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Complete Buying Guide
Choosing the best washer dryer in 2026
What to look for in a washer dryer
A washer dryer is a brilliant 2-in-1 appliance that washes and dries your clothes in the same machine.
Discover the latest washer dryer innovations that save you time, space, energy and money.
Feature focus
Types
Is it right for me?
Wash vs dry capacity
Cost to run
Delivery & installation
Jargon & advice
Feature focus
The latest washer dryers pack incredible technology into a single appliance. Here are the features you should consider when choosing your next machine.
Need fresh clothes in a hurry? Quick wash and dry programs clean lightly soiled items in as little as 45 minutes. Perfect for refreshing gym kits, school uniforms, or that outfit you need right now.
Control your laundry from anywhere. Start, pause or schedule cycles from your smartphone. Receive notifications when your washing is complete. Download specialist programs and monitor energy usage.
Advanced detection technology automatically identifies fabric types, load sizes and soil levels, then precisely adjusts water temperature, detergent dosage, wash action and drying time. This means perfect results every time, whether you’re washing delicate silks or tumble-drying heavy towels.
Freshen up clothes in just 20 minutes without a full wash. This is perfect for removing odours from suits, coats or items worn briefly. Uses steam to relax fibres and eliminate creases - saving water, energy and time.
Reduce ironing time dramatically with specialised anti-crease programs. These cycles use precise spin speeds and cooling phases to minimise wrinkles, keeping your clothes smooth and ready to wear with minimal effort.
Keep your machine fresh and hygienic with dedicated drum cleaning cycles. These programs eliminate detergent residue, bacteria, and odours, making sure that every wash is as fresh as the first. A lot of machines automatically remind you when cleaning is due.
These are essential for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. Extra-hot rinses and extended cycles remove up to 99.9 percent of bacteria, pollen and dust mites. Ideal for baby clothes, bedding and anyone with eczema or allergies.
Specialised cycles tackle stubborn stains that regular washes can't handle. Using optimised temperatures, extended soaking phases and intensive wash actions, these programs can remove grass, mud, wine, grease and more.
Types of washer dryer
If you don’t want your washer dryer to live in a cabinet or cupboard, a freestanding one is for you. Since they stand on their own, you can fit one pretty much anywhere there’s a connection, letting you stack it, store it under a counter or just pop it in free space. It also means they’re much easier to move from one spot to another. Plus, freestanding washer dryers vary in size a lot more than integrated ones, so there’s a bit more choice.
Integrated or built-in washer dryers are designed to slot in their own cupboard or under-counter space so that they stay out of sight. It’s a great choice if you want a stylish, fitted kitchen but still want your appliances handy. Most will be built to fit standard cabinet sizes - but it’s still important to measure up carefully.
What wash vs dry capacity do I need?
Choosing the right capacity makes sure that clothes come out perfectly clean and dry while saving energy and money. But bigger isn’t always better. Here’s how to compare washer dyers and match capacity to your household needs.
1-2 people
Small
Capacity
Washing: 7-8 kg | Drying: 4-5 kg
Perfect for
2-3 washes per week
including bedding
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3-4 people
Medium
Capacity
Washing: 9-10 kg | Drying: 6 kg
Perfect for
Daily washing, children’s clothes, regular bedding changes, school uniforms
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5+ people
Large
Capacity
Washing: 11 kg+ | Drying: 7 kg+
Perfect for
Multiple daily loads, sports kits, large bedding items, towels
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Fill the drum to about 3/4 full for best wash results
For drying, fill only 1/2 full to let the air circulate
Heavy items like towels and bedding need more drying space than lightweight clothes
Modern machines with load sensors adjust water and energy automatically, so smaller loads are fine
How much does a washer dryer cost to run?
A cheaper washer dryer today could cost you hundreds of pounds more over its lifetime, once you consider how much energy it’ll use. Sometimes, investing a bit more upfront in a more efficient model can be a smarter financial decision.
