All-in-One Laundry with Heat Pump
The UltraFast Combo from GE is a great fit for a smaller home and has moisture-reducing technology.
In the United States, bigger is often considered better, so the idea of a compact all-in-one washer and dryer, although popular in Europe, doesn’t fit the ideal. But if you live in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), condo, apartment, or just a small home, having one unit to both wash and dry your laundry can save valuable space. If you have a large family, you could also install two combo units and double your laundry capacity while using the same amount of space as a standard washer/dryer. Combos are not necessarily new, but they are being improved to make more sense as a consumer choice.
The newly released (June 2023) UltraFast Combo from GE is one of these options, made all the more compelling by its ventless heat-pump technology. Ventless combo products are an attractive option for residents of buildings that may not have access to exterior ducting or for homeowners who want to minimize external penetrations and air loss. Some users of ventless condensing-type dryers, however, have complained about condensation build-up and high humidity. Heat-pump technology is able to remove more moisture from the air, and it reuses the heat in a closed-loop system while draining the moisture that is left over. This high-flow recirculation process also enables the clothes to dry at a lower temperature, making the UltraFast Combo more energy efficient than a vented dryer and less harsh on fabrics.
The UltraFast has a wash capacity of 4.8 cu. ft., putting it on the larger end of the load-capacity spectrum for combos. (A capacity of 4.5 cu. ft. is pretty standard.) It is 28 in. wide and 32 in. deep, needs only a 120v/15-amp outlet, and requires a hot and cold water supply and a standpipe drain, making it a flexible appliance for tighter spaces.
The cost of the UltraFast Combo model #PFQ97HSPVDS is $3000, and the pedestal is sold separately. This product is brand-new, so the jury is out on how it will perform with consumers, but it looks promising.
Photos: courtesy of the manufacturer
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