Im just moving into a new flat and I wondered if combined washer/dryers are any good?

Answer 1

I had one and it was ok.
The dryer is not as good as a normal dryer, and some people don't like them because if one part breaks, it's all gone.
But I had no problems. It's a good buy.

Answer 2

Here's my opinion:

Units that both wash and dry have drawbacks. First of all, the size is much, much smaller than traditional washers and dryers. Expect to wash about 4 pairs of jeans and the cycle time to be about 2 hours. The combination units also tend to be much more expensive than regular machines. The last one that I saw was $1300 by Asko (a European brand) and they can run as much as $2500.

Another option would be a laundry center (washer on top, dryer on bottom). These typically cost between $700 and $1000. They offer a bigger capacity and will wash and dry much faster.

If you would like something that is energy and water efficient, consider purchasing a front load washer and matching dryer with a stacking option. All Kenmore brand front load washer/dryer sets come with a stacking kit. The advantage is that you will have a larger capacity than the laundry centers, while using 1/3 of the water and energy. They also clean more effectively and are more gentle on fabrics. You will want to make sure that you have a 220 volt outlet and a 110 volt outlet. Typically, a set will cost between $1000 and $2000. You may want to inquire about tax rebates or credits from utility companies.

I hope that helps!

Answer 3

If space is limited they are better than not having a drier at all, but you can only dry half a load at a time, so you may want an airer or over the radiator rack as back up. A small spin drier gets a lot more wet out of the clothes than the washing machine spin cycle, so you could use that for things like towels before hanging them up or putting them in the washer drier. If the machine does go wrong, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't use it at all - even if the drier packs in, the washer will still operate. I've had 2 Ariston washer driers - the first one lasted 10 years. The current one is about 3 years old & has only gone wrong once, when the drier overheated & blew a fuse. I don't think the extended guarantees are worth the money - find a friendly local chap who will repair it for a reasonable price if you are lucky.

Answer 4

If you've moved into a flat I presume your intention is to save space? Good thinking, but you'll probably be better off with a condensing version rather than venting as it's unlikely you'll have anywhere to trail a hose other than through a window.
Technically a washer/dryer is more likely to break down than a washer or a dryer simply because it's mechanically more complex. If you can find one and if you can afford it go for Bosch or AEG for the most reliable ones. Best of all is Miele which is highly expensive but it's a big german laundry panzer which you just can't break. If you live up a lot of stairs check the weight- some of these beasts can be up to 18 stones!

Answer 5

I guess I'm in the minority, but I think it was an enormous waste of money. I sort of expect that when I spend several hundred pounds on a large appliance, I should be able to keep it for several years. We started having problems after a year, and even thought it was still under warranty, the repair man said I had washed and dried too many towels in that year and it wouldn't last if I kept it up. Within another year the dryer part stopped working, and a year or so after that I found myself in John Lewis buying separate units.

As far as I know, we didn't use more towels than any of our friends.

Answer 6

I would not buy a combined washer/dryer - if something goes wrong with the washer you could also lose the use of the dryer or visa versa and I think it would cost a lot more to get repaired!

Answer 7

I know of two friends (who both moved into new flats during the past 18 months) and who both have combined washer-dryers. I had heard loads of bad reports of them, but both my mates say they're brilliant, and have never had any trouble. I guess the only drawback is if it breaks, you've lost both your washing machine and your dryer, but I think they're fairly well made and should be okay. Congrats on your new place!

Answer 8

Have just bought a house and I was contemplating buying one, they saves space but i cant dry anything until the washer is finished so I'm not getting one now. Just been today to look and Ive seen baby dryers!!! are small enough to fit anywhere!! and powerful enough the British winter is so wet i don't want to be having clothes all over my radiator!!!

Answer 9

I really don't rate them.They do not dry as efficiently as a tumble dryer.Get a separate dryer and put it in a cupboard and use a ventilation hose or buy a condenser dryer.They are great with no condensation.I had a washer/dryer and found it to be useless and not very economical.

Answer 10

We have a 'compact' flat and can recommend the Hotpoint Aquarius 1200 Washer Dryer.
It has been hard at work for the last three years and never complained (touch wood).
They are great to partly dry the clothing before hanging on and 'above the bath' washing line.

hope this helps