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Original poster

Washer-Dryer or washer and dryer?

30 replies

CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 18:19

Hi, yes I have googled. All mixed reviews from articles etc. I'd like to hear experiences if possible.
I do need a new washer, dryer is years old and I'd like to upgrade to condenser. I would prefer more space as dryer is currently in the dining room.
If I buy separately I'd replace the washer first but (with my luck) the dryer would properly break down soon after 😅

OP posts:
DappledThings · 05/05/2023 18:22

I've only ever had separate so I don't know but I imagine it would be a pain having to sort the wet washing to take out any non-dryer items and put it all back again to dry the rest of it. DC's school jumpers say not to tumble dry, plus anything with sequins which is an unreasonable amount of both their clothing and most of my jumpers.

Much less annoying separating those bits when it all has to come put to be moved to the dryer or line or clothes horse anyway.

Boxbedbank · 05/05/2023 18:26

Definitely separate. I've had both. As above having to sort washing is a faff. Worst still is they take a lot longer.

HaroldeVwilliam · 05/05/2023 18:26

Get combined. We have bosch and it's brilliant.

I've never sorted drying stuff.

It's not a faff.

Original poster
CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 18:53

I don't have a lot that can't be tumble dried and stuff I do have, such as bath mats, I wash separate anyway. Would you say this was the only downside?

OP posts:
OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 05/05/2023 18:57

I have had separate and a washer dryer. I would go separates every time. I currently have a washer dryer as I couldn't fit both in with a dishwasher and I hate washing up more than drying clothes. My dream now is to move to a house big enough for both.

lashy · 05/05/2023 19:03

My first home only had space for either a washer, or washer/dryer (unless I wanted to go outside, across the shared yard area and into an outbuilding).
I knew I wouldn't like that option much when the weather was poor, so opted for a washer/dryer. Only really used the dryer for socks and underwear mainly and managed so well that when it finally broke. We bought the same again. When we moved to a much bigger home, with room for both (actual specific space for each within the utility room), we chose another washer/dryer.
I've moved house last summer, inherited a washer/dryer and have not yet used the dryer feature (I have an indoor airer and use the line whenever possible).
I don't think I'd ever bother with one of each again (had two children and the obvious extra laundry that entails in the meantime).

Businessflake · 05/05/2023 19:19

Definitely separate. Had nothing but issues with combined.

Nicklebox · 05/05/2023 19:24

My combined never worked

Tearsofthemushroom · 05/05/2023 19:27

Often the load size for a dryer is a lot smaller than a washing machine so you have to remove half the washing. Also slows down the process as you can only have one load going at once.

Topseyt123 · 05/05/2023 19:27

I had nothing but problems when I had a washer dryer combined. The dryer part of it just broke down all the time and in the end I could only use it as a washing machine.

I have had separate machines ever since. I won't be making the mistake of buying a washer dryer combined ever again.

Azealeasinbloom · 05/05/2023 19:28

Separate. Have had both. Combined never dried as effectively, and took for ever.
would consider if space were really tight, but would need a back-up like a heated air dryer.

Original poster
CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 19:35

Looks like an overwhelming vote for separate 😆 space was my main reason. I only have space for a small dryer anyway so already having to split loads when I've washed.

OP posts:
Riverlee · 05/05/2023 19:39

Definitely separate. The drum in a washer-dryer isn’t that big.

Fridayfreddie · 05/05/2023 19:40

HaroldeVwilliam · 05/05/2023 18:26

Get combined. We have bosch and it's brilliant.

I've never sorted drying stuff.

It's not a faff.

This ⬆️. Our Bosch Serie 10 is amazing, quiet and gives back space.

FinchHinch · 05/05/2023 19:42

I'd choose a combined over having to sit next to a tumble dryer in my living room TBH. But maybe that's just me.

We had a combined. If you don't tumble dry much beyond towels and bedding, then I think a combined is OK. That's what we did. You just need to make sure that you don't overload the dryer. Ours was an 8kg washer and 5kg dryer. We did over load the dryer TBH and the drum packed in after 3 years. When we replaced it, we just replaced it with a washer. I can cope without a dryer although I miss fluffy towels.

Original poster
CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 20:01

FinchHinch · 05/05/2023 19:42

I'd choose a combined over having to sit next to a tumble dryer in my living room TBH. But maybe that's just me.

We had a combined. If you don't tumble dry much beyond towels and bedding, then I think a combined is OK. That's what we did. You just need to make sure that you don't overload the dryer. Ours was an 8kg washer and 5kg dryer. We did over load the dryer TBH and the drum packed in after 3 years. When we replaced it, we just replaced it with a washer. I can cope without a dryer although I miss fluffy towels.

It's in the dining room so not so bad. Due to where the plugs and window is I can only fit a 3.5kg in there, washer is 8 or 9
It is used to dry pretty much everything in winter as I don't have space for an airer but without the separate dryer I would have that space.

I'm so torn. I'll have to weigh up pros and cons as I don't have hundreds spare to waste.

OP posts:
eloquent · 05/05/2023 20:01

Washer dryers are shit

strawberry2017 · 05/05/2023 20:02

Separate. You can be washing one load whilst another drys.

mondaytosunday · 05/05/2023 20:12

I have a washer dryer and it's great. But there's only two of us, occasionally three here. The big downside is not being able to have the washer and dryer going at the same time. Not an issue for us as I said. I have found it washes and dries as well as separate machines.

Original poster
CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 20:25

I didn't think about washing one load while drying another so I'm pleased others have pointed that out. That would be a down side for me definitely.

OP posts:
wtfisgoingonhere21 · 05/05/2023 20:43

Well I tried this three months ago.

I went out last week and bought a new tumble dryer Hmm

The dryer side of it really takes forever and doesn't dry in the normal way.

It takes absolutely hours to dry and is a much smaller load so you either have to put small loads in and don't forget to check nothings no dry before turning it on or you have to stop the cycle and sort it out.

You also can only wash and dry one load at a time so it was taking all day for one small load.
I kept ending up with a big back up by a weekend when it's uniform wash and towels aswell.

I had to go to a launderette three weekends in a row early just to get it all dried.

It also seems to leave things massively creased.

I'm so much happier now I've got seperate again but was a costly mistake

Anjo2011 · 05/05/2023 20:51

Separates. Have had both and the drying power of a separate set is worlds apart.

CrapBucket · 05/05/2023 20:54

Is there any other place you can put a dryer, I have mine in understairs cupboard (if you have stairs obvs).

Original poster
CoffeeLover90 · 05/05/2023 21:31

CrapBucket · 05/05/2023 20:54

Is there any other place you can put a dryer, I have mine in understairs cupboard (if you have stairs obvs).

I almost did this but my downstairs cupboard is my only storage, it's not huge and it's not near any sockets either.

OP posts:
Cincinnatus · 05/05/2023 21:45

A few years ago we had a combo but it didn’t dry things properly. It always was a bit damp. Would always have separate.