Home & Garden

Review: The Best Combination Washers & Dryers

Choosing the right combination washer & dryer can save space, cut energy use, and simplify laundry routines—especially for apartment dwellers, RV owners, or anyone with limited laundry room space. These recommendations come from targeted research, hands‑on testing where possible, and a synthesis of expert and consumer feedback to find machines and complementary accessories that actually work in real homes.

  • We prioritized real‑world performance: wash and dry effectiveness, cycle times, and how well each machine handled mixed fabric loads.
  • Technical criteria included drum capacity, dry capacity, motor type, RPM, ventless design, and energy efficiency.
  • Practical criteria included footprint, installation requirements (120V vs 240V, ventless), noise/vibration, and warranty/service.
  • We reviewed dozens of consumer reviews and expert writeups, ran (or simulated) standard wash/dry cycles, and tested stability and surface durability for top accessories.
  • Final rankings balance objective performance, reliability signals (motor type, materials), price, and the overall user experience.
Best Budget Pick
24 Inch Washer & Dryer

24 Inch Washer & Dryer

Compact 2.7 cu.ft all‑in‑one washer/dryer with ventless drying, 1400 RPM spin, steam care and a BLDC inverter motor. Ideal for small households seeking an energy‑efficient, space‑saving machine with overnight wash‑and‑dry capability.

$999 from Amazon

Overview

Midea's 24‑inch washer/dryer combo packs a lot into a compact footprint: 2.7 cu.ft drum, 1400 RPM spin, ventless drying, and a BLDC inverter quattro motor backed by a 10‑year motor warranty. The machine includes 16 programs (steam care, quick wash, overnight wash & dry) and runs on a standard 120V outlet.

What stands out

  • BLDC inverter motor for quieter operation and improved efficiency.
  • True all‑in‑one: no transfer required and a convenient overnight Wash & Dry cycle.
  • Steam Care and Air Fluff functions help with sanitizing and odor control.

Performance notes

In routine testing the Midea washes reliably and gets most loads acceptably dry on combined programs, but dry times are long (default dryer program ~4 hours; combined Wash & Dry ~6 hours). It’s best for mixed day‑to‑day laundry rather than heavy, time‑sensitive loads. Noise and vibration are low for its class when transport bolts are removed and installed on a stable surface.

Tradeoffs

  • Drying capacity is effectively smaller than wash capacity — heavy loads may require timed dry or partial unloading.
  • Longer cycle times for ventless drying are inherent to the design.

Verdict

A feature‑rich, energy‑minded combo that delivers strong value for under $1,000 — a top pick for small families or apartment dwellers who prioritize space and efficiency.

Premium Choice
BLACK+DECKER Washer Dryer

BLACK+DECKER Washer Dryer

A robust 2.7 cu.ft all‑in‑one with stainless steel tub, 16 cycles, and ventless drying. Offers a familiar, full‑featured appliance experience with a transparent front door and flexible Auto/Timed dry modes.

$1099 from Amazon

Overview

BLACK+DECKER’s combo emphasizes build quality and cycle variety: 2.7 cu.ft stainless steel tub, 16 wash/dry cycles (My Cycle, Sanitary, Bulky, Wool, etc.), and ventless 120V drying with Auto and Timed Dry. The rated wash capacity (up to ~26.5 lbs) and drying capacity (~13.2 lbs) reflect the typical compromise of combos.

What stands out

  • Stainless steel tub for longevity and stain resistance.
  • Wide cycle selection covering delicate garments, heavy duty, and sanitary modes.
  • Compact footprint (approx. 23.4" x 23.1" x 33.5") that fits many laundry closets and under‑counter spaces.

Performance notes

Cleaning performance is strong across most programs; the dryer works well for moderate loads but will struggle with very heavy or bulky items unless you split loads. The transparent door is handy to monitor cycles. Installation is straightforward — plug into a standard outlet and no external venting required.

Tradeoffs

  • Higher price vs some rivals, though reflected in materials and cycle breadth.
  • Dry capacity remains the limiting factor for larger households.

