BETTER THAN GE? The LG All in One Washer Dryer Combo: Test, Teardown & Review

Bens Appliances and Junk

25 Jan 202429:12

Summary

TLDRThe script discusses LG's new 2-in-1 combo washer and dryer that claims to wash and dry clothes in just 2 hours. It provides an in-depth review, testing the machine's performance on various loads to evaluate wash and dry times. Key points covered are the machine's features, wash and dry cycles, app connectivity, noise levels, energy usage, tear down and inspection of the heat pump system, reliability concerns due to the small compressor, and comparisons to GE's similar combo machine. The review finds the LG machine solid overall but notes it did not meet the advertised 2 hour wash/dry times.

Takeaways

😊 The LG 2-in-1 combo washer/dryer claims to wash and dry clothes in just 2 hours
👍 The large 5 cubic foot drum capacity and 120 volt power requirements allow flexible installation
🤔 The actual wash and dry times were longer than claimed, closer to 3-4 hours
💡 The AI wash and dry features adjust cycles for faster completion times
📱 The LG ThinQ app provides impressive remote monitoring and control capabilities
🔬 The heat pump drying system is smaller than competitors, raising durability concerns
⚠️ Lint buildup behind the filter housing could reduce airflow and drying performance
😀 The washing machine quality and reliability match LG's reputation
😕 The 1 year compressor warranty seems short for an unproven heat pump system
👍 Despite some limitations, the LG 2-in-1 exceeds the GE model through advanced features

Q & A

What are the key features of the LG 2-in-1 combo washer dryer?
-The LG 2-in-1 combo washer dryer has a large 5 cubic foot wash capacity, a heat pump drying system instead of a vent, runs on standard 120V power, and has WiFi connectivity with a smartphone app for controls and monitoring.
How long did the first test wash and dry cycle take?
-The first test wash and dry cycle took around 4 hours and 40 minutes total.
What kind of compressor and refrigerant does the LG use for the heat pump?
-The LG uses an LG E072MA rotary compressor with R134a refrigerant.
What was the peak temperature reached during the overnight drying test?
-During the overnight test with blankets, the LG heat pump reached a peak temperature of 126.8°F.
How does the LG heat pump compare in size to the GE heat pump?
-The LG heat pump system is about 1/3 to 1/4 the size of the GE heat pump system.
What is the warranty length on the LG heat pump compressor?
-The LG heat pump compressor only has a 1 year warranty.
What wash and dry time was achieved on the second test with lighter clothing?
-On the second test with lighter clothing, the total wash and dry time was around 3 hours.
What is the capacity of the LG wash drum compared to a typical standalone dryer?
-The LG has a 5 cubic foot wash drum capacity compared to 7.6 cubic feet for a typical standalone dryer.
What is the final recommendation on purchasing the LG combo unit?
-The recommendation is to purchase either the LG or GE combo unit depending on which is cheaper and to get an extended warranty due to the new technology.
What advantage does the LG have over the GE combo unit?
-The LG has a better smartphone app than the GE for remote control and monitoring.