10 Best Washer-Dryers

Buying guide

Are you unsure about what to consider when purchasing a washer-dryer? Read our buying guide below for clarity on which washer-dryer to buy.

All washing machines and washer-dryers have an energy label, where you can find the key specifications for each product. With the energy label, you can more easily compare product specifications.

On the energy label, you can find the following information about the washer-dryer:

• Energy class (washing cycle)
• Energy class (washing and drying cycle)
• Energy consumption (only washing)
• Energy consumption (washing and drying)
• Capacity (washing)
• Capacity (drying)
• Water consumption (only washing)
• Water consumption (washing and drying)
• Duration for 1 washing cycle
• Duration for 1 washing- and drying cycle)
• Centrifugation performance
• Noise level
• Noise level class

The energy label for washer-dryers differs from that of washing machines as it’s divided into two parts: one for the washing cycle (on the right side) and another for the combined washing and drying cycle (on the left side).

You can find the washer-dryer’s energy efficiency class on the energy label, which is indicated on a scale from A – to G, where A is the best.

The energy efficiency class is indicated for washing and drying on the left of the energy label. On the right, you can find only the energy efficiency class for washing cycles.

Go for a model with a good energy class, as it will lower your electricity costs and could save you money in the long run.

The following chart shows how the energy efficiency class is distributed across the washer-dryers for washing only:

In the following chart, you can see how the energy efficiency class is distributed for washing and drying cycles:

In addition to the energy class, you can see the actual (estimated) energy consumption of the washer-dryer on the energy label. The energy consumption is measured over 100 cycles, displaying figures for both 100 washing cycles and 100 washing-and-drying cycles.

Typically, washer-dryers with a larger capacity also tend to consume more energy.

The washer-dryer with the lowest energy consumption for 100 washing cycles is the Hisense WDQA8014EVJM, which consumes 47 kWh. These are the five models with the lowest energy consumption:

These are the five models with the lowest energy consumption for 100 washing and drying cycles:

You can find the best energy-efficient washer-dryers here.

The size of a washer-dryer is one of the most important factors to consider. Most models have the standard 85 cm height and 60 cm width, and the depth varies from 55 cm to 70 cm. Also, leave at least 5 mm on all sides for ventilation.

Determine the capacity of the washer-dryer you need based on the amount of laundry you typically do. Consider your family size and the frequency of your laundry to select the appropriate capacity.

It’s important to note that the washer-dryer’s drying capacity is less than its washing capacity. If you want your clothes to dry thoroughly, you should only half-fill the drum if you’re going to run it for a complete wash and dry cycle. This allows the clothes to move around more to dry better.

The following chart shows how the washing capacity is distributed for washer-dryers:

The following chart shows how the drying capacity is distributed for washer-dryers:

The price for a washer-dryer varies from £300 to £1489. When you buy an expensive washer-dryer, you can expect more features and an overall better quality. These are some of the main differences between a cheap washer-dryer compared to an expensive one:

• Lower energy consumption
• Lower water consumption
• Longer expected lifespan
• Lower noise emission
• Better motor
• Larger washing and drying volume

The cheapest washer-dryer is the Indesit Ecotime IWDC 65125, at £299.99. These are the five cheapest washer-dryers in our comparison.

The following chart shows how the price is distributed across the washer-dryers:

You can find the best cheap washer-dryers here.

The length of a cycle varies on the amount and weight of clothes. The heavier your clothes are, the longer it takes to dry. The more space inside your drum, the faster your things will dry.

The energy label for each washer-dryer shows the expected length of a standard cycle. The following chart displays the distribution in the standard washing-and-drying cycle for washer-dryers:

On each washer-dryer’s energy label, you can find its noise level, measured in decibels (dB), and its noise level class from A – D, where A is the best.

The noise level for washer-dryers varies from 69 dB to 81 dB, which means there is a big difference from a quiet to a noisy model.

You should pay attention to the noise level of the washer-dryer, especially if it will be installed near a living area or a bedroom.

The quietest washer-dryer is the Bosch WNA14490GB, with a noise level of 69 dB.

These are the five most quiet washer-dryers:

You can find the best quiet washer-dryers here.

The following chart shows how the noise level class is distributed across the washer-dryers:

On the energy label, you can find the washer-dryer’s centrifugation performance ranges from A – to G, where A is the best.

The centrifugation performance tells how much moisture is left in the clothes after each wash. A high centrifugation performance means less moisture is left in the cloth after a washing cycle; thus, the cloth dries faster.

The following chart shows how the centrifugation performance is distributed across the washer-dryers:

These are some of the most popular features to consider for your washer-dryer:

• WiFi connectivity: A washer-dryer with WiFi connectivity allows you to control and monitor your washer-dryer using your smartphone. It lets you start, stop, pause, or adjust the wash and dry cycles remotely. This can be convenient if you want to keep your laundry going while you’re away from home.
• Delay start timer: A delay start time is a convenient feature that allows you to set a time delay for the washer-dryer to start a cycle.
• Interior lighting: Interior lighting is a practical feature that improves visibility inside the washer-dryer drum.