Doing laundry is a time-consuming task. It’s also a task that I hate. My washing machine and dryer are loud, I can’t run them when I’m trying to work, and the whole process is inconvenient. Plus, switching laundry from the washer to dryer takes time and inevitably interrupts whatever I’m doing.
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo changes that. The best washer dryer combos feature a washer and dryer in one unit, and the machine can save valuable space in a laundry room. The LG Mega Capacity Washer Dryer Combo has been equipped with plenty of helpful and smart features, too, and LG promotes the fact that it’s capable of washing and drying a load of laundry in two hours.
I was intrigued and eager to try it out. I tested it with a variety of materials, stains, settings, and plenty of cat hair to see if it delivered on those promises.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: Price & Availability
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo is a premium product. Originally priced at $2,999, at the time of writing it could be bought for $2,499 which was consistent across multiple retailers. While LG’s washer and dryer sets retail for around $1,500, all-in-one washer dryer combo prices range from about $1,000 to $3,000. This machine is equipped with many smart features, and its price seems to be appropriate given those extra features.
You can buy the LG All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo directly from LG, as well as from Home Depot.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: First impressions
LG sent me the washer dryer combo, and the machine was delivered by FedEx Freight. FedEx Freight called me to schedule the delivery, and I was able to schedule delivery for the next afternoon. I received a five-hour delivery window.
The delivery truck arrived toward the end of the delivery window, but quickly disclosed that he wouldn’t be able to move the washer into my house or onto my porch, which is up three stairs. He explained that those details should have been shared with me during the scheduling call. The machine is shipped on a pallet, and the driver is only equipped with a basic pallet jack incapable of lifting the pallet up stairs.
I had the driver leave the box as close to my front door as possible and recruited a friend to help me move the machine. This proved to be quite a feat, as there was snow on the ground and the machine and box combined weighed 260 pounds. We did manage to get the washer dryer combo into the house using a hand truck, but the process took almost an hour. The box was so wet from snow in the process that it was easy to remove, since I was able to basically peel the box off of the machine.
The washer dryer combo is shipped in a heavy-duty cardboard box with a large piece of styrofoam at the top and bottom of the box. Despite the struggle of getting it into the house, the machine was still in excellent condition when I unboxed it. It was also covered in a protective plastic layer.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: key specifications
| Model no | WM6998HBA |
| Style | Front load |
| Motor | Inverter direct drive motor |
| Capacity | 5 cubic feet |
| No. of programs | 30 washer programs, 7 dryer programs |
| Energy star certified | Yes |
| Electrical requirements | 120V, 12 Amps |
| Dimensions | 27” x 14 ⅛” x 30 ¾” |
| Weight | 246.9 pounds |
| Warranty | 10 years on the motor, 3 years on the drum, 1 year parts and labor |
| Available colors | Black steel, graphite steel |
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: Design
This washer dryer combo features a sleek style. It’s available in black steel and graphite steel finishes (I reviewed it in the graphite), and it simply resembles a single front load washing machine. Measuring 27 x 14 ⅛ x 30 ¾-inches, the machine fits into most spaces that can accommodate your typical washing machine. It weighs 246.9lbs and is only available as a front load.
The controls are clear, and two touchscreens add a modern vibe. The touch screens contribute to the overall clean look of the machine. While the drum opening is 16.5 inches in diameter, the drum door is built almost entirely into the machine, so it only adds 1 inch to the front of the washer and dryer.
Score: 5 out of 5
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: Design
LG includes a detailed seven-step installation checklist with excellent diagrams and step-by-step instructions and tips. A set of tools, including a wrench, caps, elbow bracket, non-skid pads, and tie strap are also included, so you shouldn’t need any additional tools besides pliers to perform the installation.
The machine features four shipping bolts in the back, and the wrench is included to remove those bolts. This process took a bit of strength, but wasn’t overly difficult. The included caps cover up the holes where the shipping bolts were. The power cord is connected to one of the bolts, preventing you from possibly installing the unit without removing the bolts, which can damage the machine.
The next step was to connect the water hoses. The water inlets are color-coded, so this was relatively simple to do. The washer doesn’t come with water hoses, so I used the hoses I had purchased for my previous washer.
The drain hose is also easy to connect with the included bracket. Since this is a ventless dryer, there is no need to connect it to a traditional dryer vent, saving an installation step. This design also means you don’t have to worry about cleaning out your dryer vent.
The final installation step is to level the washer legs. The legs can be adjusted with the wrench to ensure the washer is level. I found that the washer was perfectly level on my floor, so I didn’t have to make any adjustments. The included non-stick pads are installed underneath the machine’s feet, helping to keep it in place while in use. I didn’t have any issues with the machine moving while in use.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: Performance
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo has a quality feel. Its finish is beautiful and easy to wipe clean, and the door closes securely and feels very stable. I immediately appreciated the interior light, which provides excellent illumination, a major benefit since my laundry room is naturally a bit dark.
