Best washer-dryers 2024: space saving 2-in-1 machines - Which? (2024)

We test every washer-dryer to find our Best Buy recommendations, from how thoroughly it cleans your clothes and how evenly it dries them to how much it will cost to run.

We've seen big differences between the models we've tested, from those that excel as Best Buys to several being rated Don't Buys to avoid, plus those that will give you just average results.

You want a model that washes as well as a washing machine and dries as well as a tumble dryer.

Go straight to our washer-dryer reviews to compare all of the models we have tested

Best washer-dryers for 2024

Here's our pick of the top washer-dryers from our lab tests, including our top-scoring models and the best choices for your specific budget.

Recently reviewed washer-dryers

In the last year we've put 49 washer-dryers through our rigorous lab tests - these are the most recent washer-dryers we've tested.

Washer-dryer reviews by type

• Freestanding washer-dryer reviews
• Integrated washer-dryer reviews

Washer-dryer reviews by price

• Under £400: see washer-dryer reviews
• Under £500: see washer-dryer reviews
• Under £600: see washer-dryer reviews

See our guide towasher-dryer features to find out more about the key things you should consider.

Why you should trust our washer-dryer reviews

We wash and dry more than 1,300kg of laundry a year in our rigorous tests so you can be sure the ones we recommend really do live up to their claims. The best washer-dryers will leave your clothes sparkling clean and fresh, while the worst will make you wish you’d never pressed start.

In order to remain impartial and unbiased, we never accept free samples or 'gifted' products and always buy them directly from retailers - exactly the same way you do. We try to emulate the day-to-day consumer experience as much as we possibly can in our tests, so we can provide you with all of the necessary information you need to make a final buying decision.

There is such a wide variety in the scores of washer-dryers in the same price bracket that it can seem impossible to work out exactly what you're paying for. You might expect more-expensive washer-dryers to perform better, but we've actually found cheaper models that score higher than their pricier counterparts, proving that money really can't buy performance.

Our washer-dryer reviews are solely based on the thorough lab testing and assessments that we carry out at Which? – nobody else goes to the lengths we do to weed out the good from the bad and everything in between. Read more on how we test our washer-dryers.

Which type of washer-dryer should you buy?

Freestanding washer-dryers

On freestanding models, the front of the machine will always be visible and won’t be hidden away like an integrated machine.

Drum capacities vary, but an average-sized one will take around 8kg of washing and 5kg of drying.

See all our freestanding washer-dryer reviews.

Integrated washer-dryers

The front of an integrated washer-dryer is covered with a kitchen door panel when it's installed.

Drum capacities tend to be smaller than freestanding washer-dryers. Most models have a wash capacity of around 7kg and a dry capacity of 5kg.

See all our integrated washer-dryer reviews or read our guide on how to buy the best integrated washer-dryer.

Do I need a vent?

Vented dryers remove warm air through a hose or vent that leads out of the house, for example through a window. Washer-dryers usually don't need a vent, as the majority of models cool air inside the machine and the remaining water is drained away.

Pros and cons of washer-dryers

Pros

• Space saving Being able to combine two machines into one is probably the best thing about a washer-dryer. This means they're ideal for those who are short on space, don’t have a garden to hang out washing or just simply don’t want too many large appliances in your home.
• Upfront cost If you’ve just moved home and you need new appliances, or if your washing machine and tumble dryer have conveniently packed up at the same time, opting for a washer-dryer means you save money buying one machine instead of two.

Cons

• Running cost Like most standard washing machines, the wash cycle is generally efficient and economical in a washer dryer. However, the dry cycle typically uses more energy than traditional condenser or vented tumble dryers.
• Drum size The wash and dry drum capacity is different in every machine. This means that if you fill the wash cycle to its capacity, you'll have to remove some garments before the dry cycle. If you tend to wash as much as you can in one load, this could be a hassle.
• Lack of choice Naturally there will be less choice for washer-dryers, compared with traditional washing machines and tumble dryers, because there is less demand for them. So if you’re looking for a different colour or specific features, finding the perfect product might be a bit more difficult

Key washer-dryer features

See below for which features to look out for when choosing a washer-dryer and keep scrolling to find out why you might want automatic drying, and why you definitely need to factor in noise and water usage.

Control panels

Many washer-dryers are set using just a dial and a start button. Some come with a digital display, which helpfully shows the remaining program time, and more expensive machines have bigger LCD screens showing the state of the wash and identifying any faults. We test control panels for ease of use in 19 different ways - find an easy to use model among our Best Buys.

Washing capacities

Washing capacities for washer-dryers are on average 7kg to 8kg, and will always be higher than the drying capacity. The largest machine we’ve tested has a 12kg drum. But think twice about buying a massive machine if you don’t do much washing. A 7kg drum can wash around 22 shirts whereas a 12kg drum can wash 38. We have Best Buy washer-dryers with a range of capacities, so filter by size on our site to find the machine with the right capacity for you.

Spin speeds

Spin speeds range from 1,000rpm to 1,600rpm with most washer-dryers spinning at 1,200rpm or 1,400rpm. So, there’s no cut in spin speeds for washer-dryers when compared with washing machines. But faster spinning doesn’t always mean better results and dryer clothes.

