Pros:
Small, efficient, portable. Europeans are used to the limitations
Cons:
long drying cycle, wrinkles, Americans would need to adapt to limitations.
The Bottom Line:
Do your Homework!!! The Asko is for those who are willing the change their laundry habits to a smaller scale.
Overall Rating:
Author's Review
Despite having a nice sized condo; the area for where the washer and dryer go is a joke of a space. Not much room for even a stackable washer and dryer - which is why I settled on the Asko Combo washer/ dryer model.
The Asko is really made for those with small spaces with which to fit a laundry area into. Since many dwellings in Europe are small, a machine of this nature fits perfectly within daily life. With such a compact appliance comes limitations. Europeans are used to the limitations and have found ways to adapt. In the united States however, an appliance such as this is not going to be liked as easily as most Americans grew up with separate machines for laundry and are used to fast drying times.
There are many Epinions reviews written on the Asko Washer/ Dryer combo, (biased or not, you can read them), I've summed up a few of the likes/ dislikes for those who are contemplating this type of appliance for regular usage to see if the Asko is right for your lifestyle.
You will like the Asko Combo if:
1) You have a small space and hate going to the laundromat.
2) Need portability in your machine (Asko can have wheels added).
3) Like an "all in one" feature for efficient laundry usage.
4) Do not mind a long drying cycle.
5) Are okay with washing small loads.
6) Can handle wrinkles without going through a mental breakdown.
7) Can leave the house instead of baby-sitting the laundry machine.
8) Have an ability to not worry about the laundry as long as it's clean.
9) Only have standard 110v electrical outlet.
You will dislike the Asko if:
1) Have a larger family than 1-2 people.
2) Impatient ( want things done fast with separate machines )
3) Need to do large loads.
4) Like features such as wrinkle free drying.
5) Want to open the door during a cycle to add/ remove items. (Asko's door locks during any given cycle and will only open once laundry is complete).
6) Do not like the expensive price tag.
Added Benefits:
Less Water usage than top loading models.
Quiet
Less energy waste (Used 110v rather than 220v for electrical power)
Ventless
Coin/ lint trap access on front of machine
I have lived in Europe and thus, am used to combo machines like the Asko brand. Asko does not have a widespread reputation here in the USA as with Whirlpool or Kenmore. As a result, specialized service technicians may have to be located to fix any problems with your machine. I personally love my Asko combo and have not had any difficulties with it for over 3 years now.
But I will say: If you are more European in your lifestyle - then you will like the Asko. If you are more American in your lifestyle, you may want to think twice before purchasing an Asko.