The unit has two touchscreen elements - one in the middle of the raised dial, and a second panel off to the right. Both screens are highly responsive and easy to use. The power and start/pause buttons are surprisingly difficult to push. As I was getting used to the machine, I often had to push the buttons five or six times before the machine would respond. Now I’m used to the pressure required, but it would be nice if these buttons were a little easier to use.
The machine features the ability to automatically dispense liquid detergent and softener. It’s very easy to add detergent, as a drawer pulls out and you simply pour detergent into the reservoir. (I am allergic to many fabric softeners, so I only tested this feature with the detergent.) You can also access settings to adjust the amount of detergent dispensed, or you can turn off the automatic feature entirely.
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Washer Dryer Combo features a fantastic selection of washer programs, 31 in total:
- AI Wash + Dry
- Delicates Only
- Dry Only
- Rinse + Spin
- Permanent Press
- Permanent Press Dry
- Wash + Dry
- AI Wash
- Active Wear
- Allergen
- Bedding
- Bright Whites
- Color Care
- Delicates
- Dresses
- Hand Wool
- Heavy Duty
- Jeans
- Kids Wear
- Large Load
- Normal
- Permanent Press
- Quick Wash
- Sanitary
- Small Load
- Spin Only
- Sweat Stains
- Swimwear
- Towels
- Tub Clean
- X Large Load
With so many programs, only 15 are pre-loaded into the main menu that you access by turning the main dial. You can add and remove programs, though, so you have the ability to customize the menu to the settings that you’ll use most often.
Starting a cycle is very simple. After inserting your clothes, you’ll power on the machine and use the dial to navigate to the cycle you want. Then, you simply press the start button.
One of my favorite qualities about this washer dryer combo is how quietly it runs. During the wash cycle, its maximum volume is just 54.8 decibels. The drying function is only slightly louder at 57.5 decibels. You’re aware that a machine’s running, but it’s more of a background hum, rather than the repetitive thud and vibrations that I’m used to with my regular washer and dryer. I can watch TV without having to turn the volume up, and I think if my laundry room had a door that I could shut, I probably couldn’t hear the machine running at all.
Washing performance
I tested the washer and dryer combo using multiple modes and different types of materials. Overall, it performed very well.
I appreciate that the machine gives you the ability to select modes that will both wash and dry, or just wash or just dry garments. I often remove certain shirts before drying the rest of my laundry, so I was able to continue doing this. Most wash and dry modes take about one hour each, though this varies depending on the load size. There are also faster features like the Quick Wash option, which is for smaller loads and takes 15 minutes.
The machine’s capacity is impressive. I was able to wash large loads of clothes without nearing or exceeding the machine’s capacity. It was large enough to easily fit my queen comforter, and I’m sure a king comforter would also fit. I also love the fact that it doesn’t have an agitator, which makes the machine so much easier to load and unload.
I used the Normal wash mode most often, since it gives you the chance to remove clothes before selecting a dry mode. I found it was ideal for washing clothes and did a thorough cleaning job. The machine doesn’t do the best job of removing cat hair stuck on sweatshirts, but overall, the clothes were clean and smelled fresh.
The AI Wash + Dry feature is ideal when you don’t need to remove any garments before the drying cycle. With this function, you can start the machine and come back about two hours later after the clothes have been washed and dried. LG advertises that the unit is capable of doing laundry in two hours, and I found this to mostly be true with garments, but items like comforters take much longer to dry.
The towels setting is designed for bulkier towels, and I also tried the jeans setting on seven pairs of jeans. There isn’t a lot of information about what features change with each setting. I found that my jeans and towels were clean, but am not entirely sure about just how these settings are specialized.
I also experimented with settings including the permanent press, sanitary, color care, delicates only, and active wear settings. Again, I didn’t notice any significant differences in my clothes, but I also didn’t encounter any issues with the different settings.
Since I have several cats in my home, there’s plenty of cat hair, and I tested the washer with a load of cat blankets and beds. I found that it removed most of the cat hair and actually outperformed my previous washing machine, a GE top load washer.
In addition to repeatedly using the machine for my more standard laundry, I also tested it with fresh stains on several towels. Those stains included hot chocolate, ketchup, mustard, and a heavily soiled rag towel that I’d used to clean up snow off of a dirty floor. I used only regular detergent with this load and didn’t include any stain treatments or products like OxyClean. Most stains, except for the mustard, were largely removed, though the heavily soiled rag towel still appeared to be a bit dirty and would have benefitted from another wash cycle.
I used the Bedding setting to wash sheets, blankets, and repeatedly washed my queen comforter. While it performed well with the sheets and blankets, the comforter seemed to just fold down over itself, so there was still a decent amount of lint and hair inside the comforter after the wash cycle. I also washed the comforter after a cat vomited on it. The stain was mostly removed, though I could still see traces of it toward the seams.
Dryer performance
The drying feature on this unit doesn’t function the same way that a traditional dryer does. While traditional dryers continuously rotate, this dryer is much quieter and only occasionally rotates to flip clothes. There’s much less vibration and noise than a traditional dryer.
