What is the best washer and dryer to buy

What to Look For in a Washer and Dryer

The best washer and dryer combo for your family will vary depending on your needs. The following are some factors you’ll want to consider before investing in a new washer-dryer set. 

Size

Portable washer-dryers work well for singles or couples who aren’t doing much laundry at once. If you have more than two people in your household, you may want the capacity of a larger, heavier machine. If you do laundry more frequently, consider a more compact machine that takes up less space. 

Cost

While gas dryers are typically more expensive up-front than electric dryers, they’re significantly easier to maintain and usually last longer. They’re also more energy-efficient than electric dryers, which is better for the environment. You can also save money by purchasing one of the portable combos listed above, which are perfect for singles and couples. Whirlpool and Maytag offer price-matching policies to help you find your unit’s best price. 

Type

When purchasing a new washer and dryer, you need to decide if you’d prefer two machines (if you have the space), a combination machine, or a stackable combo. The stackable combo will take up about half the floor space of two separate appliances. Before shopping for a washer and dryer, decide where you would like to place the appliances. Measure the space, and let this measurement guide your choice. 

Style

There are multiple styles of washers and dryers, each of which can add a different look to your laundry room. You can opt for a deep-fill machine if you purchase a top-load washer, and the best top-loading washers have a self-cleaning setting for when there’s lime buildup or mildew on the sides of the basket. You can also choose fun colors for your washer-dryer if you select an option like the Equator Combo. 

If you prefer a front loader over a top loader, you can choose from the best front-load washer by discussing your options with your local appliance retailer (Best Buy, The Home Depot, etc.) or by going online to check out customer reviews.

Warranty

Just like when you search for a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or any other major home appliance, you need to determine what kind of warranty you want for your washer and dryer. Warranties are voided if you try to take the machine apart, make repairs yourself, or even move the machine yourself. Make sure to carefully read the warranty terms and conditions so you can compare the warranty lengths of machines you’re thinking about purchasing as well as everything the warranty includes (free repairs, parts, relocation, etc.).

Special Features

If you’re a home tech enthusiast, you might want a smart washer and dryer combo that you can control through Wi-Fi connectivity. Some models even allow you to tell a home assistant (such as Alexa) remotely when to start your load and will send notifications straight to your phone about your laundry’s progress. You could also opt for a dryer that features sensor dry—it’s not based on a timed cycle, but it can actually sense when your clothing is already dry. Some high-end washers offer fill options, which can be great if you want to reduce your environmental impact when washing.

The best washer dryers clean and care for your clothes, save you a great deal of time and can also help keep damp at bay. Not only do washer dryers save you money with their 2-in-1 capabilities, they save something even more valuable: time. Choosing the best washer dryer is partly about price but there are some other important considerations too. There's the drum capacity and the drying capacity, which are rarely the same: most models can wash bigger loads than they can dry, because the drying function needs to leave room for hot air to circulate or you end up with damp laundry even after hours of drying.

Spin speed is something that needs to be considered too, because the faster the spin the more water is removed before the drying process begins. Another factor is noise: you don't want a washer/dryer that rattles the plates and sounds like a jet taking off in your open-plan kitchen. We've also taken cycle duration into account, because you don't want to wait all day to wash and dry a little load.

In addition to our guide to the best washer dryers below, we've also curated expert guides on how to buy a washer dryer (opens in new tab) and the classic washer dryer mistakes to avoid (opens in new tab) so that you can get the best from your new machine.

Those with more room might like to head straight to our lists of the best tumble dryers next to one of the best washing machines in your kitchen or utility room, a do-everything appliance is the ideal solution.

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So what's the best washer dryer? For our money, the top washer dryer choice is the Bosch WDU28561GB closely followed by the AEG 7000 Series L7WEE965R. Similarly, the spiffing John Lewis & Partners JLWD1614 model is a fab bit of kit that’s hugely popular with UK users. For larger families who can’t afford to spend more than £500, there's the Beko Ultrafast WDEX854044Q0G which sports a large 8kg wash/5kg dry capacity.

