Overheard on Facebook

[economista]

Does anyone know where I can get Coldstone Creamery ice cream?! It’s an emergency!

an ice cream emergency.....that's a new one.

damn it, now I want ice cream....... :-)

Have you ever been pregnant? Because I think there are likely times that could be considered ice cream emergencies....

I have not.....I hadn't thought of that case....but the OP was calling it an emergency to get it for her kids.

and it was a light hearted poke at what someone was calling an emergency.....just like when someone 'needs' the newest iPhone.....

Oh, I totally get that. I was poking fun too. I didn’t think the /s marker was appropriate in this case because it wasn’t really sarcasm. Things can get really misunderstood in written form!

[bluebelle]

Does anyone know where I can get Coldstone Creamery ice cream?! It’s an emergency!

an ice cream emergency.....that's a new one.

damn it, now I want ice cream....... :-)

Have you ever been pregnant? Because I think there are likely times that could be considered ice cream emergencies....

I have not.....I hadn't thought of that case....but the OP was calling it an emergency to get it for her kids.

and it was a light hearted poke at what someone was calling an emergency.....just like when someone 'needs' the newest iPhone.....

Oh, I totally get that. I was poking fun too. I didn’t think the /s marker was appropriate in this case because it wasn’t really sarcasm. Things can get really misunderstood in written form!

they really can.   The nuance of facial expressions.

[dandarc]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

[SwordGuy]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

It's also a form of stealth charity.   Maybe they don't need the money, want to help other people, and don't want either party burdened by a sense of obligation.

[dandarc]

Fair point. Apparently this particular set of washer and dryer have been making rounds around the neighborhood for years.

[DadJokes]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

People do this all the time. My wife's uncle works at a dump, and people bring in both halves of a set because one stopped working, and they want a matching set. The uncle will usually set aside the working appliance and give it away.

[dandarc]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

People do this all the time. My wife's uncle works at a dump, and people bring in both halves of a set because one stopped working, and they want a matching set. The uncle will usually set aside the working appliance and give it away.

Biggest mistake we made when we were out of state for about 18 months and rented our house out - we agreed to buy the renter's much newer dishwasher. I have no idea why he had a dishwasher in a storage unit, but he wanted to sell it to us and we ultimately said OK and replaced our much older, but still working dishwasher. Is a nice one, but the control board fried after a hurricane / resulting power outages and upages. Maybe the old one would have been fried too - hard to say, but it had been in place for more than a decade.

[Just Joe]

Sometimes the control board is very affordable and easy to replace DIY style.

I recently did it with a furnace. ~$100. Replacement took 10 minutes.

Sometimes the part number on the control board is more useful than the brand or model of the appliance b/c the model number of the appliance might go obsolete quickly while the control board is used for years longer..

Thank you internet.

[partgypsy]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

People do this all the time. My wife's uncle works at a dump, and people bring in both halves of a set because one stopped working, and they want a matching set. The uncle will usually set aside the working appliance and give it away.

This happened to us. Dryer still worked but washer broke. But- my appliances have to be stacked and the old dryer did not fit the new washers we wanted to buy. Totally fine though if you didn't need to stack.

[Fomerly known as something]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

People do this all the time. My wife's uncle works at a dump, and people bring in both halves of a set because one stopped working, and they want a matching set. The uncle will usually set aside the working appliance and give it away.

I gave away a perfectly good dryer when I moved in 2013.  My Dryer was electric, my new house was built for a gas one.  It was cheaper to get the new dryer than rewire.

[ixtap]

There is someone on bogleheads arguing that two or more international business class vacations a year isn't extravagant. Dude, I can accept that it is the lifestyle you want, but that doesn't make it not extravagant...

[TheFrenchCat]

There is someone on bogleheads arguing that two or more international business class vacations a year isn't extravagant. Dude, I can accept that it is the lifestyle you want, but that doesn't make it not extravagant...

