Our 6 Best Ventless Washer-Dryer Picks (2024)

If you’re tight on space and don’t have room for a traditional washer and dryer set, then a combination washer and dryer may be a good option for your home’s laundry. A ventless washer/dryer eliminates the need for venting, making it suitable for homes and apartments where the dryer cannot be vented outside. Since a washer/dryer combo is essentially two appliances in one, the starting price is higher than most separate washers and dryers. Expect to pay at least $1,000, but a range of $2,000 to $3,000 is more common.

We researched the best ventless washer and dryer combinations to help you choose the right one for your home. Here are our top picks.

4.6/5

Best Overall

LG WashTower™ Electric Washer/Dryer

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4.5/5

Best for Busy Families

GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer Combo

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4.5/5

Best Value

LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer

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Top 6 Ventless Washer-Dryers

• Best Overall: LG WashTower™ Front Load Washer and Electric Dryer
• Best for Busy Families: GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer Combo
• Best Value: LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer
• Best Budget Pick: GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer Laundry Center
• Best Small Capacity: LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer Combo
• Best Design: Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer

Best Overall

Courtesy LG

LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer

• $2,400

Prices taken at time of publishing.

With built-in AI intelligence, this sleek all-in-one washer-dryer does most of the thinking for you when it comes to selecting the perfect settings for fabrics. A built-in sensor detects moisture to automatically adjust drying times to reduce energy usage and wear and tear. Plus, the Allergiene™ wash cycle uses steam to sanitize and remove up to 95% of pet dander, dust, pollen, and other common allergens from fabrics.

• $2,400 at LG
• $2,400 at Best Buy

Good for: People who want a full-sized appliance with the latest technology.

What Are People Saying About the LG Front Load WashTower™ Washer and Dryer?

This washer-dryer earns high praise among many customers due to its easy loading and quiet performance. The Wi-Fi connectivity also gets lots of positive feedback among busy people who appreciate that they can keep an eye on loads from afar. A few customers have shared that setup was slightly harder than expected.

Best for Busy Families

Courtesy Best Buy

GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer

• $2,900

Prices taken at time of publishing.

With 4.8 cubic feet of capacity, this full-size, high-efficiency appliance is perfect for a household where laundry piles up quickly. It can even handle a king-sized comforter. GE uses a “one and done” design for this appliance that allows users to skip transfers with help from a patented UltraFast Combo feature. This smart front load combo unit does a good job of gently and evenly drying larger loads with less heat.

• $2,900 at Best Buy

Good for: Households who do laundry frequently and are too busy to swap between appliances.

What Are People Saying About the GE Profile Electric Washer/Dryer Combo?

Most people who own this appliance have plenty of good things to say about it. The capacity is a huge hit with users who are pleasantly surprised by how much this unit can hold. Customers also love that hookup is breezy. In addition, people who own this machine are thrilled by the fact that the smart features allow them to simply “load and forget” because they know that their loads will be dried to the optimal level. Among the people who are less than impressed with this washer-dryer, the main complaint revolves around defects with the display that are causing error codes.

Best Value

Courtesy LG

LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer

• $2,100

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Using Wi-Fi capabilities, this washer-dryer makes managing every load a breeze without devoting any brainpower to laundry. LG’s 6Motion™ technology uses up to six different wash motions to clean clothes as thoroughly as possible while still being gentle. For larger loads, LG’s enhanced TurboWash® technology can cut cycle times by 30 minutes. There’s even a ColdWash™ technology option that penetrates deep into fabrics using cold water to achieve hot-water levels of effectiveness.

• $2,200 at Best Buy
• $2,100 at LG

Good for: Someone who wants an all-in-one unit with the latest technology at a reasonable price.

What Are People Saying About the LG Smart All-In-One Washer/Dryer?

Customers are impressed by how little energy this unit requires. Many also appreciate the way the washing component can eliminate baked-in stains. A few people who have owned the unit for a while shared that the drain pump on this model was weaker than expected.

Best Budget Pick

Courtesy Best Buy

GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer

• $1,250
• $1,395
• 10% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

With 3.8 cubic feet of space, this stacked compact washer-dryer top-loaded model is great for being tucked into low spaces and tight corners while also offering 5.9 cu.ft worth of attached drying space. While this model doesn’t come with any smart features, it does have easy-to-use knobs and controls that anyone who has owned a basic washer-dryer should be able to figure out easily.

• $1,250 at Best Buy

Good for: Someone on a budget with limited space for a washer and dryer.

What Are People Saying About the GE Top Load Washer and Electric Dryer Laundry Center?

Overall, owners of this unit are pleased with the sizes of its washer and dryer tubs when considering the amount of space it takes up. Some users did find performance to be a little bit loud and clunky.

Best Small Capacity

Courtesy LG

LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer

• $1,800

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Measuring in at just 2.4 cubic feet, this small model uses technology to its advantage to make up for what it lacks in load capacity. The built-in Wi-Fi intelligence in this combo washer-dryer makes it easy to “select and forget.” Built-in clothes dryer sensors detect temperature in order to adjust drying time for better efficiency and garment protection.

