Washer-dryer

Last updated

This Miele washer-dryer has a complex control panel and display to handle various options (2012). Miele Softtronic WT 2670 Waschtrockner.jpg
This Miele washer-dryer has a complex control panel and display to handle various options (2012).

A combo washer dryer (also known more simply as a washer-dryer in the UK) is a combination in a single cabinet of a washing machine and a clothes dryer. It should not be confused with a "stackable" combination of a separate washing machine and a separate clothes dryer.

Contents

The main advantage of washer dryer combination units is their compactness. The small size of these machines, compared to the total space consumed by a separate washer and dryer, suits them to small homes, apartments, condominiums, and any place where space is an issue. Aside from having a small footprint, combo units also have a small height, allowing them to fit into confined places, like under a kitchen counter or in a closet.

Description

Combination washer-dryers are popular among those living in smaller urban properties as they only need half the amount of space usually required for a separate washing machine and clothes dryer, and may not require an external air vent. Additionally, combination washer-dryers allow clothes to be washed and dried "in one go", saving time and effort from the user. Many washer dryer combo units are also designed to be portable so it can be attached to a sink instead of requiring a separate water line. Washer-dryer combinations are a type of home appliance that handles the basic laundering duties of washing and drying clothes. These machines are often called "combo washer-dryers" or "all-in-one washer-dryers". They are the size of a standard or compact washing machine, but is able to perform both washing and drying functions. Designed to handle different types of fabric and garments such as clothes, sheets, and towels. Washer-dryer combos usually have functions such as temperature controls, customizable cycle controls, and ventless systems. While combo washer dryers are not as effective and efficient as a full-sized, fully functional, separate washer and dryer machines, the combos provide a viable option for those who can benefit from having a compact machine which is able to wash and dry clothes.

Many consumers confuse the term "washer-dryer combo" with similar washer and dryer configurations like stackable machines and laundry centers. The main design factor that distinguishes washer-dryer combos from other configurations is the fact that the it is a single machine (typically the size of a stand-alone washing machine) that can do both washing and drying tasks in a single combo machine.

Stackable machines, on the other hand, are defined by two separate machines: a washer and a dryer, stacked on top of one another. These stackable machines are often a good choice for large families that still need the full capacity and functionality of a washer and dryer without having to compromise too much regarding space. Most stackable washer and dryer configurations come in the front-loading design as opposed to the top-loading design, which makes it easier to access both the washer and dryer while they are stacked.

The "laundry center" is a compromise between the stackable and the combo configurations. Like the washer-dryer combo, the laundry center is a one-piece appliance. Like the stackable configuration, the laundry center comprises two separate machines, the washer and the dryer. In most laundry centers, the dryer is mounted above the washer, making for a one-piece design that offers the compact footprint of a washer dryer combo with the functionality and capacity of stackable washing machines and drying machines. Some washer-dryer combos use a low power heating element with a high speed blower fan to dry clothes using high speed warm air, reducing energy consumption. [1] [2]

History

Aside from the early wringer/washer machine of the mid-19th century, washing and drying machines were not combined until the fully electronic versions of the machines were better perfected in the latter half of the 20th century. Shortly after the very first completely automatic clothes washer was developed by Bendix Home Appliances in 1937, [3] the same company also invented the first washer dryer combination unit in 1953. [4]

Typical features

Combo washer dryers typically use a front-loading configuration. Electrolux EWD1477 2009-11-11.jpg
Combo washer dryers typically use a front-loading configuration.

Front-loading design

Most washer dryer combination units are of the front-loading design. This allows for easier access, better efficiency, and more effective washes than top-loading designs. Instead of just leaving the clothes to soak in the water throughout the entire wash, like a top-loading machine would do, the front-loading design rotates the drum along its longitudinal axis, so that the contents of the drum are repeatedly lifted in and out of the water throughout the wash cycle.

