Introduction

A single appliance that combines both a washing machine and a tumble dryer is an excellent space-saving solution. These appliances usually have just as much functionality as a normal washing machine, but are somewhat more limited in their drying capacity due to the size of the drum.

Size & Format

• Washer dryer sizes & formats

Electrical and plumbing connections

Washer dryers require connection to electrical, water and waste water services within a kitchen, as such you should ensure that you can site your machine within easy reach of all three.

Performance

Like washing machines, washer dryers are graded from A to G, where A is the best. This is derived using the following measures;

• Wash Performance – ability to remove stubborn stains.
• Energy Efficiency – amount of hot water and electricity used during a wash and dry cycle.
• Spin Efficiency – the amount of water left on the clothes at the end of the cycle.

Select a high graded machine to save money on running costs and get the best performance from your washing machine.

Noise

During the wash phase, basic washer dryers can make something of a racket when they’re at full speed spin, not to mention the added noise of them jumping up and down on the floor. Therefore, manufacturers have developed more advanced models wherein the machines still spin at high speeds, but noise is insulated as far as possible. Look for models that have a lower decibel (dB) rating.

Key Features

• Load Capacity - A washer dryer drum that is stuffed full of clothes will not make as good a job of cleaning or drying them as a drum that is loaded less tightly. Large drums can also accommodate bulky items such as towels, so consider the load capacity of each machine to ensure it can handle your washing efficiently. Also bear in mind that a washer dryer can wash a larger pile of clothes than it can effectively dry, so either split washes for drying or deal with a half load each time. Load capacity is measured in kilograms (kg) of dry laundry and a normal machine will accommodate about 5kg (11lbs) of washing.
• Spin Speed - A washer dryer with a high spin speed will draw more moisture from the laundry prior to drying, therefore using less time and energy to complete the job. All washer dryers will quote their fastest spin speed, with some spinning at up to 1600 rpm (rotations per minute).
• Drying Method - Other than how full the drum is, a washer dryer’s drying method will also determine how creased the laundry will become. Unidirectional machines are usually cheapest, but turn the drum in one direction only, causing the clothes to become creased and tangled. This is largely avoided in reverse action machines which turn in both directions.
• Programmes - Like a separate washing machine and tumble dryer, each washer dryer will have a collection of programmes that will allow you to wash and dry almost every piece of clothing and linen, including delicates and ‘hand wash only’ items. The benefit of a washer dryer is that the cycle can move directly from washing to drying to complete the job without intervention, and more advanced machines may include a timer to allow you to use energy at its cheapest or arrange for the cycle to finish at a specific time.

Further information and useful links

• Attributes common to all kitchen appliances
• Washing machines
• Tumble dryers
• More kitchen appliances topics

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