An unusual product, the LG Electronics WM3677HW washer/dryer combo is a 27-inch, one-drum machine that washes and dries all in the same space. While at first this sounds like the ideal solution for doing everyone's laundry, there is, unfortunately, a catch. The catch is that this machine, like any other washer/dryer of this type, only makes sense in instances where a conventional washer/dryer simply will not work.

Chances are if a traditional washer/dryer won't work in your home, you're already very aware of that fact. Conventional washer/dryers require outside venting for proper operation of the dryer. If outside venting is not an option for you, you may want to consider LG's WM3677HW. This machine offers a front-loading washer that has many useful features combined with a ventless condensation dryer.

Using the condensation dryer on the WM3677HW can be a bit tricky. It dries clothing by using heat and relying on condensation and evaporation to eliminate the residual moisture. As a result, drying a full load in LG's WM3677HW takes a long time -- so long that the manufacturer suggests drying only half of the machine's capacity at a time.

Instead of ending up with some wet laundry waiting to be dried, we suggest washing just a half load at a time in this machine, especially if you intend to continue right on to the drying cycle after washing. Another option is to fill the machine completely -- half with clothing that you will machine dry and half with clothing that you intend to hang dry. Either way, it's unfortunate that this machine, with its very large 3.72-cubic-foot capacity, can never really be utilized to its fullest.

Even though you may never fill the WM3677HW completely, you might find the fact that it fits in a closet to be just the solution you need. And since a closet is unlikely to be near a 220-volt dryer outlet, you will be equally pleased to find that this combination model requires only a regular 120-volt household outlet. When you're deciding where to place this LG model, you will want to keep in mind that it can produce a fair amount of hot, moist air, especially if it is overly full. For this reason, be wary of placing it where moisture could cause damage to your home. Often a kitchen or bathroom area makes a good choice for the WM3677HW.

Since this unit can be vulnerable to a host of varying conditions in the home, we strongly suggest purchasing an extended warranty. That way you will be covered should any service calls be required to get your combo unit up and running just right.

Although the LG WM3677HW is a viable solution for some homes, we recommend using a vented dryer if at all possible -- the results are far more satisfactory. If a vented dryer is not an option for you, we recommend looking at the LG Electronics WM3677HW.


Pros: Washes and dries in same high-capacity drum, doesn't require outside venting, has fairly small space requirements, operates on regular, household 120 volt power, dries with a sensor
Cons: Dries very slowly, recommended drying capacity is a half load, prone to producing lots of moisture -- especially if over-loaded

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor; 2 years, control board; 7 years, drum; lifetime, motor