General Electric's largest stacked washer-dryer unit, the WSM2780, allows you to place both a washer and dryer in the space normally allotted to just one of these appliances. Stacked on top of each other, both washer and gas dryer fit in a space just 27 inches wide.

In order to take advantage of this Spacemaker model, you will need a space that will accommodate a height of 75-1/2 inches. This means you won't be able to use the WSM2780 under a shelf or laundry cabinet. You may, however, find that this unit will fit conveniently in a closet or a laundry center behind folding doors.

The biggest advantage of the WSM2780 is its large capacity. Although many combination washers are quite small, this one offers a larger-than-average capacity of 2.70 cubic feet. A familiar design, with a long track record, the SWM2780 can be expected to be reliable, and if a problem occurs, it is also fairly easy to repair.

One of the reasons this model is so easy to repair is that it uses older and more familiar technology. Models with newer technology offer exciting convenience features that the GE WSM2780 does not employ, such as automated water levels, temperature controls, fabric-protecting sensor-controlled dryer cycles and more. While these features provide superior care for clothing and are incredibly easy to use, they are more expensive and more likely to require costly repairs.

The WSM2780 offers the fairly basic features of one spin speed, three wash temperatures and three dryer settings. Simply put, these settings allow you to wash in hot, warm or cold and dry using normal, permanent press or delicate cycles. Although sufficient for most fabrics, these cycles lack the gentleness recommended for washing woolens, silks and other fine washables. The controls on this model likewise are quite basic -- mechanical knobs and dials are used to set the cycles. Although the features of the WSM2780 are quite basic, this model does offer the convenience of a bleach dispenser that allows you to add bleach at the beginning of the cycle instead of waiting for the tub to fill.

Typical of the stacked units sold in the United States for years, the WSM2780 is a practical, if unexciting unitized model. Only recently have we begun to see more expensive and innovative alternatives to this standard type of unit. If price, basic features and reliability are more important to you than specialized fabric care and conveniences, GE's WSM2780 may make perfect sense.


Pros: Good capacity, easy and inexpensive to repair
Cons: Lacks fabric-protecting sensor in the dryer, lightweight construction, basic low-tech features, poor energy efficiency

Warranty
1 year