Washing machine and tumble dryer OR washer dryer???

[mummybussy]

We need to replace our tumble dryer as its on its last legs and are contemplating getting a washer dryer. Any advice as we are getting mixed reviews on them. Are they any good?? Or should we stick with separate units?? Help!!

[chocolatespiders]

I would stick with separate units. But you could go to library and check the which report.

[Bunbaker]

Washer dryers have a poor reputation for reliability. If you have space I would be inclined to get separate washing machine and tumble dryer.

[ChippingInLovesAutumn]

If you have the space I would get separates, without a doubt.

There have been a few threads on this, so you might find some answers if you do an Advance Search - some people said they thought theirs was good, but I've never had/used one that was any good.

[ThePFJ]

separate!

the combined washer dryer will break down faster than each one separately. Apparently its about the two different movements required by the drum to do each job and bearings. Alot of people I know complain about them.

Butttttttttttt...........
.......... if you are desperate for the extra space and get some sort of guarantee/warranty, or you are prepared to fix it or replace it earlier than the separates then why not.
If you have a tiny kitchen and space is at a premium, balance that against the fact it may be slightly cheaper to buy a combo washer dryer???Do you have money to burn?

I would still get separates weighing it up. But I e am lucky to have to have a small utility room next to my kitchen. lucky me.

hope that helped??? o.O

xxxx

[PigeonPie]

I too would go for separate units. For instance recently my washing machine died and we had to wait for an engineer. However because I'd still got the dryer I could get what needed washing at the launderette but at least could dry the stuff at home.

[RightUpMyRue]

I had a washer dryer. Good washer but appalling dryer. I now have separates. Much better.

[HarrietSchulenberg]

Separates, definitely. One machine gets used twice as much and breaks in half the time. Leaving you with nothing.

[Mograt]

Definitely separate. I've used both Miele and Zanussi washer driers and they were hopeless. The washers offered fewer options on programmes and the driers took for ever to dry even light weight fabrics. When kitchen space was tight for us we bought a condensing drier (with a drawer which collects the water so that no plumbing is needed) and put it in the spare room. Hope that helps.

[BustersOfDoom]

Interesting one! I had to have my washer dryer repaired yesterday as the dryer was blowing out cold air. The independent engineer bloke who came out was fantastic, repaired it for a very reasonable price and gave me lots of great advice. As much as I would love separate machines I just do not have the room. I have the smallest kitchen in the world. And I'm not talking about those 'small' kitchens on Escape to the Country. They would think it was a cupboard!

My machine is a Hotpoint Aquarius and apparently the parts are dirt cheap. The new element it needed cost £20 and he told me that the machine would probably need another one in 2 or 3 years and showed me how to fit it and where to buy another on line. He said he could work 12 hours a day for 7 days a week so showing customers how to do low value repairs doesn't affect his business. The washer will apparently last a good 10 years plus but the dryer part not so long without replacement fuses or elements every 2 or 3 years, which are cheap and easy to replace yourself.

He said that the best washers and dryers are Miele - if you buy their top range - as they come with a 10 year guarantee and they will service and come out every 2 years to update the software. He also said to avoid any company that is not known for making white goods as those are the machines they have the most problems with, such as Samsung.

[mummybussy]

Thanks guys. We have a condenser at the moment (snuggly placed in the cupboard under the stairs!) I was hoping to regain the space...although it'd probably end up storing a load of rubbish. Separates it is then!!
Any suggestions on best makes? Have indesit washing machine and tumble dryer, bought together about 7 years ago so happy to replace both. Need a big drum though as since buying it we've had 2dc and its constantly on!!

[mummybussy]

Thanks buster didn't see your post until just now!
I'd love someone to show me how to doitylectepairs! Sounds like a good tradesman to know!

[mummybussy]

Wow that was a spelling error..
Meant do own repairs

[BustersOfDoom]

Ah mummy Indesit make the parts for Hotpoint and they are very cheap! He said they were a good buy as the machines last at least 5 years minimum and parts for repair are not expensive. The most expensive part is the motherboard at approximately £70 plus labour. If the repair is going to cost much more than that he will refer you to the Hotpoint/Indesit engineer service who do a fixed cost repair for £120.

And I'm hanging on to him!

[CremeEggThief]

My Indesit tumble dryer has a 7kg capacity and cost just under £150, from appliances online.

[NuclearStandoff]

could you get by without a tumble drier at all?

They use a huge amount of energy, and managing without would save you money on your energy bills as well as being better for reducing carbon emissions.

[anklebitersmum]

I'd stay separates, most washer dryers will only dry half a load so if you do a 6kg load you can only effectively dry 3kg.
Good brand for washer is Siemens. Most come with a free 5yr parts labour and call out warranty and if you shop around online they're not that expensive.

[Fluffycloudland77]

How about a spin dyer as well to make the tumble drying time shorter?

I'm watching several on ebay at the moment.

[mummybussy]

Thanks guys. Rookie question what's a spin dryer?? Assuming by the name it spins faster to get more water off?
Def need a tumble dryer I'm afraid. Mucky toddler and equally mucky dd and dh means we are washing constantly! What with work and a small house trying to find space to hang clothes (without it being turned into a den) isn't an option. Saying that I tend not to tumble dry everything esp denim which I dry on radiators.
Will look at the Siemens then. It's such a minefield just want a reliable one that will not sound like it's going to take off and a dryer that actually dries without me having to put it on for half a day (and make the most god awful noise!)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Spin dryers are 2800rpm. They take 4kg of washing and drain into a bowl or bucket.

Therefore less expensive drying time. It's my latest thing to get.

[anklebitersmum]

this is a spin dryer.

Check out comet in store for prices as they're closing down and used to stock Siemens washers and dryers. The warranty won't be affected because that's with Siemens direct (check each washer online first for warranty periods but you get 2yrs minimum)

[PigletJohn]

Currys appear to be nore expensive than John Lewis

[BustersOfDoom]

Mine washes a 7kg load and dries a 5kg load. Suits me fine as there is always stuff I would prefer to hang dry after a vigorous shake as it doesn't need ironing - DP's work shirts/sweaters, jeans, my tunics etc. I iron the bare minimum! Undies, nightwear, towels, bedding, leggings etc go in the dryer.

It's rare that I would do an entire wash that I would want to tumble dry. It's usually 50/50 hang dry/tumble dry. I used to dry stuff on my radiators but it started to make the wallpaper peel off above so I avoid it now if I can.

[CharlieMouseWillDoIt]

I know this thread has moved on, but just wanted to say that I've had an Indesit washer-dryer for 9 years. Never had a problem with it until recently when the dryer wasn't working (it was heating up, but washing coming out just as wet as when it went in). Turns out the condensing unit just needs to be replaced and then the dryer should be as good as new.

We're very short on space and the washer-dryer has been absolutely fine for us. However, it's interesting what people have said about washer-dryers washing OK, but not so good when it comes to drying. I've never had a single tumble dryer to compare it with, but it is true that the dryer can be on for a very long time before washing comes out dry.

I guess if we ever move to a bigger house with space for separate washing machine and tumble dryer then that's what we'd go for.

Sorry, that's a long-winded way of saying that if you don't have enough space for separates then a washer-dryer can be a very good solution, but it probably is better to have separates if you have the room.

[mummybussy]

Thanksanklebitersmum I don't think nice seen one if those before. Would be really tempted but honestly have no idea where I'd keep it! Thanks for all the great advice though, it's actually helped make the decision for us and will def be sticking with separate units.