Best washer-dryers 2025: space-saving 2-in-1 machines

The best washer-dryers will thoroughly clean your clothes and then dry them evenly, without costing a fortune to run.

We've seen big differences between the models we've tested, from those that excel as Best Buys to several Don't Buys to avoid, plus those that will give you just average results. 

Read on to discover the top performers, or head to our washer-dryer reviews to compare all the models we've tested.

Get our expert tips for making smarter consumer choices. Sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter

Best washer-dryers for 2025

Every year we rigorously test washer-dryers – from ease of use to the quality of the spin-cycle – to find the best model for you. Only logged-in members can see our full list of the best washer-dryers in our table below. Join Which? to get instant access to our Best Buys and expert reviews.

Washer-dryer reviews by type

• Freestanding washer-dryer reviews
• Integrated washer-dryer reviews

Washer-dryer reviews by price

• Washer-dryers under £400
• Washer-dryers under £500
• Washer-dryers under £600

See our guide to washer-dryer features to find out more about the key things you should consider when buying

Why you should trust our washer-dryer reviews

We wash and dry more than 1,300kg of laundry a year in our rigorous tests so you can be sure the machines we recommend really do live up to their claims. The best washer-dryers will leave your clothes sparkling clean and fresh, while the worst will make you wish you’d never pressed start. 

In order to remain impartial and unbiased, we never accept free samples or 'gifted' products and always buy them directly from retailers – exactly the same way you do. We try to emulate the day-to-day consumer experience as much possible in our tests, so we can provide you with all the necessary information you need to make a final buying decision.

Our washer-dryer reviews are solely based on the thorough lab testing and assessments that we carry out at Which? – nobody else goes to the lengths we do to weed out the good from the bad. 

Read more on how we test our washer-dryers

Which type of washer-dryer should you buy?

Freestanding washer-dryers

On freestanding models, the front of the machine will always be visible and won’t be hidden away like an integrated machine.

Drum capacities vary, but an average-sized one will take around 8kg of washing and 5kg of drying.

See all our freestanding washer-dryer reviews.

Integrated washer-dryers

The front of an integrated washer-dryer is covered with a kitchen door panel when it's installed. 

Drum capacities tend to be smaller than with freestanding washer-dryers. Most models have a wash capacity of around 7kg and a dry capacity of 5kg.

See all our integrated washer-dryer reviews, or read our guide on how to buy the best integrated washer-dryer.

Do I need a vent?

Vented dryers remove warm air through a hose or vent that leads out of the house, for example through a window. Washer-dryers usually don't need a vent, as most cool air inside the machine and the remaining water is drained away. 

Pros and cons of washer-dryers

Pros

• Space saving Being able to combine two machines into one is probably the best thing about a washer-dryer. This means they're ideal for those who are short on space, don’t have a garden to hang out washing or simply don’t want too many large appliances in their home.
• Upfront cost If you’ve just moved home and you need new appliances, or if your washing machine and tumble dryer have conveniently packed up at the same time, opting for a washer-dryer means you save money buying one machine instead of two.
• Automatic drying Almost all washer-dryers nowadays have sensor-driven automatic drying programs. This means that the machine sets the drying time based on the humidity in the drum. Some are much more accurate than others – while some over-dry clothes, which could lead to shrinkage and fabrics becoming damaged, others leave clothes too wet.

Cons

• Running cost As with most standard washing machines, the wash cycle is generally efficient and economical in a washer dryer. However, the dry cycle typically uses more energy than a traditional condenser or vented tumble dryer.
• Drum size The drum capacity for washing is always larger than the capacity for drying. This means that if you fill it to capacity for the wash cycle, you'll have to remove some garments before the dry cycle. If you tend to wash as much as you can in one load, this could be a hassle.
• Lack of choice Naturally there will be less choice for washer-dryers, compared with traditional washing machines and tumble dryers, because there's less demand for them. So if you’re looking for a different colour or specific features, finding the perfect product might be a bit more difficult

Which washer-dryer is quietest?

When you’re in the shop, you won’t be able to tell how noisy different models are. So, if having a quiet appliance is important, see our washer-dryer reviews and use the 'quietness' filter to see the appliances that get at least a four-star rating for this feature.

