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How to choose the best washer-dryer for your household
Deciding whether to buy a washer-dryer can be difficult, given the range of information out there on energy efficiency, reliability and running costs. This short video guide will give you the knowledge you need to buy the best washer-dryer for you.
Which? video guide to buying the best washer-dryer
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Is using a washer-dryer more economical than using a separate washing machine and tumble dryer? This video guide contains plenty of Which? advice on running costs and energy use, based on our independent lab tests.
Use Which? expertise to find the best washer-dryer for you
What should you look for in a good washer-dryer?
As well as cleaning, rinsing and drying effectively, the best washer-dryers are quiet, easy to load and unload, and simple to operate, with clear buttons and dials.
As you'd expect, the functions on a washer-dryer vary according to the make and model, but there are some key features that you should look for when buying a new machine.
Washer-dryers vs washing machines and tumble dryers
You'll save space with a washer-dryer, but how do these combination machines compare with standalone washing machines and tumble dryers in terms of performance?
We've found that the best washer-dryers are as good as the best washing machines, though the tumble-drying function won't match up to the best tumble dryers we've tested.
How reliable are washer-dryers?
Will a Bosch washer-dryer be more reliable than a machine from Zanussi or Hotpoint? Every year, we survey owners of white goods, including washer-dryers, to find out how reliable their appliances have been.
The survey results tell us how likely it is your machine will need a repair in the first six years of its life, and which faults are most common.
How to buy a new washer-dryer
How do you decide between a freestanding and a built-in washer-dryer, and are you aware of the restrictions on where a washer-dryer can be plumbed in?
Find out how to track down the exact model you want, how much you'll have to pay for delivery, and what you should do with old appliances in our buying guide.
Get the most from your washer-dryer
Which? has tested hundreds of washer-dryers through the years, so you can rely on us for helpful tips that actually work.
We can tell you whether a machine will work efficiently if it's completely full, how to get clothes clean at 30°C, and how to put an end to noisy spinning. And watch our video to find out how to be greener with your washer-dryer.
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Which? tests more thoroughly than any other organisation
Which? tests how well each washer-dryer washes a range of nasty substances, then sets out to see how well they dry.
Which? tests show that washer-dryers won't dry your clothes fully
When Which? tests washer dryers, we weigh clothes to see how much water they contain before and after the drying program to see how dry they are. Our tests show that, while washer-dryers wash as well as most washing machines, they can't dry as well as tumble dryers. If you tumble dry regularly, buying separates may be a better bet.
