Forgot to add the only feature that I would prefer on the dryer is one with intermittent reversing action. Wasn't available back when I purchased my machines, but I would go to some effort to get one with it now. (At least I think so!) Also, isn't ASKO one of the few brands left with 220V washing machines? That is really important, IMO. And since you'll need 220V for the electric condenser dryer it won't add to your installation cost (washer and dryer can be interconnected needing only one wall outlet) and it will provide far superior cleaning. ASKO machines also need only cold water supply as they heat their own water. If it was a necessary choice, 220V washers would trump reverse tumble drying, at least for me. How's that for inconsistency? HTH, L.

LG's WM3987 is the only full-size (27"w) combo W/D sold in the U.S.; fortunately it's a good one, (4.2 cu.ft. capacity, 1200 RPM spin, heats water up to 158F, has separate prewash/main wash/fabric softener/bleach dispensers). Several manufacturers sell shallower 24"w washer/dryers, but LG's WM3455 is probably the best, although it's rather pricey. It has 2.7 cu.ft. capacity, 1300 rpm spin, heats water to 158F, though lacks a separate bleach compartment. Looks to have a big door opening for a compact washer, though I haven't seen one IRL. Both of these run on 120V/15A, which means slow water heating and even slower drying, but also that it will plug into your apartment's nearby outlet if it isn't wired for 240V and may be advantageous if you're not allowed to add a 240V circuit. Fagor's FAS 3612 is a considerably less expensive choice, and faster because it runs on 240v power. Asko seems to have dropped their combo W/D, and the Eurotech clone thereof isn't sold anymore either. These had a poor rep for reliability anyway; they were made by a different branch of the company than other Asko laundry machines. Avoid anything that doesn't heat the wash water.

Miele and Electrolux both offer ventless/condenser dryers in the USA (and both are very good (for ventless). Both offer reverse tumble, both are almost the exact same size, but the Electrolux is roughly 50% less expensive. Just remember ALL condenser dryers are somewhat slow, and they get VERY hot and will heat up the area/room they are in. But if a vented dryer is not an option, then you have no other choice than going ventless!

I understand your frustration over 2 inches and sympathize. I had a wall reconstructed with the studs sideways just to give me 2 extra inches and I have a bathroom closet that does not have any sheetrock inside, I used thin bead-board paneling just for the little bit of extra space. You might want to take the dryer down and see if you can have a hard, smooth, flat vent put in the original vents place. The metal vent should have less depth than the plastic tubing. For fire safety and efficiency it is usually recommend that the corrugated flexible aluminum and plastic vents be replaced with smooth metal vents. If you still need a little more room for the door I would consider removing the sheetrock if it is an interior wall and pushing the dryer back into the wall cavity. Good luck with however you solve this problem.