Condensation-based ventless drying system

Most washer dryer combos are ventless and are designed with drying systems that work differently from the ordinary stand-alone (vented) dryer. Instead of venting moist hot air to the outside, like a conventional dryer would, the combo unit makes use of condensation similarly to condenser dryers. Hot dry(er) air enters the drum from either the front or the rear, and evaporates some of the moisture from the tumbling clothing. This warm, damp air is then drawn through a condensing chamber, and the extracted water is flushed out the drain hose to the sink or through the plumbing lines. These units are easy to install under cabinets, in closets or anywhere with electricity. [5]

Typically in separate-condenser dryers, cool air is used to cool down the process air from the inside drum and to condense the vapor. In combined washer dryer units, however, cold water is used instead. The water flows in the opposite direction to the air, allowing the air to cool and to release its moisture, which is pumped out along with the water used to cool the air. These machines normally take longer than regular dryers, because the combo unit has a smaller drum, so there is less volume to allow air circulation and the drum itself must be dried immediately after a wash cycle. This water-fed drying system consumes water for both the washing and drying phases of operation, and may not be suitable for areas where water is scarce.

In recent years alternative methods of cooling the condenser have emerged.

Since condensing dryers discharge waste heat inside buildings, they may increase air conditioning heat loads in summer or provide useful heat in winter. Energy and water usage must be evaluated for the entire system over the entire year to ensure a valid comparison.

Automatic sensors and systems

Washer dryer combinations are normally built with a number of sensors and systems to automate much of the washing and drying cycles. Some of the higher-end model washer dryer combos have sensors that monitor water level, suds levels, temperature levels, and garment dryness. The information gathered by these sensors are used to control the spin speed, cycle settings, draining systems, and other functions.

Capacity

The amount a combo washer dryer unit can hold varies depending on the type of unit. Most hold a slightly smaller amount compared to full size machines. LG makes both a 2.3 and a 4.3 liter capacity all-in-one washer dryer. Like the equivalent difference between washers and dryers, the washing capacity is greater than the drying capacity on most combo units. Airflow through the drum is a necessary part of clothes drying, so the difference is greater (these units can generally dry only 1/2 to 3/4 of their maximum wash capacity).

Heat pump combo

AEG-Electrolux debuted the first heat pump washer-dryer combo unit at IFA Berlin, September 2013 (AEG Okokombi). Commercialization of this product started in April 2014, and it is currently available in the whole of Europe. Main benefits compared to standard washer-dryers are low-temperature drying (and thus, improved fabric care); energy efficiency, since it uses 40% less electricity compared to standard A-class washer-dryers (according to EU energy label). AEG Okokombi is currently produced at the Electrolux Porcia Plant in Italy, where it was designed and industrialized by local R&D, being the only heatpump washer-dryer on the European market, while Panasonic and Toshiba offer similar products (even if not compatible to European standards) in Asia since 2005. [6] [7] Cold side of heat pump works as dehumidifier meanwhile hot side works as heater.

Disadvantages

In the past combo washer dryer capacity was generally smaller than that of full-size washers, and it also took much longer to process a load of laundry. Currently available washer-dryers are able to wash 11 kilograms (24 lb) and dry 7 kilograms (15 lb) (nominal rating); they are fully comparable to standard washing machines and tumble dryers. Since washing 11 kg of clothes is quite uncommon for ordinary customers, one can wash&dry even large loads with satisfactory performances. Nevertheless, many users say they take out some wet laundry and dry their clothes in two batches to speed drying time. User review sites such as Epinions.com are full of owners who say drying times are long (even if comparable to standard heat pump tumble dryers), and this is one reason why most washer-dryer combos get poorer reviews than full-size washers and dryers. [ citation needed ]

Another major drawback of old washer dryers combos was that they took significantly longer to dry a batch of clothes in comparison to stand-alone dryers. Stand-alone dryers make use of hot air or other heating elements to dry the clothes in a fraction of the time that it took the condensation-based drying system in combination units. This was a drawback that was inherent to the washer dryer combo design, since the dryer had to work longer to dry the drum and its enclosure as well as the clothes inside the drum. On an average, clothes that weigh between 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) would have kept the machine working for no less than 4.5 hours. [8] Currently available washer-dryers are much faster than they used to be and can achieve great time savings, together with improved fabric care and no shrinkage, since drying takes place at low temperatures.

