Washing machines with wet laundry drying function appeared on the domestic market quite a long time agoHowever, the devices failed to become widespread.
Many housewives still hang washed clothes on radiators or ropes, which takes a lot of time and also causes increased humidity in the apartment.
To get rid of the need to dry clothes after washing, you should take a closer look at functional devices for cleaning and drying various types of fabric.
You need to learn about the operating principle of such devices and the main selection criteria that will help you purchase the best model for your home.
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What is a washer dryer?
You should know! A washer-dryer is a multifunctional device that successfully combines the basic qualities of a washing machine and a dryer.
The electrical device is able to clean laundry from dirt and quickly dry it , while providing a slight smoothing effect, so that the user does not have to use the iron after removing dry items.
The appearance and dimensions of combined devices are no different from simplified machines.
However, the cost of washer dryers is slightly higher.
This is explained by the fact that the design is equipped with many additional options that greatly simplify operation and maintenance.
A washing machine with a drying function is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend money on expensive equipment and take up extra space with bulky structures.
Saving energy: what you need to know?
In order for a machine of any model, be it Bosch, LG, Indesit, to work in accordance with the specified energy efficiency class and not consume more electricity than it requires, it is worth remembering simple saving rules:
- do not forget to unplug the machine after each wash cycle. Even in standby mode, the device is capable of spending extra kilowatts;
- load the drum to the maximum capacity specified by the manufacturer. It is better to carry out one full wash with a load of 5 kg of dry laundry than two cycles of 3 kg each. This way you will save 10-15% energy;
- select a washing mode that matches the type and quantity of clothing. To refresh your laundry, a quick program along with a full hour cycle will be enough;
- Use the drying function only when necessary. In warm and windy weather, you can quickly and efficiently dry clothes in the fresh air;
- Regularly clean the heating element from scale, otherwise the energy consumption for heating water will increase over time.
The correct choice of energy efficiency class and our recommendations will help you use your washing machine rationally and independently calculate the power of the device under specific conditions of use.
Principle of operation
The main difference between improved devices for washing and drying clothes from standard models is the presence of a second heating element necessary to heat the air.
Stay up to date! The heating element is located behind the drum - during operation of the device, it rotates and shakes the loaded clothes, drying the fabric evenly.
During the process, built-in humidity sensors determine the degree of drying of the laundry . Condensing, the resulting moisture is drained into a separate tank.
Washer-dryers with the ability to connect to a drainage system do not have a container for collecting condensate.
Therefore, excess moisture goes into the sewer directly through the drain.
The drying function can be activated manually or automatically .
In the first case, the cycle duration is set at the user's discretion.
After the set time has elapsed, the machine shuts down.
Automatic devices are equipped with a thermometer sensor - it monitors the air temperature and humidity level.
Based on the data received, the system calculates the amount of moisture. As soon as the laundry humidity matches the set level, the cycle will stop.
Features of the 2 in 1 washing machine
Classic washing equipment, which has become widespread over the past 25 years, is equipped with three operating cycles:
- wash;
- rinsing;
- spin
2 in 1 washing machines are complemented by a fourth mode - drying clothes, which is carried out using a special device built into the body of the equipment. It is noteworthy that the equipment is also divided by type of loading - frontal, vertical. A number of models require embedding into furniture and niches.
Drying mode in the washing machine
Advantages
Modern washer-dryers stand out among the variety of laundry cleaning devices on the market with many features and advantages.
It is worth noting! Experts and experienced users name the following points as the main advantages of multifunctional devices:
- no need to hang wet laundry;
- reducing humidity in the apartment;
- saving time and effort;
- compact body;
- the presence of a spacious tank ;
- careful handling of any fabrics;
- anti-crease;
- large selection of working programs;
- ease of maintenance and operation;
- intuitive interface;
- electronic leakage protection;
- reliability and quality of materials;
- acceptable price;
- long warranty period.
Advantages and disadvantages of 2 in 1 washing machines
Before considering the question of which washing machine to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with the positive and negative sides of such devices.
Note: if the equipment does not have a special container for collecting condensate, then the collected liquid goes into the sewer, which increases ease of use, since there is no need to control the filling of the tank.
Advantages:
- Speed of operation - devices with such a program are capable of processing from 3 to 7 kg of things in a short period of time, regardless of the weather.
- Compact dimensions, in contrast to separate drying units, allow the equipment to be installed in small spaces.
- The humidity level in the apartment does not increase. This is due to the fact that when drying clothes using the traditional method, water vapor spreads throughout all rooms. Using drying and washing equipment, the problem is eliminated.
