How to Choose the Right Washer Dryer Combo
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A washer dryer combo packs a washing machine and a clothes dryer into a single front-loading appliance, washing and drying a load without you moving it between two machines. This guide explains how a washer dryer combo works, where it makes sense, the trade-offs to weigh up, and the features that matter most when choosing one. It is written for anyone considering an all-in-one machine for an apartment, a compact laundry, or a smaller household. You can also compare the alternatives in our washing machine buying guide and dryer buying guide.
What Is a Washer Dryer Combo?
A washer dryer combo is a single front-loading appliance that both washes and dries a load of laundry without you needing to transfer the clothes to a separate dryer. These machines are designed primarily for households where space is limited, such as apartments, studios, and smaller homes without a dedicated laundry room. They occupy the same footprint as a single front loader, which is what makes them so well suited to tight spaces.
How Washer Dryer Combos Work
A washer dryer combo washes clothes using the same front-loading drum action as a standard front loader. For drying, most models use a condenser drying system in which the drum spins while warm air circulates through the load. Moisture evaporated from the clothes is condensed and either collected in a reservoir that you empty manually or drained directly through the plumbing, so no external venting is required.
Some washer dryer combos use heat pump drying instead, which is more energy efficient than standard condenser drying and gentler on fabrics because it dries at a lower temperature.
Advantages of a Washer Dryer Combo
The biggest advantage is the single footprint. One appliance instead of two saves significant floor and storage space, which is exactly why combos suit apartments, studios, and small laundry cupboards. There is also no clothes transfer involved, as you load the machine, start a combined wash and dry cycle, and come back to clean, dry laundry with no step in between. Because condenser drying does not need a vent to the outside, installation is simpler and possible in more locations than a vented dryer allows. Buying a single appliance is also generally lower in upfront cost than purchasing a separate washing machine and dryer.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
The main trade-off is drying capacity. The drying capacity of a washer dryer combo is typically around half its washing capacity, so a machine that washes 10 kg can usually only dry around 5 to 6 kg in a single drying cycle. A large wash load therefore needs to be split into two drying cycles, or part of it left to air dry. Combined cycle times are also long, with a full wash and dry taking roughly four to six hours depending on the load size and drying settings. Drying in a combo uses more energy per load than a dedicated heat pump dryer, and because it is one machine, you cannot wash one load while drying another at the same time. None of these are deal breakers for a smaller household, but they matter if you run large or frequent loads.
Key Features to Look For
Washing and Drying Capacity
Check both the washing capacity, given in kilograms of dry laundry, and the drying capacity, which is always lower. Common configurations include 8 kg wash and 5 kg dry, 9 kg wash and 6 kg dry, 10 kg wash and 6 kg dry, and 12 kg wash and 8 kg dry. Match these to your typical load size, and consider whether you are comfortable splitting larger loads across two drying cycles.
Drying Technology
Most washer dryer combos use condenser drying. Higher specified models use heat pump drying, which is more energy efficient, gentler on fabrics, and runs at lower drying temperatures that are safer for delicate items. If energy efficiency and fabric care are priorities, look for a heat pump combo.
Energy Rating
Washer dryer combos sold in Australia carry an Energy Rating Label under the Australian Energy Rating scheme, which lets you compare the energy use of different models at a glance. More stars means lower running costs for the same task. Heat pump models generally achieve higher star ratings than standard condenser models.
WELS Water Rating
As water-using appliances, washer dryer combos are rated under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. The WELS label shows a star rating alongside an annual water consumption figure. Some condenser models use additional water to cool the condenser during drying, so it is worth checking the water consumption figure in the specifications if water use is a concern.
Wash Programs
Look for a spread of wash programs to suit different fabrics, including cotton, synthetics, delicates, wool, a quick wash, and a dedicated drum clean cycle. A start delay or end-time timer is a genuinely useful addition, letting you set the machine to finish at a convenient time, which is handy given how long a full combined cycle runs.
Noise Level
If the machine sits in or near a living area, a bedroom, or a shared building wall, noise matters. Check the decibel ratings for both the wash and spin phases. Many combos designed for apartment living include improved noise and vibration management, which is worth prioritising in an open-plan or multi-dwelling setting.
Choosing by Features Rather Than Price
Rather than focusing on price alone, it helps to think about washer dryer combos in tiers of capability. Entry-level models deliver reliable front-load washing with basic condenser drying, standard capacities, and a core set of wash programs, which is ample for singles, couples, and modest laundry needs. Mid-range models add larger capacities, a wider choice of programs, better energy ratings, and improved noise and vibration control, and this is where most households find the right balance. Premium models introduce heat pump drying for the best energy efficiency and fabric care, the largest capacities, and more advanced programs and finishes, which suits anyone who dries clothes frequently and wants to keep running costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a washer dryer combo replace a separate washer and dryer?
For a smaller household of one to three people with modest laundry volumes, a washer dryer combo can serve as the only laundry appliance. For larger families who regularly wash and dry full loads, the smaller drying capacity and long combined cycles can be limiting, and a separate washer and dryer or a stacked pair may suit better.
Do washer dryer combos need to be plumbed in?
Yes. A washer dryer combo needs a cold water inlet and a drain outlet, the same as a standard washing machine. Depending on the model, the condenser water either drains through that outlet or collects in a reservoir you empty manually. No external dryer vent is required.
How long does a combined wash and dry cycle take?
A full combined wash and dry cycle usually takes between four and six hours, depending on load size, wash program, and drying settings. Using a quick wash for small or lightly soiled loads shortens the total time considerably.
Can you dry a full wash load in one go?
Usually not. The drying capacity of a combo is around half its washing capacity, so a load washed at full capacity generally needs to be split into two drying cycles, or part of it air dried. Drying a smaller load in a single pass gives the best results.
Do washer dryer combos need external venting?
No. Washer dryer combos dry using a condenser or heat pump system that recycles air internally, so they do not need a vent to the outside. This is one reason they suit apartments and internal laundries where a vented dryer cannot be installed.
Are washer dryer combos covered by warranty in Australia?
Yes. All washer dryer combos at Everyday Home Living include the manufacturer's Australian warranty. Separately, the Australian Consumer Law provides consumer guarantees that apply regardless of the manufacturer warranty period, covering faulty goods for repair, replacement, or refund.
Summary
A washer dryer combo is the most space-efficient way to handle laundry in an apartment or compact home, washing and drying in one machine with no venting and no clothes transfer. The trade-offs are a smaller drying capacity than wash capacity and longer combined cycles, so they suit smaller households better than large families running frequent full loads. Weigh capacity, drying technology, and energy rating against how you actually do laundry, and a combo can comfortably cover everyday needs. Browse the full range of washer dryer combos at Everyday Home Living, or compare options across the washing machines, dryers, and full laundry range.