How we test washer-dryer combos
These all-in-one laundry units can be an essential space-saver for smaller homes.
Last updated: 21 Sep 2026
Living in an apartment or a smaller home? A washer-dryer combo may be the compact cleaning solution for all your laundry needs.
They combine a front-loader washing machine and a condenser or heat-pump dryer into a single unit that’s roughly the same size as a medium-to-large washing machine. Our experts can help you find which models perform similarly to – or better than – a standalone washer and dryer set, while taking up half the space.
How we choose what we test
We prioritise washer-dryer combos that you’re likely to see in stores, which means you’ll mainly see models from big-name brands in our test. We also speak to manufacturers and retailers to find out which models will still be on shelves for the foreseeable future, to ensure our results remain useful until the next test.
Our experts speak to retailers to find out which models are available and selling well, and we also take feedback from our members about what to test. If enough people in the CHOICE community want us to investigate a particular model, we’ll test it.
Our expert testers and lab
Our expert testers have decades of experience in the laundry lab testing washers, dryers and washer-dryer combos. Many of them sit on international and Australian standards committees, which helps us stay up to date with the latest testing protocols and standards.
We maintain a NATA-accredited laboratory that is up to date with the latest reference machines and calibrated measurement tools, so our testers can bring you accurate results.
How CHOICE tests washer-dryer combos
To test washer-dryer combos, we followed the most logical approach: we simply combined our existing test methods for washing machines and dryers into a single test. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Below is a basic explanation of how each test is performed, with more detailed explanations available in the linked articles. However, the score weightings for washer-dryer combos are slightly different to how we calculate scores for washing machines or dryers as standalone appliances.
How we test washing machines
CHOICE follows Australian and international testing standard for washing machines, which includes a detailed list of cotton materials such as bed sheets, small towels and pillow cases. We also use swatches of cloth that are embedded with a specific amount of dirt and fray swatches that are identical.
This is to ensure consistency while minimising variables as much as possible. That way, results between different machines and brands are directly comparable.
Our experts use a normal, cold wash setting and detergent that is made up of a very specific formula. If this setting isn’t available, we use the closest approximation to a normal, cold wash.
How we test dryers
Our dryers test adheres the same local and international standards as washing machines, including materials used. However, our dryer load testing is based on feedback from our members in order to best reflect real world performance.
By polling our members, we found that most households don’t dry a full load of clothes, linens, towels every time. The loads most people dry tend to be smaller, so we use a 3.5kg load in our test.
We introduced a bedding performance assessment to our dryers test in 2025, using the most appropriate program available – “bed”, “bedding” or “bedsheet” for example. If an obvious bedding cycle isn’t available, we use an alternative such as “duvet”, “towel” or “heavy items”.
Energy rating vs CHOICE test results
Energy star ratings are an excellent form of advertising, so manufacturers work hard to get the best energy and water ratings possible. Many people may not be aware that the Energy Rating Label is based on a specific program nominated by the manufacturer during the efficiency test. Unfortunately, the program the manufacturer selects to have their energy star rating based on is not usually what consumers will necessarily choose at home.
But our methods are based on real-world usage scenarios, which is why our results don’t always match the star rating sticker.
Washer-dryer combos test criteria explained
The CHOICE Expert Rating is made up of:
- Overall washing performance (70%)
- Overall drying performance (30%)
Existing washer and dryer test methods make up these scores.
Washer test criteria explained
The washing machine test, which makes up our overall washing performance results, is made up of:
- Dirt removal (40%)
- Rinse performance (20%)
- Gentleness (15%)
- Water efficiency (15%)
- Spin efficiency (10%)
Models with cycle times longer than 90 minutes receive a penalty reflecting the extra time taken for our test cycle. This penalty applied to the overall score ranges from 2% to 8%.
Dryer test criteria explained
The dryer test, which makes up the overall drying performance for washer-dryer combos tested before 2026 adhere to the old method, which is made up of:
- Energy efficiency (60%)
- Drying time (40%)
The overall drying performance for models tested in and after 2026 are made up of:
- Energy efficiency (30%)
- Moisture reduction (30%)
- Drying time (20%)
- Bedding performance (20%)
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
Denis Gallagher is a Senior project officer for Digital home products and also works on test projects for the laundry and fridge labs. He produces tests for gadgets, phones, cameras and home entertainment gear as well as TVs, washing machines, dishwashers and fridges.
Previously at CHOICE, Denis worked as a Content producer for digital products. Prior to CHOICE, Denis worked as an Assistant editor on Golf Australia magazine and Editor for Multimedia and Videocamera magazine.
Denis has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Diploma of Journalism from Macleay College.