Understanding energy labels
Since March 2021, all washing machines and washer dryers use the updated UK energy label scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Average washer dryer costs comparison
| Energy rating | Annual kWh usage | Annual running cost |
|---|---|---|
| A | 374-419 kWh | £104 - £116/year |
| B | 452 kWh | £125/year |
| C | 541 kWh | £150/year |
| D | 589 kWh | £163/year |
| E | 678 kWh | £188/year |
*Based on 220 combined wash-and-dry cycles per year at 27p per kWh:
10-year cost difference: An A-rated washer-dryer costs approximately £700 less to run over 10 years compared to an E-rated model.
Load sensing:
Automatically adjusts water and energy for partial loads - saves up to 25 pounds per year.
Eco modes:
Longer cycles at lower temperatures use 30-40 percent less energy.
Delay start time:
Schedule washes for overnight, cheaper electricity rates (Economy 7 users save 40+ pounds per year).
Auto-dosing:
Prevents detergent waste – saves £20 per year on detergent costs.
High spin speed (1400+ RPM):
Removes more water before drying, reducing drying time and energy use by 25-30 percent.
Washer dryer delivery and installation
You've chosen the perfect washer dryer, now let's get it home and up and running. Our delivery, installation and product recycling services take all the stress out of the process, from the removal of your old machine to testing your new one works perfectly.
Our delivery service
We’ll deliver your new washer dryer straight to the room of your choice, not just your doorstep.
What's included with delivery:
2-hour delivery window with SMS updates
Day-before confirmation text
30-minute "we're on our way" alert
Real-time driver tracking on delivery day
Delivery to your chosen room
Unpacking and packaging removal
All cardboard and plastics recycled responsibly
Find out everything you need to know about our
delivery service.
Our installation service
Our expert engineers take the stress out of setup, making sure everything works perfectly.
Our engineers will:
Connect & test everything
Get it setup
Enable smart features (smart models)
Clean up and remove all packaging materials
Read more about our installation service.
Washer dryer jargon and advice
New to washer dryers or confused by the technical terms? Here is your essential glossary of laundry jargon, plus expert advice to help you get the best results from your machine.
A system that automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener based on load size and fabric type. Saves detergent, money and ensures optimal wash results.
A brushless motor using electromagnets instead of carbon brushes, delivering quieter operation (often under 50dB), greater energy efficiency, and longer lifespan.
A drying system that collects moisture from clothes in a water reservoir or drains it away, eliminating the need for external venting. Ideal for flats and homes without external access.
Smart technology that detects the weight and volume of laundry, then automatically adjusts water levels, detergent dosing, wash duration and energy consumption.
The speed at which the drum spins during the final spin cycle. Higher RPM (1400-1600) extracts more water, reducing drying time.
The maximum weight of dry laundry (in kg) that can be washed in a single cycle. Typically 7-11kg for washer dryers.
The maximum weight of dry laundry (in kg) that can be tumble dried in a single cycle. Always lower than wash capacity - typically 4-7kg.
Uses steam during or after wash cycles to reduce wrinkles, refresh fabrics, and eliminate bacteria and allergens. Reduces ironing time by up to 40 percent.
EU efficiency label ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Indicates annual energy consumption for 220 wash cycles.
Temporary bolts fitted during manufacture that secure the drum for transportation. MUST be removed before first use or the machine will vibrate excessively.
Expert laundry tips and advice
Getting the best wash results
Sort by colour AND fabric type - wash whites, lights, darks and delicates separately
Turn clothes inside out to protect colours and prints from fading
Do not overload the drum - fill to approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full for best results
Use the right temperature: 30 degrees for everyday items (saves energy), 40 degrees for moderately soiled items
Empty pockets completely - loose items can damage the machine or other clothes
Use fabric-specific cycles when available (synthetics, wool, delicates)
Maintenance for longevity
Clean the detergent drawer monthly - remove and rinse under hot water to prevent build-up
Wipe the door seal after each use to prevent mould and odours
Leave the door ajar after cycles to allow the drum to dry and prevent musty smells
Run a hot empty cycle (90 degrees) monthly with machine cleaner or white vinegar to remove residue
Check and clean water inlet filters every 3-6 months
Empty the water reservoir after every drying cycle (condenser models)