I live in a mobile home, this washer is perfect for my needs. I hang my clothes on a clothes line so I don't use the dryer often, but it is sufficient when I do use it. So I love love love my LG Washer. Ordering was a breeze, Never a problem ordering from Amazon.com.
After some initial research into the matter, I found out that you would need a special hookup for either a washer or a dryer (you need both water input and a way to dispose of the dirty water without overflowing your pipes) and you need venting for the dryer. The majority of machines that were designed to perform in an apartment WITHOUT such a hookup had review after review complaining of poor cleaning, high energy usage, breaking down, noise, super small load capacities, and leakage. But further searching found this LG WM3431 Washer/Dryer with mostly positive reviews on the different websites. It was the answer to my prayers. (Note: Despite the negative reviews, you will NOT find a better washer/dryer combo that can operate in an apartment without venting).
The Pros
1. For apartments --It's one of only a few machines on the market that's designed to work in a small space without a traditional washer or dryer hookup. That means that the electric plug goes into any three-prong outlet in your house and the water input hose can be connected to your sink. The water outlet hose dispenses into any drain and does not dump a huge amount of water so as to overwhelm your sink or bath pipes. The dryer also doesn't need a hot air vent out a window or anything. Of the machines of this genre, I've found that the LG delivers superior performance.
2. Cleaner clothes while using less water. Also, the LG WM3431 has a sanitary cycle that cleans clothes with super hot water and has kept my whites gleaming.
3. Money --I calculated that at $1.50 per wash and $1.50 per dry, it would cost me $312 a year to do 2 small loads weekly and $468 a year to do 3 small loads weekly. The machine would pay for itself in two to three years. That's not to mention the prospect of resale and the time you save yourself from driving to the laundromat and sitting there waiting.
4. Aesthetic--the machine is beautiful.
5. Timer-- allows you to load your laundry and detergent before you leave for work and to have it start running and complete its cycle just in time for when you come home. The timer can be set for up to 19 hours later. And since this is an all-in-one machine, you obviously don't need to be home to switch the load from your washer to your dryer.
6. Protects clothing - I only found this out after going on vacation and using a regular washer and dryer for two weeks. Cheap clothes which I thought were better quality than they actually were, lost probably 1/4 their color during my vacation. I realized that the steam mechanism of the dryer, though it takes longer, is gentler on clothes than forced hot air. All my clothing has maintained the color and quality as on the day I bought it, using the LG washer/dryer combo.
The Cons
1. Time --It takes anywhere from 3-5 hours to do an entire wash and dry, depending on the options you choose. The spin cycle can add a lot of extra time. Be mindful of how you load your laundry (i.e. Put one towel on the bottom, some clothes in between, and another towel on top.) If the machine is imbalanced, it will reset and reset and try to balance the load. I've found that if you use only the low spin cycle with the sheet and towel loads, the items will still get sufficiently dry, but the machine will start spinning a lot faster.
2. Vibration --Others have complained that the machine vibrates violently. I have never had this problem. The machine really does not move or jump at all, even if it's on the very high spin.
3. Capacity --I can fit a queen fitted sheet, duvet cover, and 4 pillowcases in there, though it's a bit snug. I probably do about 2-3 loads of clothing a week (for a family of 2 adults and 1 toddler), plus an additional load every other week for sheets, towels, and tablecloths. I wouldn't recommend this machine for a much larger family, but I think that there is a larger capacity model available from LG.
4. Noise --It's actually stealthily quiet during the wash and spin cycles, humming at no louder than your air conditioner. However, the mechanism the machine employs to expel water for your rinse cycles and throughout the long drying cycle is really very loud. Sounds as loud as a car (but maybe not a motorcycle) revving its engine very loudly.
5. WRINKLES!!--Another major problem is that the way the machine dries, using a condensation method rather than hot air, leaves clothing feeling sometimes damp and often wrinkled when taken out of the machine. My clothes always feels damp when taken immediately from the machine, but 95% of the time, when you spread out the laundry, the steam dissipates and the clothes are actually dry. (Sweaters, jeans, and large items may still be truly damp, unless you've run the machine for very long.) My solution to the wrinkle problem has been to cut my losses and bring extra large items (sheets, tablecloths, dresses, and whatever else MUST be wrinkle-free) down to the basement and just pay to dry it in a regular hot air dryer. My other loads have fared well in the wrinkle department so long as you fill the fabric softener tray to the MAX with fabric softener (I use a non-scented one for this reason) and if you take the clothes out of the dryer as soon as the dry cycle ends. (The dryer continues to run on a "cool-down" mode after it's finished drying, I guess in an attempt to prevent wrinkles, but it causes more wrinkles.)
