Is LG Washer Dryer Combo WM3998HBA Worth It? Honest Review (2026)

Very Long Total Cycle Time (Wash + Dry)

Combining wash and dry in one drum means the machine must complete both phases sequentially. According to LG’s published manual, a normal wash and dry cycle can take anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours, and heavy loads or certain cycles can exceed 6 hours. This is dramatically longer than using a separate washer (30–45 minutes) and dryer (45–60 minutes). For users with large families or frequent laundry, this can become a major inconvenience. You cannot run a second load until the first is fully done.

Third-party reviewers like PCMag confirm that even the quickest steam wash followed by a speed dry still takes about 2 hours. If you need to do multiple loads in a day, this combo will bottleneck your schedule.

Small 2.8 Cu. Ft. Capacity Limits Load Size

The 2.8 cubic foot drum is one of the smallest among combo units—and significantly smaller than a traditional standalone washer (typically 4.5–5.0 cu. ft.) or dryer (7.0+ cu. ft.). This means you can only wash about half as much laundry per load. For example, a queen-sized comforter might be a tight fit, and you may need to wash large items separately. According to LG’s spec sheet, the maximum dry capacity is even smaller (about 2.0 cu. ft.), so you can’t dry a full wash load entirely—you often have to remove some items for air-drying or run multiple drying cycles.

For couples or singles, this is manageable, but families of three or more will find themselves doing many small loads, which offsets the space-saving advantage.

Drying Performance Lags Behind Dedicated Dryers

Heat pump dryers are gentler and more efficient, but they produce less heat than conventional electric dryers. As a result, drying times are longer, and achieving fully dry, fluffed results is harder. Many users report that thick fabrics like towels, jeans, or bedding come out damp at the end of the cycle, requiring a second dry run or line drying. The drum also doesn’t have a separate lint filter accessible like a typical dryer, which can reduce airflow over time (though LG includes a self-cleaning condenser system).

Consumer Reports’ testing of similar LG combos noted that drying performance was “adequate but not great” — fine for cottons and synthetics, but struggle with heavier items. If you expect crisp, perfectly dried laundry, you may be disappointed.

High Price Tag – $1,500 for Compromised Performance

At around $1,499, the WM3998HBA costs more than many separate washer and dryer pairs that offer better overall performance. For example, you can buy an LG 4.5 cu. ft. front-load washer and matching electric dryer for about $1,200–1,400 combined, and those units will have larger capacities, faster cycles, and superior drying. The premium for the combo is justified only if you absolutely cannot fit or vent separate units.

Additionally, service and repairs for combo units can be more complex and costly because of the integrated heat pump and electronics. Extended warranties are worth considering, adding further cost.

Limited Drying Settings and Lint Management

The WM3998HBA offers only four dry cycles: Timed Dry, Normal, Speed Dry, and Low Temp. There is no sensor dry that automatically adjusts based on moisture level (though some users claim it does have a moisture sensor, it’s not explicitly listed). Many standalone dryers have 8–12 cycles plus wrinkle prevent and steam options. The lack of a delicate dry cycle can be problematic for lingerie or activewear.

Lint management is automated via a self-cleaning condenser, but LG does not provide an accessible lint filter. Over years of use, lint buildup can clog internal passages, potentially reducing drying efficiency or causing service issues. Some owners on forums report having to manually clean the condenser every few months, which is an extra maintenance step.

Can Be Noisy During Spin and Drying

In a small apartment, noise matters. The WM3998HBA’s spin cycles can reach up to 1,200 RPM, and while not the loudest washer, the combo design means the same drum spins at high speed for drying. Users in thin-walled apartments have complained about vibration and humming during the dry cycle. LG includes an anti-vibration system, but hard floors can still transmit noise. It may disturb late-night or early-morning use if your bedroom is adjacent.

For comparison, a dedicated washer and dryer can be placed on separate platforms or stacked with vibration pads; this combo sits on the floor and may transfer movement more directly.