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Original poster

Washing machine/dryer combined

31 replies

MrsTaytodarling · 11/02/2022 10:53

Anyone use these? I'm thinking of buying one but I vaguely remember them being not recommended for some reasons?

This thread is a little old now, but if you've landed here looking for recommendations, we've recently updated our best washer dryer and best integrated washer dryer pages with lots of great options, tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet users. We hope they're helpful.
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OP posts:
Original poster
MrsTaytodarling · 11/02/2022 12:40

Bump

OP posts:
TheAbbotOfUnreason · 11/02/2022 12:50

We have an integrated washer / dryer and whilst it washes well enough it’s incredibly poor at drying. If you have space for two machines (or can stack them) you’re best off doing that.

Iknowbest · 11/02/2022 12:52

We have one, do a load of washing then split the washing in half to dry

It dries fine but takes longer than a dedicated dryer and will use more energy

I like it, no space for a separate one and would buy another if it broke

Iknowbest · 11/02/2022 12:53

We used to have a spin dryer that we used to use, after the washing and before the dryer, that made it a look quicker but it broke and we did not bother replacing it

Limited storage space for the Spin dryer

Soundwave · 11/02/2022 12:54

People on MN don't like them because they are the sort of people who tumble dry everything and then complain when their electric bill is enormous.

The functionality of the dryer is generally not as good as that of a tumble dryer. Because of the drum size. If you want to tumble dry everything and have it on all day everyday, separate would be better for you. If you need it for the occasional drying of something, then it should be OK.

I have a washer/dryer. It's ok for us because I only ever use it to dry sheets and towels. I don't tumble dry clothes.

ThatsALotOfPassionfruit · 11/02/2022 13:16

Same as a PP I have one but the dryer is only used on bedding and towels. I use an airer for clothes. It does the job but definitely takes longer than a normal tumble dryer and everyone I buy seems to crease things beyond saving. Fine for bedding but not clothes.

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/02/2022 13:26

I have an LG one - it was about 500 quid.

Really good, but I did have to spend that much to get one with good reviews.

I have a flat so no space for separate machines.

TheAbbotOfUnreason · 11/02/2022 13:31

I have a washer/dryer. It's ok for us because I only ever use it to dry sheets and towels. I don't tumble dry clothes.

My dryer took 3 hrs to dry a one double flat sheet when on the iron dry setting. That’s why I don’t use it.

StrawberryPot · 11/02/2022 13:34

Just got rid of one because I hated it. Took for ever to dry anything. And obviously you can't use it for washing while it's drying so if you have a few loads to do it's a bit irritating.

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/02/2022 13:38

@Luredbyapomegranate

I have an LG one - it was about 500 quid.

Really good, but I did have to spend that much to get one with good reviews.

I have a flat so no space for separate machines.

... I do dry everything in it, clothes and all.

It does take longer than a separate machine but it has a time delay so I set it the night before to a wash/dry cycle and it's done when I get home from work.

Original poster
MrsTaytodarling · 11/02/2022 13:39

Have a separate one at present but it's on the way out. I need to replace washing machine and I'm thinking of getting combined because we don't really have the space for both. I only use the dryer to air clothes really but wouldn't like to be without one either

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsTaytodarling · 11/02/2022 13:53

Thanks everyone for replies Smile

OP posts:
CaraMocha · 11/02/2022 13:54

Depends how much space you have. I have one in my flat, as there's no room for a tumble drier and we are not allowed to dry things outside on balconies. So without one, I"d have to hang everything and there's not really room for that either. I do hang most clothes, and it's just me, so it's fine - I use it for towels, sheets, bedding, socks, knickers, pyjamas, things like that. And hang tops and trousers.

I have a Bosch. The first one I had was OK but only had a drier setting that determined automatically when things were 'dry', and they often weren't. The one I have now is the newer model, and there is also a timed dry option, which I prefer.

It's probably not quite as good as separate machines, but really for what I need, it's absolutely fine. Lots of washing programs, and the drying is OK. Takes quite a long time for both, but more eco friendly than some machines.

I haven't really thought much more about it, as I have no other choices, but I have no real complaints.

Burnt0utMum · 11/02/2022 14:08

I also have an LG one and wouldn't be without it. I dry everything that can be dried as I don't like having washing hanging everywhere. Yes it takes longer than a separate drier but it's also very convenient to just set it to wash and dry and not have to change it over to another machine. I can carry on with my day and return to dry washing without having to do anything.

NannyGythaOgg · 11/02/2022 14:27

I had one and the dryer broke within 6 months of very scant usage (maybe one small load a week)
My daughter has one and it has worked fine for over 10 years. Again doesn't use it much

crossstitchingnana · 11/02/2022 14:29

I always thought that a washer dryer can't be effective as the drum is wet from the wash.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 11/02/2022 14:48

Condenser dryers are more energy efficient, but they take ages.

We had a washer/dryer and I disliked it. It’s a nuisance heaving half the wash out so you can dry half of it. Was glad to leave it behind.

I just dry towels in the dryer and sometimes sheets if it’s raining.

mumto2teenagers · 11/02/2022 14:49

We had one and it took ages to dry things.

DuesToTheDirt · 11/02/2022 14:53

We have one but things tend to crease badly if I use the dryer. We only want it occasionally anyway, and I use it mainly for towels or to finish off things that I need and are a bit damp.

CaraMocha · 11/02/2022 15:33

@crossstitchingnana

I always thought that a washer dryer can't be effective as the drum is wet from the wash.
I don't think that's an issue with these new ones; in fact they somehow add a small amount of water at the start of the drying cycle! (I don't quite get why, but the Bosch repair guy explained it at one point)
KateMcCallister · 11/02/2022 15:45

I've got a whirlpool one and it's currently not drying anything. It's just about 2 years old Angry when they work they're good but I'd much prefer a separate dryer!

HazelBite · 11/02/2022 15:54

I have been using a washer/dryer for 40 odd years (not the same one obviously Grin)
What I would say is that you really do get what you pay for, which translates to, get the top of the range. We currently have a Siemans washer dryer (same manufacture as Bosch) As a PP has said the dryer is not the same as a stand alone dryer, but if you haven't got the space its the next best thing.

BeepBoopBop · 11/02/2022 19:13

I have a Miele one. Great wash, okay dry, but load size is quite small. I also have a heated airer which is great for sheets & duvets. I prefer to tumble dry my clothes though as I need dog hair removed Blush

guessmyusername · 11/02/2022 20:44

I have had an AEG for 12 years now. I usually just use it for drying towels because that is the best way to get them nice and soft. I don't have the space for separate machines.

Buttons294749 · 11/02/2022 21:02

DO NOT DO IT
Our landlord put in a washer / dryer and i bought additional dryer as the washer/dryer was so incredibly shit.

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