6. Door Latch--It keeps the door locked and waits 1-2 minutes before releasing it if you stop the machine mid-cycle and after it's finished drying. So you have to actually wait to pull open the door. I've had instances where I just started the machine and noticed I dropped a sock on the ground and have had to pause the machine, wait 2 minutes, then open up the door and to throw the sock in.
7. Child Lock--The only thing that changes when you put the child lock on is that it disables the start/pause button and if you turn off the machine, you cannot turn it back on w/o disabling the child lock first. However, the power button still works and the child can turn the machine off in the first place. I cannot tell you how many times my toddler has run over to the washer and turned off my machine mid-cycle by pushing the oooooh! shiny blue colored power button. And I've had to restart the machine (but only after holding down and turning off the child lock) and have the washer begin at the start of the cycle where it left off. It takes extra time this way. And boy is it annoying.
You would think that the least the child lock would keep the door latch locked so that a child cannot climb inside the washer drum. Nope. If the machine is turned off or if it has just completed wash, the door latch will unlock automatically regardless of whether the child lock is on or off. Essentially, the child lock only disables one button on the entire machine. It's pretty much useless otherwise. I wish LG could improve upon this.
8. BIGGEST DRAWBACK: Because the WM3431 does not dry clothes using hot air, there is no lint trap. Then, where does the lint/hair go? Well, some of it you'll find accumulating in the rubber gasket around the door. But small amounts of it accumulate in the condenser tube/duct that is INSIDE the machine. You have to actually disassemble the machine to get to it. (Yes, this is a major design flaw.) If your machine starts taking longer and longer to dryer (even longer than 3 hours) or doesn't dry altogether, this could be the problem. If you're brave of heart, you can disassemble the top and back covers of the machine and find the white plastic duct. Inside, you'll probably find a mass of lint/hair that's blocking the air from getting to the tub and not letting your clothes dry. Once removed, your machine will work like new. You may not want to disassemble the washer/dryer, though, as it could void a warranty. But some servicemen have said that it is a flaw in this model and recommends clearing these ducts once a year. I have had the WM3431 for 2.5 years now, and only now did I have to pull it open and clear the lint. Other ppl may have to do it more often if they have clothes that give off more lint or if they have pets that shed hair. Annoying? Definitely yes. But thank goodness, we got the free extended warranty and a serviceman cleared ducts for us. I watched him and it really wouldn't be too hard to do it myself, but, yes, it would have been better not to have to do it at all.
Bottom Line:
If you can possibly buy the traditional separate washer and dryer units, by all means, do so! But if you live in a place where there's no traditional washer/dryer hook-up available, and you're looking to buy, the LG WM3431 is the best choice on the market (ESP. over the Haier models which constantly break down). Just remember to purchase a (full coverage) extended warranty agreement and keep in mind some of my tips above. Good luck!
If you found this review helpful, please let me know!
i have been using my lg w/d combo for over a year now. i have a very small condo and lack of space, 220 power and venting were the deciding factors for me. i LOVE not having to take my laundry to the basement and worry about moving the laundry from the washer to the dryer. this machine has worked great for me.
i do more smaller loads now. usually 4-6 loads a week for just one person (and a cat). it rarely takes over 3 hours to wash and dry total and occasionally i choose to dry less time and line dry to finish. i never dry my jeans anyway. and yes, if i wash one towel, 2 wash clothes and a hand towel -- it is full. don't try to cram too much into this machine. it works a lot better with small loads.
i like the delay function so i can set it up in the morning and time it to be done when i get home from work.
things are more linty than a normal dryer. i got a lint roller. but my clothes come out a lot softer than the regular dryer because they're not baked to a crisp. it's a gentler dry.
it has diferent settings for "hand wash" "delicates" and "speed wash" in addition to normal etc.
i really like it. the only real annoyance i have with it, is that the door takes a really long time to unlock after a dry cycle, even after pushing the unlock button.
it is supposedly very water and energy efficient. i recommend the lg WM3431HW.
