Combined Washer / Drier

[30somethingandtired]

Has anyone got a combined washing machine & dryer?

We have separates at the moment but need to squeeze into a kitchen with less space. My mum and MIL both said combined washer/driers are awful. Is that true, or just an old fashioned view based on the older versions of these machines?

Advice / recommendations would be appreciated from anyone that has one.

Thanks

We have a Hotpoint - WDXD 8640 Extra.
The dry function is slower than a tumble drier but does work - a full load needs a 120 min drying cycle.
We've had it nearly 4 years and I wouldn't be without it. Put stuff in, take it out a few hours later completely clean and dry. Plus means we have space for a dishwasher.

Drying takes forever.

I had one and it was rubbish. Had to take out half the washing and dry it in two loads or it never got finished, which kind of defeated the point a bit.

Plus I don’t tumble t shirts or certain jeans etc so had to take it out and sort into things to hang out and things to tumble anyway.

I now have two separate machines and I love my dryer. Got it second hand from Facebook and it’s the best thing I’ve ever bought . Massive drum, dries a full load in an hour and means I can have another load washing at the same time.

If you can find a way, fit in both.

My DBro has a name for things that are supposed to do two jobs but don’t do either very well - ‘a sofa-bed’, uncomfortable as a sofa and uncomfortable as a bed! Washer driers are definitely sofa beds.

So yes - if you have a washer drier, and don't sort your washing beforehand, it really wouldn't work for you. One of the benefits of a washer drier is that you can put stuff on and forget about it until it's clean and dry. If you never actually put it on a wash and dry cycle, you'd get none of the benefits and all of the drawbacks.

We have a three-laundy-basket system - darks, whites and 'doesn't get tumble dried', which works fine for us, but probably isn't great for a family with young kids.

If you're going to have to faff about every time you put a load on, definitely try for separates.

I have never had enough space for separate washing and drying machines so have had combined washer dryers for many years. Totally agree with sorting out the laundry and it is essential not overload the machine for the drying cycle. If I'm line-drying in summer it is great because I can use the full 8kg load for washing, but if on combined wash/dry cycle, I make sure I only load up to 5kg as that is the dryer limit. Husband has just broken mine by using too much detergent, so currently awaiting its replacement!

Thanks everyone. It's only me that ever puts any washing in so separating wouldn't be too much of an issue. Just need a bigger kitchen really, fingers crossed for a lottery win!

Can you stack them? Build a cupboard for it?.