Best washer dryers 2024: Save space with a two-in-one appliance
However big or small your budget, or your home, here you’ll find the best washer dryers, as recommend by experts
For space-efficient, basket-to-wardrobe laundry at home, you should consider picking up one of the best washer dryers. These appliances are sometimes dismissed as inferior options to a standalone washing machine or tumble dryer but effective washers dryers do a decent job of both operations, while effectively taking up half as much space.
Over the years, our reviewers and consumer experts have seen washer dryers develop from a worst-of-both-worlds option into the highly competent, space-saving models available today. Some of the latest and greatest models feature the same advanced features that you might find on a leading standalone appliance, including steam cleaning and smart connectivity.
In the mini reviews below, we set out the pros and cons of several market-leading washer dryers: the qualities that make each model special, and the factors that might rule them out of your search. If you want to brush up on what to watch out for when buying a washer dryer, you can also use the link below to skip down to our comprehensive buying guide.
Our expert picks
The best washer dryers to buy in 2024
1. Beko WDL742431W: Best cheap washer dryer
Price when reviewed: £349 | Check price at AO
- Great for… key washing and drying features at an affordable price
- Not great for… drying large amounts of laundry
This Beko washer dryer offers excellent value, combining two laundry functions in a single appliance costing under £400.
One downside is that the 7kg wash capacity won’t suit large families and – as with most washer dryers – that capacity drops down for drying, in this case to a measly 4kg. The 1,200rpm spin speed also means this machine is not the most efficient at removing water at the end of a wash, so drying times may be longer than models with a higher spin speed. For small (and patient) households, we shouldn’t think these factors would be too off-putting.
There are 15 programmes: ten wash-only options, two dry-only and three combined wash and dry. You also get some useful extra features such as a 24-hour delay timer, prewash and a drum clean function. There’s a super speedy 28-minute quick wash programme as well as sensor drying, which is a feature you might not expect to see at this price.
It comes in a choice of black or white, though both options have a black door, which may divide opinion. But with an easy-to-use interface and users praising it for being quiet, we think that there’s plenty to like about this affordable washer dryer.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 7kg; dry 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,200rpm; Rated efficiency: E
2. Hisense 5S Series WD5S1045BT: Best affordable high-capacity washer dryer
Price when reviewed: £549 | Check price at AO
- Great for… useful premium features
- Not great for… washing and drying the same large laundry loads
Featuring a generous 10kg wash capacity, this Hisense washer dryer has more than enough space for the average family wash load – though its 6kg drying capacity means you should avoid completely filling the drum when you intend to dry the same load that you’re washing.
We were impressed with the WD5S1045BT’s range of features, especially given the reasonable price. It has steam technology to help remove stains, reduce creasing or simply give clothes a quick refresh and with the pause and add feature, you can easily stop a cycle to add in a dropped sock or the T-shirt you just spilled soup down.
Fans of liquid detergents can also take advantage of auto dosing. The detergent drawer, which can hold enough liquid for 16 washes, automatically adds the perfect amount of detergent as well as fabric softener to your wash. If, like some of our team, you’re prone to adding too much detergent, this feature will save you money.
With 14 wash programmes including a 15-minute quick wash, as well as a raft of great features, this Hisense washer dryer is a steal at under £500. We like the “Titanium” finish shown in the photo, though it’s worth noting that a functionally identical machine is available in white.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg; dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D
3. Haier HWD80-B14979: Best energy efficient mid-range washer dryer
Price when reviewed: £549 | Check price at AO
- Great for… energy efficiency
- Not great for… drying clothes very quickly
Boasting a highly respectable D energy rating with an A for wash-only cycles, this mid-priced washer dryer from Haier could save you money on running costs – if you’re willing to stretch your up-front budget a little beyond the ‘affordable’ bracket.
Its efficiency is boosted by its low-energy method of drying clothes: via heat pump assisted tumble drying. We don’t often see heat pumps in washer dryers, with most models typically relying on condenser drying. It’s a smart approach that saves energy and is kinder to your clothes – it does sometimes come at a cost to drying speed, though.
This model’s 8kg wash and 5kg drying capacities will be ample for most households, while the 1,400 spin speed is sufficient to leave clothes with minimal water at the end of the spin cycle. The 14 wash programs include all the usual suspects such as cotton, delicates, eco and babycare.
Above all, we’d recommend this washer-dryer for its energy efficiency and quiet operation. It’s also a great-looking appliance, which could be an important factor if the machine will be taking pride of place in your kitchen.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 8kg, dry 5kg; Dryer type: Heat pump; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D
4. LG Signature LSWD100E: High-tech, A-rated and easy-on-the-eye
Price when reviewed: £1,999 | Check price at Curry’s
- Great for… dazzling design
- Not great for… your bank balance
It’s rare that we’ll see a large home appliance with truly stand out aesthetics, but LG’s Signature Heat Pump Washer Dryer pushes boundaries in both design and performance.
Where do we start? This machine has a remarkable design concept which, we’re told, is based on “a deep, yet softly moonlit sky reflecting on a calm midnight lake.” At any rate, the LSWD100E looks beautiful, and it’s a pleasure to use thanks to considerate features such as its high-up loading door and slanted display for viewing and control.