Yeah, neither I, nor none of my family, go on those kinds of trips. At all.  And some of my family are as wealthy as some of the bogleheads seem to be, or want to be.  But they got there by being more mustachian.  I haven't ventured much over there, this is a better fit. 

Plus you meet really cool people when you stay at hostels and convents instead of the fancy places.

[joleran]

There is someone on bogleheads arguing that two or more international business class vacations a year isn't extravagant. Dude, I can accept that it is the lifestyle you want, but that doesn't make it not extravagant...

When you can swing them for $500 cash equivalent in credit card rewards, they get down to decent affordability.

[Taran Wanderer]

I live for international trips. We have a big family, so three weeks in Europe is extravagant even without business class travel and accommodations.  Well worth the cost, but definitely extravagant.

[shelivesthedream]

There is someone on bogleheads arguing that two or more international business class vacations a year isn't extravagant. Dude, I can accept that it is the lifestyle you want, but that doesn't make it not extravagant...

When you can swing them for $500 cash equivalent in credit card rewards, they get down to decent affordability.

I would argue that it's still extravagant even if you can afford it.

[Tempname23]

"Curb alert - Washer works but not as well as it should, dryer works perfectly".

Replacing a perfectly working dryer and just giving it away - hope you got a really good discount on the new matched set. Not to mention sounds like the washer is repairable.

People do this all the time. My wife's uncle works at a dump, and people bring in both halves of a set because one stopped working, and they want a matching set. The uncle will usually set aside the working appliance and give it away.

I gave away a perfectly good dryer when I moved in 2013.  My Dryer was electric, my new house was built for a gas one.  It was cheaper to get the new dryer than rewire.

Our washer gave up about 13 years ago, we had to decide whether to get a washer and dryer or just the washer. We bought just a washer. Since then, I have replaced the belt and a overtemp circuit breaker on the dryer, but it's still doing it's job. It just breaks my heart they don't match, NOT.

[AMandM]

Our washer gave up about 13 years ago, we had to decide whether to get a washer and dryer or just the washer. We bought just a washer. Since then, I have replaced the belt and a overtemp circuit breaker on the dryer, but it's still doing it's job. It just breaks my heart they don't match, NOT.

I was given someone's castoff dryer and I put it next to my (relatively) new washer. Every visitor who goes into the basement says, "Oh dear, your laundry appliances are not coordinated!" and leaves my house. Not.

The dryer was being given away because the owner's washer wore out and she replaced both the washer and dryer with a new matching set, complete with all the bells and whistles. It turned out the fancy dryer has a steam setting, so she couldn't use it until she called a plumber in to run piping to the dryer.

[Imma]

Our washer gave up about 13 years ago, we had to decide whether to get a washer and dryer or just the washer. We bought just a washer. Since then, I have replaced the belt and a overtemp circuit breaker on the dryer, but it's still doing it's job. It just breaks my heart they don't match, NOT.

I was given someone's castoff dryer and I put it next to my (relatively) new washer. Every visitor who goes into the basement says, "Oh dear, your laundry appliances are not coordinated!" and leaves my house. Not.

The dryer was being given away because the owner's washer wore out and she replaced both the washer and dryer with a new matching set, complete with all the bells and whistles. It turned out the fancy dryer has a steam setting, so she couldn't use it until she called a plumber in to run piping to the dryer.

Until I read this, I had no idea matching washer/dryer sets were even a thing. But if people care so much about that, why don't they just buy a washer/dryer in one?

We have a machine like that. I never had a dryer before but my friend was going to get rid of this combi machine. I use the dryer setting maybe twice a year when it's raining a lot but not cold, so the house becomes damp and the towels won't dry. But it's not ideal, I hate the dryer smell on the towels and it takes ages.

[Imma]

Our washer gave up about 13 years ago, we had to decide whether to get a washer and dryer or just the washer. We bought just a washer. Since then, I have replaced the belt and a overtemp circuit breaker on the dryer, but it's still doing it's job. It just breaks my heart they don't match, NOT.

