Washer Dryers Price Comparison
Compare 313 washer dryers from Hoover, AEG, LG and more — find the best price across top UK retailers, from 365 £ to 999 £.
Washer Dryers price comparison UK
A washer dryer is one of the most practical compromises you can make in a smaller home — one machine, one water connection, one footprint. But the trade-offs are real, and knowing them upfront saves a lot of frustration. We've analysed 313 models currently listed across UK retailers, and the picture is more nuanced than most product pages let on.
The market splits fairly cleanly into two camps. Budget-friendly brands like Indesit, Hotpoint, and Hoover dominate the volume end — you'll find solid, no-frills machines starting from 365 £, typically rated D on the energy label and offering 8–9kg wash capacity with around 6kg drying. They're the workhorses of the category, and they sell in huge numbers through Currys, Argos, and AO.com. Then there's the premium tier, led by AEG (averaging around 622 £) and LG and Samsung pushing well beyond that — machines with inverter motors, moisture sensors, and app connectivity that genuinely justify the price gap if you're running heavy loads daily.
One thing worth flagging immediately: the drying capacity on virtually every washer dryer is lower than the wash capacity — usually by 30 to 50%. A machine sold as "9kg/6kg" means you can wash 9kg but only dry 6kg in one go. For a family of four, that often means splitting loads or running two drying cycles back-to-back. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's the single most misunderstood spec in this category. Check our washing machines section if you have the space for a dedicated pair — the performance gap is significant.
Energy ratings are another area where the data tells an interesting story. Most models in this catalogue sit at D or E, which is typical for condenser-based drying systems. Heat pump washer dryers remain rare and expensive, but they're starting to appear at the top of the range. If you're on a smart tariff and can use a delay start function to run cycles overnight, even a D-rated machine can be run cheaply. For those who want the full picture on running costs, it's also worth browsing tumble dryers — a separate heat pump dryer paired with a washing machine often beats a combo unit on efficiency and longevity.
Prices across the 313 products we track range from 365 £ to 999 £, with the median sitting at 509 £. That sweet spot around the median is where we see the best-value machines — enough features to be genuinely useful, without paying for connectivity gimmicks you'll use twice. Compare live prices across John Lewis, Currys, and Amazon before buying; the same model can vary by £50–£80 between retailers, especially around Black Friday and the January sales.
How to Choose a Washer Dryer: What Actually Matters
Most buyers focus on drum size and price — and miss the two specs that determine whether a washer dryer actually fits their life: the drying capacity ratio and the energy rating. Our analysis of 313 models shows that getting these right narrows the field considerably and avoids the most common buyer's remorse in this category.
Wash-to-Dry Capacity Ratio
This is the spec that catches people out most often. A washer dryer advertised as "9kg" almost always means 9kg wash, 6kg dry. That means if you fill the drum for a wash, you'll need to split the load before drying — or run two drying cycles. For a couple or single person, a 7kg/5kg or 8kg/5kg machine is usually fine. For a family of four or more, look for at least a 9kg/6kg ratio, and accept that you'll be managing loads more carefully than with a separate washer and dryer.
Drying Technology: Condenser vs Heat Pump
The vast majority of washer dryers on the market use condenser drying — moist air is cooled, water is collected in a tank or drained away. It works, but it's not particularly energy-efficient. Heat pump drying, which recycles warm air through a closed loop, is significantly more efficient but adds considerably to the purchase price and is only available on higher-end models. For most buyers running a couple of cycles a week, condenser is perfectly adequate. If you're drying daily, the running cost difference over three to five years can make heat pump worth the premium.
Energy Efficiency Rating
Under the current EU/UK energy label system, washer dryers are rated A to G. Most models in this category sit at D or E — don't be alarmed, that's normal for combination machines. An A-rated washer dryer is rare and expensive. What matters more practically is whether the machine has an Eco mode and a delay start function, so you can schedule cycles during off-peak tariff hours. On a smart meter with Economy 7 or a time-of-use tariff, this can meaningfully cut your running costs regardless of the energy label.
