How do washer dryers work?

What Is a Washer Dryer?

A washer dryer is available as both a freestanding and integrated appliance that combines the functions you would expect to see from a standalone washing machine and tumble dryer.

The washer dryer is a favourite among many households for its space saving, meaning you do not require two separate machines – one for washing, and one for drying.

Whilst there are many benefits to the washer dryer combo, another major one is the ability to load the machine once, and unload with fresh, clean and dry clothes – rather than having to unload after the wash cycle, and transfer to a standalone dryer.

At Beko there are many washer dryer units available for purchase, with each appliance having varied washing and drying capacity, spin speeds and features .

A washer dryer will have two capacities when you are reviewing a product page, which are:

Washing capacity: The most common washing capacity of the machine is either 7, 8 or 9kg – but Beko do have two machines with the capability to wash up to 10 and 12kg.

Drying capacity: There are also options for the drying capacity, with Beko machines offering 4, 5, 6 or 8kg as the weight capability.

Do Washer Dryers Need a Vent?

No, Beko washer dryers do not need a vent. Beko washer dryers are ventless and do not need an externally vented hose, meaning you will be able to install your appliance anywhere in your home. They extract moisture from the clothes and release it as steam, before the steam is condensed back into water and drained away at the end of a cycle.

Are Combo Washer Dryers Any Good?

Whilst combo washer dryers have many benefits, it is also worth considering the negatives too, which we delve into a little further here:

Pros: The biggest benefit of a combo washer dryer is the space you can save instead of having two separate machines for the same functionality. There is also the time-saving element, eliminating the need to transfer laundry between machines. You still have complete control of whether you wish to wash and dry, or simply wash or dry.

Cons: The negatives to consider are that you are more likely to endure longer drying times compared to standalone dryers. And with the size of the drum tending to be smaller, too, consumers are also likely to see energy usage is higher, and the appliance in general being less energy efficient.

Small Size Washer Dryer Options

With a variety of different washer dryer sizes on offer at Beko, a consumer will find it easy to buy a machine with the correct dimensions for their living space.

The small size washer dryers are a great option for consumers living in apartments, or who have a small laundry room, as they will fit into tight areas where a standalone washer dryer could not.

If you are looking for a suitable washer dryer to fit into a tight space, the ‘Washer Dryer with 7kg / 4kg Capacity with SteamCure’ could be a great option, with a height of 840 millimetres (mm), a width of 600mm, and a depth of only 500mm.

How to Stack a Dryer on a Washer

Even with the benefits of an integrated or freestanding washer dryer, a consumer may still choose to have a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.

If a consumer is living in a property where space is considered an issue, then stacking a tumble dryer and washing machine is a good option.

Before stacking a dryer on a washer, it is important to consult the product manual to ensure that both your appliances are compatible.

It is also important to be thorough when checking the dimensions of the space where the machines will go to make sure the two appliances fit safely.

A stacking kit will need to be purchased so that the appliances are hazard-free and secure. Without this, you raise the risk of your tumble dryer falling during a cycle.

FAQs About How Washer Dryers Work

Do all washer dryers work well?

The answer really depends on what your laundry requirements are. If you need to maximise space and your washing loads are smaller and frequent, then a washer dryer may well be the answer for you.

How long do washer dryers last?

General maintenance and looking after the appliance should extend the lifetime of the machine, but the general expectation is that a washer dryer could last between 7 and 12 years.

How does a washer dryer drain?

A washer dryer will drain by extracting moisture from the clothes and releasing it as steam, before the steam is condensed back into water and drained away at the end of a cycle.

Do all washer dryers need a vent?

No Beko washer dryers require a vent.