Narrow washing machines with a drying function: features, types and selection

Washing machines with a built-in dryer allow you to use your clothes and linen immediately after washing. Unfortunately, usually the dimensions of such devices exceed those usual for classical types of technology. Therefore, it is worth considering the features and main types of narrow washing machines with a drying function, as well as listening to the advice of experts on their choice.

The washer-dryer is a version of the classic washing machine, which, due to the installation of an additional heating element and auxiliary systems, allows you to dry linen and clothes immediately after washing. The first such model was released by Bendix Home Appliances back in 1953. But in those years, the capabilities of the technology did not allow achieving good quality washing and drying, as well as a sufficient level of reliability of such a device, so for many years the idea of ​​a combined machine was forgotten.

Only in the last few years have combo machines started to appear in the assortment of such leading manufacturers of washing equipment as Electrolux, Siemens, Samsung, Indesit, Daewoo, Ariston and LG... Devices with a dryer cannot yet seriously compete with the classic options, but they are already gaining more and more popularity in the Russian market.

The main advantages of the technique are:

• saving space in the apartment, because one such device replaces both an ordinary washing machine and a dryer;
• saving time - you do not need to shift clothes between the washing machine and the dryer, it is enough to load all the things into the drum once and select the desired mode;
• a decrease in the level of humidity in the apartment due to the refusal to hang linen, which has a positive effect on the microclimate and health of the household;
• modern technical solutions.

The main disadvantages of these products:

• the combined option will cost 25-40% more than a conventional washing machine with similar characteristics;
• high-quality drying of laundry and clothes requires 2 times more free volume of the drum than washing, as a result, when using the combined mode, you will have to load 2 times fewer items into the device than with a regular wash;
• higher, in comparison with classical devices, power consumption;
• the need to sort things by type of fabric for the right choice of drying mode;
• incorrect operation is fraught with an increase in the rate of wear of things;
• a high percentage of failures due to the complexity and novelty of the used technical solutions;
• the complexity (and high cost) of repair and search for components.

A significant advantage of combined devices with a narrow layout over larger options is their compactness, which allows you to save space in your apartment. The main disadvantage of this technique is a smaller load volume compared to wider models with similar characteristics. Most of the narrow models have a drum capacity of up to 8 kg when washing and up to 4 kg when drying.

Combo devices can be classified both by their design and by the mechanism of their operation.

Currently, there are two options for constructive options for washer-dryers.

• With horizontal loading - in such devices, laundry is loaded into the drum through a door located at the end of the product.
• Top-loading is a rare variety in which loading is done through the top cover. It differs in smaller dimensions, greater ease of use, higher cost and the impossibility of placing it as built-in equipment. Not all leading washing machine manufacturers offer top-loading options.

According to the method of drying, several main categories of devices are distinguished.

• Ventilation - work on the principle of blowing hot air through the drying clothes. The humid air can then be supplied either directly to the room in which the machine is parked (this solution was typical for early models), or to the apartment ventilation system (used in more modern versions).

• Condensing - in such devices hot air is supplied to the drum, which dries things out and absorbs moisture from them. After that, humid air enters a separate container cooled with water or room air, in which the moisture collected from things condenses. The simplest models of this type require the user to manually drain the accumulated condensate, and more modern products are equipped with a drain hose connected to the sewer. Water-cooled devices are characterized by increased water consumption.

• Heat pump based - variation of the condensing machine in which the heat pump is installed. This device is an additional cooling circuit that removes heat from humid air, accelerating condensation, and then releases heat energy when air is supplied to the drum. These machines are highly energy efficient.

Most modern combo models are 60 cm wide. The standard height for this technique is 85 cm. The depth of narrow washing machines with drying can be 40 cm (the load volume of such options is up to 6 kg for washing and up to 4 kg for drying), 45 cm (7 kg washing, 4 kg drying) and 50 cm (maximum 8 kg washing, 4 kg drying).

The rating of the best washer-dryers will help you decide on the choice of the model that suits you.

• Samsung WD806U2GAWQ - the place of the best combo model is rightly taken by the equipment of the famous South Korean concern. Its main parameters are a depth of 45 cm, a load of up to 8 kg for washing and up to 5 kg for drying, a large selection of special programs for different types of fabrics (wool, cotton, synthetics, delicate types of fabrics), digital display, electronic control, energy class - V.

Unique features worth noting Eco Bubble technology, which, by mixing the powder with water and air before washing, significantly increases the washing efficiency and protects clothes from wear and tear. The use of this technology allows to reduce the temperature of water heating. In addition, after such a wash, the powder will be completely washed out of the fabric when rinsing.

• Candy GVW 264DC - the second place went to a non-premium brand that managed to achieve an almost perfect combination of price and quality. With a depth of 44 cm, this machine can wash 6 kg or dry 4 kg of clothes. The electronic control system allows you to manually set the parameters or select one of the available programs (there is also a mode for delicate types of fabrics). The main feature of this model is energy class A, which indicates the high efficiency of the used technical solutions. Another advantage is the removable top cover, which makes it easy to use the machine as a built-in one.

• LG F-12U2HDM1N - has a depth of 47 cm, a load of 7 kg when washing and 4 kg when drying. All 14 washing programs and 6 drying modes allow you to use it for almost any item.It features a low noise level and Tag On technology, which allows you to control the machine from a smartphone using a special application. Energy class - B.

• Indesit WDS 1040 TXR - model with a depth of 42 cm, allowing you to wash 5 kg or dry up to 2.5 kg of items. Electronic control allows you to choose one of 14 programs, including special modes for wool and delicate fabrics. The main disadvantage is the low energy consumption class - C, which indicates a high amount of electricity consumed relative to analogs.

Considering different options, it is worth considering some important parameters of combo machines.

• Design - other things being equal, preference should be given to models with a heat pump, since they are distinguished by the highest energy efficiency.

• Dimensions (edit) - it is important to understand in advance exactly where you will place the device and what its maximum dimensions should be.

• Capacity - the maximum load during washing and especially when drying should be sufficient for the needs of your family.

• Modes - it is important that the device has special modes for different types of fabrics. And also preference should be given to models with different drying modes.

• Technologies - it is worthwhile to carefully study the features of different models, giving preference to those that use innovative washing technologies. You should consider the features of the implementation of drying and choose those models that can dry the laundry not only by the timer, but also according to the readings of the humidity control system.

• Drum perforation - the smaller the air supply mesh, the more efficient the drying.

The following video provides an overview of the user of the Midea ABWD186C7 narrow washer-dryer.