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Best washer dryers 2024: Save space with a two-in-one appliance

A selection of washer dryers against a blue backdrop

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 two separate washing and drying appliances, then there’s only one solution: buy the best washer dryer you can afford. The latest models combine top-notch cleaning 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 and key features – in our handy buying guide, and if you just want a quick recommendation, you can skim through our mini reviews which explain all the pros and cons of the best washer dryers at a range of prices.


READ NEXT: Looking for a standalone dryer? Here are the best tumble dryers to buy


Best washer dryer: At a glance

Best cheap washer dryerBeko WDL 742431WCheck price
Best affordable high capacity washer dryerHisense 5S Series WD5S1045BTCheck price
Best washer dryer under £750Haier HWD80-B14979Check price

A bright, sun-drenched laundry room with a washer dryer and wooden units

Beko WDL742431W washer dryer on a white background

Best cheap washer dryer: Beko WDL742431W | ~£400

The 7kg wash capacity and 4kg drying capacity will be limiting for bigger households, but this is a great budget-priced machine. Users are consistently happy with the washing and drying performance, too.

Best Buy Check price
Haier i-Pro washer dryer in metallic grey against a white background

Best mid-range washer dryer: Haier HWD80-B14979 | ~£600

This stylish Haier has an 8kg wash capacity, 5kg drying capacity and a competitive 1,400 rpm spin speed. The D energy rating is a step above the Beko here, too.

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How to choose the best washer dryer for you

What are the pros and cons of 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, but there are other benefits. 

  • 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.
  • Dirty clothes go in; clean, dry clothes come out – you don’t need to move clothes between a separate washer and dryer.
  • One downside is that you’re relying on one appliance to do both jobs– if it does break down, both washing and drying will be out of the question until you get it fixed.

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 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, but on the new system that has dropped to an E rating in many cases.
  • 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 appliances?

Generally, no. 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.

  • If you want to 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 while the rest goes in the dryer.
  • 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.

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.


The best washer dryers to buy in 2024

1. Beko WDL742431W: Best cheap washer dryer

Price when reviewed: £379 | Check price at AOBeko WDL742431W washer dryer on a white background

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

Check price at AO


2. Hisense 5S Series WD5S1045BT: Best affordable high-capacity washer dryer

Price when reviewed: £499 | Check price at AOHisense 5S Series WD5S1045BT on a white background
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 dry the same load that you’re washing.

Fans of liquid detergents can take advantage of auto dosing. The detergent drawer, which can hold enough liquid for 16 washes, automatically adds 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 WD5S1045BT’s range of features is impressive, given the reasonable price you pay. It has steam technology to help remove stains, reduce creasing or simply 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 wash programmes, including a 15-minute quick wash as well as a raft of great features, this Hisense washer dryer is a steal at under £500.

We like the “Titanium” finish shown in the photo, though it’s worth noting that a functionally identical machine is available in white.

Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg; dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D

Check price at AO

3. Haier HWD80-B14979: Best energy efficient mid-range washer dryer

Price when reviewed: £599 | Check price at AOHaier i-Pro Series 7 HWD80-B14979S washer dryer on a white background

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

Check price at AO


4. LG Signature LSWD100E: High-tech, A-rated and easy-on-the-eye

Price when reviewed: £1,999 | Check price at Curry’sbest washer dryer LG Signature

LG’s Signature Heat Pump Washer Dryer pushes the boundaries of washer dryer performance and design.

Where to start? This machine has a remarkable design concept which, we’re told, is based on “a deep, yet softly moonlit sky reflecting on a calm midnight lake.” At any rate, the LSWD100E looks beautiful, and it’s a pleasure to use thanks to considerate features such as its highly-situated loading door and slanted display for viewing and control.

Underneath its beautiful facade, the LSWD100E is a powerhouse of a washer dryer. It’s spacious enough to cater for big families, with capability to wash loads weighing up to 12kg and dry loads up to 7kg. There’s an auto-dosing feature, meaning the machine can calculate and supply the right amount of detergent and fabric softener for each wash. And perhaps best of all, the LSWD100E achieves an A rating for energy efficiency across washing, washing/drying and spinning – thanks, in part, to its in-built heat pump tech.

Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 12kg; dry 7kg; Dryer type: Heat pump; Max spin speed: 1,600rpm; Rated efficiency: A

Check price at Currys

5. Zanussi ZWD76SB4PW: A good all-round washer dryer

Price when reviewed: £699 | Check price at Currys Zanussi ZWD76SB4PW washer dryer on a white backgroundThis 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

Check price at Currys


6. Bosch Series 8 WDU8H541GB: Best for style, low noise and for big families

Price when reviewed: £999 | Check price at John LewisBosch Series 8 WDU8H541GB washer dryer on a white background

Bosch washing machines consistently top the charts, and often take the top spot on our Best articles. 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

Check price at John Lewis


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