GREAT LITTLE MACHINE

First: Don't buy this machine expecting it to behave and perform like a full size washer and dryer. It is not. If you want the features and performance of full size, then buy full size.

However, for its size and compact features it is a GREAT washer/dryer when used properly (key phrase: "when used properly").

Washes great! Dries great! Convenient. Fits in my apt. Ventless drying (takes longer but dry is dry). I connected a "quick connect" dishwasher fill/drain hose and then "quick connected" it to my kitchen faucet like a portable dishwasher, plugged it into a regular power outlet and ... VOILA!! I turned my tiny apt. kitchen into "My Beautiful Launderette." (AND, during the drying cycle, it becomes a huge Downey-scented potpourri.)

Couldn't be happier!!!

Note: I made an original purchase from Appliances.com. They sent a damaged unit and refused to replace it. Had to 1) Stop payment with the credit card company (AmEx), and 2) Report Appliances.com to the Attorney General's office of Ohio (the attorney general for the state where Appliances.com is physically located) to get Appliances.com to refund my full purchase price. (A six month process of Appliances.com lying and dragging their feet to act: They even lied and tried to swindle AmEx in their attempt to skirt their duty as a reputable vendor.) Subsequently I purchased a unit from a local (So. Cal) vendor.

The appliance is great: But, Appliances.com is a dishonest on-line vendor.

****** UPDATE JUNE, 2004 ******

On Tuesday of this week, my machine's dryer feature stopped working: It heated, but the fan didn't move the heat air through the wash/dry chamber.

On Wednesday a.m. I called Haier to request warranty service. The Haier representative gave me the phone number of a local service company: Integrity Appliance.

I immediately called Integrity and advised them of the problem. They came out that same evening and confirmed the problem: A burned out fan motor. They told me they would request a replacement part from Haier and would contact me when the new part arrived.

Integrity Appliances contacted me Friday a.m. and advised that the part arrived. They came out that same afternoon and installed the replacement motor.

A total of 3 days. Done. Finite. Lickity-Split.

I've read all the reviews here on Epinions about Haier's supposedly awful service record and the unreliability of the machine in general. Frankly, I don't get it. They were great. Their local repair vendor was great. They all bent over backward to get my machine up and running as quickly as possible.

I continue to think this machine is one of the best purchases I have made. I use it 3-4 times a week. The technician that came and repaired the unit told me that other manufacturers of combo machines (i.e., LG and Thor) use EXACTLY the same design as the Haier device: But cost hundreds of dollars more.

If you are looking for a quality alternative to a full size washer/dryer: Have limited space: Do not have laundry hook ups: Dirty LOTS of clothes, I don't see why you'd buy any other machine. Also: There is a added "Wow" factor in owning a compact washer/dryer. Everyone who comes to my home and sees the device comments on the unique idea of a "combo washer/dryer".