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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Washer/Dryer...... Do they work?

17 replies

Mumof3girlys · 10/11/2013 11:08

Ok washing machine has broke thinking of a washer/dryer years back heard they where shit and just made everything steamy just wondered if they have come along since then and actually work

OP posts:
MirandaWest · 10/11/2013 11:10

We have a washer drier (rented house and it came with the house). I would never use to wash a load and then dry that load as I doubt it would work (think you'd need a bigger drum size tbh). I use the drier part on its own for drying things in an emergency but generally dry on a normal airer.

ipswichwitch · 10/11/2013 11:10

I've no idea but am wondering the same since our washer has started making very odd "im about to pack in" noises and our dryer is about 100 years old and has to live in the garage due to space issues, which makes it all very inconvenient

ArfurFoulkesayke · 10/11/2013 11:12

Last had one about 5 years ago, you would def have to take half a full load out to use the tumble dryer bit (or wash half loads - v wasteful). I would avoid tbh.

Madamecastafiore · 10/11/2013 11:19

I got a separate washing machine and tumble dryer for the first time a couple of years ago and was so pleasantly surprised at how much you can dry and how quickly things dry. I'd never go back!!

Beccadugs · 10/11/2013 11:28

Ours is rubbish. Once took three hours to dry a selection of socks and pants (not loads!)

Never ever use the drying function, and now we have more space had a tumble dryer donated by my brother. Can dry towels in about 40 mins.

Original poster
Mumof3girlys · 10/11/2013 12:15

Thanks is don't have room for both in my kitchen as I'm NOT getting rid of my dishwasher, my old tumble broke just before I moved here so was thinking about getting a tumble in shed and having electric put out but now my washer is knackered to thought a washer/ dryer might be good bet, would really only be for underwear and finishing off towel in x

OP posts:
agedknees · 10/11/2013 15:32

You can get washer/dryers with bigger drums now, 9kg wash, 7kg dry. They are not that expensive either. I think the older, smaller drum machines are pretty useless as dryers.

trinitybleu · 10/11/2013 15:38

what aged said.

just got one and love it. have been able to wash and dry 10 towels or a full set of king size bedding plus a couple of towels so no issues with capacity. think the latest ones have improved a lot.

Vintagebeads · 10/11/2013 15:41

The dryer part of the washer dryer are a bit rubbish and barely take anything the repair guy said they ate only good for drying a few paits if knickers Grin
I wouldnt buy one but they seem standard in flats etc where you cant hang out clothes .

Fluffycloudland77 · 10/11/2013 19:01

I've had both & I prefer seperate machines tbh.

EddieVeddersfoxymop · 10/11/2013 21:14

I have one as we have no space for a separate tumble drier - I would say I like it as it's all we can fit but given the choice I'd have separate machines. We consume washer driers like nobodys business, the repairman says they're neither great at washing nor drying as all the parts are a compromise.

Saying that, we can dry 5-6 towels in an hour and a full load of pants and socks in about the same time - everything else gets hung in the conservatory on a proper clothes airer.

Queenmarigold · 10/11/2013 21:19

I find it quite useful as you can chuck a load in then take it out when dry again. Downside is it takes ages, but it would in two machines anyway. With a WD you can stick it on and go out, done when you come back

Wormshuffler · 10/11/2013 21:25

I've got one of the new 9kg ones and I hate it, it takes 3 hours to dry a load, you can't open it to shake your sheets when its halfway as it says its too hot!!! have to wait half an hour then its all too cool to fold it and avoid ironing. And it deposits fluff all over the next wash. I don't use to dryer function anymore the fluff drives me mad on my darks.

PenguinsDontEatPancakes · 10/11/2013 21:29

We had two washer dryers. Both packed in after pretty short lives.

When we spoke to the engineer (a couple of different ones) they said that the build quality was always compromised in a washer/dryer. It's not just whether they are as good at washing or as good at drying. It is that trying to do two fundamentally different jobs compromises the build and makes it less reliable, with a shorter life span.

After our experience, I can believe that. We went for just a washer in the end. And a Lakeland heated airer.

Gumps · 10/11/2013 21:29

I love mine. If I'm desperate I can put a load on on timer to come on at night and be dry to take it out I the morning. I do this rarely though as a full load is usually quite wrinkled it you tumble it all. Perfect though for towels and finishing off bits.
Mine is 7 years old and the only problems I've had are the usual - blocked filter and door jam.
The only downside to mine is that a wash, even a quick one, takes an age. But as I said I use the timer overnight and hang it in the morning.

redcaryellowcar · 10/11/2013 21:39

we inherited one with our house, about 6 years old, you can wash twiceas much as you can dry so unless doing half a load cant see how you could leave it to wash and dry. if it were to break i would replace it with just a washing machine, we do most if our drying on airers and outside if warm enough.

Aquariusgirl86 · 10/11/2013 22:14

No they are rubbish, mine "drys" and the things get wetter.....

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