Best washer dryers 2023: Save space with a two-in-one appliance
However big or small your budget, or your home, here you’ll find our recommended washer dryers with the right features for you
If you don’t have the space in your home for a dedicated washing machine and tumble dryer, then there’s only one solution: buy the best washer dryer you can afford. The latest models combine good washing and drying performance in a single appliance, so they can save you space and time: simply press the start button, and your dirty washing will emerge clean and dry in a few hours’ time.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know. We’ll answer all your key questions and explain all the relevant information – such as energy ratings – in our handy buying guide, and you’ll find mini reviews of the best washer dryers at a range of prices a little further down the page. If you just want a quick recommendation, then you’ll find buying links for our favourite models in the at-a-glance list below.
Best washer dryers: At a glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best washer dryer under £400 | Beko WDL742431W | Check price at AO |
| Best washer dryer under £600 | Hisense WD QR 1014EVAJMT | Check price at AO |
| Best washer dryer under £750 | Haier HWD80-B14979S | Check price at AO |
How to choose the best washer dryer for you
- When should I consider a washer dryer?
- Energy ratings explained
- What special features should I look for?
- Are washer dryers as efficient as a separate washing machine and dryer?
- Is the drying sequence as efficient as a standalone clothes dryer
- Are there any top tips for installing a washer dryer?
When should I consider a washer dryer?
Most people opt for a washer dryer because they simply don’t have enough space for two separate 60cm appliances side by side. It’s an ideal solution if you live in a small house, flat, mobile home or even a narrowboat. You simply require a water feed and outlet – the dryer vents moist air through the water outlet so you don’t need a separate vent.
In some cases, you may be able to stack a standalone tumble dryer above a washing machine – but never the other way around, as washing machines are far too heavy. In any case, you will need a proper stacking kit to mount a dryer on top of a washing machine safely, and this will ensure that the dryer remains safely in place despite all the rumblings and vibration. Don’t be tempted to bodge this arrangement, as a falling dryer is capable of causing very serious injury.
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Energy ratings explained
A machine that’s cheaper to run could save you money in the long run, even if it’s more expensive to buy. The EU energy-rating system used to grade appliances from A+++ down to D, with the higher grades being the most energy-efficient, but that system has been changed. On the new energy rating labels, washer dryers are now graded from A to G and have two energy ratings: one for their combined electricity and water use, and one purely for water usage.
Most of our recommended machines used to be A-rated machines, but on the new system that has dropped to an E rating in many cases. In short, don’t be surprised to see washer dryers with seemingly low energy ratings; it’s nothing to worry about, it simply reflects the changes in the rating scale.
Are washer dryers as efficient as a separate washing machine and dryer?
Not always. The big issue is drum capacity: typically, a washer dryer will have a lower capacity for drying than for washing. For example, a machine might have a washing capacity of 9kg, but a drying capacity of only 6kg. This means that you can’t wash and dry a full 9kg of laundry in one go. You will have to divide it into two smaller loads – or wash it all, then hang some of the clothes to dry elsewhere while the rest goes through the drying process.
Clearly, choosing a higher-capacity machine makes life easier. And this doesn’t impact the dimensions of the machine, since they’re all a standard 60cm wide. However, a larger-capacity machine will normally be more expensive to buy and run.
Remember that a washer dryer is a more complicated bit of machinery than a dedicated washer or dryer – and, if it does break down, both washing and drying will be out of the question until you get it fixed.
What special features should I look for?
Generally speaking, the more you spend, the more reliable the appliance. However, more expensive models also offer better features, such as specific wash and dry cycles for woollens and delicates.
Another benefit is greater washing and drying capacities. If you’re a family of four living in a small flat with no means of drying clothes outdoors, a high-capacity model will be a godsend. Even if you do have outdoor space, remember that outdoor drying is anything but practical during the long winter months, while hanging a load of damp clothing in the bathroom will take ages to dry and lead to condensation on the walls and windows.
Is the drying sequence as efficient as a standalone clothes dryer?
The short answer is no. Generally, the dryer component in a washer-dryer combo can only dry around half the capacity of the washer, so it’s important to note that it could take longer than you think to dry your clothes, while also using much more energy than a standalone dryer.
Some dryers can use more water in the drying cycle than they do for washing – up to 58 litres for some machines – because the dryer’s condenser mechanism uses water from the tap for cooling. So, be sure to do your research and look into the machine’s specifications if you’re worried about time and energy consumption.
Are there any top tips for installing a washer dryer?
Make sure the machine is installed perfectly level (every machine has easily adjustable individual rubber feet) on a firm, well-supported surface, or it will rattle about in use, especially when fully loaded. The vibrations caused by poor installation and levelling can be damaging in the long term, not only to the machine but to your walls and flooring.
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The best washer dryers to buy in 2023
1. Beko WDL742431W: Best cheap washer dryer
Price: £399 | Buy now from AO
If price is your priority, this Beko washer dryer is excellent value. And considering it combines two laundry appliances in one for under £400, it’s not a bad deal.
The only significant downside is that the 7kg wash capacity won’t suit large families and – like most washer dryers – that capacity drops down to 4kg for drying. The 1,200rpm spin speed also means it’s not as efficient at removing water at the end of a wash, so drying times may be longer than models with a higher spin speed.
There are 15 programmes: ten wash-only options, two dry-only and three combined wash and dry. It also has all the usual extra features such as a 24-hour delay timer, prewash and a drum clean function. There’s a super speedy 28-minute quick wash programme as well as sensor drying, which is a feature you might not expect to see at this price.
