Pros & Cons of washer dryer v separate
This is a summary guide to the pros and cons of a combined washer dryer versus separate washing machine and tumble dryer. For a more detailed look at the topic, including reliability comparisons, see the main guide: washer dryer or separate washing machine and dryer – which is best?
Advantages of a Combined Washer Dryer
There are only two practical advantages to buying a combined washer dryer. It costs less to buy than two separate appliances, and it takes up half the space. These are the sole reasons this type of compromise appliance exists – and for many households, they are genuinely important reasons.
One machine costs significantly less than buying a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
A single machine takes up one appliance footprint. For small kitchens or flats with no room for two appliances, this may be the deciding factor.
Disadvantages of a Combined Washer Dryer
A washer dryer drum is the same size for washing and drying, but tumble dryers need space for laundry to tumble freely. Typically some laundry must be removed before the drying cycle begins, meaning a full wash load cannot be dried in one go.
The dryer in a combined machine is less efficient than a dedicated tumble dryer and can take twice as long to dry a smaller load. This extended run time adds wear and tear to the machine.
The drying element in a washer dryer is typically less energy efficient than a separate dryer – particularly compared to a heat pump dryer – and can cost more than twice as much per cycle to run.
A load must finish drying before a new wash can begin. Combined with the long cycle times on modern machines, washing and drying a full load of towels or bed linen could take 8 hours or more.
Dedicated tumble dryers offer more programmes, better sensors, and more precise drying. The drying function in a combined machine is typically more basic.
Many washer dryers are prone to accumulation of limescale, fluff, lint, and gel-like residue inside the heating element and fan chamber. This may be caused by overloading during the drying cycle, a design limitation, or both – and can lead to faults over time.
Advantages of Separate Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
A dedicated washing machine and a dedicated tumble dryer each excel at the task they are designed for. Washing and drying are very different processes, and specialist machines perform both better.
A separate tumble dryer – particularly a heat pump model – will cost less to run per cycle than the dryer inside a combined machine.
A second load can be washed while the first is drying, halving overall laundry time.
A separate dryer can usually handle a full wash load without needing to remove items first.
Disadvantages of Separate Appliances
Two appliances cost more to buy than one combined machine.
Two appliances need more room. Not everyone has the space for both a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer.
Which Should You Choose?
If space and budget allow, separate appliances are the better choice in every performance measure – efficiency, drying speed, drying quality, and running costs. The combined washer dryer exists purely to solve a space or cost problem, and it does so with real compromises.
If there is genuinely no room for a separate dryer, a washer dryer is far better than no dryer at all. Many people find them perfectly adequate for their needs, provided the limitations are understood and accepted going in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a washer dryer worth buying?
It depends entirely on space and budget. If there is no room for two separate appliances and budget is tight, a washer dryer is a practical solution. If space and budget allow for separates, a dedicated washing machine and tumble dryer will outperform a combined machine in every area: drying speed, energy efficiency, drying capacity, and overall convenience.
Why can’t a washer dryer dry a full wash load?
A washer dryer drum does not change size between cycles. Tumble drying requires laundry to tumble freely inside the drum – which requires more space than a compressed wet wash load occupies. As a result, some laundry must typically be removed before the drying cycle starts, so a full 8kg wash load cannot usually be dried in one go.
Are washer dryers expensive to run?
Yes, relative to a separate tumble dryer. The drying element in a combined machine is less energy efficient than a standalone dryer, and the longer drying times compound this. A heat pump tumble dryer in particular can cost significantly less per cycle than the dryer inside a washer dryer. Running cost differences add up significantly over time.
What are the main disadvantages of a washer dryer?
The main disadvantages are: having to reduce the load before drying; slower and less effective drying; higher running costs; not being able to wash while drying; less sophisticated drying programmes; and a tendency in many models to accumulate limescale, lint, and residue in the dryer components, which can cause faults over time.
What brands have trouble with build-up in the heating element of a combined machine? Do some brands not have that issue?
Hi. I’ve seen it in various brands. It’s possible some are better or worse than others. They all work the same way though, blowing a circulating air over heating element and into a condensing chamber at the back.
Thanks Karen. I also have an article about Which is best a condenser or vented tumble dryer?
Dear White Goods Help
I am so pleased I have read your website! My husband is building a single storey extension to my kitchen, utility room and dining area, so I shall have a lot of extra room for washing and drying machines. Coincidentally my 20 year old washing machine finally broke down last week and is being replaced this week with another one by the same manufacturer. I did not even think to get a combined washer dryer, although my sister did query why this is. She has a lot of space in her utility room, and has a washer dryer. Conversely, she has always used a gas hob whereas I have always used electricity. I must say I did reconsider my decision about single washing machines, but your thinking is the same as mine inasmuch as the machines carry out two entirely different functions and no doubt work better at their own job. I have carried out extensive research on dryers, not least because I have never owned one (the same goes for a dishwasher, but that is another story!). I shall probably get a medium dryer (8kg) which, at 66cm deep, will need a deeper worktop. My research shows that sensors in dryers appear to be a problem, and the choice of vented, condenser or pump is mind boggling. The dryer will be bought when the extension is finished, and I look forward to testing it out! All the best.
Hello Sam. I would say 2 separate machines win on all points apart from price and space. My other article covers why in more depth here Washer-dryer or separate washing machine and dryer which is the best?
There is an “advantage” that you describe of being able to wash and dry a half a load whilst out, but in all honesty I would never do that. It’s just not worth the risk. I’ve seen too many house fires caused by unattended washing machines, dryers and dishwashers – Fire risks in appliances – how dangerous are they?
I love my washer-dryer. I can put in a half-load, set it to wash then dry, come home and get the clothes out of the machine and put them straight in the cupboard. If I have two separate appliances only the wash will be done on my return. I’m buying a new house with room for two appliances. Should I buy separate machines?