Bosch
WDU28560GB
Test score
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But before you commit to an integrated washer-dryer, there are a few things to consider.
In this advice guide you’ll find out:
Head over to our integrated washer-dryer reviews to find the built in machines that scored tops for cleaning and drying in our tests.
An integrated washer-dryer is one that is integrated into your kitchen cabinets. It can wash and dry and is built in between units with a door covering the front. The benefit of this is that until it's switched on and you can hear it going round, you really don't know that it's there.
Integrated washer-dryers are sometimes referred to as built-in, and you might also have heard of semi-integrated washer-dryers. They're all slightly different models.
A fully integrated washer dryer hides the whole washer-dryer unit from view. You can't see the washer-dryer in the picture below because it's completely hidden behind the kitchen units.
Buy a semi-integrated washer-dryer and you’ll still have a cupboard door covering the machine, but there will be a space at the top so you can still see the display panel – useful for things like knowing how long you have left on a wash cycle, for example.
Often confused with ‘integrated’, but ‘built-in’ actually means a standard washer-dryer that fits under your units with no door over the machine – as pictured below. You don't need to buy an integrated washer-dryer if this is what you're looking for.
Go to our washer-dryer reviews to compare all of the washer-dryers we've tested at our lab.
Reduces the cluttered look of having appliances in the kitchen.
Needs to be flush to your units, so you won't have a machine that protrudes out at the front – which is helpful if you have a narrow galley kitchen.
There are less integrated washer-dryers around so you'll have less choice
They're more expensive to buy than freestanding models
You'll generally pay a premium if you go for an integrated washer-dryer over an equivalent spec freestanding machine. If you're on a tight budget, integrated washer-dryers from Indesit and Hotpoint come in at less than £400.
With all washer-dryers it's difficult to find a model that excels at both the jobs it needs to do: washing and drying. But we've found some integrated washer-dryers that have impressed us enough to be named Best Buys.
Head over to our integrated washer-dryer reviews to find the best machine for your budget.
Yes. We don’t test nearly as many integrated washer-dryers as we do freestanding washer-dryers. This is because there aren’t as many on the market.
If you have a large family and do a lot of washing, you'll find your choice is even more limited. This is because integrated washer-dryers have to be smaller and more compact as they need to fit into smaller spaces than other washers and dryers. This means they are less likely to be able to handle to volume or bulk of washing that a family or larger household will produce.
The largest load capacity integrated washer-dryer we currently have in our reviews at the time of writing holds 8kg. Most of the models we've recently tested have a 7kg load capacity. This is still enough to fit in most items you'll need to wash, but big duvets and bulky items might be a struggle.
Most integrated washer-dryers tend to be the same size. There is some variation, but the most common dimensions are a height of 82cm, a width of 60cm, and a depth of 56cm. If you stick with this size then you should be able to find a replacement quite easily should you need to.
As there can be some variation in size, before you buy an integrated washer-dryer, it's vital to make sure it is going to fit in the space you have designated for it:
If you're having a kitchen makeover and are considering where your machine is going to go, bear in mind that the floor the washer-dryer (or any washing appliance) will sit on is going to need to be sturdy and solid.
Having a washing machine full of washing and water on your floor is about the same as having a person jumping heavily up and down on your floor. And while your floor might be able to take the abuse, the machine will certainly be noisier. Small imbalances can also cause the machine to develop a fault.
You can either fit an integrated washer-dryer yourself or, if DIY isn't your bag, big white good retailers, such as AO.com and Currys can do the fit for you. Whether using a pro or doing it yourself, before you begin fitting, check that:
If your washer-dryer will fit neatly into your kitchen and will sit level on your floor, then it will be fairly easy to fit yourself.
You might, however, need two people to handle the washer-dryer as they are heavy, bulky and often have sharp edges.
If it's not being delivered into your kitchen, make sure you have a plan for getting it to where it's going to live; measure any halls or tight spaces it needs to pass through. A platform with casters may be useful to move it into place.
You’ll also need to slide it into space without damaging your floor surfaces or scraping any of your cupboards. Plastic floor guides that you can buy for a couple of pounds online can be used on the bottom of your washer-dryer to prevent it from scratching your floor and to help get it into place easier.
Many retailers will offer an installation service with purchase of an appliance. For example, John Lewis offers in installation service for £90. This service includes the connection of the washer-dryer to electricity, water and waste water within one metre of the appliance, as well as the fitting of the door and removal of all packaging.
If you add up all the time and energy you’ll save by having a professional deal with installation, it could be good value.
In addition, if your washer-dryer doesn't fit perfectly you might want to call in an expert:
If installation is going to be tricky because of a difference in size between the space for it in your kitchen and the machine, then its best to get a trusted expert to do the installation for you. They will be able to make sure the washer-dryer is stable and secure.
Always consult the manual for instructions on installation and operation. You might be tempted to jump right in, but you’ll be kicking yourself later if your machine breaks and you missed some crucial information.
And if you don’t install your washer-dryer according to the instructions, it’s possible that the warranty will be invalidated if the machine experiences issues in the future.