I was given someone's castoff dryer and I put it next to my (relatively) new washer. Every visitor who goes into the basement says, "Oh dear, your laundry appliances are not coordinated!" and leaves my house. Not.

The dryer was being given away because the owner's washer wore out and she replaced both the washer and dryer with a new matching set, complete with all the bells and whistles. It turned out the fancy dryer has a steam setting, so she couldn't use it until she called a plumber in to run piping to the dryer.

Until I read this, I had no idea matching washer/dryer sets were even a thing. But if people care so much about that, why don't they just buy a washer/dryer in one?

  I've never seen one of these in the US. I don't think we sell them here, or at least they are very rare.

Maybe because people have less space for all those machines in Europe? They're not cheap so most people I know still only have a washing machine.

[merula]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

[Kris]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

[Zikoris]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

These are becoming incredibly common in the small condos they build in Vancouver, because they can fit under the kitchen counters and don't need a separate room or closet to put them in. I imagine they'll become more common everywhere as smaller places are built.

[ysette9]

I looked at them briefly when we needed to replace our washer and dryer s year ago. The ratings on Consumer Reports were quite a bit lower than for separate machines that do one function.

Yes, I bought a matching set as my dryer died and my washer had been leaking. I had a repair person out who recommended against repair as the cost of parts + labor was pretty close to the cost of replacement. We had a small space so stacking was the only way to go.

[Imma]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

These are becoming incredibly common in the small condos they build in Vancouver, because they can fit under the kitchen counters and don't need a separate room or closet to put them in. I imagine they'll become more common everywhere as smaller places are built.

Yes, mine is under the kitchen counter too! Weird that the ones you can buy there don't work properly. I have used my dryer less than 10 times in 2 years but when I did it worked. In here almost everyone has a washing machine . Sharing a machine with others in the building or using a laundrette is something that most people would consider to be very unhygienic.

[dragoncar]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

These are becoming incredibly common in the small condos they build in Vancouver, because they can fit under the kitchen counters and don't need a separate room or closet to put them in. I imagine they'll become more common everywhere as smaller places are built.

Why wouldn't they be?  Vancouver is basically europe right?

[Paul der Krake]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

These are becoming incredibly common in the small condos they build in Vancouver, because they can fit under the kitchen counters and don't need a separate room or closet to put them in. I imagine they'll become more common everywhere as smaller places are built.

Why wouldn't they be?  Vancouver is basically europe right?

Nope, the Vancouver area is an outpost of Very East Hawaii

[Feivel2000]

The US version of a washer/dryer combo is the kind that has the washer part on the bottom and the dryer part on the top, usually for apartments that want to advertise "in-unit laundry" (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Whirlpool-White-Thin-Twin-Laundry-Center-with-1-5-cu-ft-Washer-and-3-4-cu-ft-Electric-Vented-Dryer-LTE5243DQ/203576383).

The European version where it's one spinning drum that has both functions, that kind I've never seen in the US, but apparently they do exist because Home Depot is selling them. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Electronics-2-3-cu-ft-White-Compact-All-in-One-Front-Load-Washer-and-Electric-Ventless-Dryer-Combo-WM3488HW/207024916).

Yep, you can get the European version in the US, though it's not widely available. I used to have one. They have a very small drum, and in my experience the dryer doesn't dry all the way no matter what you do, so you still basically have to hang the laundry up for a bit at the end, anyway. (Note that I have used them in Europe, and the ones I've used there don't seem to have that problem.)

These are becoming incredibly common in the small condos they build in Vancouver, because they can fit under the kitchen counters and don't need a separate room or closet to put them in. I imagine they'll become more common everywhere as smaller places are built.

Yes, mine is under the kitchen counter too! Weird that the ones you can buy there don't work properly. I have used my dryer less than 10 times in 2 years but when I did it worked. In here almost everyone has a washing machine . Sharing a machine with others in the building or using a laundrette is something that most people would consider to be very unhygienic.

