Washer driers

ostrichnomore_2

Hi

I'm soon to move to a flat and there isn't much room in kitchen, really only a space for washing machine. I do own tumble drier already but I'd rather not have one stuck in corner of bedroom.

Seeing as I have to buy a new washing machine for there anyway, I'm now thinking of getting a washer/drier instead. But everyone I know's said it's a bad idea, they break down all the time, blah blah.

What do you all think? I know they always had a reputation for unreliability in the past but haven't things improved now? Anyone recommend a particular make/model - or tell me some to steer clear of? And is there much difference between ones that cost about under £500 and the expensive ones for £600-700, other than the brand names?

ic

I've just replaced my 8 1/2 year old Zanussi washer dryer with this model: http://www.appliancesonline.co.uk/product/L75480WD-AEG-Lavamat-Turbo-Washer-Dryer-White-24807.aspx

It scored a Which? best buy as a washer dryer (great wash, good dryer, "energy saving", reliable brand). It comes with a five year warranty, and right now £70 cashback from AEG (via certain retailers, including AO). If you via Quidco or Top Cashback you should be able to get another 2% cashback from appliances online. So all in will cost £527 delivered.

The cashback cheque came through from AEG before my credit card bill had to be paid - so they do pay up quick. The warranty docs came through in about a week.

I had originally been looking to get a Samsung washer dryer, but they just missed out being marked up as a Which? "don't buy". You can get a Which? trial subscription for £1 - its worth it as there aren't many impartial reviews around that aren't anything more than just a rehash of the manufacturer specs!

gmgmgm

We used to have washer/dryers but have now moved to separates. Luckily we have the space (just).

Whenever they go wrong- it's generally not worth fixing them it seems. And there is a lot to go wrong, especially with modern built-to-a-price machines.

Some people on here seem to cope with a washing machine, then drying outside, or in a room with a (good e.g. £120) dehumidifier. (Drying indoors without a good dehumidifier is unwise).

macman

Bear in mind that a washer drier can only dry half the amount that it can wash in one cycle, and that the drying time is much longer than with a dedicated drier.
And when it breaks down, you'll lose both appliances.
Don't consider it unless space is at an absolute premium.

ic

macman wrote: »

Bear in mind that a washer drier can only dry half the amount that it can wash in one cycle

The one I linked above is 8Kg wash, 6Kg dry. This machine replaced my 6Kg wash, 3Kg dry machine - so far more flexible on that front. I'd agree with comments though, if you have the room buy separate, but I'm one of those people that just doesn't have the room - especially as the dryer is used maybe once per week to dry bed sheets only, vs five or six washes in a week.

iammumtoone

I have one, and would buy another one. However I really don't use the dryer part very often (only once or twice a month) but on the occasions I do need it I would not do without it. It comes in very handy when son needs something washed and dried for the next day, I put a half load in just before bed and when I get up it after a quick iron it is ready for use.

flutterby_lil

I have had a washer/dryer (hoover) for about 7 years now, been a couple of problems and had somebody out 3 times but only spent about £90 on it. Getting aSiemens one for almost £700 this time.

macman

ic wrote: »

The one I linked above is 8Kg wash, 6Kg dry. This machine replaced my 6Kg wash, 3Kg dry machine - so far more flexible on that front. I'd agree with comments though, if you have the room buy separate, but I'm one of those people that just doesn't have the room - especially as the dryer is used maybe once per week to dry bed sheets only, vs five or six washes in a week.

My point remains valid though-you'll still need two dryer loads for every full wash load. Adding both time and money.

cattie

I had a Whirlpool washer drier that I'd say had medium to heavy use & lasted a wonderful 13.5 yrs with no problems whatsoever. I replaced it with a Zanussi that had medium to light use & it died on me just short of it's 4th birthday.

I ended up deciding it was the luck of the draw whether you were lucky enough to have a machine that lived a long & happy life without needing attention.

This time round I've chosen not to buy another washer drier, instead going for a higher spin Neff integrated washing machine & due to lack of space/cost of electricity with a tumble drier, I am probably going to get a dehumidifier to help dry the washing instead.

mymedi

macman wrote: »

My point remains valid though-you'll still need two dryer loads for every full wash load. Adding both time and money.

I'm not quite sure what it means though - it can dry half the wash load? Obviously, if you dry it for long enough, it'll dry everything...
I agree that having separate machines is better, especialy if the family is more than 2-3 people. But having a single machine for everything is just fine IMHO.

We have had an AEG Lavamat-Turbo machine for about 7-8 years now. No issues whatsoever. And not even cleaning, maintaining it at all.
I have no idea how much it can wash or dry - I just throw everything I want washed in and turn it on... Then I turn it to dry twice for 35-40 minutes and it's done.

If you want to calculate the relative costs of buying a separate dryer vs increased electricity costs to dry longer in a smaller machine, don't waste your time - the machine will die long before you break even. Having one machine to do everything is by far the more economical option.

mazza111

I hated mine with a passion I'm afraid, the dryer broke on it just out of warranty and was left with a washing machine. This was a couple of years ago and they may have improved, but I don't think I would ever get another one.