How to choose the right washer-dryer? What parameters to pay attention to?

Washing machines with drying function wet laundry appeared on the domestic market for a long timeHowever, the devices failed to be widely adopted.

Many housewives still hang washed things on batteries or ropes, which takes a lot of time, and also causes high humidity in the apartment.

To get rid of the need to dry clothes after washing, it is worth taking a closer look at functional devices for cleaning and drying various types of fabric.

You need to learn about the principle of operation of such devices and the main selection criteria that will help you purchase the best model for your home.

What is a washer dryer?

electrical appliance able to clean the 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 the combined devices are no different from the 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 a great option for those who do not want to spend money on expensive appliances and take up extra space. bulky structures.

Principle of operation

The main difference advanced washing and drying appliances from standard models is the presence of a second heating element, necessary for heating the air.

In the process built-in humidity sensors determine the degree of drying of the laundry. Condensing the resulting moisture is drained into a separate tank.

In washer-dryers with the possibility of connecting to a drainage system, there is no container for collecting condensate.

Therefore, excess moisture goes into the sewer directly through the drain.

Drying function activated manually or automatically.

In the first case, the cycle time is set at the discretion of the user.

After the set time has elapsed, the machine will shut down.

Automatic devices have a thermometer sensor - it monitors the air temperature and humidity level.

Based on the received data, the system calculates the amount of moisture. As soon as the humidity of the laundry matches the set one, the cycle will stop.

Advantages

Modern washer-dryers stand out among the variety of devices for cleaning clothes on the market with many features and advantages.

• no need to hang up wet clothes;
• decrease in humidity in the apartment;
• saving time and effort;
• compact body;
• Availability capacious tank;
• careful handling of any fabrics;
• wrinkle protection;
• a large selection of work programs;
• ease of maintenance and operation;
• intuitive interface;
• electronic leakage protection;
• reliability and quality of materials;
• acceptable price;
• long warranty period.

Flaws

The disadvantages of such units are:

• the inability to dry a full bookmark of laundry at a time.
  After the wash is completed, the owner will have to shift some of the things into the basin and activate the drying function again after a while;
• high energy consumption with a low energy efficiency class.
  Unlike monotask devices, most combined devices belong to class “B”, which means that you should not count on energy savings.

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 options to figure out how to choose a device.

Energy consumption

Finding an economical washing machine with a drying function 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.

Wash and spin class

For washer dryers wash and spin classes are determined - from "A" (economical) to "G" (wasteful).

Manufacturers strive to improve the quality of their products, for this reason, the home appliance market more and more often you can find models belonging to the class "A", "B" or "C".

Less common are devices belonging to class "D".

Drying technology

• condensation.
  The heated air that has absorbed moisture passes through a condenser that uses cold water for dehumidification.
  Having lost heat and moisture, the air re-enters through the air duct and the heater into the laundry drum.
  The technology is characterized by increased water consumption;
• condensing without water.
  The hot air that has passed through the heating element draws moisture out of 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 into the sewer. 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 the laundry based on temperature and air humidity.
  Drying stops when the pre-set humidity is reached:
• 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

And these programs will help you wash and dry clothes made of various materials, retaining their color and shape.

Budget devices are equipped with a smaller set of modes, which does not affect the effectiveness of washing, but significantly limits the capabilities of the device.

Dimensions

The size of the device is one of the most important parameters that you need to pay attention to first.

Washer-dryers usually do not take up extra space, because they 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 site and make sure that the selected model is suitable.

Load capacity and weight

Drying Combination Machine able to dry no more than half of the total capacity of the apparatus.

For a small family or individual use, a device designed for 6-7 kg will be an excellent option.

Built-in or freestanding

Preferring embedded technology, it is important to take into account its parameters, since the device must ideally fit into the place chosen for installation.

Free-standing devices often do not require strict calculation, because it is easier to install them.

Top or front loading

difference different types of washer-dryers is in the location of the loading hatch.

At electrical appliances with front loading, the hatch is located in the center of the front wall and opens to the side up to 180 degrees.

When washing starts, the hatch is blocked with an electronic lock.

In devices top-loading hatch located on top. Below it is a horizontal drum with a door that has a conventional mechanical lock.

What additional features to look out for?

Depending on the needs of the user, various additional options and the availability of special programs may be necessary to help make the quality care of your favorite clothes simple and enjoyable.

Such functions will be useful, how:

• foam level control, which is a drain of water and removal of the resulting foam after the completion of the cycle;
• delayed start, which allows you to start washing at a convenient time for the owner of the device;
• child safety lock - an option that ensures safe operation, without which a family with a baby cannot do;
• quick wash, which will help you wash and dry clothes without creasing in just 60 minutes;
• night mode, guaranteeing silent, but effective washing and drying of linen.

Popular manufacturers

The best manufacturers of washer-dryers are:

1. Hotpoint-Ariston - 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 9640B;
• RDPD 96407;
• AQD 1070D 49;
• AQD 1071D 69.

2. Bosch is a German company that is a leading provider of technologies and services in the field of consumer goods.
   The manufacturer provides a wide range of washer-dryers, but the most popular are:

• WDU 28590;
• WVG 30461;
• WVH 28442;
• WVG30460PL.

3. LG is a South Korean company that produces functional household appliances for a comfortable life.
   Experts recommend to purchase:

• F-1296CD3;
• FH-2G6NDG2;
• F-1496AD3;
• F2J6NM0W.

Customer Reviews

If you have used the products discussed in the article, please leave a review in the form below.

Your review will help someone make a choice. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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conclusions

When planning to purchase a washing machine with a drying function, you should remember that:

• choosing the best model First of all, you should pay attention to the energy class, drying technology, dimensions and capacity of the drum;
• take account of necessary and download typeby choosing the most convenient option for yourself in advance;
• additional features increase the cost of the appliance, however, their presence will make working with the machine simple and comfortable.

Useful video

This video provides tips on what to look for and what you need to know before buying a washer-dryer: