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Best washer dryers: reliable models, recommended by real parents
Struggling with limited space and an overflowing laundry basket? Picking the best washer-dryer, tried and tested by parents, has never been easier - here's our guide to the combi washer dryers you won't regret buying.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Oct 3, 2024
With winter on the horizon and with it the challenge of drying laundry indoors, investing in the best washer dryer your budget can stretch to could be one of the best decisions you make this autumn.
While tackling humidity helps, even the best dehumidifier can struggle over the coldest and dampest months of the year. A two-in-one combination of a washing machine and a tumble dryer makes a great alternative. Able to do double the work at half the price, space-saving washer dryers can be perfect for small houses, flats and families with time at a premium.
While many Mumsnet users find washer dryers weren’t as effective as separate appliances, that doesn't mean you should totally write them off. If a washer dryer is the best choice for your home, there are many things to consider, including:
What washing and drying capacity do I need?
Does it have a convenient average cycle duration?
Is it energy efficient?
... and crucially, how much should I spend on a washer dryer?
If all of that sounds a little overwhelming, don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you to bring you our pick of the best washer dryers you can buy today.
How much does it cost to use a washer dryer?
How much your washer dryer costs to run will depend on a number of factors, including when and how often you use it, the size of the drum and the range of programmes you choose - as well as the washer dryer's energy-efficiency rating.
According to Which?, the average cost of running your washer dryer is around £208 a year (based on the energy cap figures for October 2024). This is compared to around £186 per year for a separate washing machine and condenser tumble dryer (or £124 with an energy-saving heat pump tumble dryer).
While separate appliances are generally cheaper to run than a combi washer dryer, washer dryers take up half the space and save you time transferring washing into a tumble dryer or onto a heated clothes airer.
To help you make an educated choice, we’ve investigated, using our triple-check vetting process to collate all our research into an honest and balanced guide to the best washer dryers. Using a combination of authentic reviews from Mumsnet users, expert opinions and verified consumer ratings, we’ve found the best tried and trusted brands and models that can help you finally reach the bottom of your laundry basket.
Best washer dryers UK - our top 6:
Best washer dryer overall: Bosch Series 8 WNC25410GB Freestanding Washer Dryer, £999
Best budget washer dryer: Hotpoint ActiveCare NDD10726GDAUK 10kg/7kg Washer Dryer, £441
Best energy-efficient washer dryer: LG Turbo Wash 360 FWY706WWTN1, £599
Best integrated washer dryer: Hoover HBDOS 695TAMCE-80, £519
Best washer dryer with quick wash: AEG 8000 LWR8516O5UD Freestanding Washer Dryer, £1,049
Best premium washer dryer: MIELE WT1F WTD160 WCS WiFi-enabled 8/5kg Washer Dryer, £1,549
Bosch Series 8 WNC25410GB Freestanding Washer Dryer 10.5kg/6kg Load
Generous 10.5kg washing capacity
Accurate drying sensors
Iron assist programme
Good energy rating
i-Dos automatic dosing technology
Costly
Price on writing: £999 | Dimensions: H84.8 x W59.8 x D62.2cm | Energy rating: D | Wash capacity: 10.5kg | Dryer capacity: 6kg | Dryer type: Unspecified | Spin speed: 1400rpm | Noise level: 70dB
Perfectly sized for larger households, the Bosch Series 8 WNC25410GB Freestanding Washer Dryer comes with an impressive 10.5kg drum and is packed full of features to save you time and energy.
While it’ll easily accommodate your entire family's laundry pile - including bedding - the 15-minute quick wash is ideal for cleaning smaller wash loads in a hurry. If you’re really pressed for time, however, you’ll love the Speed Perfect button, assessing your fabrics and load size to reduce the wash time by up to 65%.
With a 6kg drying capacity, we love the accurate auto sensors that protect your clothes from excess heat, continually monitor the temperature and moisture left inside the drum, and stop automatically once dry.
This Bosch washer dryer is more costly than some of our other top picks, however with an energy-efficient design, impressive stain removal and automatic dosing technology, it makes a good value and cost-effective choice.
Read next: Best ironing boards to keep clothes smooth and wrinkle-free
Hotpoint ActiveCare NDD10726GDAUK 10kg/7kg Washer Dryer
Budget-friendly price point
Stop and Add function to add forgotten items once the cycle has started
Large capacity
30-minute quick wash
Anti allergen cycle
Reviewers found drying cycle can be noisy
Price on writing: £459 | Dimensions: 151D x 154W x 216H cm | Energy rating: D | Wash capacity: 10kg | Dryer capacity: 7kg | Dryer type: Unspecified | Spin speed: 1400 rpm | Noise level: 80dB
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Poppy O'Neill: Read our full Hotpoint ActiveCare NDD10726GDAUK Washer Dryer review
There is nothing worse than when a trusty appliance decides to pack it in at the most inopportune time. With a tight budget and even tighter time scale, picking the best washer-dryer for your home can be stressful. That’s why we’re recommending the Hotpoint ActiveCare NDD10726GDAUK.
