A washer dryer is a great option for those with limited space in their home. Choosing the right model is also simpler than buying a separate washing machine and tumble drier, as there aren’t hundreds of models to choose from, and many share similar specifications.
To help ensure you pick the right one, we’ve tried out a plethora of models and scoured the internet to put together this selection of the best appliances.
How to choose the best washer dryer for you
Is a washer dryer as efficient as a separate washing machine and dryer?
Not always. The big issue is drum capacity: typically, a washer dryer will have a lower capacity for drying than for washing. For example, the Beko we review below has a washing capacity of 9kg, but a drying capacity of only 6kg. This means that you can’t wash and dry a full 9kg of laundry in one go. You’ll have to divide it into two smaller loads – or wash it all, then hang some of the clothes to dry elsewhere while the rest goes through the drying process.
Clearly, choosing a higher-capacity machine makes life easier. And this doesn’t impact on the dimensions of the machine, since they’re all a standard 60cm wide. However, a larger-capacity machine will normally be more expensive to buy and run.
Remember too that a washer dryer is a more complicated bit of machinery than a dedicated washer or dryer – and if it does break down, both washing and drying will be out of the question until you get it fixed.
When should I consider a washer dryer?
Most people opt for a washer dryer because they simply don’t have enough space for two separate 60cm appliances side by side. It’s an ideal solution if you live in a small flat, a mobile home or canal narrowboat.
In some cases, you may alternatively be able to stack a standalone tumble dryer on top of a washing machine – but you’ll need a strong, rigid shelving system. You certainly shouldn’t put a dryer directly on top of a washing machine; when the washing machine starts its spin sequence, the vibrations could cause the dryer to fall off.
Energy ratings explained
A machine that’s cheaper to run could save you money in the long run, even if it’s more expensive to buy. The EU Energy Rating system grades appliances from A+++ down to D, with the higher grades being the most energy efficient.
All of the machines reviewed below enjoy an energy rating of A, so you can expect generally excellent running costs across the board. To make further savings, consider doing your washing and drying during the evenings and weekends when energy tariffs are usually lower.
What special features should I look for?
Generally speaking, the more you spend, the more reliable the appliance. However, more expensive models also offer better features, such as specific wash and dry cycles for woollens and delicates.
Another benefit is greater washing and drying capacities. If you’re a family of four living in a small flat with no means of drying clothes outdoors, a high-capacity model will be a godsend. Even if you do have outdoor space, remember that outdoor drying is anything but practical during the long winter months – while hanging a load of damp clothing in the bathroom will take ages to dry, and lead to condensation on the walls and windows.
All of the washer dryers in this roundup use condensing for the drying process. This means that moisture from the clothes is collected into a removable tank that must be regularly emptied by hand – usually after every drying cycle.
Are there any top tips for installing a washer dryer?
Make sure the machine is installed perfectly level (every machine has easily adjustable individual rubber feet) on a firm, well-supported surface or it will rattle about in use, especially when fully loaded. The vibrations caused by poor installation and levelling can be damaging in the long term, not only to the machine but to your walls and flooring.
The best washer dryers to buy
1. Bosch WVH28422GB: The best option for a quiet life
Price when reviewed:£805
This freestanding washer dryer is remarkably quiet, thanks to Bosch’s “EcoSilence Drive”. That’s great if you’re planning to locate it in the kitchen or in an open area of the house. The Bosch’s 7kg drum is ideal for the average family – although note that its recommended drying capacity is only 4kg.
The WVH28422GB is also water-efficient. Most washer dryers consume additional water to condense warm vapour from the drying clothes, but this one uses Bosch’s AirCondensation technology during drying. This supposedly saves as much as 40 litres of water per cycle, which can translate to a good few quid off your water bill.
The machine also provides a handy 15-minute wash programme – perfect if you’re getting ready to go out and suddenly notice that your favourite linen top has a dirty great stain on it.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash: 7kg, Dry: 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Rated efficiency: A
2. Miele WTF130WPM: Not a cheap option, but the engineering can’t be faulted
Price when reviewed:£1,599
Miele has a great reputation in the appliance industry. Yes, its products are more expensive than its competitors’, but the quality of the German manufacturer’s components and manufacturing is second to none.
For instance, most washer-dryer manufacturers incorporate a concrete counter-weight, to prevent the unit from moving around. By contrast, all Miele models use cast iron, which won’t ever crack, deform or crumble. Miele’s drum bearings, too, are much larger than other manufacturers’ and more easily serviceable.
