Are combined washer/dryers OK

chickmug

We are about to refit our kithen/utility room and were thinking of getting one of these. I remember some years ago no one had a good word to say about them.

But have they improved and dare I take the risk as it would free up valuable space.

Badger_Lady

I've had two and loved them to pieces - put your washing in on a winter's morning, come home to it clean and dry!

With the modern ones, I don't seem to come across the old issues around capacity etc - it just works. Last one was a 1400rpm Indesit Condenser Washer Dryer for about £200 - I miss it. (The girl who bought my flat bought the white goods with as well)

richardw

chickmug wrote: »

We are about to refit our kithen/utility room and were thinking of getting one of these......it would free up valuable space.

Have you considered stacking the dryer on top of the washing machine?

Gas tumble dryers are more efficient than electric ones.

With washer dryers you have to put in similar laundry that can be washed and dryed at the same time if you don't want to remove the laundry that can't be dryed at the end of the washing cycle before starting the drying cycle. Also you can't start another load of washing until the drying has finished, so two consecutive loads would take longer than if you had separate machines.

Milford_Cubicle

I've had two and yes they work and are good for reduced space but I find they need much longer to dry than the seperate ones - I'd guess they use double the electricity to dry the same amount of stuff.

I also found that you can't dry as much as you wash so you have to do a tiny load if you want it washed and dried without having to remove it all first.

LandyAndy

richardw wrote: »

Have you considered stacking the dryer on top of the washing machine?

Gas tumble dryers are more efficient than electric ones.

With washer dryers you have to put in similar laundry that can be washed and dryed at the same time if you don't want to remove the laundry that can't be dryed at the end of the washing cycle before starting the drying cycle. Also you can't start another load of washing until the drying has finished, so two consecutive loads would take longer than if you had separate machines.

This is a huge drawback if you are a family who do washing once a week.

Barneysmom

I have a Hoover one and I am happy with it, it does the job.
I don't use the tumbler very much as I have a clothes horse, but when I do, it's fine.

vtuauk

In my case i had no option, kitchen too small
But I'm more than happy with mine.
It allows drying time of up to 150 minutes, but even full load easily dries in less than 60-90

James_Robertson_1963

If you can, definitely go for a separate washing machine and dryer.

If you must have a combined unit, make sure you use the drying facility often. Failure to do so can lead to corrosion in the dryer part of the machine due to a build-up of moisture and chemicals from the powder/softener.

wolfehouse

just a note-
at my latest 'fire safety update class' at work we were told never to run a combined washer/dryer at night or when not at home as a large percentage of their callouts were still for fires started by them.

Beebop

In my opinion, get a separate washer and dryer. Stacking them is good idea for space saving.
The driers are not as efficient as "single unit" ones (take longer to dry) and the option of them going into the dry cycle straight after the wash cycle is pointless as you have to remove any delicate items before it starts.....

LilySue

We bought one as we had very limited kitchen space. As I mainly line dry or use a clothes airer, I use it only for emergencies...like getting school uniforms dry on a wet week. I must say I don't think mine is that good, the capacity is fairly small and it takes a long time to get the clothes dry, however it does do the job, I just wouldn't buy one again.