Washing machine or washer/dryer?

andrew71

Ok this morning our washing machine decided to start leaking. It was probably due to go soon, the washing was starting to smell when it came out meaning we needed to rewash it again.

So we are about to look for a new washing machine over the next couple of days.

I'm wondering about a integrated washer/dryer. I know we would pay extra for it but are they worth getting? With the weather that we have it is either a case of hoping it doesn't rain to put the washing out or turn the heating on and put the washing on the radiator.
Would buying an integrated washer work out cheaper in the long run than having the heating on all day?

Sublime_2

Don't buy a washer dryer, uinless absolutely necessary.

I've had my Hotpoint one for over 3 years, and I've had to shell out for extended warranties, as the dryer bit keeps breaking down. They are ok as long as you don't use them very often. So more suitable for one person imo.

Its good as a washing machine though, albeit noisy.

pigeonpie

I have a washer dryer and never use the dryer. I find hanging my washing on a large rack that you can pack away when it's dry works far better. Only inconvenience is looking at washing for a day or 2 but I'm in a flat - if you have a spare room that you heat, you wouldn't have to see it. It does get dry as long as you have the heating on. I wouldn't have thought all day is necessary - I have 3 hours morning and 6 hours evening. If you get a washing machine with a good spinning cycle that helps. Dryers chew money and do weird things to clothes.

Sagz_2

I've only had one washer dryer and it was next to useless! Only lasted about 18 months and was not cheap.

elsien

Mother has a washer dryer, but rarely uses it. She hangs washing out if she can, puts it on an airer if needed, and probably uses the dryer bit once every couple of months, if that.
I don't have a dryer, I have an indoor line tucked away in an alcove off the kitchen by the boiler. It takes the washing longer to dry (24 hours at this time of year) but I don't put the heating on any higher than I would to keep myself warm so it's not costing me any extra.

tanith

Don't buy a washer/dryer as you will probably like the others never use the dryer part... the drying cycle takes forever and of course you can't bung in another load while you the dryer is in use...

Not_a_Newbie

Just wanted to add a positive note for washer/dryers. We have had ours for around 10 years, and apart from one minor breakdown and the current leaking issue, have not had any problems with it.

On average we do about 4 loads a week, some weeks more depending on bedding/towels etc, and routinely use the dryer during the colder months.

Don't totally dismiss one as they are great if you don't have the space for a separate washer and dryer.

Some responders here have said they have had problems with their's, however, as with anything you can be really unlucky and get one of those 'end of Friday items'.

Ours is a hoover.

Sublime_2

Not_a_Newbie wrote: »

Just wanted to add a positive note for washer/dryers. We have had ours for around 10 years, and apart from one minor breakdown and the current leaking issue, have not had any problems with it.

On average we do about 4 loads a week, some weeks more depending on bedding/towels etc, and routinely use the dryer during the colder months.

Don't totally dismiss one as they are great if you don't have the space for a separate washer and dryer.

Some responders here have said they have had problems with their's, however, as with anything you can be really unlucky and get one of those 'end of Friday items'.

Ours is a hoover.

Your usage is ideal for a washer dryer. I think they're fine for a few times a week, just not so good for heavy domestic use.

I do at least a washload every day, and one problem is the heating element does go in the dryer when used repeatedly. Since I've cut down my amount of tumble drying, it hasn't been as bad.

property.advert

I've been researching this all week as I need to buy at least a washing machine and probably need a drier as well. Avoiding the crap (IMHO) like Beko and so forth and having realised over the years that big is good (duvet covers, protectors, blankets etc.) I came to focus on the following models:

Hotpoint AQM8D69I/V https://www.whitebox.co.uk/Shop/Product.aspx?pfid=WD_AQM8D69IV
Hotpoint AQM8F49U/V http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/2747167/hotpoint/all_merchant/aqualtis-aqm8f49u-v-washe.html
LG F1403RD http://www.electricaldiscountuk.co.uk/itfx_product_details.php?pid=11114

There is limited availability with the Hotpoint 1600 but (top one) but the middle one (8kg and 1400) is £417 and £484 at John Lewis

The LG is the largest at 9kg but the most expensive at £519

If you buy a small washer then you can get away with even sub £200 but by the time you get up to a decent make and large load, even a washer goes over the £300/350 mark and with the Hotpoint at £417, it seems a good compromise.

If you won't use a dryer because it is expensive or because you just don't need to, then don't buy one. Chucking the towels in during winter is one reason to get one and there are many others. If you use the washer a lot, more than even a large load can cope with, then you'll need two machines.

tanith

I've had my Hotpoint for over 9yrs and only had one minor repair.. its still going strong today