washer/dryer all-in-one?

[notposting]

I wouldn't bother.

Regarding the stacked units -- buy separates that can stack. We have a full size laundry center and it's nice, but damn that sob is a pita to move.

 

[Scarpozzi]

This may be a bit of an over-simplification; and perhaps I'm incorrect, but I'd say that one of these combo units for an RV is ideal: space is very important, weight is very important, and they generally receive a LOT less use than one in a house or apartment.

Let's say the lifespan of a typical washer is 12 years. (Not sure what mine is; I can do repairs, so conceivably, mine can last the rest of my life.) But anyway, 12 years. Happy with that? Now consider this combo unit - it too lasts 12 years. Except, 6 of those years are as a washer, and 6 of those years are as a dryer, sentences to be served concurrently. I would think a lot of parts - e.g., the main motor, are used for both the wash and dry cycles. Hence, they have double the wear of a regular washer.

Now, this wouldn't be bad if the combo unit was the same cost as a single washer or dryer, but the cost is about double the cost. So, there's no point, except for space savings.

I'm also incredibly leery about a dryer that's "ventless." Where does the water go that's removed from the clothing? Either you're using a lot of extra energy to pull that water out of the air as the clothes dry, else you're putting that vapor into the house. In the winter, in certain types of structures, with certain types of heat, it might be desirable to increase the humidity. But... not in general.

I agree with everything you say....valid points about double duty. Space is what my first comment was regarding...in extremely tight quarters (ie, european apartments), cost of living per square foot might make the cost of owning a combo unit seem really affordable if one didn't want to use a laundromat.


Also, $1700 is a pretty expensive price. Here's a 4 star $700 unit:
http://www.compactappliance.com/Haie...FU9k7AodB1AA5g

 

[LegendKiller]

I'd never get that thing. We got a set of LG units, love them so far.

 

[RelaxTheMind]

looks like it has a condensor. hot air > wet clothes > coool humid air > condensor > lint/water gets sump pumped out. Looks like im gonna go looking around at them in person today. really gonna look for one that does vent though since i already have the hookups and i would just need an extension for the washer hookups which is pretty easy.

$1700 for the unit doesnt seem all that bad. we were actually just thinking of doing an addition of either a bigger room or like an enclosed "mud room" which was going to run 5 x that price.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Clothes come out damp and warm after the "dry" cycle.
So expect to hang your clothes up if you want them dry.

...and the problem with water-tight front loaders especially is that, given enough time, you'll get a mildew smell on your clothes if left inside damp. So don't plan on putting in a load and then leaving for the weekend or something.

 

[Scarpozzi]

looks like it has a condensor. hot air > wet clothes > coool humid air > condensor > lint/water gets sump pumped out. Looks like im gonna go looking around at them in person today. really gonna look for one that does vent though since i already have the hookups and i would just need an extension for the washer hookups which is pretty easy.

$1700 for the unit doesnt seem all that bad. we were actually just thinking of doing an addition of either a bigger room or like an enclosed "mud room" which was going to run 5 x that price.

Definitely check the cheaper model I just linked....you could always try it for a year and sell it on Craigslist without much loss if it doesn't work out.

Trying to sell a $1700 combo unit in the US would be ridiculous because we have plenty of space + far cheaper units on the market.

The reason I clicked on this thread is because I've been thinking about these units myself in the past week. I have a few cabins that don't have washers/dryers and thought it'd be nice to put one of these types of units in because space is extremely tight.

 

[GrumpyMan]

...and the problem with water-tight front loaders especially is that, given enough time, you'll get a mildew smell on your clothes if left inside damp. So don't plan on putting in a load and then leaving for the weekend or something.

There's this one lady at work who apparently does that, she stinks to high heaven and I can't stand being around her. Can't people smell that crap?

 

[Scarpozzi]

...and the problem with water-tight front loaders especially is that, given enough time, you'll get a mildew smell on your clothes if left inside damp. So don't plan on putting in a load and then leaving for the weekend or something.

The new models are starting to run the tub at a 3-5 degree angle as it spins to allow water to properly drain. The original front loaders simply didn't have enough angle to drain properly.

I personally wouldn't buy a front-loader unless I had to. I still think they'll be more problematic than a top loader. Plus...I really like my SpeedQueen AWN542S. Stainless steel tub and pretty quiet....plus the clothes get clean and it has an agitator. This high efficiency crap shouldn't be forced on those who don't live in NYC.

 

[Howard]

Either you're using a lot of extra energy to pull that water out of the air as the clothes dry, else you're putting that vapor into the house.

Regardless of how much heat gets put into the clothes, the water is going back into the house. But, if the vapour were condensed and then electrolyzed to store the H2 and O2...

 

[Micrornd]

Don't waste your money.
Look at the specs.
The unit requires only 10 amps.
Hanging your wet laundry on a clothesline will dry it quicker.

 

[Jaepheth]

hmmm.... wonder if you could do a combination washing machine vacuum chamber... or freeze dryer.

 

[Howard]

hmmm.... wonder if you could do a combination washing machine vacuum chamber... or freeze dryer.

Freeze drying would probably work but would be very slow and energy-intensive.

 

[Jaepheth]

I also once dreamed up a holey mannequin (think 3d air hockey table)

You put your clothes on it, hit a button and it blasts steam through the pores to clean, followed by air to dry. Could wash and dry an outfit individually in a few minutes I imagine... would be labor intensive to do a lot of laundry though; more for when you need this specific outfit right NOW.

 

[TwiceOver]

$1700? Holy shit! I'd just get full sized front loading stackables for half that. Here's one thing that was only slightly brought up... You can only do one load at a time. So To wash and dry, what 1-2 hours depending on settings for 1 load? If you're like us you have at least a load a day, let that stack up to 3 days and there is an entire day of washing laundry.

Do you just not have the vertical space to stack front loaders?

 

[Childs]

I thought this kind of all in one machine was more prevalent in Europe and Asia, where space is more limited. When I used to watch House Hunters International you would always some a small combo unit in the kitchen or bathroom.