Features of choosing a washing machine with a drying function

In Russia, most people still dry their laundry on a line or radiator.

But the symbiosis of a washing machine and a dryer has long appeared on the home appliance market.

Is it worth becoming the owner of this miracle technology?

There is a biased attitude towards washer dryers in terms of their reliability. Some people claim that they are technically more complex than washing machines.

Exploring a Washing Machine with a Drying Function

To understand how to choose a washer-dryer, you need to understand the differences between a washing machine and a dryer-only machine. A typical machine performs three cycles:

1. washing,
2. rinsing,
3. wringing.

The machine with drying performs 4 cycles, adding drying to the above set.

Design

What does a washer dryer consist of?

1. Heating element.
2. Fan with air duct.
3. Drum with blades.
4. Sensors that detect humidity.
5. Condensate tank (not available in some models).

A survey of specialists working with this type of equipment revealed that the main operational problem is user error. Frequent malfunctions include overloading laundry during drying.

To take or not to take?

According to research, a washer-dryer saves a housewife about 15 hours of time.

A combined dryer and washer is a great option if you're tired of hanging laundry around your apartment but don't want to spend money on expensive equipment. Of course, if budget and space allow, it's better to get a tumble dryer, which can dry the same amount of laundry as it washes. This unit is almost the same size as a standard washing machine, and the number of programs available is greater than with combination units.

Advantages and disadvantages of a washer-dryer

What's the difference between a washer-dryer and a regular washing machine? Firstly, it can both wash and dry. It saves space. That's about it for the advantages.

The downside is the inability to dry all laundry in one cycle. For this reason, dryer drums are much larger than washing machine drums.

The price of such a machine is 25-30% higher than that of a regular washing machine!

If you use your washer and dryer incorrectly, your clothes will wear out quickly.

If you plan to wash more than 2-3 people on a regular basis, or have a lot of laundry to do, but don't want to pay for electricity, you should consider whether you really need this equipment.

Drying technology

The washer-dryer is equipped with an additional heating element that heats the air and fills the machine's tank through a special air duct.

Drying can be:

1. CondensationThis is when heated air, which has absorbed moisture, passes through a condenser that uses cold water for dehumidification, where it loses moisture and heat. It then, already dried, passes through a duct and heater back into the drum filled with laundry. This drying method increases water consumption.
2. Condensation, but without waterThe operating principle is slightly different: hot air passing through the heating element draws moisture from the laundry and enters the reservoir. Here, this air is cooled by the room temperature. In other words, the washer-dryer has an additional fan that draws in air from the room. The dry air then passes through the heating element again and returns to the drum, while the moisture is drained. This method is distinguished by its economical use of water.
3. By timerThe owner of the machine determines the fabric and sets the drying mode. The maximum drying time is 3 hours.
4. By the degree of residual moistureThis is also called "smart" drying. Technically, it's a much more efficient process than the previous method. This method uses a sensor and a "smart" Fuzzy Logic system at the bottom, which can determine the moisture level of laundry based on temperature and air humidity. Drying stops when the set humidity level is reached.

With this type of drying, there is a choice of three degrees:

1. "under the iron“- from the name you can already guess that the things will have to be ironed;
2. "in the closet” – the laundry is immediately dry and can be put away in the closet;
3. "on a hanger" - such things can hang down due to slight creases and I need a full dry.

It is recommended to leave the laundry slightly damp, because when over-dried, the fabric fibers become brittle and wear and tear increases.

Not long ago, residual moisture drying was typical for premium models; today, this function is available in almost all washer-dryers.

Washer-dryer specifications

Before buying, you need to know the specifics of choosing a washer-dryer. Washer-dryers are labeled with letters from A to G. The washing class determines the quality of the laundry.

So, what quality of washing does the marking indicate?

• F and G are bad;
• C, D, and E – average;
• A and B are excellent.

Spin quality is determined by a similar classification and depends on the residual moisture content after spinning. This characteristic is determined by dividing the difference in weight between the dry and wet laundry and multiplying by 100 percent. Class A allows for a residual moisture content of 45%, B – no more than 54%, C – a maximum of 63%, and D – up to 72%. Class D is almost never encountered these days.

Interestingly, the number of revolutions is not such an important indicator for the spin class.

When considering the energy consumed by a washer-dryer, it is also labeled with similar Latin letters. The energy efficiency index is calculated in kWh per kg of laundry.

Energy efficiency is affected by the use of the drying function, as it is the most energy-intensive part of laundry care. Machines with an A rating have the lowest energy consumption, while those with a G rating have the highest.

It's worth mentioning again that without the "dry" mode, energy consumption is significantly reduced. In today's world, it's virtually impossible to find a washer-dryer with an efficiency rating lower than C, just as it's impossible to find a washing machine with an efficiency rating lower than B.

