Washer Dryer Combos for Australian Homes
A washer dryer combo is a single appliance that washes and dries your clothes without needing to transfer loads between machines. For apartments, compact homes, caravans, and any space where two separate laundry appliances are simply not practical, a washer dryer combo is the most space-efficient laundry solution available. Browse our range at Everyday Home Living with fast delivery across Australia.
How Washer Dryer Combos Work
Washer dryer combos complete the full laundry cycle in a single drum. You load your clothes, select the appropriate programme, and the machine washes then dries in sequence without any intervention. Most models allow you to run just the wash cycle, just the dry cycle, or both in one continuous programme. The drying function is typically either condensation-based (heat pump or condenser) or vented, depending on the model.
Key Considerations
Wash vs Dry Capacity
The most important thing to understand about washer dryer combos is that the drying capacity is smaller than the wash capacity. A machine with an 8 kg wash capacity may only have a 5 kg or 6 kg drying capacity. This means that for larger loads, you may need to split the load into two batches for drying, or remove some items after washing and dry them separately. For everyday loads of clothing for one to two people, this is rarely an issue. For families with large regular loads, a separate washing machine and dryer is typically the more practical choice.
Cycle Time
Running a full wash and dry cycle in a washer dryer combo takes longer than separate machines. A complete cycle can take 3 to 5 hours depending on the load size, programme, and drying temperature. For households that do a single load at a time and are not time-pressured, this is not an issue. For households with high laundry volume, the single-drum limitation means only one load can be processed at a time.
Space Saving
The primary advantage of a washer dryer combo is that it takes up the floor space of a single washing machine rather than two appliances. This makes it ideal for apartments with a single laundry cavity, kitchens with an integrated laundry point, and small homes where a dedicated laundry room is not available. Most models are front-loading and standard 60cm wide, fitting in the same space as a standard front loader.
No External Venting Required
Most modern washer dryer combos use a condenser or heat pump drying system that does not require external venting. Moisture from the drying cycle is condensed into water and drained away through the same outlet as the wash water. This makes them fully self-contained and suitable for installation anywhere with a water connection and power point.
Who Are Washer Dryer Combos Best Suited To
Washer dryer combos are an excellent choice for apartment dwellers with a single laundry point, one to two person households with moderate laundry volume, rental properties where space is limited, holiday homes and caravans, and anyone who prioritises convenience over maximum throughput. For families with three or more people and high laundry volume, a dedicated front loader and a separate heat pump dryer or vented dryer will serve better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the drying capacity less than the wash capacity?
Clothes need room to tumble freely during drying for heat to circulate evenly and moisture to be extracted efficiently. A full wash load packed tightly into the drum will not dry properly in a single cycle. Manufacturers rate the drying capacity at a lower figure than the wash capacity to reflect this. If you wash a full load, remove some items after the wash cycle and dry the remainder, or run a second drying cycle for the full load.
Do washer dryer combos need to be vented?
Most modern washer dryer combos use a condenser or heat pump drying system that does not require an external vent. The moisture extracted from clothes is condensed and drained through the standard water outlet. This makes them fully suitable for apartments and internal laundry spaces. Check the specifications of your chosen model to confirm the drying method, as a small number of older models use a vented drying system that requires an exhaust outlet.
Are washer dryer combos suitable for families?
Washer dryer combos work well for smaller households of one to two people. For families of three or more with high laundry volume, the reduced drying capacity and single-drum limitation means you can only process one load at a time from start to finish. A dedicated front loader washing machine paired with a separate heat pump dryer gives you the ability to run wash and dry cycles simultaneously and handle larger loads more efficiently.
Do washer dryer combos come with an Australian warranty?
Yes. All washer dryer combos at Everyday Home Living include the manufacturer's Australian warranty. Contact our team if you need assistance with a warranty claim or installation advice.
