Washer-dryer

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.

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.

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.

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.

Washer dryer combinations are normally built with a number of sensors and systems to automate much of the washing and drying cycles.

The information gathered by these sensors are used to control the spin speed, cycle settings, draining systems, and other functions.

AEG-Electrolux debuted the first heat pump washer-dryer combo unit at IFA Berlin, September 2013 (AEG Okokombi).

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.

[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.