You can also get all in one’s that both wash and dry in a single unit if space is a concern. They tend to be a bit pricier because it’s literally two functions in one item but not terrible.
I looked at those and figured the additional cost, plus only one load being washed at a time may be a bit annoying... But realistically, I'll have to see if one load per day is enough. Thanks!
You already do only one load at a time. Just because you’re doing 1/2 in the wash and 1/2 in the dryer simultaneously doesn’t change the math.
In any case, I happen to sell appliances. If you can get your hands on one of the 2-in-1s with an inverter heat pump, they seem to be pretty popular and have good reviews. And the cost can be offset by the energy savings as they’re very energy efficient compared to a standard washer/dryer pair.
Much appreciated. There's a few brands relatively new to the EU e.g Haier. Any thoughts on their quality? Or is this something you really can't go cheaper on?
Haier is a Chinese company that makes their own appliances but also owns Hotpoint and the GE Appliances brand. I don’t know much about their own brand, but both Hotpoint and GE have increased in quality and reliability since they got bought up in 2016. GE appliances in the lower-end are rebadged Hotpoints and are “ok” in quality and reliability. GEs from the mid-range up are pretty good. I hear few complaints.
LG makes excellent washing machines and dryers and have a set on the lower-end that are suitable. Just make sure to get a washer with direct drive and auto load balancing. A direct drive has no belt (a common point of failure) and auto load balancing keeps the washer stable and helps prevent the drum from warping over time. Plus LG toppers (under the lid) are plastic so they don’t rust.
Of course, if you’re getting front-loaders those last two bits won’t apply, but the direct drive things still will.