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Best washer dryer combo machines to buy in 2024

Laundry day has never been easier with these washer dryer combos helping save, time money and space. 

Washer dryer combos can save you both space and money for more efficient laundry days. Picture: iStock/Three Spots.
Washer dryer combos can save you both space and money for more efficient laundry days. Picture: iStock/Three Spots.

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Not all of us are blessed with a full-size laundry, nor the budget to kit them out with both a washing machine and dryer.

The need to save money and space might force you to sacrifice a dryer in favour of a washing machine, but if you’re also short on places where you can efficiently air dry your laundry (hello, fellow apartment dwellers), you’ll really miss the handiness of having a dryer to speed up the process.

RELATED: How to find the right front load washer

Washer dryer combo owners know how convenient a two-in-one washing machine and dryer can be in the home. It packs the same functionalities as two separate appliances, but requires less floor space and usually retails for a fraction of the price.

Looking for early EOFY deals on some of the top washer dryer combos?

For a "great space saver", you can score a huge $663 off the Bosch 10kg/5kg Serie 6 Washer Dryer (now $1436, down from $2099).

The LG WashTower 12kg/9kg Combo Washer Dryer, which has been dubbed a "game changer for laundry" is also currently $502 off for shoppers looking for a premium option (now $3497, down from $3999).

Note to reader: energy star ratings and water ratings are given out of six, but ‘super-efficient’ dryers are rated up to 10 stars (e.g. dryers with heat-pump technology).

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST WASHER DRYER COMBOS FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM HOUSEHOLDS

Bosch WN 10kg/5kg Serie 6 Washer Dryer, $1436 (down from $2099) at The Good Guys

ON SALE

Bosch WN 10kg/5kg Serie 6 Washer Dryer Combo

$663 OFF
Bosch WN 10kg/5kg Serie 6 Washer Dryer Combo. Picture: Bosch.

What You Need To Know

For households that occasionally use the dryer or want a dryer during rainy the season, this is a good middle-ground option with decent capacities and standard efficiency ratings. This Bosch washer dryer (WNA254U1AU) is a gentle beast, boasting a durable brushless motor for quiet operation as well as a VarioSoft drum that lets you choose the drum-type movement for more tailored garment care.

“It's great doing wash and dry in one machine. I only have a small studio so it was a great space saver,” a shopper posted.

"I love the set and forget programs and features. (N)o more getting washing from one machine and putting into another to dry and no more lint and fluff in the laundry," another reviewer posted on the Bosch website.


Samsung 8.5kg/6kg BubbleWash Washer Dryer Combo, $1049 at Samsung

Samsung 8.5kg/6kg BubbleWash Washer Dryer Combo

Samsung 8.5kg/6kg BubbleWash Washer Dryer Combo. Picture: Samsung.

What You Need To Know

Need to wash a small load and don't want to wait for the pile of dirty clothes to build into a full load? This Samsung washing machine and dryer (WD85T4046CE) has a 15-minute QuickWash cycle to tackle lightly soiled items. You can also refresh clothes between washes thanks to the Air Wash technology which sanitises clothes by using high heat to get rid of bacteria and bad smells without chemicals. 

"This washer dryer combo is outstanding. Great washing cycles, but what has blown me away is the dyer cycle. Unlike the two previous brands I have had, it’s fast, efficient and actually completely dries the clothes. The price point was way below other brands," raved a shopper.


BEST WASHER DRYER COMBO FOR LARGE HOUSEHOLDS

LG 16kg/9kg Washer Dryer Combo Machine, $1995 (down from $2099) at The Good Guys

on sale

LG 16kg/9kg Washer Dryer Combo Machine

LG 16kg/9kg Washer Dryer Combo Machine. Picture: LG.

What You Need To Know

This LG washer-dryer combo (WXLC-1116B) proves big things do come in small packages, offering a similar amount of capacity to other brands offer with two units … but in one.

You can expect the usual LG laundry features, including the inverter direct drive motor and six wash motions for a thorough and gentle clean (e.g. hand wash, rolling and scrubbing).

For added convenience, this LG washer-dryer combo uses ThinQ technology so you can start your load or monitor its progress straight from your smartphone, as well as download extra wash cycles. The machine even has a Turbo Clean 360 setting that can wash a five-kilogram load of lightly soiled clothes within 39 minutes.


