Saving money and space: TOP 5 functional washer-dryers

The representative of the RapidO line of Candy company is a front—mounted washing machine with a drying function. With dimensions of 85x60x58 cm, the model has a large load of 9 kg of cotton, which, usually, is enough for large families.

Candy RapidO ROW 4964 DWME/1-S offers a rich set of programs in general (16) and fast cycles (up to an hour) in particular (9). And the Daily Hygiene mode with an operating temperature of 60 °C and a duration of 59 minutes, according to the manufacturer, can be the optimal choice for daily washing.

The washing machine is equipped with an inverter motor Speed Drive, which differs from traditional brush analogues with increased durability and economy. It is able to spin the drum up to a speed of 1400 rpm, providing an acceptable spin quality (Class B).

For more effective disposal of residual moisture, drying with a maximum load of 6 kg is proposed. Different cycles are available: joint Wash and Dry and separate: cold (Low Heat) and hot blowing (High Heat), a special mode for drying wool (Dry Wool). The latter is certified by Woolmark, which means that careful handling is guaranteed in the corresponding programme for wool products.

Candy RapidO ROW 4964 DWME/1-S supports steam wash. The corresponding function can be added to many basic programs to remove unpleasant odours, reduce the creasing of things and the time of subsequent ironing.

The washing machine is also equipped with a Wi-Fi module, which opens the possibility of remote control via the Internet. The proprietary simply-Fi application creates its own programs and downloads additional ones, offers tips on their choice, etc. And you can also command the device with the help of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa assistants (if you have smart speakers at home with their support).

The reviews say that at the stage of synchronization of the washing machine with the application, difficulties sometimes arise, and even with subsequent remote control, errors and failures occur. But anyway, as for its affordable price, Candy RapidO ROW 4964 DWME/1-S is a good option for those who are looking for a roomy washing and drying unit with in—demand functions.

The washing machine, which joined the PerfectCare 700 line of Electrolux in 2020, belongs to the solutions of the middle class. The model has acquired an inverter motor, which is covered by a 10-year official warranty. By the way, in addition to reliability, the inverter has a beneficial effect on efficiency and noise level (when washing, it is no higher than 51 dB, and during spin — up to 76 dB).

Electrolux PerfectCare 700 EW7W368SP will provide a good spin with a speed of up to 1600 rpm.

The washing machine allows you to dry things efficiently using water condensation technology. The corresponding cycle is started together with the washing (the Wash & Dry programme and its fast 60-minute Non-Stop variation) or separately. As additional options, the duration of drying or its degree is configured with three available options to choose from: extrasushka, in the closet and under the iron.

In total, Electrolux PerfectCare 700 EW7W368SP has 14 programs. In addition to individual cycles for different types of fabrics, a fast, economical and delicate mode is offered. There is also an anti-allergic laundry and a steam function that can refresh the laundry and reduce the number of folds on clothes. Both washing and drying of wool is approved by Woolmark: therefore, you have the right to count on a full cycle of delicate automatic care of woolen things.

On the right, in the upper part of the washing machine body, there is a touch-controlled display. A familiar rotary switch is offered to select programs. For protection from children, the controls are easily locked.

The disadvantages of the model include a small maximum load for drying of 4 kg, which may not suit families with children. Today, with a washing capacity of 8 kg, the main competitors are increasingly offering to dry 5 + kg at a time. If this is not a critical moment, then Electrolux PerfectCare 700 EW7W368SP is almost the best choice for users with an abundance of wool products in the wardrobe.

The LG washing machine is positioned as a solution with standard dimensions (the dimensions of the case, taking into account the protrusions in front and back — 85x60x62 cm) and the drying function. It is permissible to load up to 8 kg (for washing) and up to 5 kg (for drying) into a drum having stainless steel stiffeners. These are quite good parameters for an average family.

Drying in LG AI DD F4V5TG0W is offered as a separate cycle, and together with washing. Plus, it is adjustable in time, the level of residual humidity, air temperature, etc. And a high-quality spin of 1400 rpm (class A) allows you to remove moisture after washing.

The washing machine has acquired 14 programs, including an everyday, delicate, silent, fast cycle. Self-cleaning mode is available for drum care. And in two programs — Children's clothing and Hypoallergenic washing — additional steam treatment is provided to remove allergens, pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

The AI DD proprietary system is also responsible for the quality of dirt removal and careful handling of laundry. It is stated that it analyzes the density and softness of the fabric of the loaded items, and then selects one of 20K drum rotation algorithms "sewn" into the electronics of the device.

