The best washer-dryers for a two-in-one solution to laundry

A washer-dryer seems the perfect space-saving alternative to buying separate washing machines and tumble dryers, and is usually more affordable. Still, you don’t want to get stuck with a subpar combo, which could run up high electricity costs and leave clothes damp after the drying cycle. If this is the case, you may want to buy a cheap-to-run heated clothes airer.

Washer-dryers can cost anywhere from £350 to more than £2,000 but for most people, you’ll still be making a saving compared to buying separate machines. The two main types of washer-dryers are freestanding and integrated, which are fairly self-explanatory, but you can read more about what to look for in a washer-dryer in the FAQs section below.

Freestanding washer-dryers tend to be more popular, which is why I’ve focused on them for this guide. I’ve also asked experts for advice and their own recommendations of specific washer-dryers.

The best washer-dryers: At a glance

How to choose a washer-dryer

Choosing the best size and capacity for your home are key when buying a washer-dryer. “It’s important to check the dimensions to ensure it will fit in your space,” says Gwil Snook, buyer at AO. “Think about the drum size you’ll need. Washer-dryers with up to 7kg capacity are suitable for six trousers and t-shirts or one single duvet. 8-9kg is ideal for eight trousers and T-shirts or a double duvet and 10-11kg suits 10 trousers and T-shirts or one king-size duvet.”

“Remember that the machine’s drying capacity is often 50-70 per cent of the washing load, so factor this into your decision making,” Carly Pearson, buyer at Argos adds. Secondly, consider energy rating. “More efficient models use less water and electricity, so could save money in the long run,” says Pearson. “Some models also offer eco-friendly wash and dry cycles that further reduce energy and water consumption.”

The final thing to consider, says Pearson, is noise level. “If your washer-dryer will live in a part of your home that can’t be shut away to keep quiet, make sure you go for the quieter option.”

How we chose the best washer-dryers

To help you decide which washer-dryer to purchase, I sought the input of experienced buyers Carly Pearson of Argos and Gwil Snook of AO, asking how they choose the washer-dryers to sell at their retailers. They advised me on the best washer-dryers based on factors like energy efficiency, drum size, washing and drying capacity, ease of the control panel, spin speeds and how well they expel water.

As many of the machines below have been recommended by experts rather than tested by us at home, we haven’t scored them. For those that were tested at home, the testing was done by home and appliance writer Emily Peck, who used each machine on a variety of loads including bedding, towels and sports clothes to see how they fare against each other.

Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about the testing process.