washer dryer or just washer

[AntiHop]

Need to buy a new washing machine. We don't have space for two separate machines. Should I buy a combined washer dryer or just a washing machine? we do have a garden to dry clothes but it would be nice to tumble dry in winter.

Is it true that combined machines are more prone to breaking down?

Yes, combined machines are more prone to faults.

I had a weather drier for over 10 years and only used the drier a handful of times. Just (a year ago) got a washer. Don’t miss the drier at all. Just need to be more organised with the washing. Plus driers use up a huge amount of energy. Wouldn’t get one again.

Don't think it's that w/d are more prone to breaking down but if/when they do you're a bit buggered for doing anything so I'd always go for separate machines if possible. Have you got space to sit a tumble dryer on top of your washing machine?

They are more likely to break down than a washer, that's a basic fact.
Just get the washer.

I wouldn't go near a washer/drier, they are notoriously unreliable & you can only dry half a load at once. Plus if it breaks down you are stuffed. Go for a washing machine.

Thanks all

Definitely no space Sarah. Kitchen is tiny.

If you can afford a Miele washer dryer - go for it. Reliable and work great (bro has had his over 10yrs now). As I couldn't afford to spend that much I went for a seperate washer and dryer and a number of horrible experiences with a few different brand machines, which googling seems to be 'normal' for them.

Any other brand on the market no way would I have a washer dryer. They are not only temperamental, the dryer part is always shit (doesn't dry properly and/or burns/melts (even on delicates setting) clothes that are fine in a normal tumble dryer on any setting).

I went for a seperate washer and dryer as I had previously had* a number of horrible experiences with a few different brand machines.

I do wonder if the technology has improved yet. A lot of people say ceramic hobs are crap compared with gas and induction, but they're mostly comparing old with new. Our Which best buy one is a completely different kettle of fish from the older ones. And if you bought a washer dryer today it might be different to what we experienced with machines bought 5, 10, 15 years ago.

Is there anywhere else a condensing dryer could go? Corner of a bedroom or cupboard? I'm a late convert to a dryer but they don't take up any more space than a Lakeland heated airer and are far less annoying.

If you really don't have space anywhere in the house, there's an argument for having a punt on the washer dryer, if you can afford to replace if it does just after warranty or you can stretch to a good extended warranty. But do it conscious that you're taking a punt. If you really need it to last a long time and it dying would be a real issue, play it safe and go for the WM.

*if it does just after warranty, not does. Doh!

Dies!! Stupid new phone.

We've just got a dryer. It's a condensation one and we have it in the hallway. Maybe a thought to have it elsewhere? Can't lie, it's been life changing