Choosing Between a Washer and Dryer Combo or Separate Units
When shopping for new laundry appliances, one key decision is whether to buy a washer and dryer combo unit or separate washing machine and clothes dryer. There are pros and cons to both options.
Washer and Dryer Combos
A washer dryer combo, sometimes called an "all-in-one washer dryer", combines both appliances into one unit. Here are some benefits of combo units:
- More compact/smaller footprint - great for apartments or small laundry rooms
- Steam wash and dry cycles in one machine
- Usually ventless condensing drying - no need to vent outside
- Potentially lower upfront cost for buying one appliance instead of two
However, there are also some downsides to consider with washer dryer combos:
- Smaller capacity - typical combo units only handle around 2-3 cu ft loads for washing and drying
- Longer dry times - condensing drying technology takes longer than vented heat pump or conventional dryers
- Limited settings and cycles compared to full-size separate units
- Condensing drying can lead to more humidity in the laundry area
- Not able to wash and dry different loads at the same time
Separate Washers and Dryers
Buying a standalone washing machine and clothes dryer allows you to customize your laundry setup. Benefits of separate units include:
- Larger capacity - washers up to 5 cu ft or more and dryers up to 7 cu ft
- Faster drying times with vented heat pump or gas dryers
- More cycle and setting options - specialized cycles for different fabrics
- Can wash and dry different loads simultaneously
- Matched sets for a consistent look
The main downsides of buying separate laundry units are:
- Takes up more floor space
- Typically a higher upfront cost than a combo unit
- Need to install dryer venting if not using a condensing ventless dryer
| Washer/Dryer Combos | Separate Washers and Dryers | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-3 cu ft | Up to 5+ cu ft washers, 7+ cu ft dryers |
| Drying Time | Longer with condensing drying | Faster with vented drying |
| Size/Footprint | More compact | Takes up more floor space |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial cost for two appliances |
When deciding between a washer dryer combo or stackable separate washer and dryer set, consider your budget, available space, and laundry needs to determine the best option.
Top-Load vs Front-Load Washers
When shopping for a new washing machine, two of the main options are top-load and front-load washers. What are the key differences and which is better for your needs?
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How They Work
Top-load washers have the drum positioned vertically, with a lid on top that opens for loading clothes. Front-load washers have a horizontal drum accessed via a door on the front face of the machine.
- Top-load
- Agitator - column that churns and moves clothes
- Impeller - disk that spins/rotates clothes
- Front-load
- Tumble action - clothes lifted and dropped as drum rotates
Comparison of Features
| Top-Load | Front-Load | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Typically 3-5 cu ft | Typically 4-6 cu ft |
| Efficiency | Usually use more water | High-efficiency, use less water |
| Cycle Options | Wide variety available | Specialized cycles available |
| Noise | Tend to be louder | Quieter operation |
Pros and Cons
Top-Load Washers
- Lower upfront cost on average
- Easy to load/unload
- Can add items mid-cycle
- More likely to snag or wear clothes
Front-Load Washers
- Better at stain removal
- Uses less detergent and water
- Gentler on clothes
- Requires bending to load
- Higher initial cost
When selecting a washer, consider your budget, laundry needs, and preferences for loading access and efficiency to choose between top-load and front-load designs.
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Washing Machine Capacity and Family Size Needs
Choosing the right washing machine capacity ensures it can handle your family's laundry needs efficiently. What size is best based on household and laundry room specifics?
Washing Machine Capacities
The capacity of a washer is measured in cubic feet (cu ft). Standard sizes include:
- Compact: Less than 2.5 cu ft
- Small: 2.5 to 3.5 cu ft
- Medium: 3.5 to 4.5 cu ft
- Large: 5 cu ft or larger
In general:
- 1-2 people - compact or small washer (2.5-3.5 cu ft)
- 3-4 people - medium washer (3.5-4.5 cu ft)
- 5+ people - large washer (5+ cu ft)
Factors to Consider
Along with family size, other factors impact ideal washer capacity:
- How often do you do laundry? Smaller for frequent loads, larger for 1-2x per week
- Bulky items like bedding may need larger tub size
- Do you wash pets items? Get extra capacity
- Laundry room space limitations
For example, a family of 4 doing several smaller loads per week could use a medium 3.5 cu ft washer. But the same family washing one bulky load on weekends may want a large 5 cu ft machine.
Matching Dryer Capacity
It's also important to match your dryer capacity to the washer:
- Washer capacity should equal or exceed dryer capacity
- Larger dryer capacity allows faster drying for big loads
- Too small of a dryer leads to either wet clothes or multiple cycles to dry a load
A good rule of thumb is to size your dryer 1 cu ft larger than the washer. This allows efficient drying time while still handling large batches of wet laundry.
Choosing the ideal washing machine and dryer capacity for your family helps ensure you can handle laundry efficiently and conveniently.
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Key Washer Features: Cycles, Spin Speeds, Steam, etc.
Modern washing machines offer a variety of features and settings to handle different fabric types and soils. Understanding the key options helps choose the right washer for your needs.
Wash Cycles
Wash cycles control the motions, time, and spin speeds during a wash. Common cycles include:
- Regular - For everyday loads
- Delicates - Gentle agitation for delicates
- Bulky/Bedding - For large items
- Sanitize - Super hot water kills germs
- Allergen - Removes allergens
Look for at least 6-10 cycles to clean different fabrics at the ideal settings.