After some initial research into the matter, I found out that you would need a special hookup for either a washer or a dryer (you need both water input and a way to dispose of the dirty water without overflowing your pipes) and you need venting for the dryer. The majority of machines that were designed to perform in an apartment WITHOUT such a hookup had review after review complaining of poor cleaning, high energy usage, breaking down, noise, super small load capacities, and leakage. But further searching found this LG WM3431 Washer/Dryer with mostly positive reviews on the different websites. It was the answer to my prayers. (Note: Despite the negative reviews, you will NOT find a better washer/dryer combo that can operate in an apartment without venting).
The Pros
1. For apartments --It's one of only a few machines on the market that's designed to work in a small space without a traditional washer or dryer hookup. That means that the electric plug goes into any three-prong outlet in your house and the water input hose can be connected to your sink. The water outlet hose dispenses into any drain and does not dump a huge amount of water so as to overwhelm your sink or bath pipes. The dryer also doesn't need a hot air vent out a window or anything. Of the machines of this genre, I've found that the LG delivers superior performance.
2. Cleaner clothes while using less water. Also, the LG WM3431 has a sanitary cycle that cleans clothes with super hot water and has kept my whites gleaming.
3. Money --I calculated that at $1.50 per wash and $1.50 per dry, it would cost me $312 a year to do 2 small loads weekly and $468 a year to do 3 small loads weekly. The machine would pay for itself in two to three years. That's not to mention the prospect of resale and the time you save yourself from driving to the laundromat and sitting there waiting.
4. Aesthetic--the machine is beautiful.
5. Timer-- allows you to load your laundry and detergent before you leave for work and to have it start running and complete its cycle just in time for when you come home. The timer can be set for up to 19 hours later. And since this is an all-in-one machine, you obviously don't need to be home to switch the load from your washer to your dryer.
6. Protects clothing - I only found this out after going on vacation and using a regular washer and dryer for two weeks. Cheap clothes which I thought were better quality than they actually were, lost probably 1/4 their color during my vacation. I realized that the steam mechanism of the dryer, though it takes longer, is gentler on clothes than forced hot air. All my clothing has maintained the color and quality as on the day I bought it, using the LG washer/dryer combo.
The Cons
1. Time --It takes anywhere from 3-5 hours to do an entire wash and dry, depending on the options you choose. The spin cycle can add a lot of extra time. Be mindful of how you load your laundry (i.e. Put one towel on the bottom, some clothes in between, and another towel on top.) If the machine is imbalanced, it will reset and reset and try to balance the load. I've found that if you use only the low spin cycle with the sheet and towel loads, the items will still get sufficiently dry, but the machine will start spinning a lot faster.
2. Vibration --Others have complained that the machine vibrates violently. I have never had this problem. The machine really does not move or jump at all, even if it's on the very high spin.
3. Capacity --I can fit a queen fitted sheet, duvet cover, and 4 pillowcases in there, though it's a bit snug. I probably do about 2-3 loads of clothing a week (for a family of 2 adults and 1 toddler), plus an additional load every other week for sheets, towels, and tablecloths. I wouldn't recommend this machine for a much larger family, but I think that there is a larger capacity model available from LG.
4. Noise --It's actually stealthily quiet during the wash and spin cycles, humming at no louder than your air conditioner. However, the mechanism the machine employs to expel water for your rinse cycles and throughout the long drying cycle is really very loud. Sounds as loud as a car (but maybe not a motorcycle) revving its engine very loudly.
5. WRINKLES!!--Another major problem is that the way the machine dries, using a condensation method rather than hot air, leaves clothing feeling sometimes damp and often wrinkled when taken out of the machine. My clothes always feels damp when taken immediately from the machine, but 95% of the time, when you spread out the laundry, the steam dissipates and the clothes are actually dry. (Sweaters, jeans, and large items may still be truly damp, unless you've run the machine for very long.) My solution to the wrinkle problem has been to cut my losses and bring extra large items (sheets, tablecloths, dresses, and whatever else MUST be wrinkle-free) down to the basement and just pay to dry it in a regular hot air dryer. My other loads have fared well in the wrinkle department so long as you fill the fabric softener tray to the MAX with fabric softener (I use a non-scented one for this reason) and if you take the clothes out of the dryer as soon as the dry cycle ends. (The dryer continues to run on a "cool-down" mode after it's finished drying, I guess in an attempt to prevent wrinkles, but it causes more wrinkles.)