What not to do when using a washer-dryer

1. Overload the drum with laundry.
2. Connect several devices to the same outlet as the machine at the same time.
3. Dry nylon, foam rubber, down jackets, and wool in a tumble dryer.
4. Allow children to use the control unit.

Which washer-dryer combo should you choose in 2017?

Samsung Eco-bubble WD1142XVR

This machine is spacious and safe. It stands out from other washer-dryers with its striking design and functionality. It's larger than others and more expensive than other models. This Korean machine is a stylish beauty in Tango red, which is unusual for such machines.

The Samsung WD1142XVR's signature feature is its Eco Bubble washing technology, which creates a foamy foam before washing by mixing detergent with water, improving washing results. The Samsung washing machine is perfect for washing:

• cotton at different temperatures;
• synthetics;
• woolen items;
• bed sheets;
• sporting goods;
• children's things;
• without water (dry wash) only with hot air;
• economical, intensive, fast.

It features automatic weighing, washing control, odor removal and sterilization.

This model dries to a specific moisture level with a quick-drying mode that lasts about 40 minutes. When it comes to laundry loads, it's a real winner. It easily handles 14 kg and can dry 7 kg.

This best washer-dryer is sealed and equipped with sensors that shut off the water supply if liquid gets in.

Bosch WVD24460OE

This model is simple, unpretentious, and comes in a standard white color. It doesn't have an auto-weighing feature, but it offers a high level of functionality. A wide range of programs allows you to wash a variety of items in different modes: cotton, synthetics, wool, sportswear, baby clothes, special care, and quick wash.

It features an extra rinse and adjustable spin cycle. A cool "night" function is also an interesting feature. The Bosch washer-dryer features a special drum design, which saves on electricity, water, and detergent. Drying is simpler than the Samsung model: "Intensive" and "Gentle" options. The maximum drying time is 2 hours.

The Bosch WVD24460OE has standard dimensions. It can wash 5 kg and dry 2.5 kg, which is certainly small and a good solution.

Siemens WD14H441

The Siemens is similar in functionality to the previous model. The design is a bit understated, but the hatch with its black insert is eye-catching. Modest, boring, and tasteful.

The user controls the washing temperature, and there is a wide variety of programs to choose from: cotton, synthetics, mixed fabrics, wool, shirts, sportswear, children's clothes, and items with a climate membrane.

 

The Siemens washer-dryer features a refresh mode and odor-eliminating function. This model dries without water. The teardrop-shaped drum allows for both heavy-duty and gentle washing. There's no auto-weigh feature.

Loading, build quality and number of programs – no complaints.

Siemens WD 15H541 – premium class equipment, 15 programs, convenient touch display.

LG F1496AD3

Its design features illuminated programs (a signature feature of the South Korean manufacturer). It offers a standard set of programs, plus an "Intensive 60" mode for cotton. The drum features a textured surface and 6 Motion technology, which provides six care movements: saturation, rocking, reverse rotation, smoothing, twisting, and basic rotation.

LG's washer-dryer models feature time- and moisture-level settings. They also feature an eco-drying option, which lasts from 30 to 150 minutes. After drying, the machine automatically switches to a "cool down" mode for 4 hours if the machine is not unloaded.

Loading capacity for washing 4 kg, and drying the same amount.

LG FH-2A8HDM2N

The advantage of this model is its good price, quiet operation, large laundry load of 7 kg with 4 kg drying and 12 programs, including the ability to remove stains.

Indesit IWDC 6105 (EU)

An Italian model from various manufacturers. It's inexpensive, which is evident in the design. The Indesit model lacks a control panel. It has a timer for a delayed wash. The spin cycle has only two settings: 500 and 1000 rpm. These models are budget-friendly, but these features don't affect the washing quality. Drying can be set by time or residual moisture level. The only drawback is a hole in the door seal.

The Indesit IWDC 6105 boasts a load capacity of up to 6 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. It offers 13 washing programs and 3 drying programs. A drawback is that drying takes over 4 hours.

Hotpoint-Ariston FDD 9640 B

It boasts a large capacity (9 kg), 16 wash programs, and a child safety lock. However, the model does have a drawback: it retains residual detergent in the compartment.

Candy GVW45 385TC

The Candy also features 16 programs with automatic load detection. The Candy washer-dryer is a neat machine with a wide door, but it's noisy during the spin cycle.

Zanussi ZKG2125

This Italian model comes with the standard features. It has decent design and quality. It looks budget, but everything is adequately made.

Based on the review and excluding the Samsung Eco-bubble WD1142XVR, the LG-F1496AD3 is the clear winner among regular models. The Siemens WD14H441 is second, and the Bosch WVD24460OE is third.

Washer dryers are a great solution for:

• bachelors;
• families of 2 people;
• small families with a small child;
• for people living in small apartments without balconies and the possibility of traditional drying on a rope.