Retailing at less than £500, this budget-friendly washer-dryer doesn’t sacrifice quality, with a wide range of useful features and programmes to suit every lifestyle.
The 10kg capacity is big enough for most families and we love the convenient 30-minute quick wash for smaller loads. Thanks to the Stop and Add function - you can add in any socks that escape while you add the contents of your laundry basket, even once the cycle has started.
If your child or baby happens to have extra sensitive skin, the allergy setting is a lifesaver, especially when coupled with one of our dermatologically-tested best laundry detergents or best laundry detergents for babies.
The downside? If you have an open-plan kitchen, it isn't the quietest choice - reviewers noticed a clunking noise during the drying cycle that may somewhat disturb the peace.
Read next: The best steam irons for quick, crease-free ironing
LG Turbo Wash 360 FWY706WWTN1 10Kg / 6Kg Washer Dryer
Large capacity drum
AI DD sensors that adjust the programme to the load and fabrics
15-minute quick wash programme
Quiet mark accreditation
Timer delay function
Some of the drying cycles are very long
Price on writing: £589 | Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D62cm | Energy rating: D | Wash capacity: 10kg | Dryer capacity: 6kg | Dryer type: Condenser | Spin speed: 1400 rpm | Noise level: 71dB (spin)
As a general rule, washer-dryers tend to be less energy efficient when compared to a stand-alone washing machine or tumble dryer, with many of them downgraded since the 2021 energy rating change. That said, some are more efficient than others. The LG Turbo Wash comes out as one of the most energy-efficient with an overall D rating. Thanks to intelligent sensors that adjust the programme to your load and fabrics, you won't end up with higher energy and water consumption than you need.
With a running volume of just 71dB during the spin, this Quiet Mark accredited washer-dryer is a good choice for open-plan kitchens. The 10kg wash and 6kg dry capacity is ideal for larger families, but it’s also tough on stains - using powerful jets to spray water from four different directions and get your whites spotlessly clean in just 39 minutes.
Some reviewers did get impatient during the drying cycles, however, which due to lower temperatures can take a significant time to complete.
Read next: Best budget dehumidifiers: keep your home damp-free for under £100
Integrated design helps create a seamless look in your kitchen
Easy to install
Wide range of programmes with WiFi connectivity
Powerful spin speed
Good energy usage rating
The drying capacity is relatively small
Reviewers found the spin cycle noisy
Price on writing: £529 | Dimensions: 59.8 x 54 x 82.5cm | Energy rating: D | Wash capacity: 9kg | Dryer capacity: 5kg | Dryer type: Unspecified | Spin speed: 1600 rpm | Noise level: 77dB
Built-in appliances are a great way to create a seamless, modern look in your kitchen or utility room. While its 5kg drying capacity is smaller than some of the other best washer dryers on our list, the Hoover HBDOS 695TAMCE-80 is easy to install, with a simple LED display to help you quickly pick the right cycle for your needs.
Busy parents will love the rapid 14-minute quick wash for smaller loads, while the steam setting can prevent hours of ironing uniform late on a Sunday night. With a super fast 1600 spin, the majority of excess water is removed at the end of the wash cycle. Sensors then measure the moisture left in the drum, stopping the cycle automatically once your clothes are dry.
With an A energy rating for washing and an efficient D for drying, this integrated washer-dryer makes a sensible choice for those conscious of high energy bills. It is one of the noisier models, however, particularly during the spin.
AEG 8000 LWR8516O5UD Freestanding Washer Dryer, 10Kg/6kg Load
Good energy efficiency
High capacity
Rapid 1600 spin
20-minute quick wash
Automatic load adjustment
Significant price tag
Price on writing: £999 | Dimensions: H84.7 x W59.7 x D63.1cm | Energy rating: A wash, D dry | Wash capacity: 10 kg | Dryer capacity: 6kg | Dryer type: Unspecified | Spin speed: 1600 rpm | Noise level: 76dB
When the summer ends, and it's time to pack away your rotary washing line and clothes pegs, you’ll want to ensure that your washer-dryer is at the top of its drying game. Look no further than this AEG 8000 LWR8516O5UD Freestanding Washer Dryer, offering a range of features and functionality ideal for families who are pressed for time.
