Laundry · Washer Dryers
Washer Dryer or Two Separate Machines?
If you are short on space, the washer dryer is tempting: one machine that both washes and dries, in the footprint of a single appliance. But it is a genuine trade-off, and for a busy household two separate machines often win. Here is how to decide.
A washer dryer combines washing and drying in one machine, so it needs only one space and one set of water and waste connections, ideal for apartments and small kitchens with no room for two appliances. The trade-offs are that its drying capacity is usually smaller than its wash capacity (so you may dry in two batches), you cannot wash and dry at the same time, and with two functions in one unit there is more to go wrong. Two separate machines cost more space but give you full capacity, let you wash one load while drying another, and are generally more robust. Choose a washer dryer for space, separate machines for capacity and throughput.
See heat pump, condenser or vented for the dryer decision, and what size washing machine do you need for capacity, then browse the washer dryer range.
The case for a washer dryer
Space, simply. A washer dryer fits where only one machine will go and uses one plumbing point, which makes it the natural choice for apartments, compact kitchens and homes with no utility room. For a household that does not do huge volumes of laundry, one appliance that does both is convenient and tidy, and modern washer dryers wash as well as a standalone machine.
The case for two machines
- Full drying capacity. A separate dryer usually dries as much as the washer washes, so no splitting loads.
- Throughput. You can dry one load while washing the next, a real difference for a busy family.
- Reliability. Two simpler machines tend to be more robust than one doing both jobs.
- Flexibility. You can choose the best washer and the best dryer type (e.g. a heat pump dryer) separately.
Compared
| Washer dryer | Two machines | |
|---|---|---|
| Space | One appliance | Two appliances |
| Drying capacity | Often smaller than wash | Full capacity |
| Wash + dry at once | No | Yes |
| Running cost of drying | Fixed to the unit | Can choose a heat pump dryer |
| Best for | Apartments, small spaces | Families, high throughput |
Which suits you
If space decides it, an apartment, a galley kitchen, no room for two, a washer dryer is the sensible answer. If you have the space and do a lot of laundry, two machines give you more capacity, faster turnaround and the option of an efficient heat pump dryer. Brennan's stocks both washer dryers and separate machines, and will help you match the choice to your space and your washing.
Frequently asked
Is a washer dryer as good as two separate machines?
Can you wash and dry at the same time in a washer dryer?
Are washer dryers good for apartments?
Find your right setup
Brennan's Electrical is an Arklow-based electrical and appliance retailer. We stock washer dryers, washing machines and tumble dryers, with honest advice on which one actually suits your home, plus local delivery, installation and old-appliance removal that the big chains don't match. For more on energy-efficient laundry appliances, see SEAI's home energy advice.