5 of the Best Washer Dryer Combos

Washer dryers come with 2 different capacities. One for the amount of clothes you can wash and the other is for the tumble dryer. 

For example, if the capacity is given as 8 KG / 4KG then the dryer can only handle 50% of the washing. This means you can use it for those things that take ages to dry like jeans and towels and use a wooden clothes airer or a rotary washing line for the rest.

The percentage is usually around 50% - but the best washer dryers go up to 70% like this Indesit 10KG / 7KG model.

The energy rating reflect how much your appliance costs to run, and it's impact on the environment.

More efficient machines are designed to use less water and to fill and empty at a faster rate. The manufacturer specifications can be quite detailed when it comes to energy ratings, so take the time to make a serious comparison.

The highest energy rating for washing machines is A +++, with most being A+. However, as dryers consume a lot of energy, most combos are rated at just "A".

The best washer and dryers come with a number of programmes or settings.

These usually determine the length of time, heat and other factors that will be involved with your wash cycle, as well as such as spin speed.

If you have children – or other family members – who play sports regularly you may want one with a heavy-duty ‘sports’ cycle. Or you may prefer a washing machine that has quick spin cycles, so you don’t have to wait around for it to finish.

These are just a couple of the many features you will find when you begin to look these appliances, and we recommend you take the programs available into account when making your decision.

We really rely on our kitchen appliances to work - and if you have kids things are made even more difficult.

Some of the more well-known brands have been in business for more than fifty-years, and it's easy to get spares in case anything goes wrong.

One that comes with a self-cleaning program can also make your life easier, as it keeps everything sanitary and will save you time.

A washer dryer with a big drum spinning at up to 1600 rpm is going to make some noise!

The good news is, the latest models are much quieter than those from just ten or fifteen years ago. Even so, you can still find a 10 - 15 db difference between brands and models in 2017.

To put things into perspective, 80db is actually twice as loud as 70 db! This could make all the difference if you have an open-plan home, or perhaps a sleeping baby you don't want to wake up!

In our reviews, we tried to find the quietest washing machines and make sense of all the stats and specs for you. 

A feature that will really make your life easier is a 24-hour delay timer. This may not sound important, but it can make life a lot easier.

For instance, you could load it up when you have the time and set it to run during the night, so as not to disturb you during the day, or you can program it to run when you are away for a day, and come back to a ready to clean, dry clothes.

The following reviews taking into consideration all of the above and discuss how much each model costs to run.

Zanussi is a much loved brand and this model offers a wash capacity of 8kg. This makes it more than capable of handling a regular load for a family of four.

Although this machine has a 1600 rpm spin rating, it's worth pointing out that it only reach this speed during the cotton washes. To be honest, this is in common with many models. However, people are still disappointed they can only use full-speed some of the time.

Some users also find this model to be hard to use. Like many new modern appliances, it's (hopefully) something that becomes easier with time.

Perhaps the main drawback on the laundry side is there aren't any sports, anti-allergy or baby programs. But there are programs for anti-crease and mixed loads.

All in all, the Zanussi Lindo Washer/Dryer is a great choice for a couple or small-family.

Got a family of four or five? Looking for something with a bit more space and capacity? Then check out the 10KG Indesit Innex.

It's got a huige drum and porthole. And if you're currently using a 7KG machine for your family, it'll cut your weekly loads in half.

This energy-efficiency is due to Indesit's "Water Balance Technology". The sensors weigh each load and automatically use just the right amount of electricity and water.

On the washing front, there are 12 different programmes. These include mixed loads, a sports program and a 30-minute quick wash. So a lot of variety here.

Another thing that really stands out is the 7KG drying capacity. That will easily take care of things like jeans and towels which take ages on a line in winter.

At just 54db during regular spin and 63db drying, this is also pretty quiet.

The only downside with this model is the long cycle time. The quick wash is 30-minutes and not 15. And you need to put at least half a load in.

And regular wash and dry time can take up to 3 hours if you're doing jeans and towels. A lot of the newer, more economical models are like  this - sacrificing speed for energy-efficiency.

However, there is a 24-hour delay timer which makes it perfect set running during the night.

All in all, if you're looking to upgrade from 7KG to something a bit bigger - consider this Indesit Innex.

Hotpoint has been a popular appliance brand in the UK since they first entered the market in the 1920's. 

It comes in white, has an "A" energy-efficiency rating, and although it used more energy a year than the others on our list - almost 1250 kw/h - that is due to its much larger size.

On the noise front, this Hotpoint washer dryer is surprisingly quiet at 63db on wash mode, yet at 83db is pretty loud when spinning. This is because it has the fastest 1600 rpm spin speed.

When it comes to features you get 16 full wash programs, with a 30-minute fast wash and special stain-removal programs that may appeal to those with pets and smaller children. 

If you're looking for a reasonably cheap washer dryer that can handle the laundry for a larger family, it's hard to find one better.

Bosch appliances are revered all over the world, and this particular washer dryer is one of their better models.

This model also allows you to choose the temperature and spin speed you'd like. People love this, as it lets them wash mixed loads incredibly fast and their laundry is dry enough to put away.

Another standout feature with the Bosch machines is you get a 10-year manufacturers warranty on the direct drive motor, and a 2-year general warranty. So that's a bit more peace-of-mind there.

In summary, this is a good washer dryer  from a quality brand. That is reflected in the higher price tag.  

But if you're in the market for a quieter machine that can wash and dry your clothes fast - this is an excellent choice.