Underneath its beautiful facade, the LSWD100E is a powerhouse of a washer dryer. It’s spacious enough to cater for big families, with capability to wash loads weighing up to 12kg and dry loads up to 7kg. There’s an auto-dosing feature, meaning the machine can calculate and supply the right amount of detergent and fabric softener for each wash. And perhaps best of all, the LSWD100E achieves an A rating for energy efficiency across washing, washing/drying and spinning – thanks, in part, to its in-built heat pump tech.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 12kg; dry 7kg; Dryer type: Heat pump; Max spin speed: 1,600rpm; Rated efficiency: A
5. Zanussi ZWD76SB4PW: A good all-round washer dryer
Price when reviewed: £699 | Check price at Currys 
- Great for… thorough drying
- Not great for… larger households
This mid-priced, high-tech appliance features a host of wash and dry programmes, a fast spin speed of 1,600rpm for more efficient drying, and a decent-enough E energy rating.
The ZWD76SB4PW is equipped with a 7kg drum, although the full capacity is reserved for wash cycles, while the load must be reduced to 4kg for the drying sequence. You get 21 wash and dry programmes, including all the usual suspects such as cottons, synthetics, woollens and delicates. We were impressed to find that this machine also features a 60-minute Wash&Dry function (the machine will trundle through the washing process before automatically engaging the drying sequence), and an Eco mode that uses less water and energy to help reduce utility bills. There’s also a steaming function that reduces creasing and helps to quickly freshen up cupboard-stale clothing.
While the interface looks complex, our writer found that it’s actually quite easy to get a handle on: you simply turn the dial to find your preferred cycle and, if required, adjust the temperature and spin speed using the touch control panel.
If you’re on a sensible budget and you don’t have an army of kids in tow, then this medium-sized freestanding washer dryer will do the business and do it well.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 7kg; dry 4kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,600rpm; Rated efficiency: E
6. Bosch Series 8 WDU8H541GB: Best for style, low noise and for big families
Price when reviewed: £758 | Check price at Amazon
- Great for… use in noise-sensitive or open-plan spaces
- Not great for… upfront affordability
Bosch washing machines consistently top the sales charts and customer review rankings, and they often earn excellent write-ups in our reviews and buyer’s guides. The popular, albeit pricey, Series 8 WDU8H541GB gives you many of the German brand’s good traits in a multifunctional washer-dryer.
This machine’s 10kg washing capacity offers plenty of space for busy households, and the impressive D energy rating puts it among the most energy-efficient washer dryers you can currently buy – which, given the recent trajectory of energy prices, is a particularly valuable asset. Other notable features include auto-dry sensors and an iron assist programme to smooth out your laundry – and who doesn’t want to do less ironing?
We were super-impressed by this washer-dryer’s quiet operation, which has been rated at 70 dB (max), earning the machine an A rating for noise efficiency as well as Quiet Mark accreditation. If your home has an open-plan layout, or you’re looking for a machine that won’t disturb you while working from home, this one should be on the list.
Key specs – Style: Freestanding; Capacity: Wash 10kg, dry 6kg; Dryer type: Condenser; Max spin speed: 1,400rpm; Rated efficiency: D
How to choose the best washer dryer for you
What are the pros and cons of a washer dryer?
Most people opt for a washer dryer because they simply don’t have enough space for two separate 60cm appliances side by side, but there are other benefits.
- It’s an ideal solution if you live in a small house, flat, mobile home or even a narrowboat.
- You simply require a water feed and outlet – the dryer vents moist air through the water outlet so you don’t need a separate vent.
- Dirty clothes go in; clean, dry clothes come out – you don’t need to move clothes between a separate washer and dryer.
- One downside is that you’re relying on one appliance to do both jobs– if it does break down, both washing and drying will be out of the question until you get it fixed.
Energy ratings explained
A machine that’s cheaper to run could save you money in the long run, even if it’s more expensive to buy.
- The EU energy-rating system used to grade appliances from A+++ down to D, with the higher grades being the most energy-efficient, but that system has changed. On the new energy rating labels, washer dryers are now graded from A to G and have two energy ratings: one for their combined electricity and water use, and one purely for water usage.
- Most of our recommended machines used to be A-rated, but on the new system that has dropped to an E rating in many cases.
- Don’t be surprised to see washer dryers with seemingly low energy ratings; it’s nothing to worry about, it simply reflects the changes in the rating scale.
Are washer dryers as efficient as a separate appliances?
Generally, no. The big issue is drum capacity: typically, a washer dryer will have a lower capacity for drying than for washing. For example, a machine might have a washing capacity of 9kg, but a drying capacity of only 6kg.
- If you want to wash and dry a full 9kg of laundry in one go, you will have to divide it into two smaller loads – or wash it all, then hang some of the clothes to dry while the rest goes in the dryer.
- Choosing a higher-capacity machine makes life easier. And this doesn’t impact the dimensions of the machine, since they’re all a standard 60cm wide. However, a larger-capacity machine will normally be more expensive to buy and run.
What special features should I look for?
Generally speaking, the more you spend, the more reliable the appliance. However, more expensive models also offer better features, such as specific wash and dry cycles for woollens and delicates.
