Washer Dryers are an important part of any kitchen, a focal point of family life and a place where space is at a premium. Washer Dryers have evolved into highly efficient appliances in their use of electricity, water and time. Some Washer Dryers now have a form of Artificial Intelligence and can guide themselves as to how much water and detergent to use, and which wash programme is suitable for a particular load, saving you electricity.

A good example of this is Whirlpools 6th Sense Range. Modern Washer Dryers are also exceptionally functional and are able to clean your laundry while taking care to protect your most delicate fabrics. Below we explain exactly what you need to know in order to choose the right Washer Dryer for your needs. If you would like any further information please contact us at Armagh Electrical.com or visit Dalzell’s of Markethill.

What Type of Washer Dryer?

There are two main types of Washer dryers to choose from: Freestanding and Integrated (Built-in). Your choice is determined by how you want your Washer Dryer to look in your Kitchen or Laundry Room. Freestanding Washer Dryers push under an existing worktop or kitchen unit with the front of the appliance visible and all its functions easily to hand. Integrated or Built-in Washer Dryers are fully integrated into your kitchen or laundry room and are hidden when the door is closed. This way you maintain the overall design and look of your kitchen or laundry room.

• Freestanding Washer Dryers
• Integrated (Built-in) Washer Dryers

Laundry Load

Washer Dryers are available in a wide range of capacities and the Laundry Load is an important factor in your choice of Washer Dryer. Washer Dryers usually have a different wash load to their drying load. Key questions to ask yourself are: how much drying is done, how often, and for how many people? If you are single or a couple for example a Washer Dryer with a smaller capacity may be perfectly adequate. But if you are doing laundry for a family you will probably need to consider a Washer Dryer with a larger capacity. A further benefit of a larger capacity Tumble Dryer is that these appliances are able to accommodate more unusual washes, such as duvets. They also help to reduce the amount of creases in your laundry and therefore the amount of ironing needed. A reverse drum Tumble Dryer is also worth considerin. This will help prevent your clothes getting tangled and creasing heavily, making the ironing more straightforward.

Spin Speed

The Spin Speed of your Washing Dryer determines the amount of water that is removed from your wash load, therefore reducing the drying time of your laundry. Modern Washer Dryers have Spin Speeds of anywhere between 1000-1600rpm. Modern Washer Dryers will typically have at least two speeds. For delicates and wool washes it is between 400-800rpm and for cottons, manmade fabrics etc you can expect it to be anywhere between 1000-1600rpm. Some of the latest Washer Dryers have Variable Spin Speed functions, allowing them to change the cycle speed at different points in the programme. It is worth remembering that Washing Machines with higher Spin Speeds generate more noise and vibrations. A Washer Dryer of between 1400-1600rpm on average generates around 50-60dB of noise.

Efficiency and the Environment

All Washer Dryers have a European Union Energy Label which is designed to give you all the information you require about the Energy consumption of that particular appliance. These labels are colour coded and give alphabetical ratings (A-G) on the overall Energy Performance, Spin Performance and Wash Performance. Some of the most efficient appliances have been awarded the Energy Saving Trust’s accreditation and this is largely seen as the gold standard. Armagh Electrical.com and Dalzell’s of Markethill have Energy Saving Trust Retailer accreditation for our product knowledge, range of appliances and our commitment to the Environment. Please contact us if you require any further advice. Some of the latest Tumble Dryers have a Timer Delay function to allow you to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and others have a type of Artificial Intelligence that will determine the most efficient programme. An example of this is Whirlpools 6th Sense range, or the Fuzzy Logic feature found in AEG appliances.

Positioning

When planning where to site your Washer Dryer you need to consider that it will require connection to the mains water supply and possibly a source of hot water, depending on the model. There should also be access for the waste pipe through an inlet to the U-bend of your sink or into a separate waste pipe. The surface on which the appliance will stand should be level; this reduces noise and vibrations (the appliance’s feet can be adjusted slightly to help). A guidance size of 850mm x 600mm x 600mm H x D x W should be allowed, but please measure your space before you order. Washer Dryers are heavy – please ensure you have help when fitting your appliance.

Manager’s Tip

When planning your purchase it’s a good idea to consider what guarantee the manufacturer is providing, as well as your budget and specific needs. Most manufacturers, like Zanussi, Electrolux and Beko, will offer a one-year warranty, but some – such as Hotpoint – offer an additional five years of parts cover. Bosch offers a full two-year warranty and their Washing Machines offer excellent value for this extra piece of mind. Miele also offers a two-year guarantee, or sometimes longer, but their appliances have a premium price.

Go to Washer Dryers to purchase your appliance now.