The best washer dryers to buy in 2022

(Image credit: Bosch)

1. Bosch Serie 6 WDU28561GB

Best freestanding washer dryer

Specifications

Wash capacity: 10kg

Dry capacity: 6kg

Spin speed: 1,400rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Large drum capacity

Reasons to avoid

-

Not cheap

For big families often knee-deep in laundry, they will certainly benefit from the generous 10kg drum and 6kg drying capacity of the Bosch WDU28561GB. In fact, there are plenty of impressive features on the washing front.

It’s actually got no less than 23 different pre-set washing and drying programs, which is very convenient. In particular, we’re keen on the delicate and hand wash cycles, Eco Wash but there’s a handy Auto Dry option that ensures your clothes will never get over-dried. No more shrunken jumpers! Another area where this machine excels is when it’s spinning your laundry; it does a grand job right up to its maximum of 1,400rpm.

Other highlights? Well, the child lock is a boon if you’ve got a family and your white goods tend to attract unwanted interest from the little ones. The display is easy to use by simply following the instructions, and it’s incredibly quiet. That said, the touch menu can be a bit fiddly as if you hold the start button down for too long the machine won’t start. It only needs to be held down for two seconds. Nevertheless, this is a minor issue.

The Bosch WDU28560GB washer dryer does come at a premium price tag, but you do get a lot for your money.

(Image credit: AEG)

2. AEG 7000 Series L7WEE965R

Top tier contender that's easy to use and super efficient

Specifications

Wash capacity: 9kg

Dry capacity: 6kg

Spin speed: 1,600rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Fast spin

Reasons to avoid

-

Short drainage hose

If you’re lacking in space, this stylish machine will wash and dry up to a decent 6kg of laundry in one go or 9kg worth if only using the wash sequence.

Tech-wise, it has a fair amount of stand-out features. The main one being the ProSense technology that automatically weighs the amount of laundry in the drum and adjusts the cycle time accordingly for both washing and drying (it even tells you how much detergent to use) and DualSense customises drum motion and internal temperature to ensure both delicates and non-delicates can be washed and dried at the same time. Impressive!

All of this and the AEG 7000 Series comes with the usual gamut of programs – cotton, synthetic, delicates, easy iron – plus an excellent wool wash cycle that performs a gentle cool-down process at the end of the sequence, ensuring that your favourite cashmere sweater doesn’t shrink to the size of your child’s teddy bear. 

What’s more, if you’re running a tight ship, the NonStop 60-minute wash and dry program is handy, and the steam programme is a major plus if you just want to freshen up a shirt before going out. It’s also incredibly quiet throughout the entire process (your neighbours will be happy!), and  has a higher-than-average 1,600rpm spin speed that ensures laundry is just the right side of damp for the tumble sequence.

3. John Lewis & Partners JLWD1614

Best cheap washer dryer

Specifications

Wash capacity: 8kg

Dry capacity: 4kg

Spin speed: 1,600rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Stylish design

Reasons to avoid

-

High spin speed is loud

If you’re after a more affordable washer dryer, this John Lewis & Partners model is a great buy. The mid-priced model has garnered a range of positive reviews from customers who have praised its superior cleaning and drying performance. It’s no surprises then that AEG is the manufacturer, which means you can expect top-notch quality.

While it may not have the biggest drum capacity, it does come equipped with a solid 8kg drum for washing and 4kg for drying. This is more than sufficient for a couple or family of three or four. It has a decent range of 17 different wash and dry programmes, including woollens, cold wash, a quick 20-minute wash, a steam cycle for mixed wools/synthetics and a faster-than-normal 1,600rpm spin speed.

Overall, this is a great, mid-price washer dryer that gets the job done well. Check our John Lewis discount codes (opens in new tab) to bag a saving on your purchase.

