Exceeding washer dryer drying capacity

[MrsMonster]

Looking at getting a new washer dryer for our new place, can't get a separate washing machine and tumble due to space and we also don't have a garden so its definitely a washer dryer I need!

However the one I'm looking at is the John Lewis which is 8kg wash but only 4kg dry which is teeny!

Has anyone ever disregarded this and just filled theirs up as normal I.e 75% full? If so, how did it go?

I hope it works as it's the best one I can afford but 4kg is ridiculously small!

I've never paid attention to it 😳 I only use the dryer function for towels and bedding, so probably exceed it everytime.
The one I have is an 8kg wash and 5kg dry (just checked) machines been in situ 8 years, we've been here 4 and I probably use the dryer function twice a week?

I don't have a washer dryer but I would guess all that happens is that the energy consumption goes up (because a packed mass has to be heated up instead of warm air being blown through), the clothes come out crumpled and it takes longer.

You could always separate the load in two before drying if you wish?

How about one like this? ao.com/product/xwde1071681xw-indesit-innex-washer-dryer-white-52356-2.aspx

We had one of these in a previous home. If you have a full load, it takes FOREVER to dry and is creased to all hell. Pretty rubbish. Washer dryer combos are good for occasional help to get through a large amount of washing, but I would not attempt to dry everything or even most things in one.

Oops! Sorry, I should've mentioned that I am restricted by space to less than 55cm depth because of a pipe in front of the skirting board otherwise that would have been great!

I wouldn't fill it to 8kg anyway, probably just 6kg. Otherwise I'll have to settle on a Beko. John Lewus one is a rebranded AEG though and unwanted something reliable!

Plus I we work long hours therefore it would on whilst we are all work so won't be able to separate loads.

Thanks for the replies btw!

Would this work? ao.com/product/awdpd6106lh-hoover-axi-washer-dryer-white-58567-2.aspx

I find that by the time you've pulled out the stuff that can't go in the dryer it's mostly fine.
If you pack it in, it shrinks more, takes forever, gets really crushed, and smells weird. It needs space to bounce about or basically you are just heating a big soggy lump of clothes.

I have that JL machine, it's a good washer but the drum is quite shallow. You are meant to keep the ordinary synthetics programme wash to 3kg which is v low! But it works fine with a good bit more in than that.
With any washer dryer, it's worth getting the extended warranty as there is a lot to go wrong. JL's extended warranty is BRILLIANT.

@Petitprince Thank you for your suggestions, you've been very helpful! I'll have a little look and see how it is! :)

@DustyDoorframes Glad to hear from someone who has the John Lewis one, how is it in general? Do you find that you fit more than 4kg in on the cotton dry cycle please? Also, have you had any problems with it?

If all else fails I may end up getting a Beko but I've heard bad things from them and their service.

Thanks again everyone!

@MrsMonster it's good! I have used the warranty extensively though (they always come out within a couple of days and sort it).
I overload for washing frequently but not for drying. The washing is excellent, the drying is quite slow (all washer dryers are though - I think it's down to drum size, and fitting in all the machinery for both things, which are opposites). The drying does suffer if you overload, the washing is fine anyway.
I've only had it a few weeks (replaced the old very similar model for free, 4.5 years in to the 5 year warranty, and with a fresh 5 years starting now), but is is basically the same as the prior model, give or take a couple of programmes and with a shallower drum with a bigger diameter- which makes for better drying. We mostly line dry and the weather has been good so haven't tested the drying much beyond checking it actually works though.

I actually think you would be better off getting a washing machine and then a heated airer like the ones from Lakeland. I used to have a washer dryer and it was ok for a socks / pants wash & dry or just a couple of towels but I much prefer washing then using my heater airer. I like it so much I have both a wall mounted and free standing one

@DustyDoorframes sounds good! Do you mind if I ask what the warranty was used for? I.e Any particular faults?

@suziedoozy I've never seen those before! They look interesting though quite big, we've only got a little place so I'm a bit worried how they'll be. My DH has suggested just a washer instead so we'll have to give it a thought!

Errr, over the years they replaced the pump, the heat exchange, another thing to do with the drying part, the motherboard, and finally the drum bearings tipped them over the edge...
So lots! But always very speedily and easily dealt with, which is why we went for the same again rather than just a washer, once it became clear the warranty would reset.
My friend who has the same machine bought a year after me and didn't bother extending the warranty hasn't had any problems at all!
Just a washer should march on for years, it's the drying as well which makes them flakey.

@MrsMonster the good thing about them is they dry overnight for example and can be packed flat when not in use & hung on the back of a door! Our wall hung one folds up against the wall when not in use but I am a bit lax in putting away washing it usually has something on it

@DustyDoorframes but that was the previous WD not the 1614??

@suziedoozy Thank you, I will have a look

Yes- they are very very similar though, both "really" made by AEG.

@DustyDoorframes

Thank you for your help!

I can only have a washer dryer due to lack of space. I also had to have one that was shorter in depth. These are hard to find.

I eventally got an AEG that had a good 'Which' review. It's the model number L75670NWD. It drys very well.

It has a 7kg wash and 4kg drying load. I usually find it best to dry smaller loads quicker than bigger loads for a longer period.

@Missangrypants I've had a look at those but the John Lewis is pretty much the same and a bit cheaper so I'll probably go with that over an AEG, however as the JL one is pretty much an AEG, it's a moot point IMO! Whichever is cheaper! :)

Any thoughts regarding Beko? I've heard conflicting reports on their reliability but the price is so tempting! £200 cheaper than the JL one and 8/5kg capacity. Which? liked it as well but they only had it for a day I'm sure!

Sorry. No idea about Beko. I think the previous make I had was a Hoover. From which reviews, it can be a bit hit and miss between different manufacturer's models. That's why like you I do lots and lots of research before deciding and parting with my money.

@Missangrypants So do I! Which subscription has been very helpful however they only have it for a day or so!

I won't leave a tumble dryer on when you are out of the house because of the fire risk. Nor should they be run when asleep.