While washer-dryers always have a slower drying time than their stand-alone counterparts, this washer-dryer has a fast and efficient 1600RPM spin speed - removing significantly more water from the load before drying begins. As well as a 20-minute quick wash for smaller loads, it also offers impressive stain removal programmes taking less than an hour - a blessing for parents tackling grass and spaghetti stains on school uniforms.
In the winter, you’ll love the Woolmark Blue certified wool programme, adapting to your fabrics to take care of your fluffiest socks and softest jumpers. We recommend you couple it with our best fabric softener for amazing results.
Related: The best budget washing machines and the best budget tumble dryers under £500
Quiet mark accredited
Automatic load adjustment
A trusted brand that plumbers frequently recommend
Smart connectivity via Wi-Fi
Built to last and tested for the equivalent of 20 years of use
Costly
Reviewers found the beeping at the end of the cycle annoying
Price on writing: £1,649 | Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D64cm | Energy rating: D for washer, A for dryer | Wash capacity: 8kg | Dryer capacity: 5kg | Dryer type: Heat pump | Spin speed: 1500 rpm | Noise level: 71dB
Miele’s appliances are on every Mumsnetters' wishlist and while there’s no denying they’re expensive, they’re certainly built to last. Each of their washer-dryer appliances is put through 10,000 hours of testing (equivalent to five washes per week for 20 years) as part of their quality assurance checks. They also come highly recommended by experts and plumbers as they’re easy to repair, making them a sensible investment despite the high price tag.
This Miele WT1F WTD160 WCS ultra quiet washer dryer offers an 8kg wash and 5kg dryer capacity, with Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of time-saving programmes that make whizzing through your laundry pile a breeze. You can even keep an eye on your machine while doing your weekly shopping via the Miele@Mobile app on your smartphone.
We love the automatic load adjust technology, accurately measuring the size of your load and adjusting the cycles automatically to save water, time and energy. The fast 1500 spin is incredibly efficient, but thanks to the unique honeycomb design, it's gentle on fibres to protect your favourite clothes during the cycle.
Reviewers' biggest frustration? The beeping at the end of the cycle, which will continue to notify you until you override it via the app or LCD display.
Read next: The best integrated washer dryers, according to Mumsnetters
What’s the most reliable washer dryer brand?
Based on Mumsnet user's experiences, Bosch is the more reliable washer dryer brand. While they can experience faults just like any other modern kitchen appliance, Bosch products are generally high quality, energy efficient and easy to repair.
Are washer dryers any good?
A washer-dryer, despite the nay-sayers, can be a smart investment for the average family, and there are several reasons why.
Space-saving: Washer-dryers are ideal for families with limited space in their homes or flats because instead of needing to install two appliances, you’ll only need one unit, which is far easier and can also reduce the clutter of having a heated clothes airer up in your home come winter.
Time-saving: A washer-dryer can wash and dry clothes in one cycle without the need to transfer wet clothes between appliances. This is especially helpful to families with busy weekly schedules and lots of washing to do.
Convenient: No more worrying about whether you remembered to put your wet clothes into the tumble dryer or to have to wait for your washing machine to finish. A washer-dryer streamlines your laundry routine, helping you cross more items off your to-do list.
Budget-friendly and cost-effective: Buying separate units can cost you up to £1,000 for mid-range washing machine and tumble dryer models, so whilst a washer-dryer’s initial outlay is expensive, you won’t need to purchase any additional appliances, and you’ll only need to worry about repairing one machine. They can be less energy efficient than separate machines though, for example, there are very few heat pump washer dryers on the market, so you will need to factor that into the cost.
However, a washer-dryer is not for everyone, and you will want to consider these before investing:
Capacity: Washer-dryers have a much smaller capacity, particularly for drying cycles. This can be a problem for families who generate a lot of laundry as they either have to use multiple cycles to wash and dry all clothing, increasing energy consumption or hang some clothes out to dry using an alternative like an airer.
Performance: Washer-dryers are not as effective and efficient at drying clothes as a standalone tumble dryers, leading to much longer cycles. They tend to be pretty good at washing clothes, however.
Maintenance: Due to their two-in-one design, they can be more complex and require more frequent maintenance and repairs than the average washing machine or tumble dryer. However, many Mumsnetters report that they’ve lasted for up to 10 years without any problems.
Life span: Again, in part, because it is two appliances in one, their lifespan is not as long as their stand-alone counterparts - meaning you may need to replace them more frequently.
In short, it all comes down to your specific budget, needs and preferences whether or not a washer-dryer is for you.
How do washer-dryers work?
