Choosing a washer/dryer combo

[MrSpice]

I am buying a relatively small Manhattan condo on Upper East Side. It has a washer/dryer hookup.

Can someone recommend the best washer/dryer combo? Is it best to buy the one that combines washer and dryer in one piece or buy 2 where you just put dryer on top of washer?

Any suggestions on this would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

[ebrigham]

If you have the vertical space to put stacking units (and I suspect you do), I would really try and do it. It would make laundry a lot quicker versus a combo unit. Many of the good front-loaders (and top-loaders) are meant for both side by side and stacking duty. Whirlpool, Kenmore make some good units, as well as the Germans on the higher end. Website below is a great resource for this kind of stuff:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/

[lofter1]

Washers & dryers can require dedicated individual electric lines, so make sure your place is set up for that. If not, it will easily cost you $500 + to get the electric installed.

[stache]

When washers run by computer keyboards break down, it's cheaper to buy a new unit than to repair them.

[Freebird]

If there was any possible way of avoiding getting a dual purpose washer dryer please consider it! I had a nightmare when I had one. It broke down repeaditly and then I was left without washer or dryer. Plus as has already been said it takes forever to do your laundry because you obviously cant wash and dry at the same time.

[Fabrizio]

"You can be sure if it´s Westinghouse"

http://www.automaticwasher.org/vintage_video.htm

[Freebird]

Life was nicer when ladies wore matching gloves and handbags :D That link made me laugh so much people started staring and pointing.........

[asg]

Do you mean by a washer/dryer hook-up that there is a washing machine valve (hot & cold water + drain line) and a dryer vent, (and a gas line?) Without a dryer vent duct, you could install a combination washer/condensation dryer. I have been using a Malber (Italian) combo unit for several years and am thrilled by its performance, though you have to really adjust the way you do laundry compared to the other types of machines.

[Ninjahedge]

We have been looking for a while too.

There seems to be two basic types of washers that work in cramped spaces. The combo stack mini-unit (we have an older one). And the small size front loader.

The main problem we have is that our space is a converted storage cabinet in the kitchen, so the space is limited. It only measures about 26" by 26" (without some cabinet re-shaping).

The unit we have in there now works fine, but it is small, old, and kicks out a lot of lint. I would like to get a front loader, they have more capacity, run quieter now, use less water, and require less power/time for drying (since the spin cycle is faster on the washer).

Problem is, all the new ones you see now, even around the city, are all McMansion sized 27" wide and up to 30" deep units that look like futuristic TV's from the 50's sci-fi.


What I am looking for now are the washers they use in the laundromats. those narrow silver ones? I am wondering who makes them and how much are they. They SEEM to be the right size for what we are looking for, but I can't be sure until I get some stats on them..... Anyone have any clue where I can find this out?

[MrSpice]

I beleive there's washing machine valve (hot & cold water + drain line) and a dryer vent in there. There's no gas and I don't want gas dryer anyway.

I see in some other reviews that there are washer/dryer combos that allow simultaneous washing/drying. Any suggestions?