Are washer dryers really any good?

cam101

Hi everyone, I've been using the website for a while but this is my first post...

My partner and I are moving into our first home in a couple of months, and we want to get the best deals on household appliances etc.

We only have the room for a washing machine, therefore we are very interested in getting a washer dryer. HOWEVER, I have heard some very dubious reports that they neither wash nor dry clothes properly! I would appreciate any advice, what to look for, where to buy from and whether it's a good idea to get a washer dryer!

Thanks in advance
Cam

Garnet_Gem

I had a one once and I'd never have another one. I'd rather have a washing machine with a high speed spin cycle.

mojo_jojo

I've had a Hoover Six washer dryer for the past 6 years and it's never let me down. I only use the dryer bit if it's not sunny or I can't leave the laundry to dry indoors for a particular reason.

I think I read somewhere Candy are good brand or Miele. Depends on how much you want to spend. The dryer bit does use up a lot of energy though.

ForkHandles_2

Hi,

If you only have room for the one appliance then a washer dryer IMHO is the way to go. At our old house we had one because, like you we only had space for one appliance, it washed and dried perfectly and lasted about 7 years. Is there perhaps room above the appliance for a 'double decker' type approach? There are many manufacturers who make a bracket to allow a dryer to be mounted on top of the washing machine. If you can get the two appliances in then you have the luxury of drying some washing while another load is being washed, which you can't do (obviously) with a washer dryer (invaluable if you have children).

FH

pennypitstop_2

One thing to consider is that with a seperate washing machine and dryer, you can be washing another load whilst the first load dries. With an all-in-one machine, you'd have to wait obviously before getting the next lot in.

If you have kids and/or a lot of washing, like I do!, this could be the deciding factor!

JulianF_2

Washer-dryers are also more susceptible to problems if you overload them (not that anyone does! Ever!).

happy2bhere

I had to buy a washer dryer as i didn't have room for a tumble dryer. I intiially bought a hotpoint model, thinking that they are quite a reputable brand. Never again had so many problems with it. Curry's eventually (after much complaining) gave me 3 new machines - each broken! When i finally got my refund + laundrette expenses, i checked out which online & bought one of their best buys the AEG model at £450. Its brilliant and would totally reccommend it. Had it for 9 months & no problems (touching alot of wood!!).

Hope this thelps.

[Deleted User]

we have one in our new house. It works really well as a washing machine but you have to put a half load in for the drier. I have used the drier 4 times in 2 years. It gets very hot and the clothes crease and I certainly would not trust it at night or if I am out

I get by very well with 4 airers (not usually all at once)but I can even cope without the drier on the wettest winter day. I can stand a wooden airer in the bath and it dries well when the ch is on in winter

I would definitely not buy a washer/drier again

cam101

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. It's just me and fiance, so no children to worry about at present! It is alarming to think they get THAT hot that you wouldn't leave it unattended (i.e. go out), but I suppose everybody has different experiences.

It's also good to hear that you can get by in winter with clothes airers, perhaps we could too...

Thanks again!

rustyjemma

our washer dryer is fine. the dryer gets used once or twice a month. iv never superives it yet. I dont have any problems with excessive creasing either (but I only iorn shirts anthow!). I wouldnt waste the space on seperate machines now.

kwatt

In the trade, we don't like them I've never met an engineer that likes them and so we don't recommend them.

Poorer performance in general, especially on dry and far poorer reliability.

HTH

K.