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Thread Number: 53856
Advice needed on combo washer |
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| Post# 761789 6/5/2014 at 20:19 (3,604 days old) by richardlxixxx (Old Westbury, New York) | ||
Dear Members,
I am now living in a smaller apartment in New York that does not have a washer/dryer hook up. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a combo washer dryer that I can wheel over to my sink and connect to the faucet. After substantial research, I have decided upon 3 units. In order of preference - 1) LG 2) Splendide 3) Equator. What are your recommendations that are not vintage? The extensive knowledge available from the membership on this site is impressive and very valuable. I thank you in advance. Richard | ||
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Post# 761794 , Reply# 1 6/5/2014 at 20:29 (3,604 days old) by Launderess  (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Welcome To My World!
Or at least NYC! *LOL*
Instead of a combination unit are you sure there isn't room for a nice compact front loader and a vintage Whirlpool/Kenmore dryer? Say this just from reading less than enthusiastic reviews of combination washer and dryer units. There seems to be a never ending supply out there of vintage Whirlpool/Kenmore compact dryers and am here to say you cannot kill the things. Mine at least runs at 1400watts or so which while not high heat is enough to get the job done, especially with well extracted (high spin speeds) laundry. When not in use a tablecloth will turn the dryer into a nice table or whatever. If you are set on going the combo route used Malber, Equator and even Asko/Eurotech units are/were popular in NYC (especially Manhattan) so you can often find them on CL or fleaPay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Equator-EZ3600CE... | ||
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Post# 761833 , Reply# 2 6/6/2014 at 02:16 (3,604 days old) by CleanteamofNY ((Monroe, New York) |
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Post# 761842 , Reply# 3 6/6/2014 at 06:49 (3,603 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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New Compact Combos
Sadly I can not recommend any, for starters the ones available in this country are all only 120 volts, so they are just too slow for much serious drying, this coupled with the drum size they are far less than satisfactory.
Durability of the drying system is the other big problem, most of the ones sold here in the last 20 years or so are pretty decent for washing, rinsing and spin drying loads of clothing, but that is about as far as it goes. Launderess idea to have a separate WP-KM 24" 120 compact dryer is the way to go if you can't get something larger, 240 volts or gas in your apartment. If I had to get a new Combination machine I would probably go the LG route based on customer feedback [ not my own direct experiences ] but I would be ready for disappointment if you expect it to act like American made dryers that you are probably used to using. John L. | ||
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Post# 761851 , Reply# 4 6/6/2014 at 07:37 (3,603 days old) by cuffs054 (MONTICELLO, GA) |
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I wonder if the new vented combos dry faster? I have the 120v kenmore stack at the trailer and it does a great job BUT you only wash or dry at one time. Its still faster than my last combo but not as user friendly. | ||
| Post# 761932 , Reply# 5 6/6/2014 at 15:21 (3,603 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii) | ||
 LG makes a full size, twenty seven inch wide combo It uses condensor drying and has a full 4.0 cu ft capacity. These work great as long as the cold water is lower then seventy eight degrees. The colder the incoming water, the faster the condensor drying works. I sold at least twenty of them in my time and no complaints. tlThat was because I made no promisses on their speed of cycles ,only their performance,durability,design and dependability. I see them on ebay and Craigs list under $1000 | ||
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Post# 761937 , Reply# 6 6/6/2014 at 15:32 (3,603 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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There is another thing
NYC tap water will become quite warm as the summer progresses. Yes, during the winter it can down right frigid, but once things heat up....
My biggest gripe with condenser dryers in general is they take far too long to get the job done, using electric at rates from Con Edison that are very dear. My AEG unit really is only useable from late Fall until mid-Spring or so depending upon the weather. | ||
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Post# 761943 , Reply# 7 6/6/2014 at 16:05 (3,603 days old) by RevvinKevin (Tinseltown - Shakey Town - La-La Land) |
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LG full size 27" condensing combo
Yes they are nice, but let's not forget about the 3+hour total wash/dry time per load.
Richard, one thing to think about is (I could be wrong) there are no combo machines that are designed to be "portable".
While I suppose it could be done and you rig up the usual "portable dishwasher" type of connections, you'd need to stay near by when running it to change the water temp at the faucet for the rinse.
You would also need a way to "lock" the machine in place when it's connected to the sink because it will move around. Also, there could be vibration issues as these machines most likely spin at 1000+RPM.
Just something to think about.
Kevin | ||
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Post# 761966 , Reply# 8 6/6/2014 at 17:22 (3,603 days old) by peteski50 (New York) |
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Combo!
