Is a washer/dryer worth having?

It's like a roller coaster ride.
Talk about mixed reviews!

The one thing I'm frightened of is buying one, it going wrong, and then not being able to afford to replace it with even a cheap machine.

Another vote in their favour here. When we had less space we had one and it was excellent. A popular brand at the time but many years ago when it needed replacing I was given the impression from a well known department store that they do not have good reviews. I've since squeezed a condenser dryer in and have separate washing machine but I'm very unlucky with washing machines as they never last that long no matter how much money I invest in them.

MissAdventure

I only really want the drying option as an occasional, emergency catch up measure.

In that case definitely don't buy a washer-drier.

I only really want the drying option as an occasional, emergency catch up measure.

I acquired a Samsung W/D when I moved into this house. I dont use it often as I prefer to line dry outside or use the airer in a sunny and warm back bedroom. I'm actually pretty impressed with both functions on the machine although I have to say I probably would never have bought one if it hadn't already been here.

Oh! Crossed posts, Phoenix.
Now you've said that I might think again.

I'm all over the place now!
I shall think on all that's been said.
I certainly won't waste my money on something that doesn't do what I want, though.

I'm on my second one, the first one lasted more than 15 years and was still working when we got the new one, but was making a hell of a racket when on spin.

Both were Hotpoint, the new one is incredibly quiet, no hose thingy, and very happy with it.

A good site to check electrical things out on is ao.com.

Reviews, plenty of technical info (running costs, features, drum capacity, cycle times etc)

Have a look on there, MissA and see what might work for you.

Everyone I know who bought a washer dryer has said they would never have another. All regretted buying for one reason or another

We’ve had washer dryers for 15 years. The first one lasted 12 years and then broke down needing an expensive part so we bought a new one. I made sure it can wash at 90 degrees if needed and has the fastest available spin speed 1400 at the time. I don’t often use the dryer particularly now that OH is retired and doesn’t suddenly need a certain shirt at the last minute.

If we had the space I would probably go for a separate dryer as the drying load is about half of the wash load. Occasionally it helps to put a few items in the machine and they are dry when you take them out. Mine have washed perfectly well but if I want to wash large items such as duvets I take them to DDs or the launderette if the weather is bad. I prefer to dry outdoors whenever possible even if it’s only for an hour or so.

I'd have separate machines too space permitting. It means you can wash and dry at the same time if necessary and it's unlikely that 2 separate appliances would break down at the same time.

We’ve had two. First one was brilliant zanussi washer dryer but that was twenty years ago. Second one we bought for our daughter due to lack of space and the dryer isn’t any good. In end we’ve bought her a heater airer which does the job. If you have space I would buy two separate machines.

No I had one and it was a hopeless white box of nothingness. Definately separate washing machine and dryer if you have space.

In my opinion no. We’ve had two (still got one as we live in a flat) . Ours washes ok and I suppose it dries but it takes hours. I too have a heated aired from Lakeland. I find that more effective. Good luck

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.

Can anyone recommend a heated dryer rack?

Thanks farmor15
That's all helpful stuff to know.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.