My washing machine is (almost) broken, to the point I can't risk to leave the flat if it is running. When I am done remodeling my bath, I am going to buy a 2-in-1 device as well.
I don't see myself using the dryer very often, but it is convenient to have the ability. They are more expensive, but not to the point that, over the lifetime of 5-10 years, it is unreasonable. We are talking about ~249€ (washing machine only) VS ~449€ (combination).

[merula]

Unfortunately, the whole "reasonably livable small apartment" trend has yet to hit the US.

[Sugaree]

We had what was labeled as a "portable washing machine" when the kiddo was small.  It was the dedicated diaper machine and doubled as a diaper pail.  It was great for that and probably would have worked for a single person, but I would be leery of trying to make it work for more than that.   

[ChickenStash]

My house has plenty room for a washer and dryer but I always liked the idea of an all-in-one. They seem pricey, though. Looks like the US ones are wired for 120v rather than the 240v most EU countries use so that would might explain the poor drying. 

[Cadman]

All-in-one washer/dryers have been available in the US since the 1950's from all the major makers, and really peaked here in the early 60's (I have a couple). The problem was small drum size, low extraction speed and cost and complexity. But the biggest issue is serial throughput. If you're washing a load of laundry, you can't also be drying in parallel. Not a big deal if you wash frequently, but if you wait until the end of the week, you'll be feeding that machine all day long.

Another issue is that these combos use a condensing technique for drying (no venting required) but that extends dry time to HOURS. In the end it's not generally worth the trade-off for most Americans where we have room for separate or stacked units.

[20957]

We used to have one in our last kitchen, where we needed the condensing dryer. I ran very small loads (like a week's worth of socks for 2 people) and it dried fine. I would hate to be using now for our household of 6! The biggest problem was finding a repair person who had ever heard of one and was willing to come out. A huge hassle and $$.

[shelivesthedream]

We have had a washer-dryer for several years now and it's amazing with kids. We hang dry most of the time but sometimes you just NEED something to be dry before bedtime. Washing capacity is the same as a regular machine but I think a lot of people don't understand that you can't dry a full load at a time effectively. We use the drying function once a month on average and I love not having to house a whole separate machine but also being able to dry something FAST when required. (Also, it is vented not condensing.) I concur that everyone in the US seems to have gigantic houses and therefore plenty of space for two machines. Culturally over here, the washing machine is usually in the kitchen under the countertop so to have two separate machines removes a whole kitchen cupboard. See: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/its-time-to-accept-that-british-people-are-right-your

Though if I were building a house, I'd seriously consider putting one in the bathroom. Even though it feels weird. I think it would be really convenient.

[Dicey]

One place these all-in-ones are popping up in the US is in large RV's, called Class A's. These behemoths are bigger than many European apartments and even houses. DH and I recently toured a lavish RV park, where the minimum allowable size is 30'. Once inside, we discovered that must be code for "Nothing but fancy deisel powered busses, please." An RV Dealer was having an Open "House" on the property, featuring three such rigs. The prices ranged from $400k to $500k and each of them featured these w/d units. Full size refrigerators, too.

Since this a mustachian blog, I will add that DH and I stumbled on this place during a Random Ramble. We didn't know such a place existed. The lots can cost as much as a new rig and can be improved with permanent structures, including private swimming pools, even though the property has three public pools and a lavish clubhouse. The place has a full-service restaurant, a nine hole golf course and two miles of waterways ( In the Desert!). Of course, that means people have build docks for their fancy-ass pontoon boats.

DH and I are quite FI and could actually "afford" this lifestyle, but why the hell would we choose to massacre our hard earned green soldiers so senselessly? Oh, and the monthly dues were about $550, plus a $1700 minimum monthly spend at the "Country Club". We are still laughing our assets  off, especially at those silly all-in-ones.