Flaws:
- The drum volume declared by the manufacturer does not imply 100% loading for heat treatment of things. That is, if the unit is designed to wash 8 kg of clothes, then in one working cycle you can dry only 3.5-4 kg, depending on the model.
- The cost of such equipment in comparison with conventional equipment is 15-20% more.
- Incorrect use of this option will result in rapid wear of the fabric fibers.
Flaws
Keep in mind! Despite the large list of advantages, washing machines with drying functions are not without disadvantages.
The disadvantages of such units are:
- inability to dry a full load of laundry at one time. After the washing is completed, the owner will have to transfer some of the items into the basin and activate the drying function again after some time;
- high energy consumption with a low energy efficiency class. Unlike single-tasking devices, most combined devices belong to class “B”, which means you shouldn’t count on saving energy resources.
Service life with proper use
For a washing machine with dryer, the service life is on average 10-15 years, if you follow the rules for using the unit. Manufacturers' recommendations:
- Before connecting and before starting the first wash, read the instructions.
- The use of the unit is prohibited for children and people with low technical literacy to avoid injury and damage to the device.
- The place where the washing machine is installed must be clean, free from dust and moisture.
- Do not connect the unit through a multiple socket or adapter.
- Pay close attention to the maximum filling of the drum when washing and drying. These indicators are usually different; it is necessary to partially empty the drum before drying.
- Some machines are prohibited from drying bulky items such as blankets, pillows or winter outerwear.
- Dirty items must not be dried inside the device. Pockets must be cleared of coins, keys and other items.
- Some devices do not support drying latex rubber items. For example, caps and swimming suits. Also, you should not dry items made of wool, nylon, or silk, as there is a high probability of damage to the fabric.
By following these simple rules, you can extend the life of your washing machine and dryer beyond the warranty period.
Washing and drying devices have become popular in recent years due to their efficiency and the ability to combine several stages of cleaning things in one unit. Manufacturers offer a wide range of washing machines, complementing them with steam processing and remote control functions. The device becomes a truly indispensable assistant in the home, helps save time and free space, and can be connected to the Smart Home system.
Basic selection options
When choosing a washer-dryer, experts recommend paying special attention to the technical characteristics of the models in question .
Having studied the basic parameters, even an inexperienced user can purchase the best device without spending extra money.
Let's review all the parameters to figure out how to choose a device.
Energy consumption
Important! An economical device can be easily recognized by the “A” marking with any number of pluses on the packaging, which indicates minimal energy consumption.
Finding an economical washer dryer is not an easy task.
But in the lines presented by well-known manufacturers, you can find devices whose operation will not cause additional costs.
Washing and spin class
For washing and drying machines, washing and spinning classes are determined - from “A” (economical) to “G” (wasteful).
Manufacturers strive to improve the quality of their products; for this reason, in the household appliances market you can increasingly find models belonging to class “A”, “B” or “C”.
Less common are devices belonging to class “D”.
Drying technology
Note! In modern washing machines, drying can be of several types:
- condensation The heated air that has absorbed moisture passes through a condenser, which uses cold water to dry it. Having lost heat and moisture, the air re-enters the laundry drum through the air duct and heater. The technology is characterized by increased water consumption;
- condensation without water. The hot air passing through the heating element extracts moisture from things and enters a separate tank, where it is cooled to room temperature. The dry air then passes through the heating element again and returns to the drum. The accumulated moisture goes down the drain. Water is used sparingly with this method;
- according to the degree of residual moisture. The device is equipped with a special sensor and a smart system that can determine the moisture content of laundry based on air temperature and humidity. When the preset humidity is reached, drying stops:
- by timer. The owner has the opportunity to independently select and set the drying mode, as well as determine the fabric that needs to be dried. The maximum drying time is usually no more than three hours.
Washing and drying programs
For your information! Expensive models and devices from the mid-price segment are equipped with a large number of operating programs.
And these programs will help you wash and dry clothes made from various materials, maintaining color and shape.
Budget devices are equipped with a smaller set of modes , which does not affect the washing efficiency, but significantly limits the capabilities of the device.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the device are one of the most important parameters that you need to pay attention to first.
Washing and drying units usually do not take up extra space, since their width can vary from 55 to 60 cm, height from 80 to 85 cm, and depth from 45 to 65 cm.
However, you need to decide in advance on the installation location and make sure that the chosen model is suitable.
Load capacity and weight
In drying mode, combined machines are capable of drying no more than half of the total capacity of the device.
Remember! If you need to wash a large amount of clothes, it is better to purchase a spacious model with a load capacity of at least 9 kg.
For a small family or individual use, a device designed for 6-7 kg would be an excellent option.
