Is a washer/dryer worth having?

I had a Zanussi WD and was glad to see the back of it. The drier function may be better now - it would need to be.

I had one. It was awful.

I had one years ago, also would never have another.

If you can find space go for a large capacity (8kg ish) condensing tumble dryer. Worth its weight of wet bath sheets! I have a Candy and it is simple to use (no programmes I just set a time and if stuff is not dry - add a bit). I've had combined washer dryers (no no no) and fancy tumblers - so frustrating to waste time over-drying because you can't figure out exactly which prog you should use etc.

mcem
The Beko comes out well in reviews.

I wouldn't choose to have one again, but I did work out a system of doing smaller loads at a time and that seemed ok.

All the online, up to date info suggests that there has been a huge improvement in performance with washer/dryers.
A lot do mention the issues people here have pointed out, though.

I have a Siemens W/D, as I don’t need to use the dryer on a regular basis. I really only use the dryer to finish off towels when they are nearly dry. Washing is usually hung on an airer which is fine for me as I live alone.

If you have the space for separates, that would probably be best, as the W/D isn’t as effective as a separate dryer. If you DO buy a combined machine, do your research and expect to pay more for a good make.

I’ve been quite happy with mine, but as I say, I don’t need to use it all the time.

Contrary to some views posted here, they don't always have just one motor - mine (an AEG) has a separate motor for the drier, so if that packs up I can still use the washer.

I currently have a washer dryer - first time I've had one. Only just Two years old - when it broke down I was without either washer or dryer until it could be repaired. Now only use it once per week as w/d for underwear. Would never have one again. In winter take sheets and towels etc to laundrette to dry. I do have a heated drying rack for drying clothes which is really useful.

I bought a WD - never again. Useless at drying clothes. I still have the machine but just use it for washing. I have a condenser drier and it's blinking brilliant.

No its a waste of time/money.i had one and as others have said- you cant dry all the wash at once plus if one breaks down you lose other as well! Much better to get a small table top dryer you can stack on top of washer if you're short of space.They really do dry well for the size and even they hold more than a washer/dryer combo.

Yes Bathsheba but an AEG costs a LOT more than the average washer or washer/dryer?

They are obviously more complex than a washer my GS has one because of that breakdown insurance is more needed, it has already broken down once. If you’re short off space a good alte4native

I really, honestly don't have room for a separate dryer anywhere (or even another airer)
I'm at the point of having washing in one place (almost dry)
Washing on the line (but nowhere left to hang it, if it comes in damp)
2 airers, both with football kits on, in various states of dampness.
Washing (very nearly dry) hanging over the doors....
A load done and ready to be put somewhere. (Where, I don't know!)

I'm thinking even a bad, long winded drying function would help clear a space.

I had an Ariston washer/dryer for nearly 25 years and was delighted with it. Just as the old advertisement said, it went on and on and on! It never let me down, I spent nothing on it. However years on, retired, more time to hang out washing, and retrieve it when the weather changes, I finally decided to buy a new one (it was still working well, but looking a bit tired). How I missed my old machine, the new one does everything it claims to, but that drying facility was so handy. Minutes before writing this I dashed out into a heavy shower to retrieve my towels which had been hung out a a crisp sunny morning. Should add that I was selective in what I dried, but I haven’t noticed any significant drop in my electricity bill. I normally was three times a week.

My son has one and it is useless, takes forever and very expensive to run. I usually take his washing home and do it for him - he is in a supported living flat and has no choice in the equipment supplied.

Thank you, Lexisgranny and all.
Lots to think about.

The trouble is when one part packs up and it is too costly to repair/replace the whole thing.
Id stick to separate machines.

If space is at a minimum, I often see one stacked atop t`other.

I've always had one - on third now in nearly 40 years. I never intended using the dryer much - dry outside on clothes line, or on airer inside, but wanted one for the times things come in a bit damp, or need something dried in a hurry. Agree that they don't suit a full load of washing, but from what you say MissA, it sounds like you wouldn't be doing that.

As far as I know, all the ones now are condenser type. As the machine is already plumbed in, they use a flow of cold water to condense the moisture from clothes, so no extra plumbing or pipes are needed. However, there is a newer type of condenser type, which works like a dehumidifier and has a refrigeration unit to condense the water. Cheaper to run apparently, but more expensive to buy, and another bit to go wrong.

As you're in a flat, the advantage of combined washer/dryer is mainly space saving. If you decide to go for one, look at reviews first. The one I have now is a Miele, but it's the most expensive brand. Cheaper ones may be just as good.

A good place to look for reviews is Amazon, another is Argos. You probably won't buy from there, but you can consider some models and look for reviews of those ones.

Thanks farmor15
That's all helpful stuff to know.

Can anyone recommend a heated dryer rack?

MissA when I first set up home on my own, I bought a top of the range washing machine/drier; cost a mint but as I only had space for one appliance, I dug deep. I used the drier a handful of times before admitting that it was useless and I'd wasted my money. The wash cycle was fine; no problems with that. But the drier simply didn't dry anything, no matter how small or lightweight it was. When I took clothes out of the machine after the drying cycle (which was interminable) they were steaming hot but nowhere near dry and I'd still have wet washing draped over clothes maidens and radiators. When I moved house, I left it behind and just bought a washing machine and a heated clothes airer from Aldi. Far more efficient and less expensive.