need an all in one laundry processor, help!

[vacuumfreeeke]

After getting a portable dishwasher for my apartment, I have the bug to get a laundry processor as well. By laundry processor I mean washer/drier in one appliance. I've considered it before, but lately I've been disgusted by the machines at my complex. I've found all kinds of "stuff" in the washers. The washers and driers are always out of order. When they aren't I have to fight for them, and always make sure I have quarters handy. Any brands to look for or stay away from? I know they also have portable sepearate washers and driers... I really don't want to go with that, but if they work much better, I might consider it. The all in one's I've seen go for about 400 bucks... is that what to expect? I want something I can just roll up to the sink and hook up and plug into my regular outlet just like the dishwasher. The dishwasher is pretty much like a regular one, and I think I may be spoiled with it and have unrealisitic expectations of a laundry processor because of the dishwasher experience. I've checked CraigsList and Ebay to no avail. I appreciate any advice you can give. What would be great is if someone made an appliance that washed clothes AND dishes!

 

[toggleswitch]

Thor!

~What would be great is if someone made an appliance that washed clothes AND dishes!

YUM! Soiled diapers and undies in one load and dishes in the next!
This Thor Auto-magic does both, although the DW insert was not present (See 2:04 in the video)

 

[toggleswitch]

Source of washers/dryers.

http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/...emID.24/iMainCat.24/iSubCat.24/qx/Laundry.htm

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

thanks

Yeah... I don't have diapers... but I would assume that everything would be sanitized by the machine anyway )

 

[maytagbear]

The one I know about-

is by a company called Equator, and our own laundromat, (screen name of Chuck D,) is working for them. His email addy is in his profile.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[petek]

I don't care if the machine did sterilize itself I won't have will nots that did on my fine china and cutlery LOL

 

[westie2]

Look at this Thor

Can be purchased with a portable kit.

http://www.thorappliances.com/?trackcode=bizcom

 

[peteski50]

Combo!

Whatever you do - don't buy LG - it's a service nightmare.
Peter

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

thanks

Actually, the LG intrigued me until I saw the 1200 dollar price tag.

 

[laundromat]

Equator washer/dryer combinations

We have different models available and some are available referbished at a reasonable price.Email me and I can let you know what's available along with the price.Or call me @ 1-800-935-1955 ext 105.Be glad to help you.

 

[tomturbomatic]

I understand your desire for an alternative to using the coin-op machines, but you really will be more satisfied with separate machines. Many of the combinations use a very slow drying process which uses cold water to condense the moisture. Operating on 115 volts with a small drum and compromised air circulation within the drum means that drying can take two to three hours and that is for half a washer load or about 5 to 6 pounds of cottons, much less for permanent press where dewrinkling is important. And all of that time, in addition to the long wash cycle, the machine has to be connected to the sink which might not be convenient if you have a small kitchen or want to prepare a meal while it is operating. A separate portable dryer, like the Kenmore or Whirlpool design has a larger drum and better air circulation (they can be vented into a nylon stocking for lint control if vented into the room). The moisture would be a factor for you given the Florida climate. If you can discretely open a window a few inches, you could put the dryer vent hose on the window sill so that it does not stick out to get you in trouble and use a window venting kit with a sliding metal panel to seal the rest of the opening while the dryer is in operation. The kits are also used for those portable air conditioners with the snorkle hose that goes to a window. Another alternative would be to operate the dryer in the bathroom and run the exhaust fan while the dryer is on. What neighbor is going to complain about the bathroom exhaust fan running? The portable washers are pretty much the same World Washer design and they are expensive new. They have a larger capacity than the previous apartment/portable washers from Whirlpool. Sometimes you can find the portable units at thrift stores, used appliance dealers or in the want ads. People are often moving from an apartment to a house and selling the small machines. If you do much laundry, you probably should avoid the smaller machines with the impeller in the bottom of the tub. Maybe it's just my prejudice, but I think an agitator does a better job and tangles less. Other people might have better results to report. I hope you will soon be washing and drying in your apartment. Tom

 

[panthera]

within their limits

The dual purpose machines are ok.
Even the best limit you to drying 1/2 the washed load at a time. If you do more, it is major wrinkle city.
This is one of the few cases where stackables make sense. Sears carries a wide range of both the Electrolux units (the excellent 'frigiluxmores' we are always talking about). If you want to go with the American design, the portable Sears and Whirlpool units do quite a good job, although the 120V dryers are slow.
These units are unusually well built for American machines; Whirlpool actually put some thought into sturdiness with them so you should not have any problems buying well-treated used ones. Be sure to clean out the dryer's innards thoroughly, those damn fabric softener sheets are fatal for these units, lint clogs them up everywhere.
The washers are DD, so you can frequently get one in otherwise perfect condition; just replace the coupler (built in obsolescence) and the washer will run another 20 years without problems.
I've got a big load going in one right now...they have great turnover and, for a top-loader, a very high speed spin (probably because of the 120V dryers).
Of course, you could go the European route - something like the Hoover twinnies. Once you get the spin speed up over 1600rpm, you don't have to use a dryer to get your clothes dry in a reasonable time.

