Washer dryer - combo or separates?

In need of some know-how from folks with washer dryer experience. :)

We're moving from our apartment to our first house, and we're umming and arring over whether to get a single washer/dryer combo machine, or two seperate machines.

In the apartment we had a combo unit due to space constraints, but now that we have room for two, we're looking to weigh up the pros and cons.

Other than being able to wash and dry simultaneously, what are the main reasons to consider two dedicated machines? And, last but not least, anybody have any recommendations on manufacturer? I was toying with the idea of Miele (simply because they're running a 10-year warranty offer) but their machines look a bit pricey!

Thanks in advance.

this...

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg535...pg&res=landing

or this...

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg515...pg&res=landing

...tumble dryers are a huge waste of electricity.

Separates, unless you are crtically short of space. You can have them both running at the same time and get the washing done much faster. A clothes-horse is also really good.

Go German. Bosch or Miele.

A combo will fail much more often, even from a good brand.

I've combos in a couple of student houses, they didn't have a big drum, one broke, and the replacement never really dried properly. One worked reasonably, but it still took ages to dry. Bosch are a good brand.

Separates all the way, if you have the space.

When we first got out place together we bought a combo to try and save money. That was a big mistake, was repaired and replaced under warranty and in the end we gave up and bought seperates. Both of which are still going fine now, nearly 10 years later.

Miele are very good but as you say, pricey. I'm very lucky as I know someone who works there and staff there are allowed to buy 1 of each item a year. We saved over £700 on our washing machine and tumble dryer. Since having them, I think even if I had to pay full price on them I would go with Miele again.

separates
Bosch
nuff said

Separates, Miele all the way.

Our Miele washing machine is now 15 years old and the only thing I've replaced is the heater element. before that we had countless cheapo's that were always breaking down.

The Miele dryer we have now has a huge drum size and is intelligent so does not waste electricity.

If you have the space, go for either separates - or better still ... just the washing machine and let them dry naturally. Less expense

you know what I'd do?

seriously.. this is no bull... (cos I've never had a dryer of any sort.)

I'd buy a really nice washer (Miele... have one myself) and in the other space have another of something else.

A second fridge or freezer for example... or for ultimate decadence... something I've always wanted....

a second Dishwasher.

If I could have a second dishwasher... I would. They're very power efficient now, and with a large set of cutlery/crockery it makes life sooo much easier when you've got people round.

Either way... I'd not have a dryer cos I've never really needed one and they destroy electricity.

Never, ever EVER will I have a combo again.

Not under any circumstances.

If I can't fit in separates (and I can ;)) I'll do without the dryer.


EDIT ....

PS. I endorse most of Zakky's comments ^^^ too .... and don't currently have (or need) a dryer.

When we looked at them (I admit it was 10 years ago) the washer/dryers couldn't dry as much as they could wash which seemed a bit of a problem.
We have separate washer and dryer, and with young kids need the washing capacity.

Washing machine is Bosch and is very good.
Tumble dryer is a Hotpoint, and is a lump of crud. Has a dent in the front where the wife got so frustrated with it she kicked it (karate training paying off there). It is supposed to have humidity sensing so that it knows when stuff is dry, but it doesn't work very well. It also has a habit of just sitting there flashing an "empty filter" light instead of drying despite the fact that you just emptied the damn filter. Previous one we had just worked on a simple timer and was much better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DanceswithUnix

... Has a dent in the front where the wife got so frustrated with it she kicked it (karate training paying off there). ....

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It's not often that I (literally) LOL .... but that did it.

Thanks for the mental picture. It made my lunchtime.

Mind you, good job she's not a construction site worker with steel toecap boots. ;)

my parents are staying this week... I need a second dishwasher... again

I don't have a dryer at all - I use an airier - I don't like what dryers do to your clothes.

I also agree with getting a Miele washing machine, without doubt the best home appliance brand - it costs more, they guarantee it for longer - not that you will need the guarantee they just work.

If you have the space, go separate. It's just one less design problem that had to be integrated into the machine to go wrong. If you don't get a lot of rain, go with an outdoor clothesline.