However, this results in a different feel. After drying my first load of laundry, I thought the laundry was still damp. To test this, I left the laundry in the dryer to cool, then stuck my hand into the middle of the pile. It was dry. I repeated this test several times with the same results. When still warm, the laundry almost feels damp, but if you take it out and shake the garments a bit, you can tell that they’re dry. (Note that LG highlights the importance of removing laundry promptly to help prevent mold and mildew buildup - I left the laundry in place as a test, but it’s not something to do repeatedly.)
When I promptly removed the clothes from the dryer, I found that they weren’t heavily wrinkled. I tried the permanent press drying function and can’t say that I noticed much of a difference in the number of wrinkles.
The dryer performed well with clothes, but it took longer to dry heavier items, like blankets. I was washing some larger fleece blankets and I found that I had to put them through two dryer cycles.
However, the dryer struggled to dry my comforter. After three drying cycles totaling three hours, I finally removed the comforter, which was still partially damp, and air dried it. I experienced these results both times that I dried the comforter. I would say that while the dryer does well with clothes and thinner materials, you’ll need to be prepared for the fact that blankets and comforters will need significantly more time. I also wonder about the amount of electricity used drying the comforter, since even though this is an Energy Star Certified product, the repeated cycles are likely using a lot of energy.
Score: 4.5 out of 5
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: LG ThinkQ App
This washer dryer combo features WiFi connectivity, so it can be paired with the LG ThinQ App. A QR code is included on the inside of the door, making it easy to download the app. The app guides you through the setup process, in which you need to use the dryer controls to connect it to WiFi. The whole process took about five minutes.
Once the app is connected, you can set and change cycles and then send those orders to the machine from another room. The app provides details about each cycle, including the remaining time. It sends you a reminder to remove laundry after a cycle, provides energy monitoring information, and tracks the number of cycles left before it’s recommended that you clean the machine’s tub. While the app is convenient, you can also use the machine without it.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: Maintenance
The machine’s lint trap is located in the top, and cleaning it is very easy. As you remove the base of the trap, it scrapes the lint off of the sides, so you can collect it. The lint filter needs to be periodically rinsed under running water and then dried. When you start the next cycle, the machine displays a message prompting you to clean the trap, so you don’t forget.
According to the instruction manual, you should wipe the door and the door seal after a cycle to remove moisture. The door should also be left open to let the drum dry.
LG recommends that you run the Tub Clean cycle monthly to help remove residue and prevent odors in the drum. To clean the tub, you can use a drum cleaner, liquid chlorine bleach, lime scale remover, powdered cleaner, or cleaning tablets. Additionally, you may need to periodically remove mineral buildup from the drum by using a descaler and then running the Tub Clean cycle.
The ezDispense reservoir, which holds your detergent and fabric softener, should be removed and cleaned once or twice a month to prevent residue buildup. The reservoirs can be removed and rinsed in warm water.
Additionally, you may need to periodically clean the water inlet filters and drain pump filter depending on your water quality and whether these items become clogged.
The included owner’s manual features detailed instructions on maintenance and troubleshooting. The machine also has a Smart Diagnosis feature that can help to identify the source of any issues you encounter. During my testing, I haven’t encountered any technical issues, so I haven’t had the opportunity to try the Smart Diagnosis feature.
LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo: User reviews
Reviews on LG’s website are mostly positive. Several reviewers praised the washer dryer combo for its overall ease of use and the number of available cycles. A few reviewers noted that they had small laundry rooms and that the machine was able to fit into spaces where a traditional washer and dryer cannot. Reviewers often stated that they had mostly positive results when running wash and dry cycles.
However, there are also several reviewers who have encountered issues with the drying function. Some reviewers describe machines that appear to have technical issues, and they’ve encountered difficulty getting the machines serviced. Others express frustration with loads not being fully dry and the amount of time that it takes to dry loads.
Should you buy the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo?
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | The price is about average for washer dryer combos and is justified with the many features | ★★★★1/2 |
| Design | A sleek, modern design helps to save space, and the machine is about the size of a traditional front load washer | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | The machine performed well in most tests, including washing and drying in 2 hours, but struggled to dry bulky items like blankets and comforters | ★★★★1/2 |
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How does the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo compare?
The LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo is the first smart washer dryer combo that I’ve reviewed. However, I can say that the washer absolutely outperforms my GE top load washer. In talking with friends who have used washer dryer combos, their frequent complaint was that cycles would take four or five hours to complete. While that might be the case when washing a comforter, this unit is more efficient than some of the older washer dryer combos available.
How I tested the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo
I used the LG 5.0 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Smart Front Load All-in-One Ventless Washer/Dryer Combo at home for several weeks, testing as many features as possible to wash and dry our laundry. From the delivery and installation through to maintenance, I've assessed this washer dryer with measurable factors to provide an honest review.
Read more about how we test.
