anyonehave a combined washer/dryer?

Feanor

Hi all,

When re-designing our kitchen we want to try and save as much space as possible. My mum thinks combined washer/dryers are not very good, does anyone have any experience? Also, is it possible to get these in integrated into the kitchen units?

Thankyou.

Nenen

I've never had one but when we were looking a few years ago a salesperson advised me against a washer/drier and pointed out that the combined models available at that time had a load incompatibility, i.e. the washing machine load was twice that of the drier so you had to wash the cloths, take half out and dry the other half and then dry the second half... takes much longer! I don't know if that is still the same today but worth checking.

We ended up with a separate washing machine and condenser drier (which doesn't need venting) and they both work really well. You could consider putting a drier in a garage or shed if you have one and kitchen space is tight.

louidog

I have had a washer/drier and would not recommend one at all! I can see the sense (only just about though!) in having one if space is an issue but you can't dry a full load and need to unload the machine before drying.
If you have the space get seperate machines!

jackieb

My mum was advised against buying one from a friend of theirs who works repairing Hotpoints. They bought one anyway. They haven't had any problems, apart from it having a smaller that usual drum and things taking ages to dry.

We had a new one in our flat when we were on holiday and I didn't like it at all (like I said, small drum and things took ages to dry).

gundo

I've had an AEG and an Indesit one. They're ok if space is tight. Separate machines are better and tend to be more reliable. If you've a lot of laundry to do (i.e. you have more than 2 people in your household) then probably not ideal but for a couple of adults they're fine.

HariboJunkie

Nenen wrote: »

I've never had one but when we were looking a few years ago a salesperson advised me against a washer/drier and pointed out that the combined models available at that time had a load incompatibility, i.e. the washing machine load was twice that of the drier so you had to wash the cloths, take half out and dry the other half and then dry the second half... takes much longer! I don't know if that is still the same today but worth checking.

We ended up with a separate washing machine and condenser drier (which doesn't need venting) and they both work really well. You could consider putting a drier in a garage or shed if you have one and kitchen space is tight.

I think things have moved on a bit. We have a Hotpoint Aquarius which has a 7kg wash and dry load so you can set it to dry automatically.
I'm sure it's not as efficient as a seperate dryer but that just gives me the incentive to use it less thus saving a bit of energy and money.

carolpinkdreamer

I thought about it when redesigning our little kitchen. A friend advised against it because you can't be drying one load whilst washing another. This sounds really obvious but I took her advice and ditched the dishwasher idea instead. I am SO glad that I did.

Many, many times since then I have had one load in washer and another going in the dryer (and more waiting to wash!) and I've been glad that we bought separate machines because of this time saving element.

flossy_splodge

I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" answer to this. I have a washer/dryer. Always have, always will. Even when there were 2 babies in the house. I just like having the least amount of clutter and equipment. However i do NOT automatically use the dryer when a load is washed, I have a thing called a clothes line which can be used even in winter. better for the environment and better for your pocket. Works for me, always has. Good luck with your choice!;)

Doozergirl

They're rubbish. I did have to take half the load out to dry anything and I bought quite an expencive Bosch model. The drum was smaller too so I couldn't even wash as much as I needed to so the washing machine was on constantly.

I will never buy one again. Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Tumble Drier in priority order for me. Fair weather, a clothes horse and the radiators are just fine.

never_enough

Had one in a flat out of necessity as no space for dryer. It was useless, as well as the half load issue for drying it continually needed repairs. Only time I've taken extended warrenty out on an appliance (was advised to as they were 'unreliable'). The repair man virtually became one of the family over the next 4 years!! Now, have no drier just a washing machine, outside clothes line & ceiling airer which sees me through all year. Only *very* occasionally do I miss the drier (about twice a year) if I'm trying to get my extra large bath towels dry during the winter. I resent the cost of a drier too & as I love the smell of washing dried outside it's a no brainer for me.
As earlier poster says you can site a condenser drier anywhere so that's an option if you really need one.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I have had a waher dryer in all three of my past homes ,spreading over 34 years and I must just of been very lucky because I can honestly say they have been no problem.They were Hotpont,Ariston and Indesit.They were all integrated models.
My daughter on the other hand has had two washer dryers within six years and the dryer has broken down in both of them,she just won't bother to have the dryer component repaired now.
I would'nt like to advise either way except to say that you may be okay with just a couple and a washer dryer,but if you have a family forget it go for seperates if only for the drying capability.