Built-in or freestanding
Having given preference to built-in equipment , it is important to take into account its parameters, since the device must fit perfectly into the location chosen for installation.
Free-standing devices often do not require strict calculations, because they are easier to install.
Vertical or front loading
The difference between different types of washer-dryers lies in the location of the loading hatch.
For front-loading electrical appliances, the hatch is located in the center of the front wall and opens to the side up to 180 degrees.
When the wash starts, the hatch is blocked using an electronic lock.
In devices with vertical loading, the hatch is located on top . Below it is a horizontal drum with a door that has a conventional mechanical lock.
For reference! During the washing process, the user can add forgotten items, however, it will not be possible to observe the operation of the device due to the opaque panels.
What elements of the machine consume electricity?
To determine the power of the unit, you first need to find out which elements of the device “eat up” most of the electricity. These include:
- The electric heater (TEH) is designed to heat water in the tank. The intensity of its work depends on the selected program and washing stage. If for the boiling mode the heating element operates at full power, then when washing in cold water it may not turn on at all during the entire process. Any heater built into the machine has its own power rating, which varies between 1.7-2.9 kW. The higher the number indicated, the faster the water heats up and the more energy is consumed during operation.
- The engine is the main element of the machine that ensures the rotation of the drum. In modern models, different types of motors are installed - asynchronous, inverter or commutator. The power of the washing machine motor depends on its type. On average, the figure varies from 0.4 to 0.8 kW (400-800 Watts). The most energy is consumed during the spin phase.
- The control unit is a system of parts that allows you to control the processes of the unit. These include an electronic board, sensors, a programmer, light bulbs, starting capacitors and other control-related elements. The entire system consumes about 5-10 watts.
- The pump (pump) is used at different stages of the machine’s operation when it is necessary to pump out used water from the tank. To perform its function, the part consumes little electricity - from 25 to 45 watts.
The power consumption of the unit depends most on how much energy the motor and electric heater consume.
Electricity consumption is determined by the selected washing program. Each mode is designed for a specific water heating temperature, cycle duration and intensity, and the number of drum revolutions during normal washing and during the spin phase. Energy consumption is influenced by the weight of the clothes loaded and the type of fabric, as well as the selected additional functions - rinsing, drying, light ironing, etc.
The amount of electricity consumed also depends on the selected program and its duration
An important factor is the service life of the device. Over time, the heating element accumulates salt deposits, which impedes heat transfer. To heat the water to the desired temperature, the heater has to “work” harder, which means more electricity is required.
What additional features should I pay attention to?
Depending on the needs of the user, various additional options and the availability of special programs may be necessary to help make quality care for your favorite clothes simple and enjoyable.
Functions such as:
- foam level control , which is draining the water and removing the resulting foam after the cycle is completed;
- delayed start , allowing you to start washing at a time convenient for the owner of the device;
- child safety lock is an option that ensures safe operation, which a family with a baby cannot do without;
- quick wash, which will help you wash and dry items without creasing in just 60 minutes;
- night mode, which guarantees silent but effective washing and drying of clothes.
Stay up to date! You cannot do without special programs for delicate fabrics, outerwear, sports shoes, wool and silk.
Rating of the best 2 in 1 washing machines
The rating of washing machines with dryers allows the future owner to choose the optimal equipment based on personal preferences and financial capabilities.
Economical models
| Candy GVW264DC A budget model with the ability to dry items up to 4 kg. Intelligent control via a digital screen allows the owner to easily manage 12 programs, including:
Pros:
Minuses:
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| CANDY GVW45 385TC Free-standing equipment with a front-loading type for 8 kg of laundry and the function of drying items up to 5 kg in one cycle. The hatch of household appliances is equipped with the ability to open 180°, which allows the owner to easily load and remove things. Advantages:
Flaws:
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| LG F1296CD3 Owners of the equipment can wash items weighing up to 6 kg and dry clothes up to 4 kg. Additionally, the equipment is equipped with the “six caring movements” function, as well as ironing and removing stubborn stains. In addition, the presence of programs for washing children's clothes and delicate items greatly simplifies life for housewives. Note: the “sterilization” mode is relevant for parents with an infant, since the function allows you to disinfect baby clothes without additional washing. Positive characteristics:
Negative factors:
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Middle price segment
The review of washing machines and dryers presents models of the “golden mean”, successfully combining cost and technical characteristics.
