Washer / Dryer Dilemma - advice please to help make a decision !!

richardvc

Morning All,

We cannot make a decision so are asking for your help.

We want to do up our kitchen in the next 12 / 18 months and put in integrated appliances including a washer / dryer.

Our AEG washer / dryer died so needing a short term fix we picked up a cheap one from ebay to see us out until late 2018.

Sadly the lower weight has sheared off and just a casual look for parts / fitting this is going to cost in the region of £150 to sort - I am not capable of fixing it myself so would need someone to do it for me.

Here is our dilemma, should we just buy a new cheap (under £400) washer dryer and know that it will last until we get to do up our kitchen OR fix the existing used one ?

My heart says NEW (non-integrated) but my head says USED - but then spend the next 18 months with our fingers firmly crossed !!

If new, has anyone any recommendations on brands etc ? We only have two of us in our household but it would be used most days with uniforms / sports kit etc

Just typing this I am edging towards NEW !! We are big fans of AO so would like to purchase from them if possible and will do it today / tomorrow !

So to recap, buy NEW or fix the USED and if NEW, any recommendations please ?

Thank you
Richard

chrisw

Do you need the washer/dryer combination? Washer dryers have a poor reputation for reliability, much worse than the separates.

rach_k

Are you absolutely sure that you want an integrated washer-dryer in your new kitchen? We recently did ours and I thought I would get everything integrated but when it came to the washer-dryer, there wasn't enough choice for me. Things like capacity and spin speed, different cycles etc - I may be a bit fussier than average but the integrated options just weren't good enough and you pay more for that lack of choice! Everything else integrated is fine but I had to go for a non-integrated washer-dryer and I'm glad I did. Ours is grey/silver in a grey kitchen and in a corner you don't see as you walk into the room so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, although if you get one of the fancy shiny ones I think they're worth showing off!

If you are sure you want integrated, can you just get it now and use without the decorative door panel? I know with our integrated dishwasher it doesn't work like that as the door hinges are too strong without the weight of the panel, but is it different with a washer-dryer? That would save money.

ETA - I'm with you on liking washer-dryers btw!

theonlywayisup

Might be a silly reply but as I don't have integrated appliances I'm not entirely sure what they look like naked (without the carcass) can you not buy the new integrated one you want now and just build the kitchen around it when you come to renovate?

richardvc

ChrisW - Yes as we only have a small galley kitchen and space is at a premium a washer / dryer is vital

Rach_k - Ok, a good point well made. We thought we wanted integrated but you have made me think again AND if you are paying more for less choice then that's not very MSE !

Theonlywayisup - Rach_k has made a good point so I am maybe coming round to buying a freestanding w/d !

getmore4less

Have you thought about stacking regular washer & dryer into a tall unit
or
even putting them elsewhere to gain kitchen space(laundry in kitchens is very much a UK thing)

a heatpump condenser dryer can go anywhere you can get power.

richardvc

Getmore4less - we haven't that height unless we sacrifice a fridge freezer !! Thanks for the idea though.
We demolished our garage to build an extension and haven't any other options.

richardvc

Ok - decision made. Bosch washer / dryer, not integrated, 2 year warranty and less than £600. We have other Bosch appliances and all have been excellent.

richardvc

Thanks for all your help. It stopped us wavering in a state of indecision !!

fuzzgun19

richardvc wrote: »

Ok - decision made. Bosch washer / dryer, not integrated, 2 year warranty and less than £600. We have other Bosch appliances and all have been excellent.

Does anyone know if washer/dryers cost a lot more in electricity to run than a standard washer?

Aylesbury_Duck

fuzzgun19 wrote: »

Does anyone know if washer/dryers cost a lot more in electricity to run than a standard washer?

I'm certain they would. The electricity consumed by a standalone dryer is relatively high, so pack that capability into a washer-dryer and it will be more expensive than using a washing machine and washing line.