BEST ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT WASHER DRYER COMBO

LG WashTower 17kg-10kg Combo Washer Dryer, $4495 (down from $4999) at The Good Guys

On sale

LG WashTower 17kg/10kg Combo Washer Dryer

$500 OFF
LG WashTower 17kg/10kg Combo Washer Dryer. Picture: LG.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

What makes the LG WashTower (WWT-1710W) a little different is how it channels twin telepathy with its Smart Pairing function – which automatically switches to the best dryer cycle based on whichever wash cycle was last used by the washer. Similar to previous LG units and models from other brands, the washer also contains sensors that measure load weight and fabric softness to automatically select the right wash cycle.

There’s also an Auto Cleaning Condenser feature that automatically cleans the condenser at the end of each drying cycle, or every 30 cycles, to help it perform at its best for longer.


BEST PREMIUM WASHER DRYER COMBO

LG WashTower 12kg/9kg Combo Washer Dryer, $3498 (down from $3999)

on sale

LG WashTower 12kg/9kg Combo Washer Dryer

$500 OFF
LG WashTower 12kg/9kg Combo Washer Dryer. Picture: LG.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

The capacities for most washer dryers isn't always practical, with many models often made with a washing machine that's ideal for medium sized households and a dryer capable of only handling small loads.  This is why some experts recommend using the matching dryer occasionally. (Think of it like buying a washer suitable for four or five people and pairing it with a dryer designed for singles or couples.) 

This LG washer dryer combo (WWT-1209B) offers a fairly balanced fit compared to many other models. It's particularly worth considering if you're after a larger capacity washing machine to make loading bulky items easy and want a dryer you can regularly use without dramatically increasing the number of loads compared to washing. 

Thanks to its heat pump dryer and good efficiency ratings, it's also a good candidate for those keen to keep water and energy consumption as low as possible. 

"Easy to use (settings), both on the machine and through the app. Nice and quiet compared to our 12 year old LG washing machine. Even better with the tumble dryer now having a heat pump (no more emptying the water container)," praised a  reviewer.

"Game changer for laundry. I love using the app to control the cycle so it ends just when I'm getting home from the gym and ready to go into dryer!! It looks amazing and perfect for tight spaces like city apartment. The central control panel is easy to use with lots of options to choose from," agreed another.


BEST AFFORDABLE WASHER DRYER COMBO

Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg-5kg Combi Front Loader Washer Dryer, $1299 at The Good Guys

Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg/5kg Combi Front Loader Washer Dryer

Fisher & Paykel 8.5kg/5kg Combi Front Loader Washer Dryer. Picture: Fisher & Paykel.

What You Need To Know

Struggling with limited room? This Fisher Paykel washer dryer combo (WD8560F1) gives you the functionalities of a decently sized front load washer and small condenser dryer for much less floor space and price. 

It also promises to cut chore time down with an average wash and dry time of three hours and uses hot spin technology to reduce the amount of moisture and speed up the drying process to save time and energy.

Similar to other new models on the market, the Fisher & Paykel washer dryer has an Add a Garment function so you can pause the machine and add or remove items after the washing cycle has started. It’s also said to dry clothes at low temperatures to prevent fabric damage and uses a reverse-tumbling action to minimise tangling (which can ‘wear out’ the garments much sooner).

Shoppers particularly love the "ultra quiet" operation, "easy to use" controls and overall convenience.  One reviewer also praised it as the "perfect space saver". 

"We are so happy we chose this machine. It washes better than our previous (more expensive) machine and even though the drying capacity is very small, it suits our use perfectly. The only improvement I would suggest it to allow drying times shorter than 30 minutes. But that's really just nit-picking," praised a customer on The Good Guys website, rating it five stars. 


Overfilling the machine can leave the clothes damp or make the cycle run longer, so make sure you're buying the right size unit. Picture: iStock/z1b.
Overfilling the machine can leave the clothes damp or make the cycle run longer, so make sure you're buying the right size unit. Picture: iStock/z1b.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A WASHER-DRYER COMBOS

When choosing washer-dryer combos to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:

Capacity

Depending on how many people are in your household and how many loads of washing you do a day, the capacity of the washer-dryer is a pretty important stat to take into account. If you're washing for lots of people, including kids who love to dirty their clothes, a bigger capacity is probably the way to go. 

