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Washer and Tumble dryer OR Washer Dryer???

39 replies

sum11 · 29/06/2016 12:40

Need some advice. Redoing our kitchen next week. So far we have kept two slots one for washer and other for dryer.

My better half is not happy as we are wasting space. According to him, these days you can buy washer/dryer as one machine from Bosch or Samsung. I need some advice whether we would be better of buying two separate machines or a single machine.

Are the separate units much better than a combined machine?

If you are suggesting single machine which would you recommend. We are family of four.

Please help.

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KoalaDownUnder · 29/06/2016 12:43

My LG washer/dryer combo is a great washer, but an utterly shit dryer. As in, I drive to the laundromat for drying instead.

It is 5 years old, but the dryer function was crap from day 1. Takes foreeeeeever and just turns the laundry into a steam room.

I'd never get one again.

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LetThereBeCupcakes · 29/06/2016 12:45

There are pros and cons either way. SIL is also in a family of 4 (plus dog) and she prefers to have separate machines, so she can have one lot drying and the next lot washing.

I probably do an equal amount of washing (1 preschooler, 2 dogs, husband with physical job) but prefer a washer drier so I can put it on and forget about it. We're also short on space.

I'm a one-load-every-day type, SIL does the whole lot at the weekend. So our setups work for us.

So, in summary... Not helpful! Sorry.

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DramaAlpaca · 29/06/2016 12:55

Definitely separate machines.

Washer dryers are never as efficient as separate machines, and they don't have such good reliability.

You can't dry a full load after washing - at least that used to be the case, I haven't looked at more modern versions because I wouldn't consider one.

If it breaks down you are stuffed as you can't use either function. I always reckon that the more bells & whistles a machine has the more likely it is to break down.

A family of four produces loads of laundry & you won't be able to have one load in the wash & one drying.

You have the space so that isn't an issue.

As for recommendations, no specifics but I always go for a fairly basic model of a good brand - Bosch, Siemens, Miele - as reviews suggest they tend to be more reliable. I have a Siemens washing machine which has never given me any trouble & have just bought a new Bosch dryer to replace my 21 year old one.

Sorry for the essay!

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WordGetsAround · 29/06/2016 13:00

Definitely separate machines. A washer dryer is a compromise on both machines. If you have absolutely no choice, it's probably worth it, but if you have room I'd go separates.

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sum11 · 29/06/2016 13:18

I got room as kitchen is not that small. As we are in the process of redesigning, we do not want our kitchen to look like laundry room. But if the single machine is not worth then we have to rethink and go for two slots for different machines.

I was checking washer dryer, everybody suggesting Heat Pump Tumble Dryer instead of condenser tumble dryer? They are expensive.

Hotpoint seems a big mistake. Not very reliable so far. I have noticed machine making small holes in clothes. Hotpoint did change the whole drum within few days of buying it but still same.

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WordGetsAround · 30/06/2016 07:23

Miele or Bosche are the best. Expensive upfront but should last a long time and look after your clothes.

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junebirthdaygirl · 30/06/2016 07:59

I would definitely go for two appliances as have had the one doing both and it was a disaster. I never dry a whole load together as it dries quicker in smaller batches.
But l couldn't bear either one in the kitchen because of the noise. Do you have a utility room?

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sum11 · 30/06/2016 08:02

Thanks all... @junebirthdaygirl - I have not got utility room. Midsize kitchen. But garage has access from kitchen.

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alanthicke · 30/06/2016 08:08

Re your second question, I've used both heat pump and condenser dryers, and I don't think there's an enormous difference. If they were the same price I would go heat pump, just because it's annoying to keep emptying the water in a condenser type, but I wouldn't pay more for it. In fact I actually think my clothes get fewer wrinkles with the condenser. It may be a bit slower but it doesn't matter because the wash cycles are so long it's plenty of time either way.

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sum11 · 30/06/2016 08:18

Ok, what dryer would be best to put in Garage? Or still everybody thinks I should go for two slots in Garage.