Drying capacity

The compromise you make when buying two machines in one is that drying capacities are usually low, often no more than half the washing capacity. A drying capacity of around 3.5kg to 4kg is about average, whereas tumble dryers can dry about twice as much. But we can point you to Best Buy washer-dryers that dry as much as a tumble dryer could.

Condenser and waste water

One benefit of a washer dryer over a condenser or heat-pump tumble dryer is that you won’t have to remove and empty a waste-water tank when it’s full. Water from the drying clothes is drained away, rather than collected in a tank – this is helpful as water tanks can be heavy and unwieldy when full, so there’s one less chore to do.

Automatic drying

Almost all washer-dryers nowadays come with sensor-driven automatic drying programs. This means that the machine sets the drying time based on the humidity in the drum. But our tests have found that some are much more accurate at setting how long to dry than others.

We've found those that over-dry clothes, which could lead to shrinkage and fabrics becoming damaged. Others miscalculate the other way, leaving clothes too wet.

Take a look at our heated clothes airer reviews and buying advice as it's kinder to clothes.

Which washer-dryer is quietest?

When you’re in the shop, you won’t be able to tell how noisy different models are. So, if having a quiet appliance is important, take a look at our washer-dryer reviews for those that get at least a four-star noise rating from us.

We include a noise star rating for all models we review. The more stars the quieter the machine will be.

Which washer-dryers use the least water?

Almost all washer-dryers use water when drying – they use it to cool the condenser and it's this that turns the steamy air into water, which can be drained away from the machine. An average sized one (8kg washing and 5kg drying) will use around 20,000 litres per year in total to wash and dry.

How much does a washer-dryer cost?

A washer-dryer can cost anything from just over £350 to around £1,000.

Our research shows that paying more doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get a more reliable machine. In fact, the brand with the lowest average spend achieved a decent 70% reliability rating. Find out more by checking our washer-dryer reviews.

Running costs for washer-dryers can be expensive, but opting for a more efficient machine will help save money in the long run.

Based on the energy price cap in place from April 2024, a typical 7kg washer-dryer (with 4kg drying capacity) will cost on average £153 per year to run, while a 12kg washer-dryer (8kg drying capacity) will cost on average £295 per year to run. Drying makes up the majority of these costs.

We'll give you the usage cost in each of our reviews, so you can compare the most and least expensive models. Take a look at our washer-dryer energy-saving tips to find out how you could cut the cost of your bills.

Size and spin speed

How big is a washer dryer?

Most washer-dryers are between 595 and 600mm wide. They are designed to fit into a space 600mm wide. The standard height of a front-loading washing dryer is 850mm high. But there can be exceptions, so check the specifications before choosing a model.

Depth can differ, though – ranging from around 40cm to 70cm. Avoid having your machine sticking out into the walkway of your kitchen by checking the specs of a model against the space you have in your home before you buy it.

What size drum should I look for?

Washer-dryers always have two drum capacities – one for washing and one for drying, and they can always wash a larger load than they can dry.

Think about how often you wash your clothes and the amount of garments you wash in one go. If you have lots of clothes but you only like to do two loads a week, a larger drum size will suit.

Typical washing to drying capacity for a 8kg drum size

• 8kg wash capacity 11 towels
• 5kg dryercapacity 7 towels

What spin speed do I need?

A good spin can remove the majority of water from your clothes, which reduces the amount of drying time you’ll need. We've found that higher spin speeds often do a great job of removing water from your clothes, but not every time. Spin speeds typically go from 1,000rpm to 1,600rpm, and you may have to pay more for a model with a higher spin speed. Faster isn’t always better, though, as we’ve tested washer-dryers with 1,400rpm spin speeds that do a better job of removing moisture from clothes compared with a model with a 1,600rpm spin..

Which washer-dryer brand won't break down?

These are two machines in one so, in theory, there’s more that can go wrong with them. Choose a washer-dryer from a brand with a good reputation for product reliability and performance.

Going for a well-known name won’t guarantee you'll get a reliable washer-dryer that won’t break down, particularly where washer-dryers are concerned.

Every year, we contact thousands of members and get feedback to find out how reliable brands of washer-dryers are. Find our which washer-dryer brands have the best breakdown record with our most reliable washer-dryer brands guide.

Where to buy a washer-dryer

While cheaper models are always tempting, our in-depth tests show it's worth stretching your budget to around £500 for a great model that washes and dries well.

Popular online retailers that sell washer-dryers include:

• Currys sells washer-dryers from AEG, Beko, Bosch, Hisense and other major brands. Prices for freestanding models range from £329 to more than £1,000 for premium LG and Miele washer-dryers. Standard delivery within two working days is free, or you can opt for a next-day time slot from £35.
• Argos primarily stocks freestanding washer-dryers and has a smaller selection of integrated models. It offers fixed monthly payment plans.
• John Lewis sells washer-dryers at a range of print points. Among its popular models are the Hotpoint NDD 9725 DA UK and Bosch WDU8H541GB. John Lewis offers a free 10-hour standard delivery slot for large items.
• AO names Bosch, Hoover and Hotpoint among its top brands, but you'll have to check our expert reviews to see how good they really are. The retailer has more than 100 freestanding washer-dryers with prices starting at around £300.
• Appliances Direct sells washer-dryers with claimed wash loads of around 9kg. Listed brands include Bosch, Hotpoint and Indesit.

To see which washer-dryer retailers are rated highly by Which? members, seebest and worst shops.