The washing machine part of a washer-dryer is pretty standard. You still need to put laundry detergent and fabric conditioner in the drawer at the top of the machine, and cold water is heated up based on your programme settings and circulated in the drum.
However, the tumble dryer is a different matter altogether. Due to their smaller drum, its capacity is reduced to make it more effective, and water is pumped out via its drainage pipe rather than being emptied into a water tank.
Who are washer-dryers good for?
People who live in flats, apartments or houses with small rooms and limited storage space.
Busy families that are looking for a convenient, one-size-fits-all solution to their laundry woes.
Single people or couples tend to generate less laundry and therefore don’t need the capacity of a standalone washing machine or tumble dryer.
People with mobility issues or disabilities as a washer-dryer eliminates the need to transfer clothing between appliances, making laundry more manageable.
Why do washer-dryers have different laundry capacities for the washing and drying cycles?
A washer-dryer's drum capacity refers to the maximum weight that can be loaded into it for a single cycle. In our article, this is measured in kilograms. However, you will notice that the capacity for a wash cycle and a drying cycle are different, with a drying cycle often only allowing half of a washing load.
This is because clothes weigh more once they are wet and need more space to dry so that the air can circulate. If you overload it, its drying capabilities are much less effective. If you were to stand a washing machine and a tumble dryer side by side, you’d notice that a tumble dryer always has a larger drum for this exact reason. A wash cycle does not require the same movement of air.
What should I look for when buying a washer-dryer?
When buying a washer-dryer, you should consider the following:
Capacity: You’ll want to think about the amount of laundry your family generates and pick a capacity that is suitable for your needs.
Energy efficiency: Picking a washer-dryer with a good energy-efficiency rating is more important than ever with skyrocketing energy bills. Since the 2021 change to energy ratings, you’ll notice that washer-dryers ratings have dropped significantly, with the best achieving a D rating.
Wash and dry cycles: Whether you’re a family who is always on the go from club to club or has wardrobes full of delicate, pretty dresses, you’ll want to think about the programmes and cycles on offer and whether they’ll suit your fabric needs.
Noise level: Particularly if you have an open-plan living space, you’ll want to look for the quietest models. Make sure that you look for those with noise-reducing features such as insulation or anti-vibration motors.
Size and installation: Before you go splashing the cash, make sure you’ve taken accurate measurements of your space, leaving around 3cm on each side. If you don’t fancy trying to install it yourself, it is worth paying a little extra to have someone do it for you.
Brand and reliability: Trusted brands like Bosch and Miele earned that reputation for a reason by offering reliability and excellent customer service on models that are built to last. Make sure to read up on the brand you are buying from before purchasing.
Price: Set a budget that you can afford, and remember that a premium price does not always mean better quality. Make sure you do research and compare reviews before making a decision.
How much should I pay for a washer-dryer?
Typically, a washer-dryer can cost anywhere between £400 for basic models to £2,000 for premium models. There are a lot of factors to think about when deciding how much to pay, but we’d suggest looking at its range of features and programmes, capacity and overall consumer ratings as a good indicator. Ultimately, it entirely depends on budget and personal preference.
How long should a washer-dryer last?
The average lifespan for a washer-dryer is around 10 years.
Which is the best washer dryer to buy?
We’ve awarded the Bosch Series 8 WNC25410GB our title for the best washer-dryer. Frequently recommended by Mumsnetters and appearing on multiple product review lists, Bosch is a trusted brand Mumsnetters return to again and again. With a 10.gkg wash and 6kg dry capacity, it's a perfect fit for bigger families, packed with time-saving features and programmes, making the Bosch Series 8 an ideal all-rounder.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families. Her articles include guides to the best steam generator irons, the best portable air conditioners and the best heated clothes airers.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
How we choose our recommendations
At Mumsnet, you can trust that all of our recommendations are 100% authentic, as they’re primarily informed by the real-life reviews and recommendations of parents who’ve tried and tested the products and brands we suggest.
When researching this article, we discovered that Mumsnet users had strong opinions about washer-dryers so we wanted to triple-check that every option had earned its position on our list. By scouring the Talk threads, we easily found a list of brands they’d loved and those that had failed to meet their needs.
We then looked carefully at what each washer-dryer offered and considered the features we knew families would be looking for and would appreciate, such as its effectiveness, energy efficiency, capacity and noise level. We then cross-referenced each choice with the opinions of experts and product review sites before thoroughly investigating their individual ratings and reviews from previous customers.
By using this process, we were able to recommend the top 10 washer-dryers that are loved by parents, trusted by experts and rated by customers to guarantee that our article is honest, up-to-date and informative.
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