White all-in-one washer combo in a closet

What is an all-in-one washer dryer combo?

An all-in-one washer dryer, also known as a washer dryer combo, is a single appliance that does the job of both a washing machine and a dryer. While some people may use this term to refer to a unit that connects the washer and dryer into a stacked laundry center, an all-in-one washer dryer combo is just one machine that can help you save both time and space in your home.

An all-in-one washer dryer combo can be a great addition to any busy household that needs clean laundry on time for an early morning meeting or soccer practice after school. Use this guide to learn more about all-in-one washer dryer combos and their benefits.

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Diagram of an all-in-one washer dryer

How does an all-in-one washer dryer work?

All-in-one washer dryer combos wash and dry clothing in one machine. They allow you to select a wash only cycle, dry only cycle or both. Their wash function works similarly to that of a conventional front load washing machine, while their dryer function is either vented or ventless.

Vented all-in-one washer dryer combos dry your clothes by tumbling your laundry and pumping heated air into the drum. The hot air turns the moisture from your clothes into steam, which is then removed from the appliance through the vent. Ventless options also pump heated air into the drum, but instead of removing the moisture through a vent, the moisture exits into a water tank or drawer or is drained out through a drainage tube.

Learn more about how to use different washer and dryer settings to care for all your laundry.

Do washer dryer combos dry clothes completely?

Yes, washer dryer combos can dry clothes completely, but the drying time may vary depending on whether the model is vented vs. ventless. Ventless dryers can have longer dry times than vented units

While it is typically recommended that clothing items be placed loosely in the appliance to ensure they dry completely, you can consult your user manual for instructions specific to your model.

What are the benefits of all-in-one washers and dryers?

All-in-one washer dryer combos provide many benefits, including:

  • They can conveniently fit into an apartment, condo or small-sized laundry room where space may be limited.
  • They streamline the process by washing and drying clothes without requiring a transfer of the load, so you don’t have to remember to switch your wet laundry over to the dryer.
  • They allow you to wash or dry clothes independently.
  • Ventless systems offer more flexibility of placement in your home. 

A large capacity Whirlpool® All-In-One Washer Dryer has a ventless space-saving design and offers the benefit of a wash, dry or wash and dry all in one appliance. Washer dryer combos from Whirlpool brand offer convenient features, different cycles and customizable settings to accommodate space requirements and your family’s laundry needs.

If you are ready to upgrade your washer or dryer to help keep laundry moving in your home, Whirlpool brand offers stacked laundry centers or all-in-one combos to suit your family’s needs.

Whirlpool® Stackable Washer and Dryer inside a closet

Stackable Washers
Save space in your laundry room with versatile stackable design

How do all-in-one washer and dryer combos compare to laundry sets?

The biggest difference between all-in-one washer dryer combos and laundry sets is the number of appliances. Laundry sets include a separate washer and dryer, while an all-in-one washer dryer combo includes both appliance functions in one. Compare the two laundry options below to help you find the right fit for your home.

Appliance type Installation footprint Load transfers Capacity Ideal for
Laundry sets Larger (two appliances) One Up to 4.5+ cu. ft. for the washer, up to 9 cu. ft. for the dryer Average to large homes
All-in-one washer dryer combos Smaller (one appliance vs. two) Zero Typically between 2.4-5.3 cu. ft. Small spaces like apartments

Capacities are general estimates. Some models may vary.

Person loading laundry in an all-in-one washer dryer

All-in-one washer dryer FAQs

Still not sure if a washer dryer combo is the right fit for your laundry room? Explore answers to frequently asked questions below to help you choose the right appliance for your family’s laundry.

Whether your all-in-one washer dryer requires a vent depends on the model. These appliances come in both vented and ventless options, so you can choose which style is right for your home.

The Whirlpool® All-In-One Washer Dryer does not require a vent. Whether a unit is vented does not affect the wash cycle, but rather determines the method the appliance uses to dry clothes.

Both vented and ventless dryers work by heating air in the drum and pulling moisture from your clothes.

  • Vented options work much the same as a traditional dryer. The unit heats air from the surrounding room and tumbles it with your clothes. The air picks up moisture, producing steam, and releases it outside of your house through a vent. As a result, vented options are much more limited in where they can be positioned in your home.

  • Ventless options condense the warm air and either pump it out of the drain hose or collect it in a condensation tank that the user manually empties.

If you live in a smaller space, like a condo or an apartment, a washer dryer combo may be the right option for you. They require less floor space for installation due to the fact that it is a single appliance vs. two separate units. 

These options can also be helpful for those who are looking to streamline their laundry routine, as you can both wash and dry your clothes without having to transfer laundry between appliances.

Whether you choose an all-in-one appliance or a washer and dryer set, Whirlpool brand has the laundry options to help you get through your family’s laundry.

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