After a year of selling GE Profile and LG combination washers and dryers, the repair stats are in.
Many people—maybe even you—are holding off to see if these all-in-one machines work.
It’s a smart move because, as I’ll explain later, they likely can’t be easily repaired.
In this article, you’ll discover whether these combo washers and dryers are reliable and why you might still want to consider separate units.
Let’s get started.
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Why Trust This Article
The number of comments and opinions on washer-dryer combos—both good and bad—is as polarized as any political debate.
I’ve never seen another appliance inspire such passionate yet opposing opinions.
You’ll find people who love these units and others who can’t stand them, sometimes in the same thread.
But what matters isn’t the opinions.
You (and I) need actual data on their performance, measured by service history and reliability.
I was intrigued. You will be, too.
By the way, you should know that we do not accept any money for our published videos or blogs.
We also do not use affiliate links to earn commissions from your purchases at any of the remarkably mediocre appliance stores.
Always check reviews before buying anything, especially when using those links.
A Brief History of Combo Washers and Dryers
Combo Washer and Dryers 1990-2022
The early combo units came from Europe, with brands like Malber and Equator that were hardly recognizable compared to today’s larger models.
These initial combo washers and dryers were compact, 24 inches wide, and designed to fit anywhere. They operated on ventless, 110-volt power.
However, they had two major flaws:
- If it worked, the cycle time was painfully long—often 4-6 hours or more.
- Lint wasn’t removed during the wash cycle, so it accumulated in the machine. Over time, this lint buildup made future service nearly impossible.
It was a guaranteed problem.
At first, it felt like we were the only ones sounding the alarm.
Now, every brand acknowledges lint as an issue.
Eventually, LG and Whirlpool entered the combo market, but neither solved the lint problem.
Combo Washers and Dryers 2023-2024
I sat next to Ken Rudolph, the lead project manager for what would become the GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer and Dryer.
We ate at a family-style Italian restaurant in Vegas during the 2023 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
This wasn’t by coincidence.
We’ve always been transparent about which appliances to avoid, and for years, combo washers and dryers topped that list.
But Ken assured me this new, larger model would be different. I ended up interviewing him on YouTube.
The new GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer and Dryer would feature a larger filter before the heat exchanger to capture lint.
If you look at the three main options today—Samsung, LG, and GE Profile—you’ll see they all now have filters by the heat exchanger.
This setup is intended to catch lint before it causes any issues.
Why Buy a Combo Washer and Dryer?
With a combo washer and dryer, you put in your dirty clothes, and they come out clean and dry. There’s no need to transfer the load from washer to dryer.
You can even have your laundry done when you wake up or head to the office.
Why Heat Pumps Make Combo Units Better
What makes the latest combo washers and dryers even more appealing is the addition of heat pump drying technology.
This allows the machine to work without a vent, meaning you can place it just about anywhere.
Combo units also run on standard 110-volt power.
And for Massachusetts residents, listen up: heat pump dryers are much more efficient than traditional vented dryers.
Here’s why:
Heat pump dryers recycle air with a compressor, passing it through an air exchanger and evaporator.
Vented dryers, on the other hand, use old-fashioned heating elements to pull in air and then vent the heat and energy out of the house.
Given the high utility rates, a heat pump dryer could save around $150 a year.
But there are some challenges:
The Drawbacks of Heat Pump Dryers
Repairing a heat pump dryer isn’t easy.
For starters, it requires a refrigerator technician—not your typical laundry repair technician—because the dryer contains a compressor, similar to a refrigerator.
Most service agencies train their technicians to specialize in specific appliances.
Laundry technicians handle washers and dryers, while heat pump repairs require someone skilled in refrigerant systems.
With these complexities in mind, the real test will be whether these machines hold up over time.
Combo Wash and Dryer Times
A separate washer and dryer setup is faster overall.
However, the time difference may not matter much if you load the combo unit before bed or work.
But a separate setup has an advantage if you have a lot of laundry.
You can reload the washer while the dryer is running, effectively washing and drying twice as much at once.
A separate washer and dryer will be much faster for a family of five with active kids and mountains of laundry.
How We Calculate Appliance Reliability
Reliability is calculated by dividing the number of units serviced by the number sold over 12 months, resulting in a service rate percentage.
We then compare this percentage across brands to rank their reliability.
Reliability Rates: GE vs. LG Combo Washers & Dryers
Combo Washer & Dryer Reliability for 2025
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 50 products sold and a total sample of over 100 products within 12 months.
| Service Rates | |
| LG | 8.5% |
| GE Profile | 9.5% |
| Grand Total | 9.2% |
GE Profile: 9.5% Service Rate
The GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer (model PFQ97HSPVDS) has a service rate of 9.5% over the past year.
It has features to make laundry easier, especially if you’re working with a smaller space.
The One-Step Wash + Dry feature allows you to wash and dry clothes in one cycle—just load, start, and return when you’re done.
As we mentioned earlier, that’s the best reason to buy a combo.
