Sunday Express Skeleton 24Th November...
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Washing machine vs washer dryer
8 Answers
I managed to break the door off my washing machine and it seems like I will have to buy a new one. However as I live in a flat thought I might go for a washer dryer this time. Can anyone point me to consumer web site with reviews (Which? don't seem to have) AND what are views on reliability? I know dryers take a lot more maintenance - shall I just stick to washing machine?
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Type which into your search should bring the site up, they're doing a free trial [3 issues] at the moment. Failing that try consumer's association. Wouldn't get a combination, the only tales I've heard have been how cack they are, If you've got the space go for sep w/mach & T/Drier. Far better, far cheaper to run too. Combinations aren't too bad if you are only doing a small load though
If you only have room for one I would suggest a washer/dryer just cos then you don't have wet laundry hanging everywhere. I know folk say they have more chance of breaking down etc, but I've never had any trouble (with the 6 I've had! - only kiddin'). I would decide what machine revs you want and go for the cheapest. Not a believer in expensive white goods - have had both ends of range and seen no difference other than appearance.
We had a discussion about this with a very trustworthy domestic service engineer! He suggested whatever you go for, go for a good make such as Bosch, AEG, Zannussi, LG, etc.The life expectancy of the cheaper brands is on average 2 years, such as Indesit, Whirlpool, Candy, Hoover, Hotpoint. Also worth considering is appliance care by British Gas - it covers three kitchen appliances for �10.50 per month. Much better than paying for an overpriced warranty. I would like to point out I have had three washers in four years - everytime we went for a cheap brand and every single one has broken down. The latest one is an Ariston and within seven months, it has had its motor replaced and sounds funny. I wish I'd listened to the engineer! Washer dryers are great though when you have limited drying space but bear in mind that it does affect your electric bills quite considerably and they are not very environmentally friendly. Always good to have as a back up in emergencies or if you can't get the washing pegged out/hung up!
We have a washer dryer and it is a Hotpoint - 12 years old now, has had things go wrong but no more total expense than the cost of one more washing machine over that time. It still works fine (at the time of writing). Since we are able to dry naturally (hanging up) we have rarely used the dryer but it has proved useful on those occasions. Now that our children are just about grown up, we will replace it with a w/machine only and not buy a dryer at all - then we will buy a cheap one (agree with boognish) and the technician we have used is adamant the expensive ones do not last any longer than the average cheap one. I don't think w/dryers are normally noticeably more expensive to run (if at all) in the wash mode - but of course they use up more electricity when operating as a dryer. Note, you should only try to dry half a washing-load or so a time.
Well I found my ideal washer dryer on teh net - went home and measured up to find it won't fit! Thank God I didn't purchase there and then! I am now trying to get a spare part and saving up for when we re-do the kitchen. As matter of interest, I would also recommend this site which has been most helpful! kitchenhttp://www.washerhelp.com/
Thanks
to everyone for their answers! F
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