Washer Dryer Combination

by Jonathan McLelland

If you have read any of my previous articles, than you are well aware that I absolutely love the company LG. In my opinion there is not another company that produces such high quality products at a all-around reasonable price. No matter what you’re looking for, LG most likely makes it, and makes it well.

One of their newest products is the LG 2.4 Cu. Ft. 9-Cycle Washer/Dryer Combination, Model: WM3431HS. This washing machine is unlike any other, because it is also a dryer. You read me right, this one machine is both a washer and dryer in one. I know, crazy right?

One of the coolest features is the up-front electronic controls that are operated through the Dial-A-Cycle operation. This makes picking your cycles extremely simple and easy. The size of this washer/dryer isn’t too impressive, but it is a decent size being 2.4 cubic feet.

You’ll be able to wash and dry a decent amount of clothing in one load. Another cool feature is the 9 various wash cycles. Some of these cycles include permanent press, sanitary cycle and cotton/towels – just to name a few. You also get five various dry times that range from 30 minutes all the way to 150 minutes. This feature provides you with the customization that is needed in order to properly dry all types of clothing.

Another feature is the various spin speeds that you get to choose from. These range from low to extra high, as well as coming with five wash/rinse temperature levels. All of these various cycle features are perfect because there are literally hundreds of different types of clothing, and one basic cycle can’t wash them all. Probably one of the neatest features is the SenseClean system, which automatically adjusts your water and wash time to match the size of your load.

This feature actually saves you money, because you won’t be using the same amount of water for a load of towels as you would for a load of underwear. And unlike most machines, this washer can actually sense that. Worries that the sensors stop with the washing? Well, don’t be because there is the Sensor Dry system that actually detects moisture levels inside of the drum and thus automatically adjusts the drying time and the temperature to prevent your clothes from getting overheated or over-dried.

This machine can be set to wash and dry your clothes, or you can choose to only wash your clothes or only dry them. Thus you get almost a total of three various machines in one! On the front of the machine there is a time-remaining display that shows you the status of your wash cycle so you know exactly how much longer you have until your clothes are completely finished. This is a great way to time-manage your day.

As you can see, LG really does think of it all. And having a washing machine and dryer in one, is one of their coolest inventions yet. The price for this all-in-one machine will average around $1400, however, it is well worth it. If you are looking for a great washer and dryer, but don’t have that much space in your laundry room, than this machine is absolutely for you. And with a name like LG attached to it, you know that it is going to uphold the highest standards.

LG WM3431HW Price Comparison:

What is a washer dryer combination?

A washer dryer combination is one appliance that both washes and dries clothes. These units have only one chamber for clothes; they are not stackable washer/dryers. Washer dryer combos have been popular in Europe and the Far East for many years; due to the small apartments and living spaces common in these areas, compact appliances were developed to fit the smaller spaces. Many combos are also designed to be portable, offering even more options for storage and use of the unit.

How does non-vented drying work?
Non-vented combos have a two-drum system. The hot air is forced into the outer drum where a condensation process is used to cool the air and condense the water vapor out of it. The water is then flushed out the drain hose to the sink or plumbing lines. Because no venting is required of the non-vented w/d, this unit may be easily installed under a cabinet, in a closet, or anywhere water and electricity are available.

How much laundry can I do in one load?
The amount varies depending upon the size of the unit you purchase and the bulkiness of the fabric of the load. A “full size” washer can hold 22 pounds of clothes (more than 3.5 cubic feet), so you can compare other size units to that. You should be aware that you only want to fill your unit up halfway with clothes; they can only dry half as much as they can wash, so putting in more clothes than this will cause them to not be able to dry.

Can the combo units be connected to my kitchen faucet?
Yes, there are faucet adaptors available so the units can be connected to a standard kitchen sink faucet. When connected to a faucet, the outlet hose on these units can be run to the sink drain.

How long do the cycles on w/d combos take?
The length of the cycles varies based on the unit, the cycles selected, and the size of the load. Generally, 110 Volt units take from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to run the wash cycle; the length of time in the wash cycle primarily varies based on the cycle selected. Drying time is generally more variable. Non-vented units generally take 45 minutes to 180 minutes to dry a load. Drying times vary based on the size of the load in the dryer and the type of laundry being dried. For example, heavy fabrics such as denims or towels take longer to dry than lighter fabrics like t-shirts. 220 Volt units can dry in up to half the time, and vented units will also shorten the drying time.

What are the major benefits of combos?
The number one benefit is the compact size: they are smaller than most washers or dryers. In fact, many people install these units under their kitchen counter, because they only take up about as much space as a normal size dishwasher! In addition, casters allow the unit to be rolled around with ease whenever needed.

Also, the efficiency of combo units not only saves you money by using much less energy and water to operate than standard washers and dryers, but many utility companies offer rebates for purchases of energy efficient appliances. Check with your local utility companies for eligibility.

Not only are these units extremely energy efficient, but they wash much better (and gentler) than standard washers. Combos use a front load washing design that utilizes a horizontal axis drum. This eliminates the agitator common to top load washers. In top load washers, the agitator is both very inefficient at cleaning and very rough on clothes. The horizontal axis drum on combos mimics washboard clothes washing, raising the clothes out of the water and soap and plunging them back in. Finally, the high rpm’s of the spin cycle of these units gets water and soap residue out of your clothes much better than normal washers do. This efficient and thorough cleaning process is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or allergies to laundry soap.