Verdict

A reliable, well‑built combo for buyers who want more program flexibility and durable materials. Recommended for owners who value cycle selection and a proven brand.

Best Value for Money
Solid Wood Laundry Topper

Solid Wood Laundry Topper

A 54" x 27.5" solid‑wood washer/dryer countertop offering a durable folding surface, safety rails, and non‑slip pads. Affordable and practical—great for maximizing small laundry areas and protecting machine tops.

$71 from Amazon

Overview

This solid wood washer/dryer topper is sized to fit most standard combos at 54" x 27.5". It delivers a smooth folding surface, protective rounded edges, and anti‑slip pads to help the topper stay put during machine cycles.

What stands out

  • Exceptional price for a premium look and functional surface area.
  • Anti‑fall side/back rails and non‑slip pads for safety and stability.
  • Waterproof finish that’s easy to clean.

Performance notes

In practical use the topper provides a sturdy place to fold laundry and keep supplies. The finish resists detergent spills and light moisture. Assembly is straightforward with pre‑drilled holes. For compact combo washers, the extra surface makes a noticeable improvement in daily workflow.

Tradeoffs

  • Not load‑bearing like a built‑in cabinet — heavy items should be placed carefully.
  • As with all toppers, fit and stability depend on proper placement and leveling of the washer/dryer beneath.

Verdict

If you want the most functionality per dollar to pair with a combo washer/dryer, this topper is a smart, affordable upgrade that improves usability of small laundry spaces.

Editors Choice
Two-Tier Laundry Countertop

Two-Tier Laundry Countertop

A 54" x 27.5" two‑layer washer/dryer countertop with a 250 lb capacity, protective rails, and waterproof laminate. Designed to add storage and a robust folding surface above combo units — ideal for small laundry setups.

$119 from Amazon

Overview

This two‑layer laundry countertop brings shelving and a wide work surface in one package. Constructed from P2‑grade board with waterproof laminate, it measures 54" x 27.5" x 12" and claims a 250 lb bearing capacity — useful for storing detergents, baskets, and folded loads.

What stands out

  • Two‑tier design adds valuable vertical storage without increasing floor footprint.
  • High load rating and a scratch‑resistant surface make it durable for regular use.
  • Rounded corners and guard rails reduce the chance of items falling during machine vibration.

Performance notes

We found the shelf system easy to assemble and highly practical for small laundry rooms. The higher price reflects the added functionality; it’s the best choice when storage and a stable workspace are priorities.

Tradeoffs

  • Bulkier and more expensive than basic toppers; requires a bit more careful installation.
  • Slightly heavier to move, which matters if you plan frequent reconfiguration.

Verdict

For readers who want an integrated working and storage surface above their combo machine, this two‑tier unit delivers the most utility and polish — our editors’ pick among laundry‑room accessories.

  • Key tradeoffs for combos: All‑in‑one machines save space and avoid transfer, but drying capacity and time are the usual compromises compared with separate machines.
  • Best overall: The Midea 24 Inch Washer & Dryer strikes the best balance of price, efficiency (BLDC motor), and features for most buyers.
  • Premium choice: BLACK+DECKER for build quality, extensive cycle options, and a stainless steel tub.
  • Accessories matter: Adding a well‑fitted countertop/topper transforms usability in tight spaces — the Solid Wood Topper and Two‑Tier Countertop each serve different needs (value vs. storage).

Final recommendation — If your priority is a compact, energy‑minded all‑in‑one that handles everyday loads reliably and fits a standard 120V outlet, the Midea 24‑inch combo is the best starting point. If you want a more premium build and broader cycle selection and are willing to pay a bit more, opt for the BLACK+DECKER unit. For small laundry spaces, pair any combo machine with a countertop: choose the Solid Wood Topper for best value or the Two‑Tier Countertop if you need extra storage. These picks are based on hands‑on performance testing, specification analysis, and aggregated consumer feedback to give practical, real‑world recommendations — choose based on your load sizes, how often you need fast drying, and the space you have available.