Washer dryer combo units not using a heat pump have also been criticized because they are not as efficient as some of the stand-alone machines. For these machines, longer drying times of washer dryer combos also make it difficult to increase efficiency, because the machine has to stay in operation for much longer than a stand-alone dryer does. On the other hand, in heat-pump washer dryers energy is recovered, and it enables energy saving of about 50%.

Considering the drawbacks of washer dryer combo units, some consumers may find these machines to be impractical. Small capacities on old versions, long drying times, poor efficiency ratings (with the exception of heat-pump machines), and pricing all are disadvantages of using these combo machines, which must be weighed against their space saving and convenient hookup advantages.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dishwasher</span> Machine that washes dishes automatically

A dishwasher is a machine that is used to clean dishware, cookware, and cutlery automatically. Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 45 and 75 °C, at the dishes, with lower temperatures of water used for delicate items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laundry</span> Washing of clothing and other textiles

Laundry refers to the washing of clothing and other textiles, and, more broadly, their drying and ironing as well. Laundry has been part of history since humans began to wear clothes, so the methods by which different cultures have dealt with this universal human need are of interest to several branches of scholarship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washing machine</span> Machine that washes clothes automatically

A washing machine is a home appliance used to wash laundry. The term is mostly applied to machines that use water as opposed to dry cleaning or ultrasonic cleaners. The user adds laundry detergent, which is sold in liquid, powder, or dehydrated sheet form, to the wash water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dry cleaning</span> Cleaning of fabrics in non-aqueous solvents

Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clothes dryer</span> Appliance used for drying wet clothes

A clothes dryer, also known as tumble dryer or simply dryer, is a powered household appliance that is used to remove moisture from a load of clothing, bedding and other textiles, usually after they are washed in a washing machine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laundry room</span> Room where clothes are washed and dried

A laundry room is a room where clothes are washed and dried. In a modern home, a laundry room would be equipped with an automatic washing machine and clothes dryer, and often a large basin, called a laundry tub, for hand-washing delicate articles of clothing such as sweaters, and an ironing board. A typical laundry room is located in the basement of older homes, but in many modern homes, the laundry room might be found on the main floor near the kitchen or upstairs near the bedrooms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clothes line</span> Device for hanging and drying laundry

A clothes line, also spelt clothesline and also known as a washing line, is a device for hanging clothes on for the purpose of drying them. It is any type of rope, cord, or twine that has been stretched between two points, outside or indoors, above the level of the ground. Clothing that has recently been washed is hung along the line to dry, using clothes pegs or clothespins. Washing lines are attached either from a post or a wall, and are frequently located in back gardens, or on balconies. Longer washing lines often have props holding up sections in the middle due to the weight of the usually wet clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miele</span> German home appliance manufacturer

Miele is a German manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment, headquartered in Gütersloh, Ostwestfalen-Lippe. The company was founded in 1899 by Carl Miele and Reinhard Zinkann, and has always been a family-owned and family-run company.

Electrolux Laundry Systems, previously named Electrolux-Wascator, is a supplier of laundry equipment including washer extractors, dryers and finishing equipment. The company is a part of Electrolux Professional.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dispensing ball</span> Ball used to dispense fabric softener in clothes washing machines

A dispensing ball is a special plastic ball used to dispense liquid fabric softener in clothes washing machines that lack built-in softener dispensers. Liquid fabric softener has to be added at the correct time to a load of laundry in order to work effectively. In top-loading machines, the ball accomplishes this with no user input, other than the initial loading, and filling of the ball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self-service laundry</span> Venue where one may hire the use of a washing machine

A self-service laundry, coin laundry, or coin wash, is a facility where clothes are washed and dried without much personalized professional help. They are known in the United Kingdom as launderettes or laundrettes, and in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as laundromats. In Texas and other parts of the south central United States, the term washateria is still used by some older speakers.