• $1,800 at Best Buy
• $1,800 at LG

Good for: People with very limited space who still want modern laundry features.

What Are People Saying About the LG Compact All-In-One Washer/Dryer Combo?

Customers love the compact design of this unit. Several people shared that they were able to install this washer-dryer in their bathrooms even though they don’t have designated laundry areas. One reviewer shared that they were able to place this unit in an aging relative’s bathroom after they were no longer able to walk down the basement stairs to access laundry. However, a few reviewers did share that the washer-dryer was shakier and louder than expected.

Best Design

Courtesy Samsung

Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer

• $1,648
• $2,398
• 31% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

While this design has just 4 cubic feet of space, it packs in plenty of smart features. The AI Smart Dial streamlines the unit’s control panel to the point of learning your laundry behaviors. It actually learns your favorite cycles in order to make recommendations while still making customizing your cycles simple. Once connected to the app, users receive end-of-cycle alerts on their phones. It’s also easy to start, stop, or delay cycles fully remotely.

• $1,648 at Samsung (Dryer)
• $799 at Samsung (Washer)

Good for: Someone who wants a high-end appliance that takes up minimal space.

What Are People Saying About the Samsung Front-Load Washer and Heat Pump Dryer?

Overall, customers are excited about the look and performance of this unit. The wrinkle-control features get five stars from many users. While people who own this appliance generally like it, a few question if it’s a good value compared to other options out there.

What To Know Before Buying Ventless Washer Dryers

For most people, a washer-dryer is one of the appliances they use most. That’s why knowing what you need in terms of features and performance is so important before making any purchasing decisions. 

Front-Load vs. Top-Load

While front-load vs. top-load is essentially a matter of personal choice, many people feel passionately about the topic. In general, front-load appliances are considered better because they clean clothes thoroughly while reducing wear and tear for fabrics. However, top-load washers generally clean fabrics much faster. When comparing the two, most people like the fact that loading a front-load washer makes it easier to arrange bulkier fabrics in a balanced way within the machine because of the easier access. It’s also important to know that you’ll generally pay a premium for a front-load washer-dryer.

Capacity 

It’s easy to be surprised by how little a washer and dryer can hold after picking up a “bargain” model. In many ways, capacity is the most important feature when picking out a washer-dryer because it determines how frequently you’ll be swapping out loads. Pay attention to cubic feet when comparing washer-dryers sets. One helpful thing to know is that the dryer capacity should be about double compared to a companion washer’s capacity due to the extra space needed for tumbling.

Smart Features

Like loading style, smart features really come down to personal preference. Do you like the idea of managing your load from your desk without getting up while working from home? A unit with Wi-Fi features might be ideal for you. If you simply prefer the old-fashioned method of adjusting knobs and setting a timer, a bare-bones unit may make you more comfortable. The one perk of smart features is that they often adjust loads in real time to make sure that you’re not using excessive heat or energy on a load.

Energy Use

While getting a washer-dryer may feel like a real upgrade from frequenting the laundromat, the truth is that you’re still paying for every single load out of your pocket via your home’s energy bills. Luckily, any newly manufactured washer-dryer you purchase is going to be much more efficient than models available just five to 10 years ago. However, looking for a high-efficiency model bearing an Energy Star certification can help you potentially save hundreds of dollars per year if you do laundry frequently. Better efficiency can also increase the lifespan of an appliance by reducing unnecessary usage.

Finding a Place for Your Washer-Dryer

While a ventless washer-dryer offers more flexibility compared to a traditional unit, you’ll still need to be specific when it comes to placing your new appliance in the right spot. Common spots where people place ventless dryers include:

• Basements
• Bathrooms
• Bedroom closets
• Garages
• Kitchens
• Laundry rooms or nooks
• Utility closets/rooms

Ventless dryers use a heat pump to dry clothes, which is why they are able to be installed just about anywhere. Here, HVAC and plumbing expert Richard Tretheway shows how these appliances work:

Of course, the one condition that’s necessary is access to a water hookup. Some combo washer-dryers can work in standard plug outlets. However, a 120-volt GFCI receptacle is necessary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and appropriate installation before attempting to place a ventless washer-dryer in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ventless Washer-Dryers

What is a ventless dryer?

Ventless dryers are alternatives to traditional laundry machines that continuously recirculate air in order to dry clothes instead of pushing the heat out from a vent. A heat exchanger is used to condense moisture that is collected.

What’s the difference between a condenser dryer and a heat pump dryer?

The difference between a condenser dryer and a heat pump dryer comes down to the way hot air is extracted. With a condenser dryer, hot air is turned into water. Ventless heat pumps preserve and reuse hot air instead.

Do you have to empty water in a ventless dryer?

The answer depends on the model. Some ventless dryers contain basins that must be emptied after each cycle. Others utilize drain hoses that require no extra steps.

Are ventless dryers safe?

Ventless dryers are considered as safe as traditional vented dryers. Like all electrical appliances, ventless dryers can pose fire risks when installed or used improperly.

Our Methodology

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.

To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.

Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of ventless washer-dryers with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers. 

Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

Questions or Comments?

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