I have a LG 2.3 capacity - it works for me because I do a lot of line drying. Make sure you get a good warentry in case of problems. The Equator used to be good. It is ashame with all the technology these companies dont make them with a 220 volt option.
I am sure they are not being made is because the companies would loose to much money on the dryers they are selling. Also I had spoke to a Whirlpool rep and I expressed how stupid it is that a machine can be set to tumble for 12 hours after a wash cycle but why cant it be drying? He admitted with the current dryer technology it would be a loss. Even with a 120 volt most of these machines should have a drying option. Peter | ||
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Post# 761984 , Reply# 9 6/6/2014 at 19:31 (3,603 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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New Combos | ||
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Post# 762044 , Reply# 10 6/7/2014 at 05:34 (3,602 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Don't know about anyone else but at one time Malber offered a "kit" to make their front loading washing machines & combo units portable. It consisted of caster and so forth.
IIRC the idea was to accommodate tight living spaces such as Manhattan and much of NYC where either kitchens are too small to fit the thing, and or leaving it near a water source was just not practical. The downside to this is that for the duration of use that Malber tied up one's kitchen or at least sink/faucet. With the combo unit this could be for hours as the thing required cold water for the condensing process and the drain hose needed to go somewhere as well. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK | ||
| Post# 762090 , Reply# 11 6/7/2014 at 13:48 (3,602 days old) by mickeyd (Hamburg NY) | ||
I searched and searched this stuff last winter, and indeed there are portable models. If drying times and sink use are an issue, just let the sucker rock 'n roll while you sleep; they're all pretty quiet, the LG just a barely audible whisper.
Ken Bajespuma said he used one during a hotel stay and loved it. Not sure if it was a Faygor (doubtful) or an Equator (probable).
Bought an LG after Christmas, not a Combo though, and can not stop talking about it. Imagine that the Combo is just as wonderful.
Good Luck, and welcome to New York State.
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| Post# 762136 , Reply# 12 6/7/2014 at 18:42 (3,602 days old) by richardlxixxx (Old Westbury, New York) | ||
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Combo Washer and Dryer
Good Evening,
Thank you all for the information. I have decided to sneak the electrician in to my apartment and have a 220 line installed. That way I can purchase an LG compact condenser dryer and also the 2.3 cubic foot compact LG washer. I will attach a portability kit to the washer and hook it up the kitchen faucet. Guess I will have to wait for the landlord to disappear for a while so I can facilitate this situation. I am so used to having my own washer and dryer, and I cannot tolerate using common area machines. God knows what has been washed in those machines. I am very particular about the laundry and prefer my own equipment. Again, thank all of you for the information. Richard | ||
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Post# 762177 , Reply# 15 6/7/2014 at 21:57 (3,602 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Installing Gas Devices Such as Dryers and Ranges
By NYC codes must be done by a licensed plumber. That alone will add an expense unless one knows such a person willing to do the job as a favor or something.
When a new range was being installed in our kitchen the original intent was to have our building's "super* do the job. Promptly informed all and sundry there would be none of that and thus be told. A licensed plumber is what the law calls for and that is what will happen, and in short order, it did. Am all for saving money but not when it comes to things that can go *BOOM* or leak vapor that will carry me off in the night. I've seen the film Gaslight. *LOL* NYCWritter's post illustrates something one has been saying on this board since first days in response to why Miele had problems selling in NYC. It doesn't matter what comes into the building or whatever, many NYC apartments barely have 100amp 120v service much less 208v-240, and the cost of doing such an upgrade *legally* was dear, so much dear than the cost of a Miele washer and dryer. Only times one heard of such upgrades is as part of total renovation of a kitchen or even better entire apartment. OTOH you have often the other side of the coin today. Many new luxury buildings and or conversions of former commercial spaces into residential in Manhattan offer 208v-240v service for say the laundry and or kitchen areas; but it comes with a trade off. Because of odd floor plans made necessary from carving out apartments from what were once factories, office buildings, warehouses and other commercial spaces laundry areas are not always located near an outside facing wall or courtyard/shaft. This means the dryer will have to be ventless (condenser) and that drives many up the wall. People are living in condos say in the Meatpacking District that cost tens of millions are "stuck" with Miele, Bosch or even AEG condenser dryers and they hate the things with a passion. In some instances the ventless dryer is given the push and a vented one installed. For a vent it is either those horrible bucket jobs or run a hose to the nearest window. To disguise the hose one of those window vents for portable ACs is used. During winter months when the vapor from a dryer vent would be noticed is another worry. | ||
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Post# 762525 , Reply# 19 6/9/2014 at 15:06 (3,600 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Laundry Facilities
According to persons we know in the RS trade things are getting better laundry wise. An example is shown below at the "Writing Room" apartments above the former Elaine's restaurant/bar in Yorkville.
