The best washer dryers
In this article, we would therefore like to explain to you how a tumble dryer works, what types of tumble dryers are available and what the capacity of the available washer-dryers is. In addition, we will also tell you what the energy efficiency and drying efficiency class is all about, which should also be taken into account when buying a washer-dryer.
How does a washer dryer work?
Washer-dryers combine the functions of a washing machine and a tumble dryer in a single device and their design is mostly reminiscent of a conventional washing machine. For washing, the laundry is simply put into the drum and after the wash cycle you can dry it directly. This way you don’t have to transfer the wet laundry from the washing machine to the dryer. In addition, both the washing and the drying function can be used independently of each other and, in addition to the well-known standard functions, most washer-dryers have additional functions.
types and functionality
In this country, the so-called front-loading washer-dryers are the most common design. With these, the opening for filling is on the front of the washer-dryer, which has the advantage that the top can be used as a shelf. In the case of the so-called top-loading washer-dryers, on the other hand, the top must remain free because the flap for filling is located there. But as a comparison of the currently best washer-dryers on the market makes clear, the market in this country is dominated by front-loading washer-dryers.
In addition to the design, the available washer-dryers also differ in terms of how they work.
condensation dryer
Washer-dryers that work with condensation dryer technology work on the following principle:
- Cold air is heated in the washer-dryer, whereupon the moisture in the laundry is absorbed by the warm air.
- The warm, moist air is then routed to a condenser, where it is cooled down again.
- The condensed water flows away via a waste water hose.
heat pump
- A heat pump washer-dryer first blows hot, dry air into the drum, which absorbs the moisture from the laundry.
- The air then cools down until the water condenses and flows out via the waste water hose.
- The heating element is then heated by the heat pump, which means that dryers with a heat pump use less energy than a condensation dryer.
The capacity
Compared to a simple tumble dryer, the available washer dryers differ primarily in terms of their capacity. Because while a tumble dryer can dry between 7 and 8 kilos of laundry at once, only between 4 and 6 kilos fit in a washer-dryer. For this reason, you sometimes need several cycles through a washer-dryer for the laundry of larger families before the laundry is completely dry. This not only takes longer, but also consumes more energy, which is why the classic combination of washing machine and tumble dryer is sometimes the cheaper solution, especially for large families.
Energy efficiency class and drying efficiency class
The energy efficiency class of a washer-dryer results from the annual electricity and water consumption of the device. Particularly economical models can be recognized by the energy efficiency class A, while devices with high consumption are classified in class G.
In order to keep their own electricity and water consumption low, users should use a particularly energy-efficient A+++ washer-dryer. Although such devices cost a little more to buy, they convince in the long term with low energy and water consumption and high washing and drying performance at the same time.
When choosing a washer-dryer, the drying efficiency class should also be taken into account, which indicates how much residual moisture the laundry still has after drying. And in this case, too, the best models are assigned to drying efficiency class A.