Washer/dryer???

Mr_Man_6 · 7 December 2006 at 6:44PM

I’m thinking of buying a new washer dryer but not sure if they are a good option. Do you have to spend mega bucks to get one that does a good job?

I’ve heard that you would be better off buying a washer and a dryer rather than a combination of the two.

Not sure what to do, help please.

tawnyowls · 8 December 2006 at 1:41PM

Mr_Man wrote:

I’m thinking of buying a new washer dryer but not sure if they are a good option. Do you have to spend mega bucks to get one that does a good job?

I’ve heard that you would be better off buying a washer and a dryer rather than a combination of the two.

Not sure what to do, help please.

Don't buy one - you're far better off with separate machines for several reasons:

You can't dry the clothes while you're washing another load.
You can only dry half the size of load that you wash, thus you need 2 drying cycles for every wash load.
The drying cycles are longer than a normal TD anyway (a recent Which? report reckoned they took 1.5 times a normal cycle, so in fact, you could be doing the equivalent of 3 normal TD cycles per wash load; your electricity bills will be through the roof)
The creasing is chronic, especially on the ones that sort of suck the clothes into the holes in the drum. (If you buy a separate TD, one with reverse action will seriously cut down on the ironing - well worth the bit extra)
They're not reliable.

Get yourself a Bosch WM - the make of the TD is less crucial, as they're really just a giant hairdryer, so you could get away with a cheaper make. Candy TDs have had good reviews. A vented TD is generally better than a condenser, and cheaper, if you do have somewhere to put it and vent it (I keep mine in the garage). To reduce bills, try to dry the clothes at least part way and finish off in the TD. Another way of reducing it is to wash two loads at a time - eg split into darks and brights (er, but I can't really use the same word twice!) for washing, then wait till the second load's finished, and split into heavies and lights for drying.

harry_r · 8 December 2006 at 6:39PM

Bought a washer dryer a couple of years ago. Only used the drier once.
Not worth the hassle. Still use our old TD which ended up in the garage. It's
over 20 years old and still going. We decided to replace it when it gives up.
Washer/driers are OK if you live in a flat or are short of space. If you got the space go separates.

lolly5648 · 10 December 2006 at 3:57PM

We've got a Zanussi which works well enough but as said above, you can only dry a half load (or keep it drying for double the time). We still use our 30 year old Hotpoint tumble dryer for towels and sheets.

The only good thing about a washer dryer is that you can put it on in the morning and it will run right through and you will have dry clothes when you get home. I dont find that our things are any more creased than in the TD

HugoSP · 10 December 2006 at 5:13PM

I have a washer dryer in one of the proerties we rent out. It is a Servis bought brand new off Comet Auctions a few years ago to replace an ageing WD that had broken down once.

The tenant, who only washes part loads anyway (DSS living on his own) thinks its brilliant and uses less electricity and water than the old unit.

I could probably fit separates in the flat if I wanted to but it's a 1 bedroom flat! It's only him in there and he's settled. I suspect the machine will last a total of 10 years and then I'll replace it hopefully before it brakes down. The old one was about 12 years old when i changed it.

The old WD was then lent to a couple I knew who had their machine in storage. After the first load they tried to open it and the handle broke! I told them not to worry about destroying it to get to their clothes as I didn't particularly want it back.

Mrs_pbradley936 · 10 December 2006 at 5:20PM

They are useless. Get two machines.

flang · 10 December 2006 at 9:29PM

Another vote for useless!
It takes ages to dry!! I never bother using mine i just leave my clothes to dry naturally inside.

tanith · 10 December 2006 at 9:35PM

I agree with everyone else, useless , I have an old TD in the garage for when I can't line dry it still works fine , its at least 10 yrs old.....

ozskin · 11 December 2006 at 12:55AM

having sold them for years unless you absolutely have to go for 2 machines

lwt2006 · 6 February 2007 at 7:12PM

We had an Ariston W/D which lasted 15 years and was great. When it finally gave up, we bought a Hotpoint which lasted 6 WEEKS before it broke down. Had to have three repairs before Currys would replace it.
Went for a Zanussi after reading Which? Best Buys - it's broken after 18 months.

What's the betting we don't get anywhere this time with Currys?

gazza007 · 6 February 2007 at 8:11PM

If you have the space go for separates, had a couple of cheaper WD's when I was younger, they were OK but no good for family. When I had the space went for bottom spec Bosch seps as you only use about 3 programmes. As I live alone now & don't have the space I had to get WD again. Did my research & went for AEG as they have best reliability, got it for bargain price from coop & quidco, so far been very good but I'm not as lazy these days so try & use the washing line for drying, saves money,smell nice & fresh. One big tip get yourself a Nationwide Credit Card when used for purchases on electricals, it will get you extra 12 months warranty on top of manufacturers, so for Bosch you get 3 years. It also gets you commisson free purchases all over the world & bank exchange rate which is better than tourist.

Washer/dryer???

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