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sum11 · 30/06/2016 08:33

Sorry means in kitchen?

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unlucky83 · 30/06/2016 08:43

Another saying both machines ...
I had a washer dryer - and I agree unless it is the only way to have a dryer and you don't plan on using it as a dryer regularly don't bother..
I thought you'd be able to stick a load on and come back to washed and dried clothes. Nope you could only dry half a load...and you often have something you can't tumble in a load...and it took something like 2hrs to leave half a load damp.
In the end I only used it as a tumble if I was really desperate and I only found out the dryer bit was broken - when I needed something dried 'quickly'. I carried on using it as a washing machine and bought a separate tumble dryer.
Then I had problems with a funny noise - found a bit of the 'drier' bit had worked loose and was catching on the belt .... needed a new belt (and a bodge to reattach the loose tumble bit). A problem I wouldn't have had it was just a washing machine...
I had already decided I would never get a Hotpoint again (I'd already had the repairman out several times - my tumble was a Bosch, as are all my other appliances) but buying the new belt was an eye opener - the spare parts for my Hotpoint were also suitable for Indesit and Creda models which had been much cheaper ...it seems I really had paid a lot for a label.

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sum11 · 30/06/2016 08:43

Price wise... there is massive difference between heat pump one and the one with condenser

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KoalaDownUnder · 30/06/2016 08:47

I think heat pump are worth the extra $$, and condensers are a bit crap (sorry).

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PenelopePitstops · 30/06/2016 08:48

I'd put the drier in the garage as that's the noisiest one. My inlaws have a condenser and love it.

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LarrytheCucumber · 30/06/2016 08:49

I have a washer dryer having had separate ones.
Separate ones are much better.

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 30/06/2016 08:50

Separate machines definitely. I had a meile condenser drier, it was nearly 13 years old when it conked out, I'm on my second now.

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brodchengretchen · 30/06/2016 08:52

IME (and that's quite a lot, sadly, from living in small rented flats) the combined machines broke down more frequently if needed daily or for more that just occasional use. There is also not option for running both functions at the same time. If you have any choice in the matter get both and don't worry about OH - unless of course he is happy to go to the launderette so that your household can keep up with the laundry? Smile

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 30/06/2016 08:55

There are always combination ones in the cottages we rent, they take about two hours to dry a few pairs of knickers and t shirts, it's pitiful.

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OutOfAces · 30/06/2016 08:56

I'm going to go against the trend here and say our washer-dryer is fine. Washes and dries well. And I can put a whole load in the dryer, but maybe I do smaller loads than others. Takes a few hours to do a wash and dry though.
But it depends on how you're going to use it - how often would you use the dryer? And how many loads of washing do you do? I personally don't like tumble dried clothes, so I generally only use it for towels and emergency baby things. If I used it more I'd definitely get separates as it would be a pain waiting for the dryer to finish before I could do another load of laundry.

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LadyB49 · 30/06/2016 08:59

I wouldn't have a washer dryer again. I now have washing machine in kitchen, behind a cupboard door. Dryer in the garage. Both are basic models, Indesit, and have been going for 8 years.

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Ilovewillow · 30/06/2016 08:59

We've had both types and I would go for seperate every time. We spent a bit extra and brought Miele, they are both still going strong 10 yrs later.

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Abetes · 30/06/2016 09:00

Definitely separate machines. Washer dryers are rubbish.

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SpecialStains · 30/06/2016 09:45

Separate machines. Washer/driers seem to break constantly and never get your clothes properly dry and make them smell odd (I've used a few different brands over the years in rented accommodation). I've recently got a separate washing machine/tumble dryer for the first time and I love my tumble dryer so much!

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StickTheDMWhereTheSunDontShine · 30/06/2016 09:54

If you have the space, separates are always better. Been stuck with a washer dryer for 13 years, now (actually on our 4th) and it's a struggle when the weather is not good.

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