Types of washer dryer combos
A washer dryer combo is much more than a washer and dryer in one. There are different types, each with their own characteristics. To make things easier for you, we have put together an overview of the most common types of washer-dryer combinations.
Different types of combined washer dryer combos
With a washer-dryer combo you can both wash and dry, but there are models that are equipped with additional options. Would you like to buy a combined washer and dryer?
Then it is wise to check if some of these types are a good fit for you.
Built-in washer dryer combo
Find this year's best built-in washer dryer combos.
Cheap washer dryer combo
Everything you need to know before buying a cheap washer dryer combo.
Washer dryer combo with heat pump
Buying a washer dryer combo with a heat pump? Read all about it.
Energy efficient washer dryer combo
The best energy-efficient washer dryer combos selected for you!
Small washer dryer combo
A small space? Then choose a small washer dryer combo.
Washer dryer with steamfunction
Want your laundry to be radiantly, but also hygienically, clean? Then choose steam.
Find the perfect washer dryer combo
Find a washer dryer combo by checking out our top 5 from 2022 or do the simple decision aid.
Types of washer dryer combos
Washing and drying with low energy consumption
Washing-drying combos are known for not always being very energy efficient. The appliance can consume more energy than a washer and dryer combined. Some models do have an energy class a, which is often caused by a built-in system that calculates exactly how much water and energy you need to get your laundry clean and dry.
It is also an option to choose a washer-dryer combination with a heat pump. This is a heating element that makes the drying process much more energy efficient, allowing you to save up to 40% more energy and giving the appliance an energy class a. However, you have to take into account that this technique is also much more expensive, so a washer-dryer combination with heat pump can be a few hundred euros more expensive than a normal model. In some cases it is even cheaper to buy an energy efficient washer and dryer.
A smart washing machine and dryer in one
A smart washer-dryer combination knows what you and your laundry need. Newer models of washer-dryers can be linked to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you, for example, to preset when the appliance should start. This way you can make sure your laundry is clean and dry the moment you wake up in the morning. All you have to do is fold your laundry and put it in the closet.
There are also wash-dry combinations that can recognize what kind of wash program your laundry needs. The amount of water needed is determined by weight and some washer-dryers can even determine the best temperature for the fabric. This way you can be sure that you will never have a sweater out of the wash that has suddenly shrunk two sizes.
Finally, there are also wash-dry combinations that, for example, will not start washing if you have added too much detergent. This prevents the color of your clothes from fading quickly and you will also have to buy new detergent less often.
Drying and washing programs with extra care for your clothes
You invest in a washing machine and dryer because you value your clothes. It can therefore be a good idea to look at models that take a little extra care of your clothes.
For example, there are washer-dryer combinations where the drum is built in such a way that your laundry is damaged as little as possible during the spin cycle. There are also models that make sure your clothes come out of the dryer virtually wrinkle-free. You then don’t have to iron after washing, which is better for your clothes. Even at a high speed of 1400 rpm or 1600 rpm your clothes will be dry and uncreased.
Drying your clothes can also be done in a variety of ways. Most models will have three options: closet dry, iron dry and extra dry. If that’s not enough for you, there are also wash-dry combinations that have the ability to set the temperature yourself. This is very useful when you have clothes with special instructions.
Silent washer-dryer combos
If you have a small home it can be a good idea to buy a washer and dryer in one appliance, but it is no use if the noise level during the spin is so high that you cannot escape the noise.
For a noisy washer-dryer combination, you need the space, otherwise it’s better to look for a quiet model. When is a washer-dryer quiet? Generally when the indicated noise level is below 73 dB. Between 74 and 77 dB the noise level is normal and above 78 dB the noise level is high.
Please note that the noise level indicates how much noise the appliance makes during spinning, during washing and drying the noise level is often even lower.
Fast washer-dryer
Most people will choose a washer-dryer because it is easier to do everything in one machine. If your washer-dryer also has a non stop program, you can just leave your laundry and get it out washed and dried. So with a non stop function you don’t have to intervene in between and set a new drying program, everything goes through nice and quickly in one go.
You can switch on your washer-dryer before you go out and everything will be ready when you get home. Please note that this non stop function is often linked to a maximum fill weight. For example, if you have more than 8 kilos of laundry, the appliance can wash, but it cannot continue to the drying function. For this you first have to remove a number of kilos of laundry in order not to exceed the maximum fill weight of the dryer.
Washer-dryer combination for specific situations
As with regular washing machines, a washer-dryer can also have special functions. Think of a wash program specifically for allergy sufferers or a program designed for washing and drying baby clothes.
Not everyone washes the same and it depends on each person what kind of programs you need. So before buying a washer-dryer, always think about your washing and drying requirements.
Compact washing and drying combinations
One of the biggest advantages of having a washer and dryer in one is of course that you need less space than when you buy two separate appliances. For small households, there are also small models available that you can easily fit in the bathroom or hallway.
Always note that the maximum fill weight will be a lot lower. For washing you can put away between 6 kg and 7 kg of laundry and for drying it is even less, often only 4 kg or 5 kg. So you can’t wash and dry too much laundry at once, which means you’ll have to wash more often than if you had a large washer-dryer with a capacity of 8 kg, 9 kg or 10 kg.
Built-in washer-dryers
Just like a stand-alone washer and dryer, a washer-dryer combo can also be specially made to be built-in. The main advantage of a built-in washer-dryer is that it is specially adapted to your kitchen or bathroom, making it blend in with the rest of your interior.
The disadvantage is that not all models are suitable for built-in, so you have less choice. Also, the maximum fill weight is often a lot lower because the washer-dryer is not that big. Most built-in models have a fill weight of 8 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
In addition, washer-dryers are also not made with a flap at the top, which can be the case with a separate washer and dryer. The advantage of a flap at the top is that the appliance can be concealed even more easily.
Finally, built-in models are also often slightly more expensive and it is difficult to find a model of energy class A.
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Washer dryer combo decision aid
A combination of different types of washer dryer combos
Of course, one combined washer-dryer does not have to preclude another. You may well find a compact, smart and energy efficient model. The range is large, so there is no need to compromise on certain aspects. If you are looking for a washer-dryer that holds 10 kg of laundry, is energy efficient and has a special drying program for allergy sufferers,
there are always several brands that will offer such a model. You just have to look carefully. For example, the AEG L7WB86GW is available in different versions, with a washing capacity of 8 kg, but also of 10 kg.
Is a washer dryer combo right for me
A washer and dryer in one is convenient if you want to wash and dry while having limited space. Most models are equipped with features that you would find in a stand-alone washer or dryer.
You just have to consider some disadvantages, such as a lower capacity for drying than for washing and a higher energy consumption.
On the other hand, with a washer-dryer combination you only need to buy one machine, which takes up much less space.
