ASKO WCAM1812 combo washer/dryer
Pros:
front load
1200 RPM spin
extra rinse - 2 extra rinse cycles
built-in dryer
Cons:
Dryer function is less than optimal (see other reviews)
2 minute door lockout
No rinse-and-spin setting.
The Bottom Line:
Buy it if you want a ventless dryer but usually line dry.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I got this one because I generally line dry my clothes, and so the dryer was unimportant. (I erroneously thought a "condensing dryer" was a heatpump. It turns out it's a 120 volt heater and apparently uses water as coolant. My house didn't have a dryer vent installed, yet the p.o. even ran those foul-smelling dryer sheets in a dryer venting indoors through a rag -- go figure!) I'll probably get a separate dryer, even though I would rarely use it.
I am really pleased with the washer function. It seems to run efficiently and very effectively cleans clothes. The entire wash cycle, with "extra rinse" runs about an hour. Add pre-wash, and it's longer. (Asko recommends not running the pre-wash except for heavy soil.)
The wash cycles include a conventional "old school" cycle, labeled "Quick Wash"!
A real advantage is that the "extra rinse" function adds 2 extra rinse cycles. Considering that a front load washer *uses* about as much detergent as a top loader leaves in the clothes, the 2 extra rinse cycles are (almost) overkill.
The spin is 1200 RPM which is pretty fast.
I don't understand the 2-minute lockout for the door, since the apparatus would wind down much before then. Perhaps the spin cycle with nothing in the drum would take perhaps 15 seconds. This is really a PITA when adding a single item after starting the wash. (I'll probably override that 2-minute function. I suspect the latch is "married" to the door closed switch, so I'll wait to get the wiring diagram.)
This unit doesn't have a separate rinse/spin setting, and the pre-wash is integrated into the regular cycles. In order to rinse or pre-soak, you have to run the washer (on colors) and then turn it off. Then re-start it on spin.
I had good luck with Asko customer service, but this was a used machine from Craigslist. Their parts department referred me to customer service for the packing bolts (only the 4 back bolts are needed) and then shipped the part at a reasonable price. I ordered other parts (supply hoses and new detergent door piece), for which they emailed a parts diagram.
I did not have warranty problems because I'm outside of the warranty.
