Washer-dryers: Washer dryer energy costs
Because we’ve independently tested nearly 90% of the washer-dryers on the market, we can help you find the most reliable and efficient washer-dryer model.
Washer-dryers are the least reliable domestic appliances
Washer-dryer efficiency compared
Which? tests washer-dryers for their washing, rinsing, drying and spinning performance as well as energy usage before awarding the best performing washer-dryers a Which? Best Buy icon.
You can look at washer-dryer efficiency in terms of energy and water use, both of which have environmental implications. And take a look at our Best Buy washer-dryers to find out which models we were most impressed with overall.
Washer-dryer efficiency: energy
Use the compare features and prices tool in this report to find washer-dryers scoring four stars or more on energy usage. This indicates that the washer-dryer has lower running costs than other, less efficient washer-dryer models.
Washer-dryer efficiency: water
The average washer-dryer uses the same water to wash as a washing machine, but you may not realise that it also uses an average of 36 extra litres of water for cooling during the drying cycle.
But, as our table shows, the amount of water used between washer-dryers varies considerably.
| Water consumption of washer-dryers compareda | |
|---|---|
| Model | Water consumption |
| Hotpoint WDL540 Aquarius | 194 litres |
| Indesit IWDC 6125 | 61 litres |
Table notes
- Washing and drying on a cotton cycle
The Hotpoint WDL540 Aquarius uses as much as 194 litres when washing and drying on its cotton cycle, while others, such as the Indesit IWDC 6125, use as little as 61 litres.
Washer-dryer reliability
The dual functionality of washer-dryers makes them the least reliable of all domestic appliances.
Minimise your washer-dryer’s impact on the environment – and lower the likelihood of your washer-dryer breaking down – by choosing an efficient washer-dryer that also scores well for reliability.
Unfortunately, one in five washer-dryers needs repair in its first six years, compared to around one in ten for washing machines and tumble dryers.
It’s the price you pay for cramming two sets of technology into one appliance: compromises are made, and there’s usually more that could go wrong.
Cross reference our washer-dryer reliability survey results with our Best Buy washer-dryers to ensure you choose the optimum model for both efficiency and reliability.
You can't always trust energy labels
We’ve also spoken to thousands of Which? members to see how satisfied they are with their washer-dryers – take a look at our owners’ views page within this report.
Energy labelling
The EU energy labelling scheme can help you choose a greener washer-dryer, but we’ve found in the past that these aren’t always accurate.
Our testing reflects the way you use your machine. We look at the annual running costs on the most commonly used wash program, 40°C cotton, and drying running costs based on energy consumption per kg of washing on four programs.
Bear in mind that washer-dryers have just one energy label, so you can't directly compare them to the energy labels on washing machines or tumble dryers.
Washer-dryer efficiency tips
Washing
- Wash a full load 40ºC cotton washes are designed to take a full drum’s worth of laundry, so always try to wash the maximum amount in each load to get the most value from the water and energy you’re using.
- Switch to 30ºC Washing at 30ºC instead of 40ºC can save you around £9 a year. Cleaning results for our designed for low temperatures during a 30ºC program were good, and helped use an average of 40% less electricity per wash.
If it's a nice day, hang your clothes outside to dry
Drying
- Fully fill Try to fit the maximum load in your tumble dryer every time.
- Sensor models Dry clothes for ironing together with other clothes. Start the load with an iron-dry setting, remove the clothes for ironing, and then put the rest on a cupboard-dry program.
- Minimise use Make the most of good weather by drying your clothes outside, and leaving the tumble dryer switched off.
How to recycle your old washer-dryer
Under the waste electrical and electronic equipment (Weee) directive, shops must help customers recycle old washer-dryers – along with a wide range of other electrical and white goods – either by paying towards washer-dryer recycling facilities at a council site, or by offering a recycling service themselves.
When you're shopping, ask whether the store will take away your old machine when it delivers your new one.
Alternatively, contact your council to find your nearest appliance recycling site, or to arrange for your old washer-dryer to be collected. Some councils offer free collection; others charge up to £30.
Find out more about recycling in our essential recycling guide.
Or, if your washer-dryer still works, use a community recycling scheme such as Freecycle to offer it to someone else.
Visit Which?'s for more on green and environmental issues. We've also tested washing machines, tumble dryers and designed to work at lower temperatures.