+14 votes
by (3.9k points)
Who has a connected washer and dryer? We are in need of new ones and highly considering them. Pros and cons?  
Who has a connected washer and dryer?

12 Answers

+11 votes
by (730 points)
 
Best answer
For appliances, the smart washers and dryers are less reliable in general, but LG tends to beat out Samsung. But a Whirlpool plain Jane washer will outlast both and cost waaaay less.  
by (3.9k points)
@nolannolana that's what I'm leaning towards and then I can integrate some kind of sensor for end of cycle
by (690 points)
I would also go with a basic Whirlpool or Maytag and add some type of ST energy monitoring. Many service people have recommended this to me after many repairs on other models. I have 12 years on my plain Jane Whirlpools with no service calls.  
+9 votes
by (1.9k points)
No cons unless you don't like the idea of the appliance manufacturer having a log of your wash/dry schedules.  
+3 votes
by (3.9k points)
What kind of things does it integrate other than end of cycle?  
by (1.9k points)
@bcd remote start, end of cycle alert, remotely extend drying time, get alerts of any problems, change washer or dryer modes, Google home and Alexa voice integration.  
+9 votes
by (11.6k points)
I just use a smart strip to monitor the power usage and have webcore pistons set up to alert me when cycles are done.  
+11 votes
by (1.5k points)
I have a Samsung smart washer. It's useful but not that useful. I bought the washer for other features, so the smarts weren't a big deal either way. Pros are being able to start or pause the washer by voice, and the information data. Whilst the app can be used to select different wash loads etc, I tend to do that on the machine as I'm loading it. My advice is buy a smart washer if you want bragging rights (lol) or think you'll truly use the features, but don't spend the extra money just to get them.  
+10 votes
by (430 points)
Connected washer is great! If you have a gas dryer, don't bother.  
+8 votes
by (1.9k points)
I have a smart washer by Samsung. Love the washer. I have Alexa announce when it’s done and send out reminders if no one checks on it. Alexa will also tell us if there’s a problem with the cycle. My kids find it annoying because Alexa won’t let them forget to move the laundry.  
by (470 points)
@ingrid51 I have a Samsung washer and dryer also. How did you set it up to announce its done?  
by (1.9k points)
I use webcore. It sees the washer and can read the machine state. Then I use Alexa speaks for the announcements.  
+9 votes
by (470 points)
I have a samsung pair also. I think its biggest advantage would be that it will alert or let you know if there's trouble with the machine. I also like that it let's me know when a cleaning cycle is needed.  
+7 votes
by (530 points)
I have LG
+6 votes
by (890 points)
We have LG. Basically sends a notification when washing is done. None of the other features are very useful
+3 votes
by (2.3k points)
I just bought new appliances, price wasnt an issue but i opted to go for "dumb" devices and just make them smart myself. The smart devices were limited, and i would of had to compromise on size, color, features, energy ratings etc and how well it actually done the job it was bought for. No point getting a smart washer if the clothes come out a dripping tangled mess. Also there were a lot of complaints about how well the smarts worked with losing connection etc. Smart home stuff is advancing rapidly, and in 3 years your appliance smarts will look antique and may not even have support for the app etc. So i chose the best dumb appliances for the task they are meant to do, and made them smart. Then i can update the smarts, address connectivity issues, run things locally, not need a bunch of manufacturers apps and all round have far more control over things.  
+7 votes
by (950 points)
We have a SmartThings connected ventless Samsung washer and dryer. You get push notifications of whens it's done with a cycle which is about as smart as it gets. The one other pro is it does diagnosis for you and reminds you to clean the drain, filter, etc. Sadly it still isn't smart enough to put your clothes in there and fold them for you remotely :)
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