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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

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Original poster

Condensing dryer or washer dryer combo?

26 replies

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 13:27

We don't have storage space for a regular dryer unfortunately. We have a condensing dryer but costs a bloody fortune to use and it's now 8 years old.

Are there any better more efficient condensing dryers or perhaps a washer dryer?

OP posts:

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 13:33

Forgot to add needs to be integrated.

OP posts:

TheQueef · 22/09/2021 13:36

I would avoid a washer dryer based on my experience when DC were small.
It takes forever to do just one load (washed and dry) so you end up using it every day.
And have to remember to keep washing you can't let it pile up a blitz is out of the question.

Burnamer · 22/09/2021 13:38

Washer dryers are less good at both things than washers or dryers are at their single job if that makes sense so I wouldn’t go that way.
I have a new heat pump dryer and I love it. It’s not the fastest but it’s efficient. But it is as big as a vented dryer would be so when you say you don’t have space do you mean you don’t have access to the external wall?

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 13:38

@TheQueef

I would avoid a washer dryer based on my experience when DC were small. It takes forever to do just one load (washed and dry) so you end up using it every day. And have to remember to keep washing you can't let it pile up a blitz is out of the question.

This is my worry that they're not efficient enough nor do they save energy.

OP posts:

grapewine · 22/09/2021 13:39

The only washer/dryer I had broke after a few months. I wouldn't recommend it.

grapewine · 22/09/2021 13:39

Yes, and it takes forever.

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 13:40

@Burnamer

Washer dryers are less good at both things than washers or dryers are at their single job if that makes sense so I wouldn’t go that way. I have a new heat pump dryer and I love it. It’s not the fastest but it’s efficient. But it is as big as a vented dryer would be so when you say you don’t have space do you mean you don’t have access to the external wall?

We have space for a condenser dryer but not able to stick a hose outside. Heat pump dryer is worth a look.

OP posts:

TeapotCollection · 22/09/2021 13:41

It’s been a lot of years since I had combined washer/dryers but I got through a handful in 10 years, they were always breaking down. Wouldn’t even think about having another

TheQueef · 22/09/2021 13:45

Do you have any outside space you could use, garage etc?
My washer still lives outside in a bike shed. It was supposed to be temp and convenient because it had water and power but it suited me so much I upgraded it's shed it's stopped all my frivolous loads and I have to bring the wet washing past the wash line so prompts me to line dry.
It surprised a couple of delivery drivers leaving parcels but I'd recommend it!

Nameswaptime · 22/09/2021 13:49

My washer dryer takes 1hr40 to do a normal wash load. I can’t wait for it to break.

Jmaho · 22/09/2021 13:51

I used to have a washer dryer and hated it. We bought a condenser dryer about 3 years ago and it's great. It wasn't very expensive it's a Beko one. A rated. I use it a lot and not ever noticed it being expensive if I'm honest

HandScreen · 22/09/2021 13:52

Our condenser dryer is great - not expensive to run

Mindymomo · 22/09/2021 13:54

I’ve only had washer dryers, as I don’t have room for both. I’ve had Bosch, Hoover and Hotpoint ones. All have lasted about 5 years, my current Hotpoint one doesn’t tumble dry anymore but still washing ok, so I’m not going to replace it yet. The best thing to do with a washer/dryer is to use a descaler and cleaner on a high wash regularly to prevent buildup.

Alfiemoon1 · 22/09/2021 13:54

Hated our washer dryer although that was years ago and they may have improved have always had separate since

00100001 · 22/09/2021 13:58

Ack no. Get a tumble dryer.

You can't use the washing machine if it's being used as a tumble dryer and vice versa. Serious pain if you have multiple loads.

On a Sunday we do bedding which takes two loads, whilst one is drying,the other gets washed, and by the time the first set is dry, the second set is ready 👍

SingingGoldfinch · 22/09/2021 14:02

I always hated washer dryers too after a bad experience with one years ago (took ages, never properly dried things etc). We did have a washer with a condenser dryer stacked on top (using special stacker) but when the washer broke we decided to go for another washer dryer thinking they must've improved in the years since we last had one. We've had it about 6 months now and I have to say I'm pleased with it. A full wash dry cycle is really long but I rarely use that - I normally do a quick wash and then line dry and finish off in the dryer if required - or do a smaller dry load which takes a lot less time. Ours is an AEG - you can set the length of time for a wash and a dry so you don't have to go for the really long pre-progammed options. In an ideal world I'd have a huge utility room with separate washer and dryer and an area to hang clothes too but I don't so a washer dryer is the compromise.

Buttons294749 · 22/09/2021 14:04

Ooh I've got a washer/dryer and it does take ages to dry so I don't use the drying facility. Are condenser driers less energy hungry or more so?

Now thinking of getting a bottom range heat pump dryer as we are in rented accommodation so not sure!

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 14:06

So if it's not a condensing dryer that's costing us a small fortune each month what is?! We have gas for cooking, showers etc. we don't have every light on in the house just a side lamp in the lounge or under counter lights in the kitchen or over the island lights so nothing major.

OP posts:

Lasttimeneveragain · 22/09/2021 14:10

How much do you use your dryer?

Personally, I love my washer/dryer. BUT, I don't dry stuff everyday. I hang clothes on an airer inside. I only use the dryer for towels and bedding that's too big to hang inside.

Having lived without any dryer at all for 20 years, a washer/dryer is better than no dryer.

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 14:25

@Lasttimeneveragain

How much do you use your dryer?

Personally, I love my washer/dryer. BUT, I don't dry stuff everyday. I hang clothes on an airer inside. I only use the dryer for towels and bedding that's too big to hang inside.

Having lived without any dryer at all for 20 years, a washer/dryer is better than no dryer.

Not very often as we've had such lovely weather it's been dried outside. I'm wondering if because it's around 8 years old it's less efficient now.

OP posts:

sylbunny · 22/09/2021 14:26

We have a Miele washer dryer and it's fantastic. I think if your going down the combo route you have to pay or a very good one.

Oddbutnotodd · 22/09/2021 14:27

Everyone a condensing dryer only dries clothes. Op, maybe check light bulbs old fridge freezer etc first. I drape clothes around the house but maybe that’s not practical for you. Some people swear by the Lakeland heated aureus.

borntobequiet · 22/09/2021 14:30

I’ve used washer dryers for years as I’ve always had limited space. They’re fine, you just use them differently, for example to finish off a line dried load that’s still a little damp, or to semi-dry things before using an airer/dehumidifier combo. But I would never exclusively use a drier anyway, for reasons of expense/energy.

Original poster

WildFlowerBees · 22/09/2021 14:33

Stupidly hadn't thought about the issue of only being able to wash and dry 1 load at a time. I'll look at the Lakeland dryer.

OP posts:

FuglyHouse · 22/09/2021 14:38

Washer dryers tend to use a lot more water than standard washing machines, something to consider if you're on a water meter.

We've got a heat pump dryer, it's great. Much more efficient than our old condenser dryer.

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