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Housekeeping

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Original poster

New washing machine and dryer or a washer/dryer?

21 replies

Scarlettwaffle · 27/01/2018 10:54

I’m getting a new utility room Grin my question is whether to save space and get a combined washer/dryer or get seperate machines?
I have reservations about a combined machine - does anyone have any experiences with them -good or bad?

Also any recommendations - I’ve always just been left with the machine already in my house so this is the first time I get to shop for my own and have no idea what features are essential & what ends up just a fancy extra button?

OP posts:
HRTpatch · 27/01/2018 10:55

Separate for me...so you can tumble dry and wash at the same time.

Tobuyornot99 · 27/01/2018 10:56

Don't get a combination, useless at drying so one load to wash and dry can take about 6 bloody hours!

Original poster
Scarlettwaffle · 27/01/2018 10:58

That’s my main reservation.... At the minute I tend to have one big wash day at the weekend. I do wonder if a combined machine might make me more likely to put a load in at night after work though?

OP posts:
Pomeranio9834 · 27/01/2018 11:01

Do not get a combined one. They are useless. I honestly feel like my life has changed now I have separate ones. Can wash and dry at the same time so the process sort of... flows

Combined takes ages to dry, can only dry less then they can wash so you have to take things out anyway before they drying cycle and my one use to crumble everything up into a ball of he'll and EVERYTHING needed ironed, even pyjamas.

The dryer, most things can just go straight away and it's only really my blouses that need ironed.

I would never have a combined ever again.

Plus everything smelt funny in the combined... not bad just a little bit like... slightly burny. In the dryer everything comes out so soft and smells lovely.

can you tell I am obsessed with my tumble dryer

Tobuyornot99 · 27/01/2018 11:02

I'm like you, I do all washing on maybe a Saturday morning whilst doing housework etc. The thought of doing a wash every evening and having clothes lingering around permanently would get right on my nerves.

Original poster
Scarlettwaffle · 27/01/2018 11:19

Well so far it seems my gut feeling was probably right..... Smile

OP posts:
ThatIsNachoCheese · 27/01/2018 11:33

This thread makes me sad. I've just moved and there is no space for the tumble dryer in the utility so it's in the garage. God it does my head in, I've been trying to convince DH to get a combined one!!

Bubblysqueak · 27/01/2018 11:35

My Bosch washer drier is amazing!!! Couldn't live without it now.

Follyfoot · 27/01/2018 11:39

Definitely separate. We often have the tumble dryer going at the same time as the washing machine. And separate dryers are better - bigger drum and designed for the job.

We've got an AEG dryer and a Bosch washer, both great. The dryer has a sensor which saves electricity by cutting off as soon as the washing is dry, as opposed to drying it for a set length of time. I'd always choose that feature. We've had it for years and never had a single moment of trouble from it.

bigredboat · 27/01/2018 11:43

I have a combined one (candy) which is really good, however if I had space I would have separate so I could put another wash on while the first is drying.

mybrainhurtsalot · 27/01/2018 14:55

I have an AEG washer dryer (Which recommended) that has been no end of trouble. We’ve only had it 4 years & already on our fourth or fifth engineer visit (including 2 washer heating element failures & 1 dryer element failure). Luckily it had an extended parts & labour guarantee, so no cost for these repairs so far, but very annoying.

I was advised by the engineer that with washer dryers you have to use both functions regularly. So it’s not recommended to stop using the dryer over the summer or the machine will go smelly.

If I have been washing something that creates lots of lint, I find fluff all over the next wash.

The weight limit of the dryer is much lower, so you either have to remove items to dry in two goes or you have to put less in the wash.

As the drum is smaller than a dedicated dryer it takes a lot longer to dry clothes.

The only benefit is the space saving aspect. If you have space definitely go separate. I don’t (well, not without losing either the dishwasher or a much needed cupboard), but when this one breaks again I’ll probably replace with a washing machine and then get a dehumidifier and one of those Lakeland heated airer.

Original poster
Scarlettwaffle · 27/01/2018 17:29

Thanks for all your replies, I’m certain now. Separates it is!

OP posts:
user1497997754 · 27/01/2018 17:32

Problem with having a combined one is if it breaks down its a problem whereby if separate if one breaks down the other is still working

ArkAtEee · 27/01/2018 18:13

I have had washer dryers for the last 15 years due to space and they are rubbish. They also wear out/break really quickly. Buy separates if you have the room.

DustandRubble · 27/01/2018 18:18

We have just switched to a washer dryer due to space issues. We have a Samsung Ecobubble with a massive capacity so we don’t have to empty half a load out. It’s fine, it dries stuff, but I would vastly prefer separates.

TheDailyMailLovesTheEUReally · 28/01/2018 20:41

Separates all the way!

I've just moved house and now have space for separates and oh my God the tumble drier is so much quicker! What used to take the combi 2-3 hours to dry is done in 40 mins in the new dryer - I love it and I'd never go back.

If space is an issue can you stack one on top of the other? I've got one of these which is designed to safely spread the weight of the dryer so you can put it on top of your washer. It also has a shelf you can pull out which is really handy and comes with a big ratchet strap that you wrap round the whole lot to stop the washer 'spinning off' the dryer.

mommybear1 · 29/01/2018 05:08

Separates all the way! Highly recommend a Bosch washer and their dryers. I also try to do all washing in one go on a weekend so I can do upwards of seven loads my machines have been through the mill but still going strong after 12 plus years Wink

WellTidy · 29/01/2018 11:14

I've yet to find a combined washer/dryer than can actually dry! I have had various ones in rented accommodation and none of them could easily dry washing. After trying to dry two bath towels and then still being wet after 3 hours 30 minutes (brand new Hotpoint, but AEG the same), I just used it as a washer.

I've had separates ever since I had the space, so about 8 years now. Miele washer and Bosch condenser dryer. Amazing. I absolutely love them both and feel grateful for them every time I do laundry. Seriously.

eggsandwich · 29/01/2018 20:14

Most definitely separates, washer dryers aren’t great, if you’ve got space get separates I found washer dryers take ages to dry.

Tipsntoes · 29/01/2018 20:21

I thought a combined washer dryer would be great, as previously the dryer was in a bedroom, but it's rubbish, takes ages to dry anything.

Missingstreetlife · 29/01/2018 20:22

If you have room (even in garage) and money, and use the drier a lot get separate. I hardly use mine (washing line outside and drying space in utility) but washer drier only takes half load and is not as good as separates. Boch are good and reliable

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