LG AI DD F4V5TG0W is equipped not only with an inverter, but also with a direct drive. The design, in which the rotation from the motor to the drum is transmitted without a belt, increases overall reliability, reduces noise and vibrations.

The washing machine also supports LG ThinQ technology. With it, integration into the smart home eco-system of the same name, remote control via Wi-Fi with the creation of its own programs, monitoring of consumption parameters, quick troubleshooting is possible. To interact with the device is possible not only from a smartphone, but a voice (assistant works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Yandex Alice).

For traditional control, there is a touch panel and a rotary knob. However, some owners complain that a number of basic options, like a separate rinse cycle, are launched exclusively from a smartphone, and this is not always convenient. Otherwise, LG AI DD F4V5TG0W is one of the optimal solutions with a dryer in the middle price segment.

The model belongs to the Samsung AddWash series, which means it provides a hatch of the same name for reloading. It is convenient and easy to add things with it after starting the cycle: if you forgot about them or some of the stages (for example, pre-washing) were not required.

The Samsung WD10N64PR2W drum is "ready to accept" a lot indeed: the load for washing reaches 10.5 kg of cotton linen, and for drying — 6 kg. Solid capacity has led to an increase in dimensions in depth: they, taking into account various protrusions, are 68 cm, which is a drawback of the model.

The manufacturer has equipped the washing machine with a digital inverter. It is reliable and not too noisy. For example, when pressing, the noise level is no higher than 73 dB, while its revolutions can reach 1400 rpm (class corresponds to the maximum rating A).

The proprietary "filling" is complemented by the technology of air-bubble washingEco Bubble and SmartThings remote control. The first function serves to reduce energy consumption and effectively remove contaminants at a lower water temperature (implemented in an economical cycle). The second allows you to customize the operation of the device with the smartphone, schedule washings, to perform a self-test and even give commands to the machine voice (compatible with brand assistant Bixby, Google Assistant Yandex Alice).

There are 13 programs available to choose from in the washing machine (the mobile application allows you to expand their list). Along with popular washing modes, including fast and daily, there is a hypoallergenic steam treatment that removes allergens and bacteria. Plus, there are 4 drying programs: regular, delicate, refreshing and a 59-minute washing + drying cycle.

The shortcomings of the model include not the lowest water consumption (147 liters) and the basic energy consumption class (A), but for washing and drying units this is the norm.

Samsung WD10N64PR2W is a device with a large capacity and a rich set of functions with an adequate price tag and size.

The debutant of 2021 in the Miele line refers to entry-level washing and drying machines. But even here there are features peculiar to premium products. These include not only a high-speed (1500 rpm) class A spin, support for branded CapDosing capsules, a high-quality ProfiEco motor, but also a durable stainless steel drum that can last longer than the washing machine itself.

The reliability of the tank does not go against its safety for laundry. The drum in Miele WTD 160 WCS has a special honeycomb structure that protects the fabric from intense wear.

The washing machine is made in a restrained design with the usual controls, namely a small LED screen and a slightly protruding rotary switch. The latter is used to select programs, and the display with sensors will help with user settings or blocking the panel from children.

In addition to the traditional controls, there is built-in Wi-Fi. Thanks to it and the Miele@home mobile application, you can remotely control the device, receive notifications on the status of programme execution on your smartphone, etc.

In addition to washing, Miele WTD 160 WCS allows you to dry laundry. Together, these functions are available when loading up to 5 kg of things into the drum (this is the maximum capacity for drying). And if you only need to remove dirt, then the maximum load is 8 kg.

A total of 12 work programs are given, and most of them are relevant for both washing and drying. That is, the optimal mode is found for various types of fabric, including cotton, synthetics, jeans, delicate products. Separately, it is also worth highlighting the lint flushing programme. With it, after drying, it is not necessary to manually remove the fabric pellets from the drum, which is considered a typical routine procedure for owners of washing and drying machines (in automatic dryers, a pile filter is provided for this case).

The cost of the washing machine can scare you away from buying, but among the brothers Miele WTD 160 WCS is one of the most affordable, besides its price tag fully corresponds to the build quality and functionality.