Features of choosing a washing machine with a drying function

In Russia, most people still dry clothes on a rope or battery.

But the symbiosis of washing machines and dryers has long appeared on the home appliance market.

Is it worth it to become the owner of this miracle technology?

There is a prejudice against washer-dryers in terms of their reliability. Some argue that compared to a washing machine for washing, they are technically more difficult.

We study the washing machine with the drying function

To understand how to choose a washer-dryer, you need to understand the differences between washing machines for washing and dryers. The fact is that a conventional washing machine performs 3 cycles:

1. wash,
2. rinsing,
3. spin.

The machine with dryer performs 4 cycles, supplementing the above set with drying.

Design

1. TEN.
2. Fan with air duct.
3. Drum with blades.
4. Humidity sensors.
5. Condensate tank (not available on some models).

A survey of specialists involved in this technique was conducted and it turned out that the main problem of operation is the mistakes of the owners of such equipment. Frequent causes of malfunctions are overloading the laundry during drying.

Take or not?

According to a study, a washer-dryer saves about 15 hours of time for the hostess.

A washing and drying appliance is a great option if you are tired of hanging clothes in the apartment, but there is no desire to spend money on expensive equipment. Of course, if finances and space allow, it is better to get a dryer that can dry as much laundry as it was washed. The dimensions of this unit almost correspond to a standard washing machine, and there are more programs for mono-functional equipment, which cannot be said about combined ones.

Advantages and disadvantages of a washer-dryer

What is the difference between a washer dryer and a washing machine? Firstly, it can wash and dry. Saves space. That's where the positives probably end.

The disadvantages include the inability to dry all the laundry in one cycle. For this reason, tumble dryers are much larger than washing machines.

If the washer-dryer is used improperly, clothes wear out quickly.

If you plan to constantly wash more than 2-3 people or there is a lot of washing, but you don’t want to pay for electricity, you should think about whether you really need this technique?

Drying technology

The washer-dryer is equipped with an additional heating element that heats the air and fills the washing machine tank through a special air duct.

Drying can be

1. Condensation. This is when the heated air, which has absorbed moisture, passes through a condenser that uses cold water for dehumidification, where it loses moisture and heat, and then, already dehumidified, it enters through the air duct and the heater back into the drum filled with laundry. With this method of drying, water consumption increases.
2. Condensing but no water. The principle of operation is slightly different, the hot air that has passed through the heating element draws moisture out of the laundry and enters the tank. And here already this air is cooled by room temperature. That is, in the washer-dryer there is an additional fan that sucks air from the room. Further, the dry air, having passed again through the heating element, returns to the drum, the moisture goes into the sewer. This method is water-saving.
3. By timer. At the same time, the owner of the equipment himself determines the fabric and sets the drying mode. The maximum time is 3 hours.
4. According to the degree of residual moisture. It is also called "smart" drying. Technically, this is a process that is much more efficient than the previous one. With this method, there is a sensor at the bottom and a “smart” Fuzzy Logic system, which is able to determine the humidity of the laundry based on temperature and air humidity. Drying stops when the set humidity is reached.

With such drying, a choice of three degrees is possible:

1. “under the iron“- by the name you can already guess that things will have to be ironed;
2. “into the cupboard”- the linen is immediately dry, you can put it in the closet;
3. “on a hanger”- such things can sag with light wrinkling and complete drying and I need it.

Not so long ago, drying by residual moisture was typical for premium models, today this feature is available in almost all washer-dryers.

Characteristics of the washer-dryer

Before you buy, you need to know the features of choosing a washing machine with a drying function. Washer-dryers are marked with letters from A to G. The washing class determines the quality of the washed laundry.

So, what quality of washing carries the marking:

• F and G are not good;
• C, D, and E mean;
• A and B are excellent.

To determine the quality of the spin, a similar division is characteristic and depends on the residual moisture after the spin. This characteristic is determined by dividing the difference in weight between dry and wet laundry and multiplying it by 100 percent. For class A, a residual moisture content of linen of 45% is allowed, B - no more than 54%, C - the maximum indicator of 63% and D - up to 72%. Class D is almost non-existent these days.

If we consider the amount of energy consumed during the operation of washing and drying equipment, then it is also marked with similar Latin letters. The index of efficient energy use is calculated in kWh per kg of laundry.

The energy efficiency is affected by the use of the dryer, as it is the more energy intensive part of laundry care. Washing machines labeled A have the lowest energy consumption, and G has the highest.

Once again, I would like to mention the fact that without the “drying” mode, electricity consumption is significantly reduced. In the modern world, washer-dryers with an efficiency class below C are almost impossible to detect, just like washing machines with a class below B.

What not to do when operating a washer-dryer

1. Overload the drum with linen.
2. Connect several appliances at the same time to the outlet with the washing machine.
3. Tumble dry nylon, foam rubber, down jackets, wool.
4. Let children use the control unit.