(Image credit: Beko)

4. Beko Ultrafast WDEX854044Q0G

Best affordable washer dryer with large capacity

Specifications

Wash capacity: 8kgs

Dry capacity: 5kgs

Spin speed: 1,400rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Great capacity

Reasons to avoid

-

Flimsy touch controls

The Beko Ultrafast WDEX854044Q0G  is a great freestanding washer dryer for a budget price. For those who don’t particularly want to splash out on a premium brand, this model does a great job!  With a sufficient 8kg drum, this will wash and dry five kilos of laundry in about three hours or one kilo in 60 minutes – which is always ideal. 

It comes with 15 handy wash and dry programs including cottons, anti-allergy, synthetics, down wear, woollens and hand wash. Although it only has a maximum 1,400rpm spin speed, this is still perfectly ample for wringing moisture out of most clothing though you may need to run another spin cycle if loaded with heavier items. However, you’ll find this pretty much applies to similar models.

It might be on the cheaper end of the scale, but this popular model is designed well, with an attractive control panel. It’s worthwhile noting though, that some users have mentioned that the touch-operated option screen feels a bit flimsy and doesn’t always respond to finger taps. In any case, the machine comes with a quiet brushless inverter motor for extra durability and lower energy bills, plus a bank of sensors for measuring load weight and moisture levels. This model is also available in white and graphite. All of this, and you won’t even be breaking the bank!

(Image credit: John Lewis)

5. John Lewis & Partners JLWD1615

A larger version of the Beko Ultrafast

Specifications

Wash capacity: 10kg

Dry capacity: 6kg

Spin speed: 1,600rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Beefy spin speed

Reasons to avoid

-

Some programs take a while

If you were impressed with the John Lewis JLWD1614 reviewed above, then this JLWD1615 offers a new and improved version. Larger families will certainly benefit from the sizeable 10kg wash and 6kg drying capacities thanks to its cavernous drum, plus there’s a chunky 1,600rpm spin speed. The machine boasts a smooth and silent inverter motor, which delivers an incredibly quiet operation.

What’s more, there are 15 different programmes to choose from, so you have plenty of options for your laundry, plus the Delicates and Wool options come up tops for our less robust jumpers.

Best of all, the John Lewis JLWD1615 is refreshingly easy to set up and use, with a handy LCD panel to see what’s going on. Equipped with a delay start option, this also means you can use the machine during off peak energy hours, saving you extra operating costs over time.

Another handy feature is the final cool tumble in the drying department so that your clothes are ready for retrieval in a decent, low crease condition. Perfect for those averse to ironing, and want a hassle-free life!

(Image credit: Zanussi)

6. Zanussi AutoAdjust ZWD76SB4PW

Best washer dryer for small houses on a small budget

Specifications

Wash capacity: 7kg

Dry capacity: 4kg

Spin speed: 1,600rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Auto adjust mode to suit weight of each load

Reasons to avoid

-

Confusing control interface

If you’re after a great mid-sized washer dryer on a fairly small budget, the ZWD76SB4PW is ideal. Equipped with a capacity of 7kgs and a 4kgs drying capacity, this is sufficient for a small family of three or four. It comes with 14 programmes including your typical cotton, delicates, synthetics and wool cycles. It even has a Quick Refresh mode that will reduce the creases in your favourite clothing, saving you precious ironing time!

The key feature here is the auto adjust mode that will automatically adjust the water to the weight of your load, saving you money on water and energy bills. What’s more, it has the options for Quick Wash (20 minutes), or a 60-minute Wash&Dry function, if you’re in a hurry to get through your laundry basket. 

One thing to note is the control interface looks a bit complicated, with many users mentioning how confusing it was. In any case, it might be worthwhile reading the instructions book carefully (who ever does?). But once you get to grips with the setting, and can overlook the long-ish program times, the end results are impressive.

Best of all, it’s incredibly quiet which is always a bonus, and reasonably priced making it great value for money!

(Image credit: LG FWV917WTSE)

7. LG FWV917WTSE

The best smart washer dryer for large families

Specifications

Wash capacity: 10.5kg

Dry capacity: 4kg

Spin speed: 1,400rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Smart/Wi-Fi enabled

Reasons to avoid

-

Might be a little large for some spaces

The sleek LG FWV917WTSE Freestanding Washer Dryer is the best family-friendly option. It has a 10.5kg drum capacity and 7kg drying, which is adequate for a big family, and comes with some impressive features. Equipped with a clever AI DD that weighs your laundry and automatically detects the softness of your fabric to wash pattern, this means you’ll never have to worry about the right setting.  

