Washer Dryers Buyers Guide
The reason to own one
Washer dries are home appliances that have a washing machine and a tumble drier combined in a single unit; these appliances are considered the best options for those people for whom space is a prime concern or can't afford two separate machines. The actions remain the same for both the washing facility and the drying one; it's a single drum that suffices for both.
Factors that can make or break
- The size – Usually provided with centimeters as the measuring unit, it also helps to measure easily the available space for accommodating one.
- Load capacity – The measurements are separate for washing and drying. A good capacity washer drier shall have approximately 6kg for the wash load and 5kg for the drying.
- Motor Speed – Anything between 800rpm and 1600rpm; higher rpm-s hike the price up.
- A to G: A grade scale that rates the performance of the appliance in terms of overall wash and spin; A is the best while G is the least.
- Water and Energy Consumption – A much-needed feature for people for who water is not so abundant. The manual states how many gallons it uses per wash and the amount of electricity per hour.
- Time required per wash – Washer dryers usually take 30 minutes for a quick wash whereas near about 2 hours for a heavy-duty wash.
- Noise Levels – Measured in decibels, a crucial factor if the owner is susceptible to noise.
Answers to General Enquiry
- The time: Though the time required for washing in a washer dryer will be the same as it is in a regular washing machine of the same capacity, the drying time shall vary considerably since the same load has to be distributed in at least two parts, though separate controls for the dryer shall allow to curtail the time by varying the temperature. With reverse action, the process can be sped up further.
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Most needed features: The more the merrier usually results in complications; however, without the Half load button, Child and pet proof lock, Hand-Washing setting for delicate fabric and adjustable feet to stop wobbling the set-up is just as good as incomplete.
Understanding the Technology
- Fuzzy Logic: This piece of technicality enables the appliance to think on the user's behalf. Fuzzy logic provides for adjusting automatically the wash cycle times, water and detergent input and related paraphernalia to suit the load and can also self-rectify an imbalanced load during the wash and spin cycles. At the end, it helps the machine to escape wear and tear up to a great extent.
- Timers: The feature allows presetting the starting of a wash and/or spin cycle and helps to save a lot on the electricity.
- Crease Guard Option: A must for them who prefer a gentle washing action as well as a shorter spin cycle. This also helps to prevent creasing after the wash is over and often spares from post wash ironing. However, to derive the best output, the tumbler needs to be emptied as soon as the wash gets over.
- Anti-Leak Detector mechanism: The feature was invented to prevent flooding that occurs in case the appliance leaks. Saves from fire resulting from short circuitry.
Key Features
| Key Features | | | Weight Capacity | | | Capacity | | | Load Type |
| | With over 600 washer dryers on the market, key features such as Weight Capacity, Capacity & Load Type are important factors when buying. These features not only effect the performane and quality of the washer dryer you choose, but also the price. Shown below are price guides for a selection of washer dryers focusing on the key features: Weight Capacity, Capacity & Load Type. |
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| Weight Capacity | | 3.5 Kg | £329.00 | | 5.99 Kg | £358.00 | | 4.49 Kg | £472.00 | | 4.98 Kg | £519.00 | | 7.25 Kg | £1,476.00 | | * | 4.99 Kg | £519.00 |
| | | Capacity | | 2.99 Kg | £99.00 | | 4.98 Kg | £150.00 | | 9.97 Kg | £437.00 | | 8.15 Kg | £785.00 | | * | 9.97 Kg | £437.00 |
| | | Load Type | | Front Load | £421.00 | | Front Loader | £476.00 | | Top Load | £1,164.00 | | * | Front Load | £421.00 |
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* Taking into account all current washer dryers on the market the most desirable would be a washer dryer with 4.99 Kg Weight Capacity, 9.97 Kg Capacity and Front Load Load Type.
Price Guide
| Min | £99.00 | | Avg | £466.83 | | Max | £1,507.22 |
| | Washer Dryers cost anywhere from £99.00 for a basic washer dryer with few features to around £1,507.22 for a fully featured washer dryer. |
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Brand Guide
| Popular Brands | | | Miele | | | Bosch | | | Hotpoint | | | Zanussi | | | Hoover | | | WHIRLPOOL |
| | The most popular washer dryers brand is Miele. The most expensive washer dryers brand is Miele. If you're looking for a bargain then look out for White Knight branded washer dryers as generally they offer the cheapest washer dryers. |
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