It comes in a choice of black or white, though both options have a black door, which may divide opinion. But with an easy-to-use interface and users praising it for being quiet, there’s plenty to like about this affordable washer dryer.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 7kg; dry 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,200rpm; Rated efficiency: E
2. Hisense WDQR1014EVAJMT: Best affordable high-capacity washer dryer
Price: £559 | Buy now from AO
Featuring a large 10kg wash capacity, this Hisense washer dryer has more than enough space for the average family wash load, though with a 6kg drying capacity, you will want to avoid completely filling it if you intend to use the dryer.
It comes in black, white or a titanium colour, so there’s a finish to suit every kitchen and laundry room, and reviewers love how it looks. Fans of liquid detergents can take advantage of auto dosing, the detergent drawer can hold enough for 14 washes and it will automatically add the perfect amount of detergent as well as fabric softener to your wash. So if you’re prone to adding too much detergent, this feature will save you money.
The range of features is impressive given the inexpensive price. Steam technology can help remove stains, reduce creasing or simply be used to give clothes a quick refresh. What’s more, with the pause and add feature, you can easily stop a cycle to add in a dropped sock or the t-shirt you just spilled soup down.
With 14 programmes, including a 15-minute quick wash as well as a raft of great features, this Hisense washer dryer is a steal at under £600.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg; dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: E
3. Haier i-Pro Series 7 HWD80-B14979S: Best energy efficient mid-range washer dryer
Price: £629 | Buy now from AO
Boasting a highly respectable D energy rating with an A for the wash-only cycles, it’s worth upping your budget for this mid-priced washer dryer from Haier, since it will cost less to run over time.
Its efficiency is no-doubt boosted by its low-energy method of tumble drying clothes. Heat-pump drying is rarely seen in washer dryers, which usually dry using condenser drying; but while here it will save energy use and be kinder to your clothes, it’s often slower too.
The combined 8kg wash and 5kg drying capacity will be ample for most households, while the 1400 spin speed is decent and will leave clothes with minimal water at the end of the spin cycle.
The 14 wash programs include all the usual suspects such as cotton, delicates, eco and babycare. Online reviewers love its energy efficiency while also applauding how quiet it is during use. Furthermore, many comment on its attractive looks, too – an important consideration if you lack a utility space into which it will be tucked away.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 8kg, dry 5kg; Dryer type: Heat pump; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D
4. Bosch Serie 6 WDU28569GB: Stylish, quiet and great for big families
Price: £1,029 | Buy now from John Lewis
This sleek SilverEdition freestander is a top family-friendly option. The water distribution is superior to many washer dryers, thanks to the unique drum design, so you can expect a really thorough wash. It’s versatile, too, and comes with a full gamut of preset wash and dry programmes, including Easy Iron, HygieneCare, Super Quick 15, Wool/Handwash and Sportswear.
The Bosch Serie 6 works quickly and efficiently and, thanks to the AutoDry function, you can dry your fabrics with precision – for example, by setting your jeans to be slightly damp and ready to iron or getting your sheets ultra-dry to put straight on the bed. If you’ve used a washer dryer before, you’ll probably be familiar with irritating patches that stay wet while everything else is bone dry, but that’s not a problem with this machine.
All this and it’s exceptionally quiet – a boon for those whose washer dryer might otherwise be in danger of ruining a bath, sleep or movie-watching evening. The Serie 6 is easy to use and has plenty of nifty features, including delay-start, time-remaining display and the obligatory child lock. But it doesn’t come cheap and it’s on the large side, with some customers grumbling it doesn’t fit well into the allocated space.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg; dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: A
5. Zanussi ZWD76SB4PW: A good all-round washer dryer
Price: £749 | Buy now from John Lewis 
This mid-priced appliance of science features a raft of wash and dry programmes, a fast spin speed of 1,600rpm for more efficient drying and an E energy rating that should pay small financial dividends in the long term.
The ZWD76SB4PW is equipped with a 7kg drum, although this capacity is reduced to 4kg for the drying sequence. You get 21 wash and dry programmes, including al the usual suspects such as cottons, synthetics, woollens and delicates. It also comes with a 60-minute Wash&Dry function (the machine will trundle through the washing process before automatically engaging the drying sequence) and an Eco mode that uses less water and energy to help reduce utility bills. There’s also a steaming function that reduces creasing and helps to quickly freshen up cupboard-stale clothing.
While the interface looks complex, it’s actually quite easy to get a handle on: simply turn the dial to your preferred cycle and, if required, adjust its temperature and spin speed using the touch control panel to its right.
If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t have an army of kids in tow, then this medium-sized freestanding washer dryer will do the business and do it well.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 7kg; dry 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,600rpm; Rated efficiency: E
6. Bosch Series 8 WDU8H541GB: Best for style, low noise and for big families
Price: £979 | Buy now from John Lewis
Bosch washing machines consistently top the charts, and often make it onto our best washing machines list. So it’s no surprise that we’ve included this popular – if a little pricey – washer dryer.
Its 10kg washing capacity offers plenty of space for busy households, and the impressive D energy rating puts it among the most energy-efficient washer dryers you can currently buy – which, given the recent trajectory of energy prices, is not to be ignored. Other features include auto-dry sensors and an iron assist programme to smooth out your laundry – and who doesn’t want to do less ironing?
Most users comment on how quiet it is in use, which is backed up by an A rating for noise efficiency as well as Quiet Mark accreditation. If your home has an open-plan layout, or you’re looking for a machine that won’t disturb you while working from home, this one should be on the list.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg, dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D