| LG F14U1JBH2N Model with increased capacity of 10 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying clothes. Due to the special relief of the drum, the fibers of the material do not wear out during the spin cycle. The “six caring movements” function is gentle on clothes, preventing damage. Pros:
Minuses:
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| Samsung WD806U2GAWQ 2 in 1 household appliances are designed for drum loading up to 8 kg and 5 kg for drying. EcoBubble technology converts powder into bubbles for improved performance. Sensors for balancing equipment reduce vibration and noise, and an inverter motor with a ceramic heating element ensures long service life. Advantages:
Flaws:
Please note: the 2-in-1 technique has one caveat - when drying products, you cannot load the tank as much as possible. 50% of the specified volume is allowed, otherwise the device will generate an error. |
| Vestfrost VFWD 1461 W A representative of a Danish company processes up to 9 kg of products in one working cycle, and dries up to 6 kg. During operation, the user sees on the screen the selected program, the weight of things and the temperature effect. The Eco-time option effectively selects the start time, for example, at night, when the energy tariff is cheaper. Positive sides:
Negative aspects:
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Premium class
| Electrolux EWW51696SWD The front type of device with a separate location is equipped with 12 modes, including steam treatment. The AutoSense system automatically coordinates the operating period and water consumption based on the type of material. Pros:
Minuses:
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| Electrolux EWW51676SWD The Swedish representative of 2 in 1 equipment is equipped with an electronic control type with 9 washing programs and 7 for drying. With a depth of 52 cm, the device has a capacity of up to 7 kg. The intelligent system automatically controls water consumption up to 54 liters per operating cycle and power consumption (class A). Advantages:
Flaws:
Drying clothes causes the electric heating elements to work intensively, so energy consumption increases. |
| Siemens WD15H541 The best washing machine with dryer, according to users, is the Siemens WD15H541. High-quality equipment with the function of removing stubborn dirt is capable of processing 7 kg and drying 4 kg of things in one working cycle. Positive characteristics:
Negative aspects:
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Popular manufacturers
The best manufacturers of washer-dryers are:
- Hotpoint-Ariston is one of the world's largest manufacturers of home appliances, known for the quality of its products. Among the variety of models developed by the company, the following stand out:
- FDD 9640 B;
- RDPD 96407;
- AQD 1070D 49;
- AQD 1071D 69.
- Bosch is a German company that is a leading provider of technology and services in the consumer products industry. The manufacturer provides a wide range of washing and drying machines, but the most popular are:
- WDU 28590;
- WVG 30461;
- WVH 28442;
- WVG30460PL.
- LG is a South Korean company that produces functional household appliances for a comfortable life. Experts recommend purchasing:
- F-1296CD3;
- FH-2G6NDG2;
- F-1496AD3;
- F2J6NM0W.
Main selection criteria
How to choose washing machines and dryers? The selection of models is carried out by the user based on the following parameters:
- The energy consumption class determines the quality of washed items, where F and G are low, C, D, E are normal, A, B are high.
- The capacity of such equipment is represented by full-size options (up to 10 kg) and narrow representatives (up to 6 kg).
- Dimensions are presented in the traditional depth of 60 cm. Brands such as LG and Samsung produce products with narrow dimensions of 41-49 cm, allowing the device to be installed in limited space.
Note: the number of revolutions does not indicate the spin class and energy consumption during this process.
conclusions
When planning to purchase a washing machine with drying function, you should remember that:
- when choosing the best model, first of all you should pay attention to the energy consumption class, drying technology, dimensions and capacity of the drum ;
- It is also necessary to take into account the type of download , choosing in advance the most convenient option for yourself;
- additional functions increase the cost of the electrical appliance , but their presence will make working with the machine simple and comfortable.
Correct installation of washing machines under the sink
| The sink drain system must have the correct vertical shape. Horizontal drainage may cause warranty service repair failure. | The dimensions of the sink are selected based on the size of the washing machine and the protruding communications in the bathroom. You should also take into account protrusions on the walls. | The washing machine must be completely covered by the sink to prevent water from entering the control panel. |
You can purchase Sets from us: washing machine / sink Water Lily
Recommendations for selection
- When using 2-in-1 household appliances, it is forbidden to overload the drum, connect several devices to one outlet, dry nylon and foam products, and also allow a child to operate it.
- Modern automatic devices without a drying option reach energy efficiency class A+++; 2-in-1 devices, with rare exceptions, have this class. This factor should be taken into account when planning a purchase, since electricity bills will increase.
- When choosing household appliances, an indicator such as spin is important, but during operation you should understand that for delicate fabrics it is better to use 800 rpm.
- The selection of models based on the “weight” parameter must be carried out based on the family composition and frequency of use. Devices weighing from 7 kg are in demand.
Watch a video about the pros and cons of washer dryers
