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The era of the "all day laundry cycle" is officially dead, as of CES 2026. For years the hybrid washer and dryer was a total joke because you could practically grow a beard in the time it took to dry a single pair of jeans. But the tech has finally caught up to the hype and the laundry room is about to look a lot different.
The standout at the show this week is the LG Signature ventless combo which is a total middle finger to those old slow machines. LG managed to engineer a system that rips through a full ten pound load in about ninety minutes. Cutting thirty minutes off the previous record is not just a minor tweak; it is a massive engineering win that proves you no longer need two separate machines taking up space in your house.
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This machine uses advanced heat pump technology to handle the drying side without needing a vent which means you can basically stick this thing anywhere with a water hookup. It is the first time a combo unit actually feels like a convenience instead of a compromise. If you have been waiting for the right moment to reclaim half of your laundry room floor this is the machine that makes the switch a no brainer.
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The previous version of LG's washer-dryer (pictured here) takes upwards of 2 hours for a cycle. The new model cuts the time down to 90 minutes.
David Watsky/CNETLG's combo laundry machines were already the best in class
I've been using LG's last-gen combo machine for two years now. I'm rarely doing laundry for more than two people, but I've had nothing but good experiences with the unit -- so much so that I've enthusiastically included it on our list of the best washing machines.
Sure, it takes longer to get a load bone dry than a standalone dryer -- a full cycle takes about two hours, sometimes longer -- but for me, the convenience of not having to switch laundry over between washing and drying is worth the extended cycle time. There are also the advantages of the machine taking up less space and not needing a vent.
With its new 90-minute cycle time, LG's combo machine is on par with a standard wash and dry cycle performed with separate machines, making it an even more compelling option for those who can afford the premium appliance.
AI features make LG's machines more efficient
LG combo laundry machines feature an AI wash cycle that adjusts water usage and drying time based on load size,
David Watsky/CNETLG's Signature Series washer-dryers have AI load detection (a feature I use almost exclusively). Using a built-in scale, the machine senses how large or small a load you're washing and adjusts the water usage and drying time accordingly. It also has smart detergent and fabric softener dispensers, so you'll only ever use just enough and never too much.
The fully digital control system can be managed from a mobile device via LG's ThinkQ smart home app and ecosystem.
The sleek digital interface is a signature of LG's appliances.
David Watsky/CNETThese ventless machines are also gentler on fabrics, as they employ dry-air drying instead of heated drying, unlike standard machines. That fast-moving dry air more closely mimics natural outdoor drying, so clothes are less prone to damage during the average cycle and, theoretically, last longer.
Pricing and availability
Pricing and launch date for LG's washer-dryer combo were not made available, but reps tell me it will be early in 2026. The previous model retails for north of $2,000. I expect this model to launch with a tag closer to $3,000.