Staber Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of residential laundry home appliances, with headquarters in Groveport, Ohio. The products they currently manufacture include a washing machine, a clothes dryer, and a clothes drying cabinet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dryer ball</span> Laundry device for tumble dryers

A dryer ball is a spherical laundry device for tumbling clothes dryers used as an alternative to fabric softener, reducing static electricity or softening clothing, or to accelerate the drying process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parts washer</span>

A parts washer is a piece of equipment used to remove contaminants or debris, such as dirt, grime, carbon, oil, grease, metal chips, cutting fluids, mold release agents, ink, paint, and corrosion from workpieces. Parts washers are used in new manufacturing and remanufacturing processes; they are designed to clean, degrease and dry bulk loads of small or large parts in preparation for assembly, inspection, surface treatment, packaging and distribution. Parts washers may be as simple as the manual "sink-on-a-drum" common to many auto repair shops, or they may be very complex, multi-stage units with pass-through parts handling systems. Parts washers are essential in maintenance, repair and remanufacturing operations as well, from cleaning fasteners, nuts, bolts and screws to diesel engine blocks and related parts, rail bearings, wind turbine gears boxes and automotive assemblies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dhobi Ghat</span> Open air commercial laundry in Mumbai; a generic term for the same throughout India

Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat is an open air laundry place in Mumbai, India. It is located at Mahalaxmi railway station in southern Mumbai, it is also accessible from the Jacob Circle monorail station. The washers, known as dhobis, work in the open to clean clothes and linens from Mumbai's hotels and hospitals. It was constructed in 1890.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thor washing machine</span>

The Thor washing machine was the first electric clothes washer sold commercially in the United States. Produced by the Chicago-based Hurley Electric Laundry Equipment Company, the 1907 Thor is believed to be the first electrically powered washer ever manufactured, crediting Hurley as the inventor of the first automatic washing machine. Designed by Hurley engineer Alva J. Fisher, a patent for the new electric Thor was issued on August 9, 1910, three years after its initial invention.

Laundroid was a laundry-folding machine and home robot, used to automatically wash, dry, iron, sort and fold clothes to a dedicated closet. It was dubbed to be the world's first laundry folding robot, and was planned to go on sale in Japan first, and subsequently, in a limited number, in the United States. Release date was set to 2017, with pre-orders starting in March 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabric treatment</span>

Fabric treatments are processes that make fabric softer, or water resistant, or enhance dye penetration after they are woven. Fabric treatments get applied when the textile itself cannot add other properties. Treatments include, scrim, foam lamination, fabric protector or stain repellent, anti microbial and flame retardant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Missing sock</span> Single sock in a pair of socks known or perceived to be missing

A missing sock, lost sock, or odd sock is a single sock in a pair of socks known or perceived to be permanently or temporarily missing. Socks are usually perceived to be lost immediately before, during, or immediately after doing laundry.

References

  1. "特長:日立ならではの技術 : 洗濯乾燥機 BD-NX120E : 洗濯機・衣類乾燥機 : 日立の家電品". kadenfan.hitachi.co.jp (in Japanese).
  2. "Cubleシリーズ特長:低温風パワフル乾燥 | 商品一覧 | 洗濯機/衣類乾燥機 | Panasonic". panasonic.jp (in Japanese).
  3. Encyclopedia of Modern Everyday Inventions. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. 2003. ISBN   9780313313455 . Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  4. Kitchen Planning: Guidelines, Codes, Standards. John Wiley & Sons. January 30, 2013. ISBN   9781118404621 . Retrieved April 16, 2017.
  5. "Buyer's Guide: Laundry: Combination Units". Living Direct. 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2009.
  6. "ななめドラム洗濯乾燥機「NA-VR1000」を発売". panasonic.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 13, 2008.
  7. "ななめドラム洗濯乾燥機 NA-VX900BL/R" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 19, 2021.
  8. "Washer-Dryer Combo Advantages and Disadvantages". DoItYourself. Retrieved April 22, 2014.