Because they usually have caster wheels, a washer-dryer can be stored away and rolled out when you are ready to do your laundry. In some cases, you may have to use a special kit or adaptor, but you can connect almost any model to the faucet in your kitchen. Once this is done, the outlet hose on the unit can empty into the sink drain, and you can use a washer-driver even if you happen to live in an older building.

The two components of the washer-dryer (which you will access from the front) function separately, and a front-loading washer is more energy-efficient that the traditional top-loading models and also use less water. This appliance is generally preferred for its space-saving features by those living in a mobile home, loft, apartment, or condominium, and others often choose one for their second, vacation, or rental home.

Choosing from various options:

The front-loading washer found in this combination is preferable when compared with top-loaders because it uses less water and electricity, the fast-spin speed cycle helps to reduce drying time, it creates less "wear and tear" on fabrics, and calls for smaller amounts of laundry detergent as well. If you have a choice, opt for a gas mode because it will be less expensive to run than an electric one and tend to do the job more quickly as well.

Although doing this will entail some additional expense, you will also want to make certain that the dryer in the model you choose comes with a moisture sensor that will detect the moisture level in a load and turn off the dryer as soon as the clothes are dry. (It is also more accurate than the thermostat sensor found in other machines.) You won't have any problem in finding a washer-dryer with this feature, and as a result, you will save energy and protect your clothes at the same time.

Determining which washer-dryer to buy:

Before you go shopping for your new appliance, measure the space you have available for it in your home. This should include clearance for the exhaust duct, electrical cords, doorways and possible obstructions that lead to the site, and a 240-volt electrical outlet, which may require a new installation.

With all their special features, washer-dryers also have some limitations. For example, because of their limited capacity, a large load of laundry may take as much as three hours to finish, and they tend to break down more often than full-size models do.