Home appliances like washer dryer sets are always evolving. The machines we use today are far more high-tech, energy efficient, and stylish than they were decades ago. There are many new and exciting features with washers and dryers nowadays. These range from smart connectivity and AI. It includes more energy efficient designs and new design set-ups. There are even products that go beyond the basic washer and dryer.
Washers and dryers with built-in Wi-Fi
Now, washers and dryers have built-in Wi-Fi and work with apps. These apps afford the ability to do things like check on the status of a wash or a dry. You don’t need to run to the laundry room to see how much time is left for a load. Call up the app and it will tell you.
Some also allow for remote control, including selecting or adding special cycles. Many include troubleshooting tips and firmware updates. Some even let you connect to assistance for remote diagnostics. With some, you can learn when parts need replacing and order them right from the app.
I use an LG washer and dryer pair, for example, which works with the LG ThinQ app. You’ll find this app works with many LG machines, like the new LG 5.7 cubic foot high-efficiency electric washer and dryer combo. I can see the status of the washer and dryer (along with other LG connected products I have in the home, like an LG TV). There’s a history of the most recently used cycles. You can download new cycles, see when the tub should be cleaned, and get smart diagnosis. It even provides a detailed report of energy usage. Smart diagnosis lets you know if an issue is detected. For example, at the time of this writing, the app advised that the duct or lint filter is clogged in my dryer, advising me to check. There’s also a link to contact customer support if needed.
Wi-Fi in laundry pairs is about more than just connectivity for the sake of connectivity. There are useful and practical reasons for the inclusion of this technology.
AI is making its way to the laundry room
Some of the latest washers and dryers, including washer dryer combos (yes, there are machines that can do both in one drum!) even include AI technology that affords tons of benefits. AI appliances include intelligent technology that provides automation through machine learning. This might be to run cycles more efficiently, like using less water if you’re only doing a half load. Or it might intelligently switch from hot to cold water when it senses you are washing delicate items. For a dryer, it can sense how damp clothing is and only run as long as needed, at the temperature needed, to make them sufficiently dry.
AI technology in some machines like Samsung’s Bespoke line can sense what’s put inside. This includes the type, weight, and even soil level of items. Then, it adjust the wash cycle accordingly. Some have automatic detergent dispensing so you can fill enough for dozens of loads.
Thanks to AI, you can bring the laundry room into the 21st Century to match the rest of your smart home. The technology can help you save not only time but also money by reducing electricity usage as it learns your patterns and needs.
New and exciting design options
Washers and dryers now come in new and exciting designs. Side-by-side washers and dryers have been the traditional design. But we’re seeing more and more tower designs, like with the Samsung 5.3 cubic foot electric washer and dryer laundry hub and the LG WashTower sets. These take up less floor space in the laundry room. Instead, they make use of extra height. This also makes them easier to use since the dryer is at eye level.
Front loading machines for both side-by-sides and tower models have been around for some time and continue to be popular. But we’re also now seeing more things like touch-sensitive controls vesus traditional buttons and knobs. Many have custom or sensor settings. You’ll find things like digital displays as well. There are different innovations with the drum, including larger sizes and better, more durable materials.
When it comes to finishes, while there’s silver stainless and black stainless, you’ll find exciting other colors, too. Even traditional white is making a comeback of sorts. The Samsung 5.3 cubic foot electric washer dryer laundry hub is available in this lighter hue.
Washer dryer combo machines are making waves
Whether it’s preferred because of space constraints, convenience, or desire, the latest innovations even allow for washing and drying in the same machine through washer dryer combos. These single unit machines, like the GE 5.5 cubic foot UltraFast electric washer and dryer combo, can wash a load of clothing, then run a dry cycle immediately after using the same drum. They use a ventless system, which allows for placement virtually anywhere in the home. Once a wash is done, the machine flushes out excess water and detergent. It then starts a dry cycle using condensation and steam.
There are tons of benefits to these types of machines, including space-saving and time. Once you put a load in, you can forget about it for a while. When you get to it, it will be fresh, clean, and dry, ready to fold or hang. Since the dryers typically work much more slowly, they help reduce energy usage. But this also means they’re gentler on clothing.
While washer dryer combos aren’t for everyone, for those who typically do a load or two each week, they’re perfect. If you value time and effort over being able to do multiple loads at once, these machines make might sense.
Ventless machines offer advantages
Some of the latest dryer models boast condenser versus heat pump technology. The advantage with condenser dryers is that they are ventless, using a closed loop heat exchange system, which dries at a low and slow temperature. This means clothing takes longer to dry. But it is also gentler on items. You’ll often find condenser technology in washer dryer combos, but some standalone dryers use it, too.
Since these do not require ventilation outside of the home, you can place them anywhere, from the main level to even upstairs. Thus, ventless machines offer advantages when it comes to design and aesthetics as well. You no longer need to tuck the washing machine and dryer away somewhere in the basement.
There are still benefits with heat pump models, it should be noted. For example, with the Samsung 6.1 cubic-foot washer and heat pump dryer combo, you can get an entire load done in just 98 minutes. If you need to get clothing dried quickly, you might prefer this type. But the most important factor is that with the latest technology, you have options.
Going beyond the traditional washer and dryer
Laundry day is no longer just about a traditional washer and dryer. Sure, we have always used things like handheld steamers, irons, and ironing boards, too. But the latest tech kicks things up a notch. Appliances like the LG Styler steam clothing care system are unique options. This one is for those who have delicate clothing that’s prone to wrinkles. That might be dress pants, skirts, blouses, and crisp white button shirts.
As the name implies, it uses steam to refresh and sanitize clothing, then gently dry them and remove odours. This is ideal for clothing that is typically dry cleaned but that you want to wear a few times before sending them off. It might be a pair of work pants you only wore for a few hours. Or maybe it’s your favourite blazer you need for two events in a row. Plus, this machine works for items like stuffed animals and bedding, too.
Laundry day is evolving
One day in the future, home appliances might be able to fold and put clothing away for us. For now, the latest washer and dryer technology, along with other unique appliances, can pretty much do everything but. The latest innovations help take the guesswork out of laundry day. Even those who are unsure about what cycle or temperature to use can rest easy that the latest machines intelligently figure it out for you.
Once you’re ready for an upgrade, read through our appliances buying guide to help you choose the perfect washer and dryer pair, or washer dryer combo, to meet you needs. Then, find a wide selection of washers and dryers at Best Buy online.