 

[SactoTeddyBear]

Re: My Suggestion:

I would like to suggest doing what I did, except for a slightly different set-up. I've got an LG Compact Combo, that I really like and have had no problems per-say with. I bought it about 4-years ago and I had a Dolly {with all 4-locking wheels} professionaly made to roll it around on and I put a Portable Washer Faucet Coupler on it. I ended up after a while of not wanting to always using the Unit for both Washing and Drying of Laundry, getting a Compact Portable Kenmore 110-Volt Dryer and placed it on top of my LG Combo. I put the Rubber Cups, used on Crutches on the Level Legs, to prevent the Dryer from sliding off of the Washer/Dryer, when the Combo was on the higher Spins and any kind of excessive vibrations. When my Laundry is finished in the Wash Cycle, I re-set the Combo for an additional Spin, at the Max-1400-RPM so the Laundry doesn't take near as long {believe it or not} in my Kenmore Portable. I can Dry a pretty heavy load of Towels, even with more than I should put in all at once and they are Dry within approx 1-hour, longest.

Yes, "BTW" I do know quite well, about what Peteski has gone through with the Combo that he had and I feel sorry for his having to go through all of that. He had a full-size LG Combo, where mine is the Compact Combo and mine seems like it was made somewhat better, as far as to how the Glass Window and the Tub Seal are connected when the Door is closed, making a much better seal to them. I think that towards the end of what Peteski was going through, the Pump was starting to act-up as well, because there was a Leak coming from under the Cabinet. Peter, I hope that you don't mind my including a little info about what you went through, into my Posting.

Anyway, if you have funds to look into a Fron-Load Washer, a Compact Dryer and a Dolly, I would suggest looking into either a full-size Frigidaire or Kenmore "Frigdemore" or a Compact Maytag "2000" series Washer and a Whirlpool or Kenmore 110-Volt Compact Portable Dryer and do what I did. I really like the cleaningability of my LG Compact Combo and the extra Dryer on top of it. "BTW" I do once in a while, mainly to keep everything operating, I run a full Cycle in the Combo, but I still run it through a Wash Cycle first and then run the extra Spin at the 1400-RPM Speed, then I re-set the Combo for the Drying Cycle.

If you were to look into at least the LG Compact Combo, I will let you know, that if you are to run it as a full Cycle, without any further inturruptions, mine including Wash, Dry and Cool-Down takes at least 7-hours to complete the full Cycle. That is why I decided to place a Compact Dryer on top of it, to help me get through my Laundry, a whole lot faster. I also bought my Compact Dryer 2nd Hand for $100.00 at a nearby Appliance Shop. My Dolly cost me at a Welding Shop $250.00 and my LG Combo new 4-years ago was $1100.00. they've gone up a couple/few $100.00 since I bought mine.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. If you would like to contact me about any further info, please use my [email protected]

Peace, Blessings and Great Laundry Times, Steve

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

thanks

Thanks to everyone who responded. Especially to Tomturbomatic and SactoTeddyBear for your friendly and detailed responses. I think I would rather go used than new... I don't want to spend over 500 dollars. As much as I would love to only have one appliance, 7 hours of drying time does not appeal to me! I think I've decided based on the advice here to get separate machines. I do have a couple closets that they would probably fit in... it would inspire me to clean actually! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled on Craig's List, Ebay and the newspaper.

Trying to lead a normal life in an apartment is interesting!

Thanks again everyone.

 

[launderess]

Try and find yourself a vintage Whirlpool or Kenmore "portable" dryer. While neither will reach the heating power of a full sized unit, they do have 1350 watts of heating power verus the puny offerings on many of today's units. My vintage Whirlpool portable (circa 1970's or early 1980's) will dry a decent sized load out of the Miele (spun at 1100 rpms) in about 45 minutes or so. Load usually consists of mixed whites (towels, wash cloths, T-shirts and such), and the Miele holds 11lbs.

Good thing about these dryers are the fact you can put them on wheels, so easy to roll to a window (better to stick the vent hose out of), when in use, then roll out of the way when done. Like many have mine covered with a nice tablecloth and it doubles as a "table" when not in use.

As for washing machines, think you'll find some of the older portables such as those by GE,Kenmore or Whirlpool better than the all plastic jobs offered today. In terms of quality neither today's portable washing machines or dryers equal those from even 10 or so years ago.

L.