Energy rating

The more energy efficient your machine, the less power it uses. Not only is this great for your bills but also for the environment too. A win-win!

Water rating

Similarly to the energy rating, a machine with a better water rating will use less water and therefore save much more water in comparison to one with a low rating. 

Whole routine duration time

These days, we're all time poor so a machine that can wash and dry in a fair amount of time is a plus in our books. 

Extras

Some machines have extras that really make a big difference like being able to add clothes in after the cycle has started.


HOW WE CHOSE PRODUCTS

Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A quick wash cycle isn't the only time-saving function that makes washer and dryer combos super convenient. Picture: iStock/Damian Lugowski.
A quick wash cycle isn't the only time-saving function that makes washer and dryer combos super convenient. Picture: iStock/Damian Lugowski.

ARE WASHER-DRYER COMBOS WORTH BUYING?

Yes – they’re great if you’re planning on buying a new washing machine and want a drying function to use occasionally, such as for rainy days. But if you want it to replace the Hills hoist, then you’ll probably be better off purchasing a separate unit. The dryer capacity in a washer dryer combo will always be much smaller, which can mean using double the electricity if you plan to take advantage of the dryer each time you chuck item in the wash.

Pros of washer-dryer combos:

+ Cheaper to buy one washer-dryer combo than a separate washing machine and clothes dryer.

+ Can use the appliance as a stand-alone washing machine or clothes dryer, as well as a washer dryer.

+ More convenient than waiting for the washing machine to finish before unloading and reloading items into the clothes dryer.

Cons of washer-dryer combos:

– The dryer capacity is usually much smaller compared to the washer capacity.

– Drying times can be longer.

IS IT BETTER TO BUY A WASHER AND DRYER TOGETHER OR SEPARATE?

It depends on your needs, your laundry habits, and your available space at home. Their main selling point is their efficiency of space, money, and time. Combining two appliances in one is ideal for small homes or apartments that may not have a whole laundry room where you can fit separate washers and dryers, and they certainly can help you save on money – not only thanks to the upfront costs but thanks to their general energy and water efficiency.

The fact that you can throw in an entire load of washing and without having to lift a finger, watch it go from dirty, to clean, to dry, is a timesaver too, meaning you don’t have to hang around at home waiting to transfer between machines or hang the washing out on the line.

But if you decide to stack a washer (front loader) and dryer, make sure to attach a stacking kit (or venting kit for vented dryers) for safety. This will help secure the two appliances and prevent the top appliance from falling off.

Opting for a larger size washer dryer makes it easier to load bedding and other bulky items. Picture: iStock/Damian Lugowski.
Opting for a larger size washer dryer makes it easier to load bedding and other bulky items. Picture: iStock/Damian Lugowski.

WHAT SIZE WASHER DRYER DO I NEED?

Unsure what size washer dryer to invest in? Here’s our guide to the washer capacity you should opt for, depending on the number of people in your household:

  • One to two: Between 4kg to 6.5kg
  • Three to four: Between 7kg and 8.5kg
  • Five or more: At least 9kg

DOES A WASHER DRYER DRY CLOTHES COMPLETELY?

You may notice some reviewers complaining that their washer dryer is leaving them with wet clothes instead of dying clothes to a state of total dryness, instead leaving clothes a little on the damp side. However, if you find this to be an issue, it could be the result of overfilling your washer dryer, filling to the larger maximum wash capacity which is more than the dryer is designed to handle. If you’re using the dryer function, ensure the load is under the recommended capacity specified in the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure good results.


More Best Laundry Coverage

Best clothes dryers

Best front load washing machines

Best top load washing machines

Looking for more shopping to tackle laundry day? Visit our news.com.au Coupons page to score deals on standalone dryers and washing machines from retailers including The Good Guys, Bing Lee and Appliances Online.

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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoShopping Writer

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night’s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.She previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia’s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings – helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/home-and-garden/appliances/whitegoods/best-washer-dryer-combo/news-story/5ecf8845d77afb18649633e3c3d69140