Home Appliances

Buying home appliances in Canada: washer-dryer combos

A washer-dryer combo washes and dries in one drum, so you only need space for a single machine. That makes combos popular in condos, apartments and basement suites where a side-by-side or stacked pair won't fit.

Is a combo right for your household?

A combo shines when space is the main constraint and you do laundry in regular, moderate loads. It's also handy when you want to start a load before work and come home to dry clothes. Larger families that run several loads back to back may prefer a separate washer and dryer, because a combo can't wash one load while drying another. Think about your weekly routine before you decide.

Understanding capacity

The Mijia Front Load Washer Dryer Pro 9kg has a 9 kg washing capacity, or about 19.8 lb of dry laundry per wash. Combo machines often dry a smaller load than they wash, so check the drying capacity on the specification sheet. If you plan to wash and dry in one continuous cycle, you may need to load less than the full washing capacity.

What the energy claim means

According to the manufacturer, this model is 25% more energy-efficient than energy class A. That figure is based on the European Union's energy rating scale, which differs from the EnerGuide ratings used in Canada, so it isn't a direct comparison with Canadian labels. It's still a useful signal of efficiency relative to other EU-rated machines.

Front-load basics

Front-loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water instead of filling a tub, so they generally use less water than traditional top-loaders. Use the detergent type the manual recommends, usually a low-sudsing high-efficiency (HE) formula, and leave the door ajar after use so the drum and gasket can dry.

Installation checklist

• Space and clearance: measure the spot, including room for the door to open and for hoses behind the machine.
• Delivery path: check doorways, stairs and elevators against the machine's dimensions.
• Water and drain: confirm your water supply and drain match the installation requirements in the manual.
• Electrical: review the electrical requirements on the specification sheet. Some laundry appliances need a dedicated circuit, so ask an electrician if you're unsure.
• Drying setup: check the specification sheet for any venting or condensing requirements.
• Floor: a level, solid floor reduces vibration during the spin cycle.
• Building rules: some condos have rules about in-suite laundry, so check before you buy.

Protection after you buy

Appliances are covered by our 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Planning a bigger refresh? Compare refrigerators, browse smart home cleaning, or read our air conditioner guide before summer arrives.