Spin Speeds
Faster spin speeds extract more water from clothes, reducing dryer time. Spin speed rpm typically ranges from:
- 400-800 rpm - Low speed for delicate fabrics
- 800-1200 rpm - Medium speed for most loads
- 1400+ rpm - Max spin for sturdy fabrics
Steam Cycles
Steam cycles inject steam into the wash tub to help loosen stains. Benefits include:
- Enhanced stain removal
- Odor elimination
- Less wrinkling
Look for steam wash and steam refresh cycles to freshen clothes between washes.
Other Helpful Features
- Delay start - Set wash time when convenient
- Add-a-Garment - Pause to add forgotten items
- Sanitize - Kills 99% of bacteria
- Noise reduction - For quiet operation
Choosing a model with the right cycles, speeds, and features allows you to wash every fabric at its best.
Vented vs Ventless Dryers
When purchasing a clothes dryer, a key decision is whether you need a vented or ventless model based on your laundry room setup. What are the differences and pros and cons of each design?
Vented Dryers
Vented dryers exhaust hot, moist air from the drum through a duct that vents outdoors. Types of vented dryers include:
- Electric dryers - Heated by electric heating element
- Gas dryers - Heated by gas burner
- Heat pump dryers - Recirculate some air and use a heat pump for efficiency
Benefits of vented dryers:
- Dry clothes faster by exhausting humid air outside
- Energy efficient - don't heat up laundry room
- Ideal for humid climates
Downsides of vented dryers:
- Need to install outdoor venting
- Lint and moist air released outside
- Not suitable for apartments or wherever venting not possible
Ventless Dryers
Ventless dryers, also called condensing dryers, recirculate air and condense moisture from exhaust back into the drum. Types include:
- Condenser dryers - Most common ventless type
- Desiccant dryers - Use desiccant beads to absorb moisture
Benefits of ventless dryers:
- No need for external venting - good for apartments or tight spaces
- Condense and collect water for easy draining
- Quieter operation, no duct noise
Downsides of ventless dryers:
- Longer drying times since air is recirculated
- More expensive models
- Require frequent filter cleaning
- Can make laundry room more humid
Choosing between a vented or ventless dryer depends on your specific laundry room, budget, efficiency needs and drying time preferences.
Dryer Drum Size and Dryer Types (Electric, Gas)
When purchasing a clothes dryer, two key factors are drum size and whether you choose an electric or gas dryer. How do these impact drying performance?
Dryer Drum Sizes
The drum size determines how much laundry you can dry per load. Standard capacities are:
- Compact: less than 4 cu ft
- Medium: 4-5 cu ft
- Large: 6-8 cu ft
For example, a family of 4 may want a large 6-7 cu ft drum for bigger loads. While a single person may only need a compact 3-4 cu ft model.
Benefits of larger drums:
- Dry more clothing at once
- Less time drying multiple small loads
- Allow items to tumble freely
Downsides of oversized drums:
- More energy used if drum not filled
- Potentially longer dry times if drum is too big
- Higher purchase cost
Electric vs Gas Dryers
The two main dryer types are:
- Electric - Use heating element to warm air
- Gas - Use natural or propane gas for heat
Benefits of electric dryers:
- Typically lower purchase cost
- Widely available
- Don't need gas hookup
Benefits of gas dryers:
- Faster drying time in most cases
- Lower operating costs
- Higher peak air temperature
When selecting a dryer, match the drum size to your family's needs. Also consider gas vs electric models based on utility setup, costs, and drying speed.
How to get an Amazon Prime subscription for a profit in "Washers & Dryers"
Amazon Prime can offer significant savings when purchasing large appliances like washers and dryers. Here are some tips to get a paid Prime subscription while still maximizing your profit on a new laundry purchase.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
Amazon offers a 30-day free trial of Prime membership for new customers. You can sign up for the free trial before making your appliance purchase to enjoy Prime benefits without cost.
Just remember to set a reminder to cancel the trial before 30 days if you don't want to keep Prime long-term. That way you avoid being charged the $139 annual membership fee.
Use the Amazon Prime Rewards Card
If you apply and qualify for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card, you can get a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. This covers nearly an entire year of Prime membership.
Plus you earn 5% back on all Amazon purchases as a cardholder. That cash back can offset the Prime membership fee.
Buy Discount Gift Cards
You can sometimes find discounted Amazon Prime gift cards on sale at retail stores like Best Buy or online resellers. The cards add Prime time to your membership.
If you can buy a $139 Prime gift card for $100, you are getting Prime for the year at $39 off retail price. This puts money back in your pocket.
Split the Cost of a Family Membership
An Amazon Prime Family membership allows two adults and up to four teens/children. Family plans cost $139 per year.
If you split the cost with one other adult, you essentially get 50% off Prime access. This reduces the effective membership fee to $69.50 per person.
Taking advantage of Prime trials, rewards cards, gift card deals and family plans allows you to maximize savings on large appliance purchases from Amazon.
Samsung Front Load Washer
Samsung is a popular brand for front-loading washers, and they offer a variety of models with different features and capacities. Here are some key points about Samsung front-load washers based on the search results:
Overall, Samsung front-load washers are a good choice for those looking for energy-efficient, space-saving, and technologically advanced washing machines.
Samsung Front Load Washer Parts
Here are some of the Samsung front load washer parts that are available for purchase:
These parts can be purchased from various online retailers, including Samsung's official parts website, Amazon, PartSelect, and Repair Clinic. Sears PartsDirect also offers official Samsung washer parts. When purchasing parts, it's important to make sure they are compatible with your specific Samsung front load washer model.