Which washer dryer to choose in 2017?

Samsung Eco-bubble WD1142XVR

This washing machine is spacious and safe. Favorably differs from other washer-dryers in its bright design and functionality. It is larger than others, and at a cost more expensive than other models. This Korean washing machine was created with a stylish beauty of Tango red, which is not typical for such equipment.

The highlight of the Samsung WD1142XVR is the Eco Bubble washing technology, that is, air foam is formed before washing due to mixing the powder with water, and therefore the quality of washing is improved. You can’t find fault with the Samsung washing machine, you can wash:

• cotton at different temperatures;
• synthetics;
• woolen things;
• bed sheets;
• sports things;
• Kids' things;
• without water (dry wash) with hot air only;
• economical, intensive, fast.

There is auto-weighing, washing control, odor removal and sterilization.

This model dries to a certain degree of humidity with a fast drying mode that lasts about 40 minutes. As for loading laundry, this is, of course, a champion. She can easily handle a weight of 14 kg and can dry 7 kg.

This best washer-dryer is sealed, equipped with sensors that, in the event of liquid ingress, turn off the water supply.

Bosch WVD24460OE

This model is strict, without show off, standard white. There is no auto-weighting in this model, but the functionality is at a high level. A large number of programs allows you to wash different things in different modes: cotton, synthetics, wool, sportswear, children's clothes, special care, quick wash.

There is an extra rinse and adjustable spin. An interesting function is “night”. The bosch washing machine with dryer features a special drum design, which saves on electricity, water and powder. Drying is easier compared to Samsung: “intense” and “gentle”. The maximum drying time is 2 hours.

Bosch WVD24460OE has standard dimensions. Able to wash 5 kg, and dry 2.5 kg, which of course is not enough and this is a good solution.

Siemens WD14H441

Siemens is similar in functionality to the previous model. The design is a little modest, but the sunroof with a black insert draws attention. Modest, boring and tasteful.

The user himself regulates the washing temperature, there are many programs to choose from: cotton, synthetics, mixed fabrics, wool, shirts, sportswear, children's, products with a climatic membrane.

The siemens washing machine with dryer features a refresh mode for things, there is also an odor elimination function. Drying in this model is carried out without water. The wash drum with drop-shaped protrusions allows you to wash things strongly and in a gentle mode. There is no auto weighing.

Loading, build quality and number of programs - no complaints.

Siemens WD 15H541 - premium equipment, 15 programs, convenient touch display.

LG F1496AD3

Its design is distinguished by the illumination of programs (a feature of the South Korean manufacturer). Programs of a standard set and plus the mode "intensive 60" for cotton. The drum is characterized by a textured surface and 6 Motion technology, that is, 6 care movements: saturation, wiggle, reverse rotation, smoothing, twisting and basic rotation.

For lg, a washing model with a dryer is characterized by a setting in time and in terms of the degree of humidity. Eco-drying is inherent, that is, from 30 to 150 minutes. The peculiarity is that after drying, the washing machine automatically switches to the “cooling” mode for 4 hours if the washing machine is not unloaded.

Loading laundry for washing 4 kg, and drying the same amount.

LG FH-2A8HDM2N

The advantage of this model is a good price, quiet operation, a large load of 7 kg of laundry with a 4 kg dryer with 12 programs, including the ability to remove stains.

Indesit IWDC 6105 (EU)

Italian model from different manufacturers. Inexpensive, which is evident in the design. Indesit does not have a panel. There is a timer to delay washing. There are only two positions for spinning - 500 and 1000 revolutions. Models are budget, but these characteristics do not affect the quality of washing. Drying can be set by time or by degree of residual moisture. The only but - a hole in the cuff of the hatch.

Indesit IWDC 6105 is characterized by the ability to load laundry up to 6 kg and dry 5 kg. In the presence of 13 washing and drying programs (3 programs). The disadvantages include drying for more than 4 hours.

Hotpoint-Ariston FDD 9640 B

Differs in capacity (9 kg), has 16 programs of washing and the function "protection from children". The model has a disadvantage in the remainder of the washable powder from the compartment.

Candy GVW45 385TC

Kandy is also equipped with 16 programs with automatic load detection. Candy washer-dryer is a tidy washer with a wide hatch, but noisy when spinning.

Zanussi ZKG2125

This Italian model comes with the usual feature set. Decent design and quality. Looks budget, but everything is adequately done.

Considering the review and not considering the Samsung Eco-bubble WD1142XVR model, LG-F1496AD3 has an advantage among conventional models. The second place is taken by Siemens WD14H441, and the third by Bosch WVD24460OE.

Washer-dryers are the perfect solution for:

• bachelors;
• families of 2 people;
• small families with a small child;
• for people living in small apartments without balconies and the possibility of traditional drying on a rope.