Washer Dryer Combo vs Separate Washer and Dryer: Which Is Better for NZ Homes?
Compare a 2-in-1 washer dryer with a separate washer and dryer, including how much space each setup needs, how much laundry it can dry, and what it costs to run in a New Zealand home.
Washer dryer combo or separate washer and dryer?
Quick answer: choose a 2-in-1 washer dryer combo if space is tight and you dry smaller loads. Choose a separate washer and dryer if you have a busy household, wash large loads, or want the lowest drying costs.
Laundry takes up more of the week than most of us would like, so the right setup makes a real difference. In New Zealand, damp winters and small laundries mean many households weigh up a washer dryer combo against a separate washing machine and dryer.
This guide explains the difference, compares running costs and space, and helps you choose the best washing machine and dryer combo for your home.
What is a washer dryer combo?
The term washer dryer combo is used in two ways, so it helps to know which one you are looking at.
1. A 2-in-1 washer dryer
This is a single washing machine and dryer in one. It washes your clothes, then dries them in the same drum without you moving the load. It takes up the space of one front loader.
2. A washer and dryer package
This is a washing machine and a separate dryer sold together as a matched pair, often at a bundle price. You get two machines that can run at the same time, and they can often be stacked with a stacking kit to save floor space.
Our washer dryer combo range includes both options.
2-in-1 vs separate washer and dryer at a glance
| Feature | 2-in-1 washer dryer | Separate washer and dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | One machine footprint | Two machines, or one footprint if stacked |
| Drying capacity | Smaller than wash capacity (e.g. 8kg wash / 5kg dry) | Full load, often 8–10kg dryers |
| Washing and drying at once | No, one load at a time | Yes, wash one load while drying another |
| Drying running costs | Usually higher than a heat pump dryer | Lowest with a heat pump dryer |
| Venting | Not needed | Needed for vented dryers, not for heat pump dryers |
| Upfront cost | One machine to buy | Higher overall, but bundles save money |
| If something breaks | You lose both washing and drying | The other machine still works |
| Best for | Apartments, couples, small laundries | Families, large loads, frequent drying |
In short, a 2-in-1 wins on space, while a separate washer and dryer wins on capacity, speed and running costs.
2-in-1 washer dryer: pros and cons
Pros
- Saves space. One machine does both jobs, which suits apartments, townhouses and small laundries.
- Set and forget. You can wash and dry in one cycle, with no need to move wet clothes.
- No venting needed. Most 2-in-1 machines dry without an outside vent, so they suit rentals and inside cupboards.
- One purchase. You only buy, deliver and install one appliance.
Cons
- Smaller drying load. The dryer side usually holds less than the washer, so you may need to dry a full wash in two batches.
- Longer cycles. A full wash and dry can take several hours, and you cannot start the next wash until it finishes.
- Higher drying costs. Drying in a 2-in-1 generally uses more energy than a heat pump dryer.
- One point of failure. If the machine needs repair, you lose both washing and drying.
Our Midea 8kg Wash / 5kg Dry 2-in-1 Washer Dryer is a compact front loader option for smaller homes.
Separate washer and dryer: pros and cons
Pros
- Bigger loads. Dry a full wash in one go, which matters for families and bedding.
- Faster laundry days. Wash one load while the previous load dries.
- Lower running costs with a heat pump dryer. Heat pump dryers carry high energy star ratings and are much cheaper to run than vented dryers.
- Flexibility. If one machine breaks, the other still works, and you can upgrade each one separately.
Cons
- More space. Two machines side by side need a wider laundry, unless you stack them.
- Higher upfront cost. You are buying two appliances, although packages reduce the total.
- Venting for vented dryers. Budget vented dryers need ventilation to remove moist air.
Short on floor space? Many front loaders and heat pump dryers can be stacked with a Midea Drill-Free Stacking Kit. Always check compatibility before buying.
Which is cheaper to run?
For drying, a separate heat pump dryer is usually the cheapest option to run. It recycles warm air instead of venting it outside, which is why heat pump dryers carry much higher energy star ratings than vented models.
