I recently purchased my second w/d combo.  When doing my research on the many brands, i noticed consumer complaints that could have easily been dealt with so as to turn their bad experience into a good one.  There are three things that must be considered when using one of these machines. 

• 1. You must use HE (high efficiency) detergent.  This is a low suds detergent and is available at almost any grocery store.
• 2. Fabric softener is a MUST!  This is just as important as putting in detergent.  Don't skimp on the softener either.  Without it, clothes stick together after the high spin, resulting in a much long drying time.
• 3. Reduce the size of your loads.  Change the way you do laundry.  You can't save it up for one big laundry day.  I do mine every day or every other.

I had an Equator brand machine for a bout five years (although 2 control boards, and various parts later it died).  I recently purchased the LG combo w/d and have to say it works great and is so quiet my neighbors and even landlord have no idea i have it!!

So if you are single, or a couple in a small place.  I highly recommend combo washer/dryers, as long as you are willing to do the three things i stated above, you'll be hooked like I am.