Spin Speed and Its Effect on Drying Time
Higher spin speeds (1400–1600 RPM) extract more water from clothes before the drying cycle begins, which directly reduces drying time and energy use. A machine spinning at 1200 RPM versus 1400 RPM might leave clothes noticeably damper going into the dry cycle. For everyday cotton loads this matters; for delicates you'll be spinning at lower speeds anyway. Budget machines often cap at 1200 RPM — worth checking if you're buying at the lower end of the price range, between 365 £ and 419 £.
Noise Levels in Real Living Spaces
Washer dryers are often installed in kitchens or hallways — not utility rooms — so noise is a genuine quality-of-life issue. Look for a wash cycle noise rating below 70dB and a spin rating below 80dB. Machines with inverter motors (common on AEG, LG, and Samsung models) tend to run quieter and vibrate less. Cheap machines without anti-vibration design can be disruptive in open-plan flats. If the listing doesn't specify a dB rating, that's usually not a good sign.
Smart Features: Useful or Gimmick?
WiFi connectivity and app control sound appealing, but in practice most users stop using the app within a few months. What's genuinely useful: a delay start timer (up to 24 hours), a moisture sensor that stops the drying cycle automatically when clothes are dry (preventing over-drying and fabric damage), and a child lock. Aquastop leak protection is worth having if your machine is in a kitchen or on an upper floor. Beyond that, be sceptical of feature lists — a machine priced over 622 £ should earn its premium through build quality and efficiency, not a smartphone app.
- Entry-level picks (From 365 £ to 419 £) : Indesit and Hotpoint dominate here, with basic condenser washer dryers offering 8–9kg wash and 6kg dry capacity. Energy ratings of D or E are typical. These machines do the job for light to moderate use, but build quality and programme variety are limited. Fine for a single person or couple; less suited to heavy family use.
- The sweet spot (From 419 £ to 509 £) : This is where most buyers should be looking. Hoover, Beko, Candy, and Hisense offer well-specified machines with 1400 RPM spin, delay start, and decent energy ratings. Hotpoint and Indesit also have stronger models here. Expect a good range of wash programmes and quieter operation than the entry tier.
- Mid-to-upper range (From 509 £ to 622 £) : AEG's Series 7000 range starts to appear here, alongside stronger Haier and LG models. Inverter motors, moisture sensors, and better fabric care programmes become standard. Build quality noticeably improves. A sensible choice for households that run the machine daily and want lower long-term running costs.
- Premium and built-in (Over 622 £) : LG, Samsung, and AEG's top-tier models occupy this space, along with built-in variants requiring professional installation. Heat pump drying technology, full smart connectivity, and near-silent operation are the key differentiators. Samsung averages close to 999 £ at the very top. Only worth it if you're committed to daily use and prioritise energy efficiency and longevity over upfront cost.
Top products
- Indesit EWDE 861483 W UK washer dryer Freestanding Front-load White D (Indesit) : The most affordable entry point in the top 15 and genuinely decent for light use. Don't expect whisper-quiet operation or a long programme list, but for a single person or couple on a tight budget, it's hard to argue with the price.
- Hotpoint NDB 9635 W UK washer dryer Freestanding Front-load White D (Hotpoint) : A solid step up from the cheapest Indesit models — 9kg wash capacity and widely available servicing across the UK make this a sensible choice for families who want reliability without overspending. Not the most energy-efficient, but Hotpoint's service network is a genuine plus.
- AEG Series 7000 LWR7185M4B washer dryer Freestanding Front-load White D (AEG) : The most-listed model in the entire catalogue and for good reason — AEG's Series 7000 brings an inverter motor, moisture sensor, and noticeably quieter operation into a freestanding package. It's the clearest step-change in quality from the budget tier. The price is higher, but the build justifies it for daily users.
