The Pros and Cons of a Washing Machine Dryer Combo
With Brits eager to find effective ways of managing space around their house, the washing machine dryer combo is one option that could give back space in your laundry room or kitchen.
Simply put, the washing machine dryer combo combines a front-loading washing machine and a condenser clothes dryer, into a single appliance that is the same size as an standalone washer equivalent.
By reading on you will find out everything you need to know about the washing machine dryer combo, including the pros and cons, and whether this appliance is a good fit for your next purchase.
What Is a Washing Machine Dryer Combo?
The washing machine dryer combo is an appliance that combines the role of both the washing machine and tumble dryer into a single unit.
It works by using a heat exchanger to condense the moisture from the air in the drum, before expelling it via a drain.
When reviewing Beko washer dryers, you will find the washing machine dryer combo comes in variety of models and capacities.
Washing capacity: The most common washing capacity of the machine is either 7, 8 or 9kg, however, we have washer dryers with the ability to wash up to 12kg.
Drying capacity: We offer a variety of drying weights with 4, 5, 6 or 8kg available.
There has been huge technological advancement in the washer dryer space in recent years, with some machines now offering sensor-based load detection, variable speed motors, and improved insulation to aid energy usage during a cycle.
How Do Washing Machine Dryer Combos Work?
Before you decide which washing machine dryer combo to purchase, it is important to ensure the appliance you review meets your needs.
Beko washer dryers are ventless, meaning they do not need an externally vented hose and the washing machine dryer combo can be installed anywhere in your home as long as there is water supply. The ventless washer dryer will extract the moisture from a load and release it as steam. Next, the steam is condensed back into water and drained away at the end of a cycle.
The Benefits of Washing Machine Dryer Combos
Without a doubt, one of the biggest benefits of the washing machine dryer combo is the space efficiency it offers. The alternative being that you require a standalone washer and tumble dryer, which takes up at least double the space. So, for anyone who has a small laundry room, or lives in a flat or apartment, a washer dryer might be a sensible option.
You might also enjoy the convenience of not needing to transfer clothes between two machines, which can especially be a benefit to those with a busy lifestyle, whom need to set their wash and dry cycle and focus on work or other tasks in the meantime.
Review our handy buying guide for assistance before deciding on a model. There are also the energy efficiency ratings to consider, too. You can find the energy rating, and the costs you can expect based on your average weekly usage on the individual washer dryer product pages.
The Drawbacks of Washing Machine Dryer Combos
Despite the many benefits of the washing machine dryer combos, they do have their drawbacks. Washer dryers will ultimately wash better than they can dry, and may take longer to dry than a standalone dryer.
There is also the size of the drum to consider, too, with the washer dryer tending to have a smaller capacity for drying. This can mean that you find you are having to do more drying cycles, increasing your energy usage.
It is important to note the dryer capacity when you make a purchase and not exceed it, as this will affect the length of time for a drying cycle. Not only that, if a consumer exceeds the capacity, the laundry will almost certainly remain damp at the end of a cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions Washing Machine Dryer Combos
Do Washing Machine Dryer combos work well?
Yes. The washing machine dryer combos will work exactly as a consumer would expect, saving space and energy if used as the user manual advises.
Are they energy-efficient?
The washing machine dryer combo is efficient, but it is important the user keeps their washing and drying load in line with the capacity of the machine, as exceeding the capacity could lead to extra cycles being needed or laundry not drying in full.
How do Washing Machine Dryer combos compare to separate units?
The washing machine dryer offers you better space management and convenience, but a standalone freestanding or integrated tumble dryer offers superior drying capacity and speed.
What are the best brands and models?
Beko have several washer dryer units available for purchase, with each appliance having varied washing and drying capacity, speeds and unit size.