Quite honestly the upper middle to high end customer is demanding laundry appliances or at least hook-ups so they can install their own. That and or the property not having restrictions on same. Washing machines and dryers are becoming what dishwashers were a decade or ago; less a luxury than a mod con which must be had. According to one's sources properties without in unit W&D and or that do not allow sell/rent for less in many cases. Even the UES "white glove" buildings from Lexington to Fifth Avenues are starting to realize this and allow washers and dryers to be installed. Part of what is driving this is all that shiny new construction below say 34th Street and especially downtown and of course Brooklyn. More often than not such properties *do* have washer and dryer connections if not units already installed. This means if you want to sell or rent your unit it will be at a loss without. Other force driving this trend is the explosion of families with children moving into or living in the City. CLICK HERE TO GO TO Launderess's LINK | ||
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Post# 762556 , Reply# 20 6/9/2014 at 17:16 (3,600 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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P.S.
If you look closely at the W&D hookup in the apartments linked above it is a Bosch washer with condenser dryer. Today it is around 65F to 70F in Manhattan with very high humidity, which means an air cooled condenser dryer is all but useless. Well suppose if you crank down the AC to make the place cold and dry...
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| Post# 762661 , Reply# 22 6/10/2014 at 05:37 (3,599 days old) by richardlxixxx (Old Westbury, New York) | ||
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Washer and Dryer
I have decided that honesty is the best policy. The landlord was informed of what I want to do and even recommended an electrician. The LG compact ventless condenser dryer is a perfect fit and the LG 2.3 cubic foot washer with the portability package will work perfectly. Landlord has approved of everything, so hopefully soon I will not have to use the common area laundry. Convenience of having your own readily accessible laundry is worth a lot to me. I cannot wait for the project to be finished.
Thank you for all the advice. Richard | ||
| Post# 762665 , Reply# 23 6/10/2014 at 05:58 (3,599 days old) by NYCWriter () | ||
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Richard ... ... good for you. Now you can sleep at night, and really enjoy using your new washer/dryer. By the way, I now officially hate you. ;) | ||
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Post# 762735 , Reply# 24 6/10/2014 at 11:16 (3,599 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany)) |
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@warmsecondrinse All condensing dryers today use air as cooling medium. Thus, lower ambient temperature means faster, more effectiv drying. Only combo units use water cooled condensors. There has been at least one Miele dryer that had a water cooled condensor, but it is verry rare and has been canceld in the late 70s, I think... | ||
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Post# 762852 , Reply# 25 6/10/2014 at 18:55 (3,599 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Condensing Dryers | ||
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Post# 763273 , Reply# 26 6/12/2014 at 15:42 (3,597 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey) |
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sometimes you have no choice.....either live with it, or improvise.....
but you have to wonder with some as to why they didn't have a list of things they would be looking to 'have' when they purchase a house or apartment....there would be priority, and then necessity.....hopefully fitting into their budget then again, I seen some not think of anything until after they moved in, or had no clue as to what they would want or need... some things I required when looking were cable or satellite natural gas high water pressure laundry room just to name a few..... | ||
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Post# 763309 , Reply# 27 6/12/2014 at 18:16 (3,597 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md) |
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Proper Living | ||
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Post# 763871 , Reply# 29 6/15/2014 at 20:27 (3,594 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Why Did You Buy The Apartment?
No small number of persons fail to grasp that no matter how dear the cost purchasing a unit in a multi-family building is *NOT* the same as owning a private house somewhere. By nature of the arrangement the former means one is subjected to certain rules and or laws governed and or set in place by the majority (the board).
This is one of the reasons brownstone/townhouse sales in Manhattan and large parts of Brooklyn have gone through the roof. Persons simply are not interested in spending millions on a property and not only being subjected to an approval process, then being told what they can and cannot do within or to same. Harlem is rapidly becoming the next big gay area of Manhattan due in no small part to large numbers purchasing brownstones up there. Mind you many tend to be couples and or single parents, but still they wanted to live in a "private" house and were willing to go into an area just a generation ago none would have given a second look. Ditto for Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill, Prospect Park, and so forth. | ||
| Post# 763887 , Reply# 30 6/15/2014 at 21:52 (3,594 days old) by NYCWriter () | ||
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Um ... "Why Did You Buy The Apartment?" Because I have to live SOMEWHERE and I couldn't afford a brownstone because I didn't have $8 million, I had "only" $3 million. As I said earlier, there always trade-offs. | ||
| Post# 763905 , Reply# 32 6/15/2014 at 23:56 (3,594 days old) by NYCWriter () | ||
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Jim ... ... well put! | ||
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