- LG FWY606WWLN1 washer dryer Freestanding Front-load White D (LG) : LG's entry into the top 15 is well-specified and backed by one of the better long-term reliability records in the category. The inverter motor is a highlight. It's priced above the median, so it's not for bargain hunters — but if you're running the machine five or six times a week, the quality difference is worth the outlay.
- AEG Series 7000 L7WC84636BI washer dryer Built-in Front-load White D (AEG) : The built-in option for those committed to a fully integrated kitchen. Excellent specs and AEG's usual build quality, but the premium over the freestanding equivalent is steep and professional installation adds to the total cost. Only consider this if kitchen aesthetics are non-negotiable.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a washer dryer and a separate washing machine and tumble dryer?
A washer dryer combines both functions in a single unit, saving space and requiring only one water connection — but it cannot dry a full wash load in one go. Separate machines offer better drying performance, higher capacity, and typically lower running costs over time. If you have the space and budget, a dedicated washing machine paired with a tumble dryer will outperform any combo unit. Washer dryers make most sense in flats, studios, or homes where a second appliance simply won't fit.
Why can't I dry the full wash load in one cycle?
Because the drying capacity on a washer dryer is always lower than the wash capacity — usually by 30 to 50%. This is a fundamental design constraint, not a fault. The drum needs space for hot air to circulate around clothes during drying, which requires a smaller load than washing. A 9kg/6kg machine means you must split a full 9kg wash into two drying cycles. This is the most common source of disappointment with washer dryers, and it's worth factoring into your decision before buying.
Are washer dryers expensive to run?
More expensive than a washing machine alone, yes — drying adds significant energy consumption. Most models in this category are rated D or E on the energy label, which translates to roughly 200–400 kWh per year depending on usage. Using the delay start function to run cycles on an off-peak tariff (Economy 7 or a smart meter plan) can substantially reduce costs. Heat pump washer dryers are the most efficient option but cost considerably more upfront and are only available above 622 £.
Is a built-in washer dryer worth the extra cost?
Only if kitchen integration is a genuine priority and you're prepared to pay for professional installation. Built-in models, such as the AEG Series 7000 L7WC84636BI, typically cost significantly more than freestanding equivalents with similar specs. They offer no performance advantage — the premium is purely aesthetic. For most buyers, a freestanding machine with a tidy finish is the more sensible choice, and it's far easier to replace or service.
What spin speed should I look for in a washer dryer?
At minimum, 1400 RPM — anything lower leaves clothes noticeably wetter going into the drying cycle, which increases drying time and energy use. Most mid-range and premium models spin at 1400 RPM; some budget machines cap at 1200 RPM. If you're buying in the 365 £ to 419 £ range, always check the spin speed spec before committing. The difference in drying time between 1200 and 1400 RPM is meaningful in daily use.
Which washer dryer brands are most reliable in the UK?
AEG and LG consistently score well in long-term reliability surveys, partly due to their inverter motor technology which reduces mechanical wear. Hotpoint and Indesit are widely serviced across the UK, making repairs easier and cheaper if something goes wrong — an important consideration given that washer dryers are complex machines with higher failure rates than standalone appliances. Hoover has the largest product range in this catalogue but sits at the budget end; reliability is adequate for the price, but don't expect a decade of trouble-free use.
What traps should I avoid when buying a washer dryer?
The biggest trap is buying on wash capacity alone without checking the dry capacity — a 10kg machine that only dries 6kg at a time is frustrating for a busy household. Second, avoid being swayed by a long programme list: 16 wash cycles sounds impressive, but most people use three or four. Third, check the energy rating carefully — some heavily discounted models are rated E or F, which will cost more to run over their lifetime than the saving at purchase. Finally, always compare prices across Currys, John Lewis, and AO.com before buying; the same model regularly varies by £50 or more between retailers.