Washer/Dryers any good?

applepicker

Is it worth getting a washing machine and tumble dryer separately? For the space I have in the flat just the one would be better. Do you have to get an expensive one for it to be worth it?

HappyMJ

If you don't have the space then you'll have to get a washer/dryer.

It's much better to get them separate if you possibly can as each one will last much longer due to being used less. You can get through the washing much quicker due to a higher washing and drying capacity and you can wash whilst another load is drying.

The machine you buy doesn't need to be expensive but if I were buying one now I'd make sure the capacity is big enough. Drying loads are usually half the washing load so check that too. I would look for a 4kg drying 8kg washing capacity as a minimum even though there is only 2 of us.

[Deleted User]

Only you can answer the question really, it depends on what you want. The advantage of separates is that you can run them both together, but at the expense of taking up twice the space. I don't have room for two, so there's no choice to make. I haven't had any problems with mine, my two Hotpoints lasted about 13 years each.

thescouselander

We have both a washer dryer in the house and a conventional dryer in the shed. The Mrs always trecks down the garden to use the one in the shed because it's so much better. Washer dryers take a lot longer to dry vs a dedicated dryer; they also seem to dry at a higher temperature which can shrink your clothes.

I'd say only get a washer dryer as a last resort.

applepicker

I will probably only dry underwear, towels and window cleaning rags. I wouldn't risk jumpers and shirts because of shrinkage! Ok so there drying isn't as good, but how is there washing ability? Is it as good as a washing machine? Worth getting a good quality one or John Lewis one?

Torry_Quine

applepicker wrote: »

I will probably only dry underwear, towels and window cleaning rags. I wouldn't risk jumpers and shirts because of shrinkage! Ok so there drying isn't as good, but how is there washing ability? Is it as good as a washing machine? Worth getting a good quality one or John Lewis one?

I have recently bought a john lewis washer/dryer and it replaced my zanussi which lasted well over 12 years. In the winter I dry virtually everything and no shrinkage problems

CashStrapped

Just rememeber...do not try to cram as much in the machine as possible.

1) Things will not wash well.
2) It will take an age to dry.
3) At the drying stage, half the load and do it in two separate drying loads.

Washer dryers will have a smaller capacity that you are used to. Ensure you only fill it to the maximum weight recommendation for that particular setting.

If you do this, the machine will last longer and wash/dry better.

Also ignore spin speeds. Anything above 1200 is pointless as the amount of extra water extracted is tiny and is not worth the extra wear on the bearings.

[Deleted User]

IKEA do a washer dryer for £600 with a 5 year warranty. 7kg washing and 5kg drying so you could just do 5kg wash/dry loads with no messing about.

applepicker

Another issue is when using the dryer, how to get rid of the steam. Is it best to get one which doesn't pump the steam out of a vent?

[Deleted User]

applepicker wrote: »

Another issue is when using the dryer, how to get rid of the steam. Is it best to get one which doesn't pump the steam out of a vent?

A condensing dryer....it fills a water container which you empty out after every load.

getmore4less

The standard solution to space problems is a stacking kit.

http://www.buyspares.co.uk/universal-stacking-kit-with-slide-out-shelf/product.pl?pid=1212921

the TD can go on top of the washer, same brand will have a custom kit but there are a coupe of universal, these fix the two together for safety.

it the TD has decent feet in many cases it can just on top of the washer.


With TD and no vent option there are condencers the better models( much cheaper to run) are the heat pump(HP) ones with condencer look at the condencing efficiency some chuck 2-3 times as much moisture into the room that the better ones.

I researched HP TD and there is a BEKO(DSX83410) and Grundig(GTN38250HGC) that are probably the best value both have a A++ 230kwh with A rated condencing

Both are currys models and Grundig come with 5y waranty.

Not cheap the Grundig if often under £400 and the Beko cheaer

whashers are always on offer just check HUKD for the current deals

When looking at TD look for pump to drain option so you don't need to be emptying the tank if you can place it near a drain, if not they can go anywhere they only need a power supply so unlike a washer that needs both water and drain you have a lot more flexibility

http://www.grundig.co.uk/Item/GTN38250HGC
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry/tumble-dryers/grundig-gtn38250hgcw-heat-pump-tumble-dryer-white-10133741-pdt.html

http://www.beko.co.uk/8kg-tumble-dryer-dsx83410-white
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry/tumble-dryers/beko-select-dsx83410w-heat-pump-tumble-dryer-white-10132476-pdt.html