / Reviewed
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LG / Samsung / Reviewed
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We noticed beautiful design but poor build quality in this LG all-in-one. It washes effectively but its dryer isn't as effective as GE and Samsung models. Read More
This ventless washer-dryer combo features advanced technology, a sleek design, and a large capacity. Read More
Combo washer-dryers have an indelible appeal, but for years failed to live up to their potential. The compactness, energy efficiency, and simplicity of a product that did both the washing and the drying was self-evidently awesome. Plus, because they don’t require venting or 240V power, you could put them almost anywhere. But older units had tiny drums and could take hour upon hour for a single cycle, and even then leave you with a pair of wet jeans.
This new generation of combo washer-dryers, including the LG WM6998HBA WashCombo and Samsung Bespoke AI WD53DBA900HZ, is a whole different breed. Faster, and with capacities on par with traditional laundry units, the combo washer-dryer is a viable option that we’re happy to recommend.
If you’re torn between the LG WashCombo and Samsung Bespoke AI, here’s what you need to know.
Effective washer
Ventless design
Less effective dryer with long dry times
Large capacity
Advanced AI-supported tech
Ventless design
Heavy dryer loads may require additional drying time
One of the biggest historical drawbacks of washer-dryer combos is long cycle times, sometimes taking half a day to finish a load. Decades ago, I had one in an apartment (not by choice!) and it took me all of one weekend to permanently make the switch to a laundromat. Thankfully, the technology has improved immensely.
Both the LG and Samsung ventless combos are much faster than older models, but Samsung has a clear edge here. In our testing, a normal wash-and-dry cycle on the LG WM6998HBA averaged about 142 minutes (nearly 2.5 hours). By contrast, Samsung can complete a wash-and-dry in about 98 minutes using the Super Speed setting. That makes the Samsung among the fastest all-in-one combos, on par with (or even quicker than) many separate washer and dryer sets.
It’s worth noting that cycle times can vary by load size and program. The LG does offer a TurboWash feature to shorten wash cycles by about 15 minutes, but its drying phase remains slow. In our experience, even a Quick cycle on the LG took well over 2 hours to fully dry clothes. The Samsung, with its “Super Speed” combined cycle, aims to eliminate this wait. Consumer Reports’ testing backs up Samsung’s speed advantage, finding it tipped the scales with faster cycle times (though still not as fast as a vented dryer). Others have found that in real-world use, bulky loads in the Samsung may still run longer than 98 minutes—a common issue not unique to Samsung—but generally, Samsung’s combo will get your laundry done significantly faster than LG’s.
Both of these all-in-one machines are excellent washers, delivering cleaning results on par with high-end standalone washing machines. In our lab tests, the LG WM6998HBA’s washing performance was exceptional. It removed stains better than competing combos like the GE Profile, especially on heavy-duty cycles. LG has a long legacy of top-notch front-load washer performance, and it shows here.
The Samsung combo also brings its A-game in cleaning. Samsung’s AI OptiWash system automatically adjusts water temperature and cycle time to the soil level, similar to LG’s AI cycles. Consumer Reports currently recommends the Samsung WD53DBA900HZ in part for its washing performance. In all likelihood, you’ll get equally clean clothes from either machine under normal use.
When it comes to drying, neither of these ventless combo units can match a traditional vented dryer’s speed – but they get the job done with far greater energy efficiency. Both the LG and the Samsung use an inverter heat pump system to remove moisture via condensation, rather than blasting clothes with high heat and venting the air outside. This reduces energy use, but it does mean longer dry times and occasionally damp spots on heavier items. In our tests, the LG WashCombo’s drying cycle was consistently slow. A full wash+dry load often took 2–3 hours, and even then we sometimes needed to add extra drying time for thick comforters or jeans.
Samsung’s dryer tends to run faster, thanks to that Super Speed cycle, but that claim of 98 minutes only holds for small and medium-sized loads. From testing that other outlets have done, we know that the Samsung moisture sensors can get tripped up with a bulky bedding load, and that even after 3 hours, items could still be slightly damp.
Essentially, both machines struggled with very heavy loads (a common limitation of combo units), and both can require patience for drying.
The good news is that for normal-sized loads, both units can dry everything quite well enough.
Both of these washer-dryer combo units offer drum sizes on par with traditional full-size laundry units. The LG WashCombo has a generous 5.0 cubic foot stainless steel drum, while the Samsung edges it out with 5.3 cu. Ft. It’s a small difference, but Samsung wins.