We include a noise star rating for all models we review. The more stars, the quieter the machine will be.

Which washer-dryers use the least water?

Almost all washer-dryers use water when drying. They use it to cool the condenser, and it's this that turns the steamy air into water, which can be drained away from the machine. An average-sized one (8kg washing and 5kg drying) will use around 20,000 litres per year in total to wash and dry.

Which washer-dryer brand won't break down?

Washer-dryers are two machines in one so, in theory, there’s more that can go wrong with them. 

Every year, we contact thousands of members and get feedback to find out how reliable washer-dryer brands are. 

Our research also shows that paying more doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get a more reliable machine. In fact, the brand with the lowest average cost achieved a decent 70% reliability rating. 

Discover which washer-dryer brand is the most reliable

How much should you spend on a washer-dryer?

A washer-dryer can cost anything from just over £350 to around £1,000. 

You might expect more expensive washer-dryers to perform better, but we've found cheaper models that score higher than their pricier counterparts, proving that money can't always buy performance.

That's why it's important to check our washer-dryer reviews before buying, so you can be sure you're getting value for money, whatever your budget.

How much does a washer-dryer cost to run?

Running costs for washer-dryers can be expensive, but opting for a more efficient machine will help to save money in the long run.

Based on the energy price cap in place from July 2025, a typical 7kg washer-dryer (with 4kg drying capacity) will cost £158 a year to run on average. A 12kg washer-dryer (8kg drying capacity) will cost an average of £222 a year to run. Drying makes up the majority of these costs.

We'll give you the usage cost in each of our reviews, so you can compare the most and least expensive models. 

See our guide to the best energy-efficient washer-dryers to discover washer-dryer energy-saving tips

Washer-dryer size, capacity and spin speed

How big is a washer dryer?

Most washer-dryers are between 595 and 600mm wide. They are designed to fit into a space 600mm wide. The standard height of a front-loading washing dryer is 850mm high. But there can be exceptions, so check the specifications before choosing a model.

Depth can vary, though – ranging from around 40cm to 70cm. Avoid having your machine sticking out into the walkway of your kitchen by checking the specs of a model against the space you have in your home before you buy it.

What size drum should I look for?

Washer-dryers always have two drum capacities – one for washing and one for drying, and they can always wash a larger load than they can dry.

Think about how often you wash your clothes and the amount of garments you wash in one go. If you have lots of clothes but you only like to do two loads a week, a larger drum size will suit. 

Typical washing to drying capacity for a 8kg drum size

• 8kg wash capacity 11 towels
• 5kg dryer capacity 7 towels

What spin speed do I need?

A good spin can remove most of the water from your clothes, which reduces the amount of drying time you’ll need. We've found that higher spin speeds often do a great job of removing water from your clothes, but not every time. 

Spin speeds typically go from 1,000rpm to 1,600rpm, and you may have to pay more for a model with a higher spin speed. Faster isn’t always better, though, as we’ve tested washer-dryers with 1,400rpm spin speeds that do a better job of removing moisture from clothes than a model with a 1,600rpm spin.

Find our which washer-dryer brands have the best breakdown record with our guide to the most reliable washer-dryer brands

Where to buy a washer-dryer

While cheaper models are always tempting, our in-depth tests show it's worth stretching your budget to around £500 for a great model that washes and dries well.

Popular online retailers that sell washer-dryers include the following:

• AO has more than 100 freestanding washer-dryers with prices starting at around £300.
• Appliances Direct sells washer-dryers with claimed wash loads of around 9kg and next-day delivery available.
• Argos primarily stocks freestanding washer-dryers and has a smaller selection of integrated models. It offers fixed monthly payment plans.
• Currys sells washer-dryers with prices ranging from £329 to more than £1,000. Standard delivery within two working days is free, or you can opt for a next-day time slot from £35.
• John Lewis sells washer-dryers at a range of prices and offers a free 10-hour standard delivery slot for large items.

To see which washer-dryer retailers are rated highly by Which? members, discover the best tech and appliance shops