As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to make our homes more modern and incorporate new technologies. Space is always at a premium, especially in family homes, so anything designed to save space and add convenience should always be considered. That is where the humble ‘washer dryer’ comes in!

‘What is a washer dryer?’ we hear you ask! You have come to the right place because, in this article, we look to answer the age-old question ‘is 2 better than one?’ or rather ‘does a washing machine and tumble dryer combo really exist?’.

At the risk of stating the obvious, a washer dryer is exactly what it says on the tin. It is a combination of a washing machine and a tumble dryer. Its goal is simple, to save space and be convenient. The washer dryer is ideal for those that live in small households with no garden or limited space and is even better for larger homes that do a lot of washing and drying! No longer will you have to carry the clothes from one machine to another, one simple button changes the settings, and instantly your washing machine becomes a tumble dryer! You can even opt for an integrated washer dryer to hide the machine away. Giving your utility room or kitchen a seamless feel.

With a washer dryer combo, gone are the days when you need to worry about having two machines taking up so much space!

Using Your Washer Dryer

Using a washer dryer combo is super easy, and there is a range of programs included with the machine that will make doing laundry an effortless task.

All washer dryers should offer a suite of washing programs (in much the same way that a washing machine does). These settings include washing programs for cotton clothes, delicates, and other fabrics. Not only that, but all models will have your typical pre-wash and spin features. Using each of these features is easy and will just require twisting a knob and the push of a button.

Washer dryers have many of the same features as individual washing machines or dryers (drum capacity, filters, condensers etc.,) but the difference is, by changing around a couple of settings, that same washing machine becomes a dryer.

This one is a bit of a no brainer; although integrated washer dryers are not hugely prominent in the Irish electrical market yet, they are popular in the UK. So we think it is only a matter of time before every homeowner runs to their nearest store to find a washer dryer because they are very useful when all is said and done!

Why? Well for one, they combine two chunky appliances into one. This is perfect for anyone looking to save space around the home. Secondly, you can save money on electricity and energy bills with one convenient machine running instead of two!

However, it would be wrong to give you all the pros and not mention any downsides to owning a washer dryer combo, so let’s examine how the combination appliance fairs against a regular washing machine and tumble dryer.

There is not much to separate a washer dryer and a standalone washing machine when it comes to washing performance. However, you should remember that the drum capacity for a drying cycle is typically less than that of a washing machine, so if you are washing a lot of clothes, you may have to dry them in two separate cycles.

The biggest drawback when it comes to owning a washer dryer vs two separate appliances is time. Think about it, while you are drying, you can’t wash, and while you are washing, you can’t dry. This means you will either have to have a well-planned regime in place or be okay with waiting a few hours between cycles. For larger families, this can be an issue.

At DID we have a large range of standalone washing machines and dryers that can save you time in ways that a washer-dryer cannot. So be sure to check out our ranges in-store or online for exclusive offers and deals!

Without trying to sound too on the fence, it is up to you. There are pros and cons to owning any electrical appliance; however, where washer dryers make up in spatial convenience, they fall behind in speed.

If you don’t do a lot of washing or want to have the coolest new washing appliances in your home, then a washer and dryer combination could be a worthwhile purchase. However, if you do a lot of washing and need a durable appliance to quickly get through washing and drying cycles, then investing in a separate washing machine and dryer combination might be the best move.

If you want to save space, then 2-in-1 is better, but if you want to save time, 2 machines are better than 1.

At DID we have a wide range of washer dryers, washing machines and tumble dryers to choose from. Whatever decision you come to!

Unsure where to start or need a little guidance on your washing and drying appliance journey? Simply get in touch with your local store, or call our online sales team, who will be happy to assist!