Combination Washer/Dryers - Are they any good?

We have a washer/dryer that we bought in 1987 and it is still going - that's 20 years on. 3 years ago, I fitted new motor brushes myself (which was easy & cost 75p - less than dollar) - I did this with the help of a Haynes washing-machine repair manual and then there's a little valve inside the machine (accessible from the back) that needs cleaning about once every other year. This is to make sure the dryer doesn't come on if there is water in the machine and if it gets blocked, the dryer won't work. Ours is a Hoover (but they have had financial problems in Europe recently, and I don't know if you get them in the U.S.) It has 1100 spin speed, but I think more modern ones are faster. Being a washer-dryer is also saves a lot of space, but ours is vented through the wall. I would think that all makes have similar set-up and if you have somebody who is handy, then that would help - they don't seem to need much maintenance and you don't have to lug laundry from washer to dryer machine. Hopes this helps :-)

I've had washer/dryer combo's before and they have been fine. The only bad part is that if the washer breaks either, you lose a perfectly good dryer or you have the combo unit and a new washer. If you have the space, get the separate washer and dryer. Combo's are more expensive than the separate units. If you buy one new, get it from a well known store and buy the extended warrenty with it. Some people say the extended warrenties aren't worth it but I have had good experiences with them. I buy the extended warrenties along with all of the appliances and electronics that I buy.

Never heard of a combo . We have stacked washer dryers or the side by side ones but no combo . I just wonder how well that would work,but then they come up with all kids of different things to work with it would save time and you wouldnt forget to put them in dryer after wash just have to remeber that they are done so you can take them out. and would it save on energy?

I have an IFB unit in my household.. I bought it almost 5 yrs ago, and its working very fine still.. Till now, there was never a need when I needed to call the customer care guys at IFB.. It almost requires Zero maintainence.. So, i think u go for IFB...

I dont know anyone that has one, but I think that they are a brilliant idea....I would like to have one if I could...Miele is a good brand also..I think that if you want one, there is really nothing to lose as long as you get the warranty with it.

I think separate is better. My family has 1 dryer and 1 washer separately and its better. Someone told me all in one is not that good although it can be convenient and I kind of think maybe. hehehe...

In my opinion you'll never do any better than a Miele. We have Miele here in Canada. I bought a vacuumm cleaner, it cost me a thousand dollars but it's a one time purchase. I used to have a combination washer/dryer but it was made by Sears (Kenmore) I used it for years I loved it but when I sold my house the washer/dryer stayed.