How do washer-dryers work?
The washing machine part of a washer-dryer is pretty standard. You still need to put laundry detergent and fabric conditioner in the drawer at the top of the machine, and cold water is heated up based on your programme settings and circulated in the drum.
However, the tumble dryer is a different matter altogether. Due to their smaller drum, its capacity is reduced to make it more effective, and water is pumped out via its drainage pipe rather than being emptied into a water tank.
Who are washer-dryers good for?
People who live in flats or houses with smaller kitchens, or that have space for just one laundry appliance.
Busy families that are looking for a convenient, one-size-fits-all solution to their laundry woes.
Single people or couples tend to generate less laundry and therefore don’t need the capacity of a standalone washing machine or tumble dryer.
People with mobility issues or disabilities as a washer-dryer eliminates the need to transfer clothing between appliances, making laundry more manageable.
Why do washer-dryers have different laundry capacities for the washing and drying cycles?
A washer-dryer's drum capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be loaded into it for a single cycle. In our article, this is measured in kilograms. However, you will notice that the capacity for a wash cycle and a drying cycle are different, with a drying cycle often only allowing half of a washing load.
This is because clothes weigh more once they are wet and need more space to dry so that the air can circulate. If you overload a washer dryer, its drying capabilities are much less effective, and regular overloading can also shorten its lifespan. If you were to stand a washing machine and a tumble dryer side by side, you’d notice that a tumble dryer always has a larger drum for this exact reason. A wash cycle does not require the same movement of air.
What should I look for when buying a washer-dryer?
Start with capacity. Check how much laundry the machine can dry, as well as how much it can wash, then think about how that fits your family’s usual loads. Appliance repair expert Ian Palmer-Smith at Domestic & General also recommends comparing energy ratings, noise levels, warranties and price. His advice is to prioritise “a reliable brand and the best energy-efficiency rating you can find.”
If you get through a lot of laundry, drum size and cycle length matter too. Sarah Dempsey at MyJobQuote.co.uk says “a large drum and quick washing programmes might be more important” for households doing frequent loads.
How much should I pay for a washer-dryer?
Typically, a washer-dryer can cost anywhere between £400 for basic models to £1,600 for premium models or even £3,000 for cutting-edge heat pump models. There are a lot of factors to think about when deciding how much to pay, but we’d suggest looking at its range of features and programmes, capacity and overall consumer ratings as a good indicator. Ultimately, it entirely depends on budget and personal preference.
How long should a washer-dryer last?
The average lifespan for a washer-dryer is around 10 years.
Which is the best washer dryer to buy?
The AEG 8000 LWR8516O5UD is our best overall pick for families. It has room for a 10kg wash or a 6kg drying load, and its load indicator helps you avoid overfilling the drum. In Mumsnet editor Poppy’s home test, it cleaned and dried family laundry well, though the spin was noisy enough to disturb her overnight. It’s a good fit if you want one machine to handle regular family loads and can live with that trade-off.
How we rate and assess washer dryers
We assess each machine against the jobs families need it to do. Washing and drying performance matter most, but we also look at how much it can dry in one load, how long useful cycles take, running costs, noise and how straightforward the controls are. We weigh those findings against the price and drawbacks, then choose awards that reflect different needs and budgets.
Where we’ve tested a washer dryer ourselves, we use what our tester observed alongside the specifications. For other models, we distinguish feedback about the exact machine from broader recommendations for its brand. Prices and availability can change, so we check them again when updating the guide.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families. Her articles include guides to the best steam generator irons, the best budget washing machines and the best heat pump tumble dryers.
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