[AlanStache]

One place these all-in-ones are popping up in the US is in large RV's, called Class A's. These behemoths are bigger than many European apartments and even houses. DH and I recently toured a lavish RV park, where the minimum allowable size is 30'. Once inside, we discovered that must be code for "Nothing but fancy deisel powered busses, please." An RV Dealer was having an Open "House" on the property, featuring three such rigs. The prices ranged from $400k to $500k and each of them featured these w/d units. Full size refrigerators, too.

Since this a mustachian blog, I will add that DH and I stumbled on this place during a Random Ramble. We didn't know such a place existed. The lots can cost as much as a new rig and can be improved with permanent structures, including private swimming pools, even though the property has three public pools and a lavish clubhouse. The place has a full-service restaurant, a nine hole golf course and two miles of waterways ( In the Desert!). Of course, that means people have build docks for their fancy-ass pontoon boats.

DH and I are quite FI and could actually "afford" this lifestyle, but why the hell would we choose to massacre our hard earned green soldiers so senselessly? Oh, and the monthly dues were about $550, plus a $1700 minimum monthly spend at the "Country Club". We are still laughing our assets  off, especially at those silly all-in-ones.

Is the idea that this park would be your "home base" and you would drive the 'rig' on trip as you wanted?

[Zaga]

Alan that's pretty much it.  I have a cousin who does this.  Mind, she and her husband retired early, and I think their home base is not as fancy as the one described above. 

[Just Joe]

I saw one of these busses on the highway a few days ago. Bus towing a four door Jeep towing a utility trailer carrying ATVs.

[ysette9]

We have had a washer-dryer for several years now and it's amazing with kids. We hang dry most of the time but sometimes you just NEED something to be dry before bedtime. Washing capacity is the same as a regular machine but I think a lot of people don't understand that you can't dry a full load at a time effectively. We use the drying function once a month on average and I love not having to house a whole separate machine but also being able to dry something FAST when required. (Also, it is vented not condensing.) I concur that everyone in the US seems to have gigantic houses and therefore plenty of space for two machines. Culturally over here, the washing machine is usually in the kitchen under the countertop so to have two separate machines removes a whole kitchen cupboard. See: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/its-time-to-accept-that-british-people-are-right-your

Though if I were building a house, I'd seriously consider putting one in the bathroom. Even though it feels weird. I think it would be really convenient.

Is it actually better to have it in the kitchen or is that just where the washer ends up for lack of any other place to put it?

In this place I have a stackable washer/dryer in the toilet room just off of the kitchen. There is a toilet, a sink, some storage, including a counter top that presumably others would use to fold laundry but we use as a baby changing table. It is convenient but I like being able to close a door to mute the noise of the machines.

[MayDay]

We have a basement so no space issues. But I would definitely go for an all in one if we didn't- we hang 90% of laundry and the 10% we do dry, we don't really need a full dryer for.

I have a family friend with an extremely posh NY apartment, on central park. Still small because NY, so she has a washer under her kitchen counter! I have also seen it as a US remodel in larger houses to allow for 1 level living. Most older houses put the washer in the basement, so people move it to the kitchen when they can't do basement stairs anymore.

[PDXTabs]

Most flats I see in the UK have the washing machine in the kitchen and no dryer. Air dry with a rack.

[Imma]

We have had a washer-dryer for several years now and it's amazing with kids. We hang dry most of the time but sometimes you just NEED something to be dry before bedtime. Washing capacity is the same as a regular machine but I think a lot of people don't understand that you can't dry a full load at a time effectively. We use the drying function once a month on average and I love not having to house a whole separate machine but also being able to dry something FAST when required. (Also, it is vented not condensing.) I concur that everyone in the US seems to have gigantic houses and therefore plenty of space for two machines. Culturally over here, the washing machine is usually in the kitchen under the countertop so to have two separate machines removes a whole kitchen cupboard. See: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/its-time-to-accept-that-british-people-are-right-your

Though if I were building a house, I'd seriously consider putting one in the bathroom. Even though it feels weird. I think it would be really convenient.

