The washing machine with a dryer - a necessity or a luxury?

Washing machines themselves are an indispensable thing in every home. And a machine that also has the ability to dry wet laundry is considered to be a real wand of every housewife. After all, thanks to such a device several problems are solved simultaneously. Advantages and disadvantages, as well as varieties and recommendations for choosing such a machine are described below.

The advantages of washing machines with the function of drying the laundry are very many:

1. As already noted, thanks to such a device, several problems are solved at once: first, there is no need to hang wet laundry throughout the apartment, around the house, on the balcony or in any other place. After all, this method of drying the laundry creates conditions of high humidity and takes a long time, especially in winter. Secondly, you do not need to keep track of the hanging laundry, as well as periodically checking whether it is dry or not.
2. Combined units take up less space than two separate units.
3. Modern dryers dry clothes very neatly, without creases and drying out. Therefore, many clothes after a gentle drying process will not even need to be ironed.

Despite all the advantages of this machine, there are a number of disadvantages to consider when buying such a machine:

1. Combined washing machines and dryers consume more electricity than conventional ones. The power consumption class of such devices is usually B, C and even D.
2. If such a machine washes a maximum of 5 kg of laundry, then it can dry no more than 2.5 kg. That is, the capacity of combined machines is twice as low as that of conventional machines. Therefore, the whole process of washing and drying such a volume of dirty things is divided into two stages. And it will take more time and increase electricity consumption.

Washing machines with a dryer have a simple principle of operation: an additional built-in heater heats the air to a certain degree, and with the help of a fan this air is sent through a duct to the drum with the clothes. Periodically rotating drum and special blades in it help things to dry without creases.

The duration of drying in the machine is determined by either a timer or a special sensor that determines the degree of humidity of the laundry. Moisture from things is collected in the tank, where it turns into liquid and drains manually. In those models that do not have a tank, the moisture is sent directly to the sewer pipe.

Drying of laundry in machines can be activated in two ways: manually and automatically. In the second case, drying begins immediately after the washing, rinsing and spinning processes are completed.

Modes of drying laundry in combined laundry care machines are basic and additional.

• Basic modes, which include "Intensive Drying" and "Gentle Drying," can be found in all modern washer-dryer models with a drying function. Their names may differ depending on the manufacturer.
• Among the additional modes of drying laundry, perhaps the most useful is the "ironing" program, in which the laundry is shaken inside the machine and treated with steam, which makes ironing this laundry very easy.

There is an opinion that because of the overly complex design, combined washing machines fail quickly. The truth is that if you follow all the recommendations of the manufacturer and experts, properly care for the machine, it will serve you and your family for a long time.

If the equipment is certified and tested, it does not have any factory defect, then it will serve at least for the entire warranty period (about 3-5 years). However, washer-dryers from world manufacturers usually last more than a dozen years. There are a number of recommendations on the use of combined machines that will help you extend their life:

1. Don't overload the drum above the specified limit.
2. Do not leave small children alone with the machine and keep them away from the machine's control unit.
3. Do not plug the machine into the socket at the same time as other electrical appliances.
4. Before loading the laundry, remove the contents from all pockets.
5. During the drying process, the heating elements inside the machine become very hot. Therefore, be prepared for a higher than normal electric bill.

Depending on the method of loading the laundry, there are devices with vertical and front loading.

• Devices with a front hatch are well suited for medium and large rooms.
• Devices with vertical loading are convenient to use in small rooms. It is these models are the best solution for those who live in small apartments. They have a depth of 15 cm less than the front-loading machines. The control unit of such machines is located on the lid, which will protect the machine from children. In addition, some believe that such loading is much more convenient than conventional, as in this case you do not have to bend over heavily to load and unload the laundry.

Built-in models of combined washing machines are needed in order to save space and not to violate the single style of design of the room. They are characterized by small dimensions, usually a depth of 55 cm and a height of up to 82 cm, as well as the presence of a plinth, to which the machine is attached by means of metal hinges.

The disadvantage of such models, as a rule, is a relatively high cost, but many buyers prefer these models.

Choosing the brand of washing machine with dryer is the most difficult stage of buying this device. However, once you determine the basic requirements and the limit of the amount you are willing to spend on the purchase of a combination machine, you can easily buy the right model for yourself. At the moment, the most popular models of combination machines are considered various models from global companies, such as LG, Bosch, Candy, Siemens. Let's consider some of them:

• LG F12U2HDM1N. Characterized by very compact dimensions - 85*60*40; maximum load up to 7 kg when washing and 4 kg when drying, also a maximum drum rotation speed of 1200 rpm. It has 11 washing programs, imbalance control system, hatch lock, child protection and self-diagnosis of failures. Many buyers who have purchased this model are very satisfied with its operation and claim that the machine works almost noiselessly. It costs such a model 46 989 rubles.
• BOSCH WVH28442OE. This model from the popular German brand, even though it costs quite a bit, justifies all expectations: perfect washing quality, no noise both when washing and spinning, 7 kg capacity, the ability to dry up to 4 kg. Spin speed 1400 rpm, spin speed can be adjusted. Equipped with auto-weighing function, manual choice of wash temperature, easy ironing extra rinse, etc. The total number of programs is 16. The price for this model is about 120 000 roubles.
• Siemens WD 15H541 OE. The parameters of this model are 84,5*60*59 cm. Accommodates up to 7 kg of laundry during washing and up to 4 kg during drying. The maximum spin speed is 1500 rpm. There are "Gentle" and "Intensive" drying programs. The total number of washing modes is 15. Loading is frontal. On the front side there is a display, which displays the course of all processes. The cost of the model at the moment is about 134,000 rubles.
• Candy EVO4W 264 3DS. Models of this brand have become popular due to their low cost. Made from inexpensive assembly materials, the products of this company do not have high quality, but despite this cope with their functions as well as previous models. Their disadvantages are short life, frequent breakdowns and noisy operation.

If you have a small apartment and you can not place there two separate units at once - and a washing machine and a dryer, the combined machine is worth and should buy. Especially it will be cheaper than buying separate units.

The main technical criteria in choosing a washing machine with dryer are drying by degree of moisture, not by timer, as well as the maximum load of laundry. Do not forget to follow the recommendations for the operation of the device, and your machine will serve you for many years.

• LG F 12A8CDP. According to the reviews of this model, its advantages are: a beautiful design, compact size, no loud noise during operation, high-quality drying and affordable price. The disadvantages are: poor build quality - very thin metal housing, as a result there is a knock and vibration during spinning. Another important disadvantage noted is that this model consumes a lot of electricity.
• LG F 14A8RDS. Advantages: excellent quality of washing, availability of drying function, quiet operation, modern and beautiful design. The disadvantages are not detected. The only thing worth noting - the first days of work many felt the smell of rubber, but after a few days the smell disappeared.
• Bosch WVH 28360 OE. Pros: proven brand product, availability of drying function, maximum load up to 7 kg, drying up to 5 kg of laundry, three modes of drying clothes, excellent washing quality, almost noiseless operation thanks to the inverter motor, availability of steam treatment mode, small size of the machine. Cons: a very high price.
• Candy EVO4W 264 3DS. Reviews about this model are very contradictory, but by combining them, the following conclusion can be made: the main advantage of this model is the price. In addition, it is quite roomy, compact and has a beautiful appearance and a large laundry loading hatch. The disadvantages of this model are: the noisy operation of the device, the constant smell of rubber, problems with control and the low quality of assembly materials.

In the following video you can read the user's review of the washing machine with laundry drying function.