For a space saver item, these are great. Ours fit in to the rental unit where the dishwasher was located.
Update 1/9/13
Machine still works as good as new. Someday I look forward to having a machine that doesn't iron in a million wrinkles even to the most wrinkle-resistant clothes. It's great for what it is, though.
Update 6/8/12
The machine still works fine, though I realized water sometimes gets out while it's spinning with all the water in there. I have it in a place where it won't damage the floor and the water just drains away quickly, so it may have been doing this all along without me noticing. The water comes out around the edges of the tray where you put the soap in. I would guess a cup or two during a cycle, not enough to be a big deal if it's on cement, but bad otherwise.
Update 4/15/12
The machine is still good as new after a couple months of several loads a week.
-----original review-------
I've had this washer/dryer for about ten days and done six or seven loads, so I can't yet comment on its reliability, but I can at least comment on how it works brand new. My impression is pretty good. Although not as good as a regular washer and dryer it definitely gets your clothes clean and is a far superior alternative to going to a laundromat.
Capacity
I was a little afraid of the machine stopping halfway through a wash/dry cycle because its maximum drying capacity is half its maximum washing capacity. Fortunately that has not been a problem. I stuffed two loads well over any reasonable interpretation of its capacity and the machine did not have any problem switching from the wash cycle to the dry cycle. As a benchmark, I'm a guy who lives alone, and I don't think this will have any problem holding 3-4 days of my laundry. Past that might be pushing it.
Drying
As is thoroughly noted, drying is the biggest problem this machine has. The nature of condensation drying is that the air running through the dryer is very steamy. When you first open the door after the dry cycle it seems pretty humid, which I think contributes to bad first impressions. However, when I take my clothes out to fold them I usually don't find any wet spots. There are limits of course. When I washed my bed sheets I had to run my duvet cover for an extra hour of drying past the already very long 3.5 hour total wash/dry cycle.
Noise
For the wash cycle the machine pumps in a low lever of water and slowly flops the clothes back and forth more or less, which is very quiet. For most of the drying cycle the machine slowly cycles warm air through the drum, while continuing to flop the clothes back and forth. Still pretty quiet. For the longest 3.5 hour cotton wash/dry cycle there is a period of about 3-4 minutes that is pretty intense. I have very carefully leveled my machine and when it's not operating it does not seem in the slightest bit wobbly when I push on any of the corners. Usually when the machine spins up to its second highest speed it catches my attention as it starts to vibrate quite a bit. It's loud enough that you wouldn't want to run it late at night or while trying to listen to something nearby, but it's not so bothersome...however...then it goes up to maximum speed. I think that's advertised at 1,000 rpm, which I'd definitely believe. I don't know how best to describe it. The best comparison I can think of is the reentry scene in Apollo 13. The machine looks and sounds like it's going to explode at any time. I have a tub of detergent that zooms around almost like an air hockey puck. So far, I think this is more amusing than anything else. That cycle lasts maybe 90 seconds, so it's not very disruptive. My guess, though, is that this is what causes the complaints about its reliability. However well built it is, it goes so ridiculously fast given its size I'm not surprised it breaks itself apart. I definitely expect to use the extended warranty I bought, and I'll update my review when that happens.
Installation
Pretty easy as long as you have a proper spot for it. Remove a few bolts. Connect the water valves and the drain. You're done. The manual has a picture of the machine hooked up to a sink, so I was worried I had to do that (which I did not want to do) but you don't. It's just an option should you need it. At 200 pounds, though, you would not want to roll this up to and then away from your kitchen sink every time you want to do laundry.
Electricity
I actually have a 30 A outlet for a regular washer and dryer, but this needs just a "standard" US outlet for all your other electronic appliances. I had presumed I could just buy some little device to make it fit, but apparently you have to switch the fuse, which is where the current is controlled.
This is not your typical American washer or dryer.
You can definitely get your clothes clean enough in 30 minutes, but drying will take a bit of time.
The drying should take you about two hours. For me, as I only wash for myself and my husband, that's fine. If you've got the space for a separate washer and dryer, then that is what you should get. IF NOT...here are some tips to get the most out of your Haier combo...
1) Do the quick wash, 30 minutes...longer washes don't do much else.
2) Run an extra 9 minute spin cycle, that'll help dry your clothes out even more before the actual drying cycle.
3) Dry for the full 2 hours.
4) Take out as soon as it's done, as the humidity inside the unit will only make your clothes wet again if you leave them in there for hours.
5) If something feels damp, flail it around like a crazy person, odds are it's heat/humidity that's making it feel wet. If that doesn't go away, hang it up/lay it out for 10-15 minutes, it'll be dry.
Don't hate this unit because it isn't what you're used to. You're getting a combo unit because you need one, not because it's the cheapest option......because it isn't.
Learn to use it.
If you use this unit properly, you won't hate it as much as the other reviewers do.
If you are limited on the space you have for a washer dryer or are looking for an easy to use "all-in-one" solution this is a product to strongly consider. It does have a few quirks which are easily worked through. I have found that you need to do several small loads vs packing the machine to the max. The reason for this is it takes longer to dry when you have more clothed in the unit. Also jeans and heavy sweaters are difficult to get completely dry, so I advice having a decent drying rack on hand. You do not need to use alot of detergent to get the job done which is a HUGE cost savings in itself.
I have found that I can put a load of clothes in the machine before I go to bed and it's done and ready for wear or folding by the time I wake up. EASY. I highly recommend this unit to anyone looking for an easy one step washer dryer combo.
Feature Product
- 3-phases induction driver to save more energy and water
- Thorough rinse function
- Super large lcd displayer provides a clear indication of functional operation
- Three drying programs can be selected
- Sterilization of electrolyzed water makes washing complete and clean
Description
The Haier Ventless Washer / Dryer Combo is the compact laundry solution for small spaces that requires no venting, making it the perfect companion for small homes, apartments, cabins, RVs and boats. Haier's washer and dryer combo model makes it possible for you to do it all in one step! Put in a dirty load (this unit features a 13 lb. capacity), and with the touch of a button, it'll come out fresh, dry, and smelling sweet.
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