Is it actually better to have it in the kitchen or is that just where the washer ends up for lack of any other place to put it?

In this place I have a stackable washer/dryer in the toilet room just off of the kitchen. There is a toilet, a sink, some storage, including a counter top that presumably others would use to fold laundry but we use as a baby changing table. It is convenient but I like being able to close a door to mute the noise of the machines.

For me personally, I love having it in the kitchen. It's next to the back door so I don't have to carry wet laundry very far. It's also much more convenient for moving/replacement. We have an open kitchen so yes, I do hear the machine, but our first floor is wood so if we had put it there we'd still hear it (the neighbours have theirs on the first floor and we hear it).

[RetiredAt63]

Having a combination laundry room and powder room (toilet and sink) is fairly common, since they both need plumbing.  2 of 4 of the houses I owned, the 2 newer builds, had this, and my apartment has this. 

[Kashmani]

Condensing dryers really don't work all that well. Having grown up in Europe, we had one of them and most of the time we just hung laundry up instead. Now, in Canada, I live in an apartment condo with a laundry room that allows for a vented dryer. We have a Miele combination that is basically a free-standing washing machine and a vented dryer screwed to the top of it by way of an accessory part that allows for "stacking" in that manner. The vented dryer wins hands-down. Easier to use, no need for a condensate pump, and after an hour the clothes are dry. But if the washer ever conks out the dryer would be replaced as well. Even if I could get a similar washer, the work in screwing the units together is annoying enough not to screw a 15-year old dryer onto a brand new washer.

European apartments usually have the washer in the kitchen, installed in the same manner as a dishwasher. In that case, a combination unit is the only way to have a dryer. Even in cases where the washer is in the bathroom, there is usually no ability to vent, so a condensing dryer is all that can be installed.

I miss Europe, but I can unequivocally state that the three greatest things about life in North America compared to Europe are as follows (in order of descending importance):

1. Air conditioning
2. Drinking fountains (free water - you take it for granted until you no longer have it and have to pay EUR2.00 for a bottle of Vittel)
3. Dryer vents in every house or apartment

[Taran Wanderer]

#2 would be my #1.  Once while backpacking through Slovakia, I actually had a nightmare about being lost in the desert and being parched with thirst.  We hadn't had time to stock up on bottled water before heading to the hostel.  I woke up out of the nightmare and said, "Screw it!"  I (gasp!) filled up my water bottle from the sink and downed a couple of liters.  Everything turned out just fine, but we still had to pay 2 Euros for water with our lunch in Vienna.  There are a lot of things I enjoy about Europe, but buying water, teeny tiny toilets and showers, and line-dried towels I can do without.

[Fomerly known as something]

I have noticed that more places in Europe now will serve you tap water for free than say 20 years ago.  Notice I said more, not all.  I mostly do order tap water along with a glass of wine or a beer while dining there now and yes I fill my own bottles from the room’s sink.

[shelivesthedream]

We have had a washer-dryer for several years now and it's amazing with kids. We hang dry most of the time but sometimes you just NEED something to be dry before bedtime. Washing capacity is the same as a regular machine but I think a lot of people don't understand that you can't dry a full load at a time effectively. We use the drying function once a month on average and I love not having to house a whole separate machine but also being able to dry something FAST when required. (Also, it is vented not condensing.) I concur that everyone in the US seems to have gigantic houses and therefore plenty of space for two machines. Culturally over here, the washing machine is usually in the kitchen under the countertop so to have two separate machines removes a whole kitchen cupboard. See: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/its-time-to-accept-that-british-people-are-right-your

Though if I were building a house, I'd seriously consider putting one in the bathroom. Even though it feels weird. I think it would be really convenient.

Is it actually better to have it in the kitchen or is that just where the washer ends up for lack of any other place to put it?