Since it’s ventless and runs on 110 volts, you can install it almost anywhere, which is ideal if you’re limited in space.
It also includes special cleaning cycles to remove allergens and germs, which is helpful if anyone in your home has allergies or sensitive skin.
Common Issues We’ve Seen with the GE Profile UltraFast
Though we haven’t encountered many complaints with the GE Profile UltraFast combo, here are the most common issues, along with tips to prevent them:
- Clearing Drains and Filters: Some calls were due to clogged drains and filters caused by not cleaning them regularly. Regular cleaning helps keep everything running smoothly, especially since this unit does washing and drying.
- Drain Pump Issues and Error Codes: A few instances involved Drain Error Codes or E18 Error Codes due to drainage issues. Sometimes, the drain pump was blocked or burned out from debris buildup. After replacing the pump and clearing the filter, the unit operated normally.
- Excessive Suds from Detergent: Some users experienced drainage issues when using certain detergents, like 7th Generation, in the dispenser. Using non-HE detergent can create too many suds, leading to drainage problems. For best results, use HE detergent as recommended.
Ultimately, the GE Profile all-in-one washer-dryer combo is built to perform reliably with regular maintenance and the right detergent.
LG: 8.5% Service Rate
LG’s combo washer and dryer, the WashCombo WM6998HBA, has an average service rate of 8.5%.
The LG WashCombo WM6998HBA is ventless and uses a standard 120-volt outlet, making it easy to install in almost any space, just like GE Profile’s combo.
With a 5-cubic-foot capacity, similar to Profile’s 4.8 cu. ft., it handles larger loads and includes 30 wash cycles and 18 settings.
The LG app lets you monitor and customize cycles and receive alerts when laundry is done.
Additional highlights include AI Direct Drive technology, which adjusts wash settings based on fabric type, and a 31-load automatic dispenser that prevents soap buildup.
For speed, TurboWash360 cuts any cycle to 30 minutes using five high-pressure sprays for a fast, thorough clean.
Common Issues We’ve Seen with the LG WashCombo
- Drainage Setup: A few drainage issues were caused by the drain hose not being positioned at the correct height during installation, which affected the venting. Proper hose placement usually resolves this.
- Drain Pump Obstructions: In some cases, an obstruction in the drain pump has caused minor issues. To prevent this, LG recommends clearing the drain pump regularly and avoiding overloading the unit.
- Lint Filter and Updates: Occasionally, the lint filter becomes stuck if it isn’t fully seated. LG suggests updating the unit and contacting customer service for an updated lint kit if needed. Ensuring the filter is correctly positioned and cleared as needed helps avoid this.
Are Combo Washers and Dryers Reliable in 2025?
Now that you’ve seen the benefits and service data for GE and LG combo units, let’s discuss their overall reliability.
The sample size is small—just over 100 units sold—but it gives us an idea of how these machines perform.
The GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer & Dryer has a 9.5% service rate, while LG’s WashCombo is slightly better at 8.5%.
Standalone front-load washers, by comparison, are much more reliable, with an average service rate of just 4.5%.
While combo units are close to the overall appliance average of 9%, they’re still more prone to repairs than separate washers and dryers.
The good news is that most issues—like clogged lint filters and drainage problems—are preventable with regular maintenance.
These aren’t major design flaws but do require attention.
Some problems are more common than others. Let’s break them down and look at how to avoid them.
Combo Washer and Dryer Repair Problems
Well, here’s the main culprit: people are leaving golf tees, coins, and other debris in their pockets.
Over time, this buildup clogs the drain.
Note: Always empty your pockets before starting a wash.
Fortunately, the dreaded flood of lint-clogged machines hasn’t hit… at least not yet.
The Lint Issue
We’ve got one year’s worth of data, and so far, so good.
But we don’t yet know how these units hold up beyond the first year, so the results are inconclusive for years two and beyond.
Although the results look promising, you’ll still need to be vigilant about cleaning the lint filter to avoid issues.
So why are there so many issues being reported nationwide?
I don’t doubt that issues are being reported.
But remember, much of appliance reliability depends not on the appliance itself but on how it’s handled—especially during warehousing and delivery.
With today’s shortage of skilled technicians, there’s more room for damage and issues unrelated to actual reliability. This handling and delivery problem is a challenge for most stores.
Before buying a combo unit, take a moment to Google reviews of the stores you’re considering.
Key Takeaways
The combo looks promising after one year.
I’m sure many people will point out that a 9% repair rate doesn’t seem promising, but many of these service calls are preventable.
We’ll check back next year with more updates on lint issues.
I still believe combos are an excellent option for people who can’t vent or don’t have 220-volt power.
However, families with heavy laundry needs should remember that doing laundry will take twice as long.
Still, the combo is an interesting product to consider.
Just keep these tips in mind:
- Clean the lint screen every time.
- Remember to check your pockets.
- Use the right detergent.
Feel free to leave your questions or comments below. Thanks for reading!
Additional Resources
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