It has a TurboWash 360 setting that effectively washes in just 39 minutes, and handy for those favourite items of clothing. Other nifty functions include Wash & Dry (that does everything in 160 minutes), pause and add, delay timer, hand wash and the obligatory child lock.  Those with young children will certainly benefit from the Baby Bare and Allergy Programmes that uses steam tech to thoroughly kill 99.9% of allergens. Ideal for babywear and allergy sufferers. 

Best of all, if you’re a bit of a techie or simply want an easy life, the WIFI-enabled features allows you to do almost everything from your smartphone. Simply download the SmartThinQ app, and you’re ready to wash from the comfort of your sofa! 

All this and it’s incredibly quiet – a plus if you have a mountain of laundry to get through. Granted, it doesn’t come cheap and is on the larger side, but the cleaning results are outstanding.

(Image credit: Samsung)

8. Samsung WD80N645OOW

A bubble-blowing, slippy-slidey sud buster for those with deep pockets

Specifications

Wash capacity: 8kg

Dry capacity: 5kg

Spin speed: 1,400rpm

Energy Class: A

Reasons to buy

+

Great looker

Reasons to avoid

-

Drum capacity not ideal for larger households

For those after style and substance, this high-end freestander offers all of that and more. With a modern, drum design (that looks more sci-fi than white appliance!) the Samsung WD80N645OOW is a cracking washer dryer. 

Even with a small-ish yet adequate 8kg capacity, it comes with a range of impressive features. The Ecobubble tech uses zillions of tiny air bubbles to saturate laundry up to 40 times faster than the norm, while its diamond pattern drum makes clothing slip around as if on a waterslide. Best of all, the little Addwash hatch is handy to throw in that missing sock or spare item during mid cycle.

All of this, and the WD80N645OOW comes with other unique programs including Super Eco Wash, Speed Wash+Dry, AirWash, 15-minute QuickWash and Silent Wash. Its 1,400rpm spin cycle, meanwhile, ensures that the drying session shouldn’t consume too much leccy, while delivering an outstanding performance.  Similar to many other Samsung appliances, you can also troubleshoot the machine using a smartphone. 

It isn’t any wonder then why this model received good reviews from users. One minor downside mentioned is the on/off button can be a little touch sensitive, so you may accidentally turn on the machine at the slightest touch. But this can easily be overlooked by the impressive results.

What to look for in the best washer dryers

All washer dryers list two different capacities, one for the washing sequence and another for the drying cycle. Hence, you can’t just leave a full washing load in the machine and expect it to dry it all successfully at the end of the washing cycle. 

If you do wash a full load, you will have to find somewhere to store one half of the damp pile while the other half’s being dried. That’s no big deal in summer when you have the option of having the sun dry some of your washing but it can be an issue in winter. Hence, if you want to enjoy the fully automated process of washing and drying all done in one go, you’ll need to do smaller loads, and stick to the maximum capacity for the drying program. 

Washer dryers are inherently expensive to buy and repair so, if space allows, you could feasibly buy a separate washing machine and dryer for about the same price as a single do-it-all unit. This would allow you wash and dry laundry at the same time. Remember, too, that if a fault occurs in a washer dryer, that’s the whole machine out of action until it’s fixed. Even more so than washing machines, it’s a good idea to spend more on a washer dryer, as there's so much to potentially go wrong with them.

One especially handy feature of a washer dryer is that since the waste plumbing is already required for the washing side of things, it means you won’t need to periodically empty any water containers after the drying cycle. Even though most washer dryers have integrated water collection tanks, condensed water from the drying sequence can just as easily be pumped out of the same waste outlet as the dirty washing water.

You may find that increased humidity caused by the washing and drying process leaves you at the risk of damp but fear not as we've put together a guide to the best dehumidifiers (opens in new tab) for a solution…

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