Best Washer Dryer Combo Units for Apartment or Condo Laundry Closets

When my husband and I bought our second condo, we were thrilled for so many reasons. We loved our adorable little co-op we previously owned in Hermosa Beach. Some perks include the pier (great seafood), awesome parties and a 24-7 view of the beach and Pacific Ocean. Breathtaking sunsets and margaritas were the norm. But what we loved barely outweighed what we hated the most - namely our weekly schlep to the local Laundromat.

Don't get me wrong. The pay-o-matic-laundry facility has its charms. Mildew smelling washers with free surf and turf inside the machines, dryers that burn your clothes to a crisp, the colorful bums who hang outside looking for "spare change," and of course the inevitable clothes thief who manages to nab your best towels and dress when you go into the defunct toilet for a comfort break.

Our second condo was a real gem. Two bedrooms, a loft, a balcony complete with view of the adjacent vacant lot and, best of all, a wonderful laundry closet just waiting for the arrival of aour new stackable washer dryer unit. Deep sigh. Some people wait for the arrival of little feet. We anxiously waited for the close of escrow check so we could run down to the appliance store to pick out a shiny new laundry unit. We closed escrow in early December, so we were able to capitalize on some great deals including no sales tax and free local delivery.

There were so many to choose from, at first glance, it seemed the best choice would be the cheapest one that was already in stock. They all looked the same and did badically the same things, wash and dry. Talking with the salesperson was enlightening for sure. We decided on a mid price range Maytag and were so excited. Unfortunately, when it arrived, it was about 2 inches too wide and too high. At the store, they seemed pretty standard. Wrong assumption. We ended up having to remove the plantation shutters that concealed the laundry closet, though we were still pleased to never have to go the the washomatic again. Lesson learned about measuring and preplanning.

With the economy being in the shape it's in, it might be worth asking for a little extra service for your money. Free delivery or an upgrade are nice extras to request, depending on the store. With cash in hand, everything is negotiable. The smart retailer will appreciate you. Here are my favorites:

1. Kenmore 27 inch Extra Large capacity with gas or electric dryer- Retails for around $1,000 but offering rebates right now.

2. Whirlpool 1.5 cubic foot 5-cycle Washer/Dryer Combo- Retails for $1,069

3. Maytag Superstack Washer/Dryer Combo- Retails for about $1,200

So with that in mind, there are a few very important considerations to look into before ever setting foot into the showroom.

Also keep these things in mind:

· Measure the inside and outside dimensions of the laundry closet.

· Know ahead of time if you want a gas or fully electric unit.

· Plan on also purchasing the dryer duct/exhaust vent package for venting to the outdoors.

· Leave at least 2 inches inside the closet for air and heat to circulate around the machine.

· Give careful consideration to the amount of laundry you and your housemates do weekly. A unit with smaller baskets might be cheaper but you'll be doing more loads, which will cost more money in the long run.

· Silence is golden. Living space is at a premium in a condo or apartment, so remember how important peace and quiet are and invest in a better machine with less rattling.

· Remember, when you do buy your house, the stackable can go with you to most garages.

If possible, buy from a larger chain (like Sears, Best Buy) to maximize benefit of reliable service when needed. And then be prepared for the tearful goodbye to long lines at the change machine and spending all day Sunday watching your unmentionables on display at the laundromat.