A size comparison of LG WashCombo WM6998HBA (left) vs. Samsung Bespoke AI Washer-Dryer Combo WD53DBA900HZ (right). Remember that both need safe clearance from the rear wall they abut: 4 inches for the LG and 2 inches for the Samsung.
If you’re living in a small space, combo washer-dryers are a great option. Because it’s all in one unit, they’re nearly half the height of a stacked washer and dryer pair. In that regard, both the LG and Samsung are super compact.
The LG is 27" x 39" x 33 1/8" (W x H x D), but requires 4 inches of clearance from the back wall.
The Samsung is 27" x 43.75" x 34.5" (W x H x D). That’s quite a bit taller than the LG, though it only requires 2 inches of clearance from the wall.
Neither unit will fit under a standard counter, but the LG WM6998HBA is the smaller of the two. That said, the only size that really matters is the size of the space where you want it to live. So measure twice before ordering, and also be sure to measure every doorway, staircase, and hall that it has to pass through from the delivery truck to the final resting spot.
One major appeal of these heat pump combos is how little energy they use, especially for drying. Both models are Energy Star certified and will save a ton of electricity compared to vented dryers.
According to Energy Star, the Samsung WD53DBA900HZ’s annual washer energy use is 103 kWh/yr and the dryer is 319 kWh/yr.
The LG WM6998HBA’s annual energy use, according to the same source, is 99 kWh/yr for the washer and 380 kWh/yr for the dryer.
That makes the Samsung a bit more energy efficient, though the real dollar savings between them is quite small.
The key point is that both will dramatically cut drying energy compared to old dryers. You may also qualify for energy efficiency rebates or tax credits by choosing a heat pump dryer combo – check your local programs (though note some federal credits expire at the end of 2025).
The question of reliability and warranty is perhaps the biggest differentiator between these two products, and the choice is clear: LG has a far better reputation for reliability and—importantly—repairability. Sadly, Samsung appliances have earned the reputation of being difficult to service, even when still under warranty. When it breaks, that could spell the difference between days without a washer… or weeks.
Regarding the warranty specifically, LG also comes out ahead. The WM6998HBA is covered for 1 year of parts and labor, 10 years on the direct-drive motor, and 3 years on the stainless steel drum (parts only for motor/drum beyond year 1).
Samsung’s warranty looks better on paper: 1 year parts/labor, 3 years on the drum, and 20 years on the Digital Inverter Motor (parts only).
However, warranty isn’t everything–real-world reliability matters. LG holds an edge due to its track record. LG has been making front-load washers for decades and consistently scores well in reliability surveys. In the end, we lean toward LG for peace of mind. Samsung will simply have to earn its reputation over time.
On the whole, we have to recommend the LG WashCombo WM6998HBA. The performance is largely the same as the Samsung, but the reliability and brand reputation in laundry are the factors that put LG over the top.
The Samsung Bespoke AI Ventless Laundry Combo WD53DBA900HZ is a great washer-dryer combo unit. The speedy cycles and killer interface cannot be denied. But reliability is king in appliances. We don’t know if Samsung’s laundry products will prove to be as reliable as LG’s—only time will tell—but for now, LG is the safer bet.
| LG WM6998HBA Ventless WashCombo with TurboWash360 | Samsung WD53DBA900HZ Bespoke AI Laundry Combo | |
| Dimensions | 39" H × 27" W × 33.4" D | 43.8" H × 27" W × 34.5" D |
| Capacity | 5.0 cu. ft. | 5.3 cu. ft. |
| Cycles | ~30 wash programs (+ options); TurboWash360; AI fabric sensing; sensor dry | AI OptiWash & Dry; Super Speed wash+dry; sensor dry programs; AI Energy mode |
| Venting | Ventless heat pump drying system | Ventless heat pump drying system |
| Power | 120V / 15A standard household outlet | 120V / 15A standard household outlet |
| Read More | Reviewed's Best Washer-Dryer Combos | Reviewed's Best Washer-Dryer Combos |
The Best Washer Dryer Combos: This is our complete roundup of all the top-performing washer-dryer combos on the market, including GE, Samsung, and LG.
Everything you need to know about ventless dryers: If your home doesn’t have a way to vent a traditional dryer, you still have options. This piece explains how ventless dryers operate and why they might be a smart solution for your space.
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David Kender oversees content at Reviewed as the Editor in Chief. He served as managing editor and editor in chief of Reviewed's ancestor, CamcorderInfo.com, helping to grow the company from a tiny staff to one of the most influential online review resources. In his time at Reviewed, David has helped to launch over 100 product categories and written too many articles to count.
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