Washer/dryers!

lvm

So…get the keys to new house next week and need to buy a washer and dryer.

Now, from what I can tell, sellers have had a combined washer/dryer in the only one space in the kitchen available.

I’m thinking of getting a washing machine there and then putting a separate dryer in the cupboard which has things like vacuum/ironing board etc (still in kitchen).

What I’m wondering, is if it’s worthwhile getting a combined washer/dryer for kitchen and separate dryer? Hopefully without compromising the quality of the washing machine itself. Expecting first child in a few weeks so thinking it might be good having a backup dryer if we want to dry 2 loads at the same time.

Not considering a washer/dryer alone as I’m aware they’re not as effective over time.

eta: just to be clear, the dryer function of washer/dryer would be the least used and back up option. Separate dryer would be main dryer.

another_casualty

Mmmm.. not sure you should putting anything like that in a cupboard .
seems a fire hazard due to lack of ventilation 🔥( I stand to be corrected of course) 

I have a washer dryer , and it is fine for my needs . I don't think the quality is there with any of these  type of appliances these days , whether they are washers/ dryers/ or both combined . So many seem to be branded differently , but are manufactured by one outfit .

There are arguments over how much to spend , but ( could be wrong here) anything lasting over 4-5 years is a bonus these days ..

lvm

another_casualty said:

Mmmm.. not sure you should putting anything like that in a cupboard .
seems a fire hazard due to lack of ventilation 🔥( I stand to be corrected of course) 

I have a washer dryer , and it is fine for my needs . I don't think the quality is there with any of these  type of appliances these days , whether they are washers/ dryers/ or both combined . So many seem to be branded differently , but are manufactured by one outfit .

There are arguments over how much to spend , but ( could be wrong here) anything lasting over 4-5 years is a bonus these days ..

Ahhhh….hadn’t even considered the safety aspect so you may well me correct actually. Although then again I suppose people have utility cupboards. Would plan on a condenser one so not sure that would make a difference. Off to investigate!

 Washer/dryer definitely more expensive than just a washer but thinking it may be convenient. Oh, the dilemma!!

FaceHead

I have a washer dryer, as it resulted in a much better kitchen layout than having separate washer and dryer

It makes the clothes clean, and if I set it to dry, they come out dry too. Usually I do the wash, remove the clothes that can't be dried and set it to dry.

No complaints. I can't see why you'd want two appliances to do the job that one can do. 

Rosa_Damascena

What are your other drying options, OP? Do you have space outside? Or inside for a Dri-Buddi (or the like)?

Both are more energy efficient than a tumble dryer.

DD265

We have a combined washer dryer and it does the job just fine. We do air dry clothes when possible, so it's bedding (if weather isn't suited for line drying) and towels mostly.

lvm

Rosa_Damascena said:

What are your other drying options, OP? Do you have space outside? Or inside for a Dri-Buddi (or the like)?

Both are more energy efficient than a tumble dryer.

There is a garden so no issue during warmer months. Think I’d still want the option of an actual dryer especially with lots of small baby bits.

Tricky when a few people and online say combi washer dryers become ineffective but others say they’ve never had any problems! Might just be a case of getting an expensive top of the range one if I do go that route.

lvm

DD265 said:

We have a combined washer dryer and it does the job just fine. We do air dry clothes when possible, so it's bedding (if weather isn't suited for line drying) and towels mostly.

Thanks. I suppose if we get a good one it may end up ok. Luckily all our own bedding and towels are laundered externally (perk of my business!) so it’s only clothes and the mountain of baby related blankets etc that will need washed and dried. Air drying would be good in warmer weather - not so keen on it for a Scottish winter!

Emmia

We have a washer/dryer (John Lewis branded) which we use mainly as a washing machine, with some use of the dryer in the winter - it's fine, clothes seem to be washed properly and the dryer works effectively. 

If you're looking for extra drying capacity, have you thought about a heated airer with a cover instead?

https://www.lakeland.co.uk/25597/Dry:Soon-Deluxe-3-Tier-Heated-Airer-and-Cover-Offer-Bundle

Skintoap

One of the main problems with washer/driers is that the maximum drying load is less than the washing load. Often only half the washing load. I found this very frustrating if I had more than one load of washing to do, and gave a sigh of relief when the washer/dryer packed up.  

rach_k

I don't think many families would ever need two tumble dryers.  Perhaps if you're terribly organised and realise on Friday morning that everybody's clothing, bedding and towels needs to be washed and dried by 5pm... but that's not how people normally manage their washing!  I have two kids; both were in cloth nappies at the same time for a while and one dryer was fine (and that was a washer-dryer, so you can't be washing and drying at the same time).

If you were considering a washer-dryer as your only machine, but wondering whether it would be enough and thinking about adding a second dryer later if needed, I'd say go for it and you'll probably find just the one washer-dryer plenty.  But if the washer-dryer is your back-up option for drying, I'd not bother.  The extra cost isn't worth it IMO.  

If you do get a washer-dryer, pay attention to the capacities.  I think mine is 9kg for washing and 6 or 7kg for drying, which is perfect after you take out a couple of non-tumble dryable things after the wash, and a 6 or 7kg load isn't tiny if you want to do it all in one go.  

The good thing about babies is that they are small, so their washing is small too.  As they get bigger, the amount of mess they generate tends to go down, so the volume of washing stays pretty constant, or it has with mine anyway.  Babies also wear layers rather than one thick item so their stuff often dries quickly too (unlike pre-teens and their hoodies!).