What's the scoop on combos?

[veg-o-matic]

I don't need a washer/dryer combo. Heaven knows I love my stacked Frigidaire set. Still, I've always been fascinated with the concept of putting dirty clothes in and taking them out clean and dry.
So, I've started looking.
It seems to me that what I'd really prefer doesn't exist: 220V model with 2.5CF drum and vented. Usually one can find 2 of the three features, but that's about it.
After what poor Pete has been going through, I don't want an LG!
I looked (online) at a few yesterday. There's a Splendide that looks interesting, but it's small. There's a Hirundo Indesit that also looks interesting but again, it's small. Edgestar has a 220V model but it's small and ventless.
So far, the Am Tech looks best because it's the biggest.
I realize that if I get a combo I'm going to have to rethink how I do my laundry in the first place (smaller loads, for example) but that doesn't seem like a big whoop to me.
So. Any thoughts? Did I miss any brands that I should consider?
Thanks!

veg

http://www.amtechcombo.com/amtech-specifications.htm

 

[tomturbomatic]

Veg, I hate to be the bearer of sad tidings, but the fascination you have is one most of us share. Unfortunately, the concept is a case of the dream not adapting too well to the limits of reality. Of greater sadness is the fact that the first one, introduced in December, 1952, was the best one and it went mostly downhill from there. Most of the ones available in this country are not designed or constructed well. Check in the Laundry Room Forum for sad stories featuring bitter disappointment in foreign combos and service for same. The better ones from Europe (like Miele)are not imported for sale here. Sorry. Tom

 

[maytagbear]

I would not want a combo-

for several reasons....

I need to check stain removal before drying begins.

If the washer part breaks, you can't use the dryer in some of them, and vice-versa.

I am an American, and I am used to fast cycle times.

Yes, they do save space. However, that is the only advantage I can see.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[oxydolfan1]

A friend had one, and here is what I found.

They take MUCH longer to do a load than a seperate washer and dryer would, and:

This may sound odd, but if you physically unload, shake out, refluff, reload, and reset the dryer between the washing and drying phases, THEN it works (but then, there's all this unlocking of doors, resetting of dials, etc.)

Verdict: Sadly, I think we here in the States would be better off sticking to our individual or stackable laundry pairs on a daily basis. Would we merit that our manufacturers could actually get the SEPERATE appliances to work properly, then I guess we can start expecting them to walk and chew gum at the same time....

It's a shame. Such combos would take New York by storm.

 

[bpetersxx]

I will try my Haier combo WD and see what it does

I finally got a replacement dryer knob so I can set the dryer properly

 

[mixfinder]

Equator

I have an Equator. It is very quiet, uses very little water and cleanes exceptionally well. It washes a load in 25 minutes or less, depending on the load you choose. I let it continue into the dry cycle for about 20 minutes. Then I remove any clothing, shape it and put it on a hanger. It is dry in a couple hours and requires no ironing since it was shaped while damp. It washes a full load very well, but you need to separate the load in half to give tumble room during the drying cycle. My machine locks during wash but unlocks the moment the final spin is over, so opening and closing the door is no hassle. You can easily check for stains, but you won't find any. I have a wooden clothes dryer in the spare room and drape towels and socks over it to finish drying. If I leave the washer alone and let it finish the entire cycle it takes about an hour and a half. The clothes feel damp when you unload them but quickly dry in the room air. I find no fault, what so ever in my machine, it's washing ability or speed of cycle. I would want a back up dryer if I still had a house full of kids, but for a single guy, it's the bees knees.
Kelly

 

[peteski50]

Equator!

Kelly,
I want to cry when I look at that Equator you have, it was just like mine. I curse myself for not keeping it. The sad part is that they don't make them that way anymore. I curse myself all the time for giving it up and buying the problem LG that many of you have read about in my other postings. My advise is hold on to that real Gem.
Best Wishes
Peter