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A washer dryer is a washing machine with a built-in tumble dryer for your clothes.

Discover the convenience of an all-in-one washing machine and dryer with this buying guide. Save space and energy costs with this advanced type of appliance, as one cycle can both wash and dry your clothes. Learn about the most important features to consider before investing in a new washing machine and dryer.

  • Different Types of Washer Dryer - Freestanding or Integrated
  • Choosing your fit
  • Washer Dryer sizes
  • How to measure for a new Washer Dryer
  • Spin speeds
  • Washer Dryer energy ratings
  • Features to consider
  • Picking your colour
  • Washer Dryer brands
  • Washer Dryer FAQs

Different types of Washer Dryer

Before investing in a new washer dryer, it is important to determine whether a freestanding or integrated model is best for your home. Will the washer dryer be placed in a kitchen, a utility room, or tucked away behind a cupboard door? Let us help you decide which type of washer dryer is right for your home and provide you with the best features for your needs.

Freestanding

A freestanding washer dryer is a great choice for those looking for maximum flexibility and convenience in their kitchen or utility room. This appliance can fit perfectly underneath a worktop or countertop or can stand alone in view. It requires an electricity supply, a nearby waste water sink/drain and, if you opt for a vented tumble dryer, access to an external wall for the excess moisture to escape. With a freestanding washer dryer, you have the freedom to place it wherever you choose and enjoy the convenience of an all-in-one machine.

Integrated

Integrated washer dryers are the perfect option for those wanting a seamless and smooth-line finish for their contemporary kitchen units. These models are designed to fit underneath a worktop or countertop and are then hidden behind a door panel. Integrated washer dryers are only available using a condenser or heat pump method of drying and often have smaller dimensions than freestanding models, resulting in fewer individual programs and additional features. For a flawless finish, it is recommended to use professional tradespeople for installation.

Washer dryer sizes

When choosing a washer dryer, it's important to consider the size that best fits your needs. Most models are typically 850mm high x 600mm wide, but the depth can range from 450mm to 650mm depending on the size of the drum.

Washer dryer drum sizes

Discover the perfect washer dryer for your needs with our comparison guide. Washer dryer capacities vary from 5 kg to 11+ kg, usually stated as 8Kg + 5Kg for washing and drying respectively. It's important to remember that this is for dry clothes, rather than wet, and never to exceed the maximum laundry capacity stated for the drum size. Overfilling your washer dryer can lead to laundry not being washed and dried thoroughly, as well as potential damage to the machine. See the table below for a comparison guide to help you choose the best washer dryer for your household.

Take a look at this table below to assist you as to which machine is suitable for your needs or household.

Drum size

Household size

Number of items

Up to 7kg washer dryer

Individuals/Couples or Small family

Up to x35 t-shirts or a double duvet

8kg washer dryer

Medium family

x40 t-shirts or a queen-size duvet

9kg washer dryer

Large family

x45 t-shirts or a medium king-size duvet

10kg+ washer dryer

Larger family

x50+ t-shirts or a heavy king-size duvet

?

7 kg Washer Dryers

?

8 kg Washer Dryers

?

9 kg Washer Dryers

?

10 kg Washer Dryers

How to measure up for a new washer dryer

To ensure you get the perfect fit for your new washer dryer, it's important to measure the space you plan to put it in. Here are the steps to accurately measure for your new washer dryer:

  • Measure the corridors and doorways that your appliance needs to pass through to get to its designated location in your home. This is to ensure that your chosen appliance can be manoevred into place.
  • Measure the height, width, and depth dimensions of the area where you want to place the washer dryer.
  • Allow for at least a 5mm clearance at the top and sides of the washer dryer and more on the depth which will allow room for any pipework and ventilation.
  • Check the dimensions of each washer dryer as you browse the range to ensure the appliance will fit.
  • If you’re replacing an existing washer dryer, a simple way of buying the right size is just to measure the one you already have.
  • Once you’ve chosen your product, especially if it is a built-in appliance, then select our installation service at the checkout to make the process of replacement as quick and stress free as possible.

?

1400 rpm

?

1500 rpm

Washer dryer energy ratings

Choosing a washing machine or dryer with a good energy rating can save you money on your energy bills and help the environment. Appliances rated from A to G are available, with A being the most energy-efficient rating. Models with an energy rating of C and above are considered to be relatively energy-efficient.

Features to consider

Compare appliance features when shopping for your next appliance to ensure it meets your needs. Here are some key features to consider:

Smart washer dryers

Smart technology washer dryers are giving you the power to control your appliance remotely. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can start, stop and activate a delayed start right from your phone. Plus, you can get notifications and monitor energy usage. Enjoy the convenience of smart technology washer dryers today!

Delay start

Make the most of your energy bills and laundry schedule with the delay start function of your washer dryer. Pre-set the cycle to begin at a particular time, so you can take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs or fit the load around your daily routine.

Special wash programmes

Wash your sportswear and woollens with special programmes designed for these types of clothing. Sportswear programmes typically use a lower temperature to refresh garments, while woollen programmes utilise a low temperature and spin speed to avoid damage on standard settings.

Special drying programmes

Tumble dryers with special drying programmes for specific clothing types are ideal for keeping your garments looking their best. Sportswear programmes help to remove odours, while low temperature settings for cottons, synthetics, delicates and woollens help to protect the fibres in the garments and prevent shrinkage.

Drum light

Maximize your laundry loads and avoid leaving any items behind with an internal, built-in LED light within the drum of your washing machine. The light illuminates when you load or remove your clothes, helping you to easily identify items left behind when the door is open.

Sensor drying technology

Sensor Drying technology is a fantastic energy-saving feature that can be found in some modern dryers. The sensors weigh and measure the moisture level of each load, allowing the dryer to adjust the drying programme and cycle accordingly. Once your laundry is dry, the machine will shut off automatically, saving you time and energy.

Sound Level

For households living in flats or apartments, selecting a low noise appliance is essential. Look out for models that feature a low decibel level, achieved through inverter motors, anti-vibration technology and brushless motors. By balancing the washing drum, these machines can reduce noise levels to create a peaceful environment.

Washer dryer FAQs

The best washer dryer is one that really works well for you and your needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule.

Start by considering whether you’d like a freestanding or integrated fit. Other important aspects to think about include your drum size, the spin speed, and the useful features you’d like to have (e.g. smart technology and sensor drying).

A standard size is 850mm height x 600mm width x 600mm depth.

Majority of washer dryers don’t need a vent because they use condensing technology, as long as there is an electricity and water supply. Although, a few washer dryers that don’t have this feature means that you will need to install the vent through an external wall to the outside.

The average cost of running a washer dryer is around £1 per wash and dry cycle. Machines with energy-efficient technologies will cost less to run.

A washer dryer will usually last around 10 to 13 years depending on how often you use it. You can extend the lifespan of your appliance by looking out for signs of wear, having the machine serviced with preventative maintenance and having it fixed by a professional if required.

Choosing an eco-friendly model

When making consumer choices, the environment and our impact on it is becoming increasingly important. If you're considering an eco-friendly washing machine, there are several factors to consider, such as annual water and energy use. To find out how energy efficient a particular model is compared to industry standards, you can look at its energy rating (A - F). Generally, appliances with a grading of C or above will provide good results while being energy-saving and eco-friendly. For more information about energy ratings, our guide may be of help.

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