A 2-in-1 washer dryer is convenient, but drying in a combined machine generally uses more electricity per load than a dedicated heat pump dryer. A vented dryer is the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to run.
| Dryer type | Upfront cost | Running cost | Venting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vented dryer | Lowest | Highest | Needed |
| 2-in-1 washer dryer | Medium | Medium to high | Not needed |
| Heat pump dryer | Higher | Lowest | Not needed |
To compare specific models, check the Energy Rating label. More stars means lower running costs, and the label shows yearly energy use in kWh. Multiply that figure by your power price to estimate the yearly cost.
Browse our dryers to compare heat pump and vented models.
Which setup suits your household?
| Household | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 people, apartment or small laundry | 2-in-1 washer dryer | Saves space, smaller loads |
| Renters with no vent | 2-in-1 or heat pump dryer package | No outside vent needed |
| Family of 3–5 | Washer + heat pump dryer package | Full loads, lower running costs |
| Large family, lots of bedding | 10kg washer + 10kg heat pump dryer | Handles big loads quickly |
| Tight budget | Top loader + vented dryer package | Lowest upfront price |
If you dry most loads, a separate heat pump dryer usually pays back its higher price through lower power bills. If you mostly air-dry and only use a dryer in winter, a 2-in-1 can be the practical choice.
Best washing machine and dryer combos at Appliance World
Here are some of our popular options (check the product page for current pricing):
| Model | Type | Capacity | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea 8kg Wash / 5kg Dry 2-in-1 MFA01D80B/W-AU | 2-in-1 washer dryer | 8kg wash / 5kg dry | $999 | Apartments, couples, small laundries |
| Hygiene Life Washer & Dryer Package DMWM55G2 + DMDV70 | Top loader + vented dryer | 5.5kg wash / 7kg dry | $789 | Budget setups, small households |
| Midea 9kg Steam Wash + 8kg Heat Pump Dryer Combo | Front loader + heat pump dryer | 9kg wash / 8kg dry | $1,799 | Families wanting low running costs |
| Toshiba 10kg Front Loader + 10kg Heat Pump Dryer Combo | Front loader + heat pump dryer | 10kg wash / 10kg dry | $2,548 | Large families, bedding and big loads |
Note: the Midea 9kg + 8kg package cannot be stacked directly and needs a stacking kit. Want to build your own pair? Browse front loader washing machines and dryers separately, or see the full washer dryer combo range.
Frequently asked questions
How does a washer dryer combo work?
A 2-in-1 washer dryer washes your clothes, then switches to a drying cycle in the same drum. It heats air to dry the clothes and removes the moisture without an outside vent. Because the drum needs room for clothes to tumble, the drying capacity is smaller than the washing capacity.
Are washer dryer combos any good?
Yes, for the right household. A 2-in-1 is a good choice if you are short on space and dry smaller loads. If you have a large family or dry most loads, a separate washer and heat pump dryer will be faster and cheaper to run.
Can you stack a washer and dryer?
Yes, many front load washing machines and heat pump or condenser dryers can be stacked using a compatible stacking kit. Stacking saves floor space but never stack without the correct kit. Check the product page or ask our team about compatibility.
Is a heat pump dryer worth it?
For most households that use a dryer regularly, yes. Heat pump dryers cost more upfront but use much less electricity than vented dryers, so the savings add up over the life of the machine. They also dry more gently and need no outside vent.
What is the best washing machine and dryer combo?
It depends on your space and how much you dry. For small homes, a 2-in-1 like the Midea 8kg/5kg suits well. For families, a front loader paired with a heat pump dryer, such as the Midea 9kg + 8kg or Toshiba 10kg + 10kg package, offers bigger loads and lower running costs.
Find your washer dryer combo at Appliance World
The best setup depends on your space and how you do laundry. A 2-in-1 washer dryer saves space and keeps things simple, while a separate washer and heat pump dryer is faster and cheaper to run for busy households.
Shop our washer dryer combo range online, with interest-free payment options available.
Prefer to see them in person? Visit our team at one of our three stores:
- Mid Auckland: 707C Great South Road, Penrose. Phone 09 930 0902
- East Auckland: 2/212 Burswood Drive, Burswood. Phone 09 930 0622
- Christchurch: 17 Winchcombe Street, Christchurch Central City. Phone 03 222 2488
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