6. Door Latch--It keeps the door locked and waits 1-2 minutes before releasing it if you stop the machine mid-cycle and after it's finished drying. So you have to actually wait to pull open the door. I've had instances where I just started the machine and noticed I dropped a sock on the ground and have had to pause the machine, wait 2 minutes, then open up the door and to throw the sock in.
7. Child Lock--The only thing that changes when you put the child lock on is that it disables the start/pause button and if you turn off the machine, you cannot turn it back on w/o disabling the child lock first. However, the power button still works and the child can turn the machine off in the first place. I cannot tell you how many times my toddler has run over to the washer and turned off my machine mid-cycle by pushing the oooooh! shiny blue colored power button. And I've had to restart the machine (but only after holding down and turning off the child lock) and have the washer begin at the start of the cycle where it left off. It takes extra time this way. And boy is it annoying.
You would think that the least the child lock would keep the door latch locked so that a child cannot climb inside the washer drum. Nope. If the machine is turned off or if it has just completed wash, the door latch will unlock automatically regardless of whether the child lock is on or off. Essentially, the child lock only disables one button on the entire machine. It's pretty much useless otherwise. I wish LG could improve upon this.
8. BIGGEST DRAWBACK: Because the WM3431 does not dry clothes using hot air, there is no lint trap. Then, where does the lint/hair go? Well, some of it you'll find accumulating in the rubber gasket around the door. But small amounts of it accumulate in the condenser tube/duct that is INSIDE the machine. You have to actually disassemble the machine to get to it. (Yes, this is a major design flaw.) If your machine starts taking longer and longer to dryer (even longer than 3 hours) or doesn't dry altogether, this could be the problem. If you're brave of heart, you can disassemble the top and back covers of the machine and find the white plastic duct. Inside, you'll probably find a mass of lint/hair that's blocking the air from getting to the tub and not letting your clothes dry. Once removed, your machine will work like new. You may not want to disassemble the washer/dryer, though, as it could void a warranty. But some servicemen have said that it is a flaw in this model and recommends clearing these ducts once a year. I have had the WM3431 for 2.5 years now, and only now did I have to pull it open and clear the lint. Other ppl may have to do it more often if they have clothes that give off more lint or if they have pets that shed hair. Annoying? Definitely yes. But thank goodness, we got the free extended warranty and a serviceman cleared ducts for us. I watched him and it really wouldn't be too hard to do it myself, but, yes, it would have been better not to have to do it at all.
Bottom Line:
If you can possibly buy the traditional separate washer and dryer units, by all means, do so! But if you live in a place where there's no traditional washer/dryer hook-up available, and you're looking to buy, the LG WM3431 is the best choice on the market (ESP. over the Haier models which constantly break down). Just remember to purchase a (full coverage) extended warranty agreement and keep in mind some of my tips above. Good luck!
they discontinued the larger version of this machine so i settled for this one; so far i am very satisfied w/ this product. the time is a non issue; you fill it before going to work, it will be done by the time you get back.
drying, is a none issue as well. i reviewed many comments before deciding on this machine more so because of the condensation drying; my unit is small and i didn't care for the tropical weather standard vented machines would give my place; this type of drying was my only solution.
i recommend this product.
Feature Product
- All-In-One Washer/Dryer Combo with Flexibility of Wash to Dry, Wash Only or Dry Only
- 5 temperature selections: Extra Hot/cold, Hot/cold, Warm/warm, Warm/cold, Cold/cold
- Delay Wash Up to 19 Hours
- 9 wash programs: Sanitary, Cotton/Towels, Normal, Permanent Press, Delicates, Wool/silk, Hand Wash, Speed Wash, and Drain & Spin
- Warranty: 1 Year Parts & Labor / 2 Years on Control Board, 7 Years on Motor and Lifetime on the Drum. In Home Service.
Description
All-in-One Washer and Dryer
This laundry dream washes and dries all in one machine.
Who Is It for?
People who want to be able to do laundry at home but don't have an external venting source which conventional dryers require. It's great for busy people who want to start a load and return to clean clothes. The Delay Start feature allows convenient completion of laundry to fit your schedule. Homes, apartments, businesses and vacation homes where there may be space constraints.
What Are The Advantages?No outside venting is required because it is ventless condensing. It runs on a standard 115V electricity and not gas. No need to wait to transfer from the washer to the dryer.