This Miele is anything but cheap, especially considering its unremarkable 7kg capacity. But design flourishes are everywhere, from the QuickPower programme that washes and dries up to 4kg of laundry in less than three hours to the pre-dry Thermo Spin mode that tumbles your clothing in a plume of hot air, preparing them for the actual drying cycle. Meanwhile, the SteamCare option promises to reduce ironing by up to 50%.
To all those clever features, you can also add Miele’s patented honeycomb drum for smooth and gentle washing, and a fluff-rinsing function that removes all sign of the annoying stuff after each cycle.
The Miele standard warranty covers the first two years, but anecdotally it’s common for the company’s appliances to run trouble-free for a decade or more. And if something does go wrong, you’ll only need to wait a day or two for a Miele engineer to turn up and fix the problem. If quality is your key concern, it’s a top buy.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash: 7kg, Dry: 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Rated efficiency: A
3. Beko WDA914401W: Good performance, and excellent value
Price when reviewed:£537
The Turkish-made Beko accommodates up to 9kg of laundry for the wash cycle and 6kg for drying. That’s excellent for a machine at this price level, although reportedly if you load it up to maximum capacity then clothes may come out very slightly damp.
The washing cycles are all very efficient, and the machine tackles stains on synthetics extremely well. And just because it’s cheaper than others doesn’t mean it skimps on features. The unit uses an energy-efficient inverter motor (with a ten-year warranty) and comes with a range of sensor drying programs, a top spin speed of 1400rpm, an anti-allergen feature, an easy-to-use LCD display panel with clear labelling and a speedy program that takes just 55 minutes to wash and dry up to five shirts or a small pile of underwear.
It also features Beko’s Direct Air Cool technology that, rather like the much more expensive Bosch and Siemens, uses air for the drying sequence instead of water, thereby saving a few extra pennies on the water bill.
If you’re on a budget, this great-value, large-drum machine deserves a place on your short list.
Buy now from Appliances Direct
Key specs – Style: freestanding; Capacity: Wash: 9kg, Dry: 6kg; Dryer type: condenser; Rated efficiency: A
4. LG 6 Motion Direct Drive with TrueSteam (FH695BDH2N): A switched-on washer dryer that’s perfect for larger loads
Price when reviewed:£1,099
This washer dryer is just the ticket for families with lots of grubby children and a muddy dog or two. Its drum capacity is a whopping 12kg for washing, and a substantial 8kg for drying, so you can wash and dry a decent-sized laundry load in a single programme.
And that’s just the half of it. This machine also comes with a smörgåsbord of smart features. LG’s TrueSteam technology allegedly removes up to 99.9% of allergens in clothing, and can be used to quickly freshen up a shirt without having to put it through a whole washing cycle. The smooth direct-drive motor keeps noise down, and LG’s unique “6-Motion” drum action moves the load around in multiple directions for a gentler wash and dry.
The pause button is another unique innovation, allowing you to pause the early part of a cycle so you can chuck in that muddy pair of rugby socks you forgot about. To top it all off, you can download extra wash programs and diagnose most problems using your smartphone. A great choice for the tech-savvy household.
Key specs – Style: freestanding; Capacity: Wash: 12kg, Dry: 8kg; Dryer type: condenser; Rated efficiency: A
5. Neff V7446X1GB: A do-it all washer dryer that won’t break the bank
Price when reviewed:£689
This friendly, mid-priced washer dryer features an electronic dial with touch-control buttons and comes with a full gamut of wash and dry programs, including mixed loads, allergy care, handwash wool, delicate silks and a handy 15-minute splurge setting for quick turnarounds.
The EcoSilence Drive and AntiVibration systems ensure a commendable level of quietness during operation – it’s rated at 52dB during the wash and 74dB on full spin – and its top spin speed is a faster-than-average 1500rpm. The rinse sequence isn’t the best in its class on a full load, but it’s perfectly adequate for domestic use.
The CircoCare drum accommodates up to 8kg for washing and 5kg for drying, and uses a gentle action to ensure delicate materials such as silks and woollens are handled with care. The drying sequence, too, produces excellent results. In all, this well-made washer dryer ticks all the major boxes, at a much lower price than the LG and Miele.
Key specs – Style: freestanding; Capacity: Wash: 8kg, Dry: 5kg; Dryer type: condenser; Rated efficiency: A