In this place I have a stackable washer/dryer in the toilet room just off of the kitchen. There is a toilet, a sink, some storage, including a counter top that presumably others would use to fold laundry but we use as a baby changing table. It is convenient but I like being able to close a door to mute the noise of the machines.

Well, you'd want to put it near existing plumbing. We don't have basements. Only some houses have a downstairs loo, and it's usually the size of a cupboard - enough room for loo, basin and a person standing there trying not to get crushed by the door closing. I suppose some houses would have enough room to have it in their upstairs bathroom but there wouldn't be enough space to hang the laundry in there as well, so you'd have to cart it somewhere else in the house to dry it.

BUT bear in mind that our kitchens tend to be separate rooms. Some people have knocked through, but usually you would cook the meal in the kitchen and then close the door on it. I don't know what the prevalence of eat-in kitchens vs separate dining spaces is. We've never had enough room to have a table in our kitchen even if we'd wanted to - but my parents did eat every meal in the kitchen until they built an extension, despite also having a dining room. (But the extension also had a utility room!) However, when we were thinking of buying a house we were looking at the low end of the market and again, the kitchen wouldn't have fit a table in so it tended to be living-dining rooms. So you're only hearing the machine noise while you're cooking and possibly while you're actually sat there eating a meal.

I think it must be to do with the age of yer average British house* and the invention of both indoor plumbing per se and fancypants technology like a MACHINE that does your washing FOR YOU rather than sending it to the laundry lady down the street to boil up in her copper and squeeze out with her mangle.

*http://www.historicdoors.co.uk/blog/englands-building-age-infographic/

[EricEng]

#2 would be my #1.  Once while backpacking through Slovakia, I actually had a nightmare about being lost in the desert and being parched with thirst.  We hadn't had time to stock up on bottled water before heading to the hostel.  I woke up out of the nightmare and said, "Screw it!"  I (gasp!) filled up my water bottle from the sink and downed a couple of liters.  Everything turned out just fine, but we still had to pay 2 Euros for water with our lunch in Vienna.  There are a lot of things I enjoy about Europe, but buying water, teeny tiny toilets and showers, and line-dried towels I can do without.

Ugh, I hated this traveling in Europe.  They never had drinking fountains anywhere, we might have seen one for two weeks in Germany.  All the restaurants about threw us out if we asked for tap water or they tried to charge 8Euros for a pitcher.  People gave us dirty looks filling up bottles in bathroom sinks.  Coming from having easy free access to water everywhere in the US, this was confusing.  It forced you to be very strategic about planning for water stops or expect to pay 2-3Euro for tiny water bottles everywhere.  At least in US you can get water for $1-2 and it's bigger if you really want a new bottle everytime.  For an environmentally focused people, Europeans like to waste lots of bottles.

I worked a trade show at an airfield in a hot summer in Germany one year.  During the last hour on the last day we gave away all the hundreds of unused leftover water bottles we had been saving for client visits.  We nearly got mobbed and caused a riot.  I've never seen people react so strongly to giving out free water.  Was like opening at a Wal Mart on Black Friday.

[Sibley]

Someone from a European country, can you help explain any of the water related stuff? I don't understand why even getting tap water seems like such a big deal.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I never had any trouble getting tap water in France. You ask for something like "un carafe d'eau" (a jug of water) IIRC and of the things I received attitude about, that was never one of them.

A couple of times, a waiter even brought us ICE--which we knew better than to ask for--because "American girls like ice." (Other waiters were, of course, suitably horrible and pretended not to know English.)

[ixtap]

I never had any trouble getting tap water in France. You ask for something like "un carafe d'eau" (a jug of water) IIRC and of the things I received attitude about, that was never one of them.

A couple of times, a waiter even brought us ICE--which we knew better than to ask for--because "American girls like ice." (Other waiters were, of course, suitably horrible and pretended not to know English.)

In many places, that isn't tap water, it is filtered water out of a 5 gallon dispenser.