Featured List
Sensor Dry System
Flexibility of Wash to Dry, Wash Only or Dry Only
9 Washing Programs
5 Temperature Levels
Delay Wash Up to 19 Hours
115V Power Source
SenseClean System Automatically Adjusts Water and Wash Time for Optimal Care
Sensor Dry System Measures Moisture in the Drum and Automatically Adjusts Drying Time
5 Rinse Temperatures
24" Installation Under Counter
Premium Finishes in Titanium and White
Upfront Electronic Controls with Dial-A-Cycle
Chrome Trimmed Door with Clear Glass
Energy Star Rated
Environmentally Friendly
Energy Star Rated
Water level automatically adjusts to size of load
1 year on parts and labor
2 years on the control board
7 years on the motor
Lifetime on the drum
Years ago, back in the early to mid 1960's Sears made a FULL SIZE washer/dryer combo unit. (Lady Kenmore Combo) I loved that machine. It could wash and dry a king size bed spread in about 90/120 minutes, depending on the wash and dry cycles that were chosen. I wish LG would make this unit in a FULL size 4.0 or 4.2 capacity. I'd buy at least 2 in a hart beat. I have 4 front loaders and 3 dryers. (I hate doing laundry) I bought a new Mele washer when they first came out, again a fantastic machine, but very small capacity. Then, I bought a Maytag Neptune front loader, much larger capacity, but could not get a King size bed spread in it. Then, I ended up buying a Sears Ht3 front loader. Finally, a washer that could hold a King size bed spread. However, the Sears machine is a bit noisy, and will shake my floors, if it goes off balance, or I use the high spin cycle. Other then that. It holds a fantastic amount of laundry. The Sears machine is 8 years old now. And I have had no issues, or mechanical problems with it. The quietest of all the washers by far, are the Mele and Maytag. Washer number 4 is a GE front loader from 1962, small capacity, but built like a brick SH. The thing weighs a ton. It was my mothers, so I keep it for sentimental reasons. Great machine for dog towels and through rugs.
As for the LG brand. I know for a fact LG makes excellent Washers and dryers. Metal gears and direct drive. Other brands use plastic gears. But as soon as LG comes out with a FULL size combo machine. I'll be replacing a few single washer and dryer units in my house.
Anyway, This little LG is much better, and holds more then the apartment style top loader stack style units. So its a great machine if you have restricted appliance space, or venting issues.
I would have given the LG five stars. If it hadn't been for the overall capacity. But for a compact/apartment size unit, I give it 8 stars.
By the way. I did take my King size bed spread into Sears, just to make sure it fit in the machine, before I bought it.
Johnathan rozell
Ms. Unruh
Eng 101
12, April, 2012
The washer dryer in one
Are you tired of not having clean clothes for work because you forgot to switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer in the middle of the night? Are you just flat out frustrated with your clothes shrinking because you washed them wrong? Well I know that those things irritate me to no end so I came up with the all new washer dryer in one. A revolutionary new product that is both a washer and dryer in one unit. Yes that's right I said all in one so no more having to switch your clothes from one machine to another. All you have to do now is just put in one load of laundry and an hour later your clothes will smell fresh as ever and will be nice and warm. I know that everyone loves the feeling of fresh warm underwear straight from the dryer and the washer dryer in one can provide you that sensation.
The washer dryer in one looks just the same as any other front loader washer, but oh it is so much more. The washer dryer in one stands about four feet tall and about three and a half feet wide and long. And at its very affordable price of nine hundred and ninety nine dollars and ninety nine cents it can be yours. That's much cheaper than paying for both a washer and a dryer unit together. And it has so many new and innovative features like the anti shrink feature, your clothes will now no longer shrink when you wash them for the first time. And the auto detect load size all you have to do is put in whatever size load you want big or small and the washer dryer in one will detect the size of the load and will adjust the time of the load accordingly.
The product is also made right here in the USA and it comes with a ten year warranty where if anything breaks on it we will fix it or pay for you to have a new one. And we are so sure of our product we are making a 30 full refund on your washer dryer in one if you don't like it for some reason you can return it within thirty days and you will receive a full refund. And it is so easy to use all you have to do is just put your clothes in the dryer then the auto detect will determine how long until your load will be done then you just push one button and your load will start and you will know exactly how long until it will be done.
In my opinion every person in America should have one of these in their home because simply it is the best household appliance ever made plain and simple. No other product can even come close to comparing to the performance of this product. I know this all sounds way too good to be true but this is the real deal and that's why we offer you the full refund if you are not one hundred percent satisfied with your washer dryer in one.
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