washer dryer vs tumble dryer and washing machine

freefreak

having searched the forum I can't find that this has been discussed already - if it has pls direct me to the thread

I basically would like to purchase a washer dryer (hoping to get a heat pump one) but don't know whether its better to get them as separate machines? What are the pro's/cons of each?

thanks!:D

savemoney

Better to get separate. If one brakes down you still have one working item

I have had washer/dryer and separates. separates are definitely better if you have the space

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/buying-advice-9.html

Itsgottabedone

I've had a washer/dryer for a few years now and find it's OK, but the main disadvantage in my opinion is that you can only deal with one load at a time - if you have separate machines there can be a load washing whilst another load is drying. For me, space was an issue.

James_Lahey

If you have space probably better to buy seperate, agree with reasons above plus washing machines take a larger load than tumble dryers (which when separate have larger drums to accommodate.) So you will either need do a below capacity load of washing, or take some out before drying - big pita!

lil.smartie

Love my washer dryer... put load on sorted when I get home or on at bed time & car wear in the morning!

Kate

dld2s

bought a washer dryer to try and save some space, used it for several weeks before deciding, to hell with space, it was time to buy another tumble dryer, as has been said one can be working whilst other is working, I also found that the heat in a washer dryer during the cycle seemed to be hotter (so hot you wouldn't be able to lift the clothes comfortably)


Heat aside, a washer dryer is probably not to bad a idea if you do very little washing or are possibly single but if you have a family I would forget it

paulmapp8306

Washer/Dryer.

PROS:

1. Saves space
2. Slightly cheaper

CONS:

1. One half breaks it all breaks.
2. You can only do one load at a time
3. The dryer isnt as efficient, as theres much more moisture in the drum to start with. Cost more to run, and takes longer to dry.

To be fair - point 3 is also valid for condensor dryers (though not quite as bad) - so if thats the type you'd get if going separates this isnt as big an issue.

Basically - if you have the space for separate machines, get separate machines.

BobQ

If you look at past Which? Magazines you can get an Objective view of the pros and cons.

My view is that the main benefit of a WD is that it saves space. Separtae machines are much better. WM usually does a better job tham a WD and a TD does better than a WD, you can use both at once and they can take better loads.

Reliability may have improved in recemt years but when I lasted looked WDs were less reliable than a WM and a TD.

fannyadams

Also you need a smaller load if you are going to have a WD do a full load IYSWIM.
Most WM now have a 7kg load size but the WD whilst having the larger wash load size 7kg, can still only cope with a 5kg load to dry.
also reiterating what everyone else says
WD - one bit breaks no machine
WM + TD - one machine breaks still got other.
If it was me I would buy WM and electric dehumidifer as more cost efficient to run (TD = 2 units per load; DH = 2 units for 10 hours use) and can dry clothes indoors.
HTH
FAx

freefreak

Thanks all - I had a gut feeling the washer dryer option was mostly a space saving one. I'm intrigued about using dehumidifiers though - does this not make the air in your home dry?

Poppycat

It takes moisture out of the air and gives off some surplus heat

freefreak wrote: »

Thanks all - I had a gut feeling the washer dryer option was mostly a space saving one. I'm intrigued about using dehumidifiers though - does this not make the air in your home dry?