WASHER-DRYERS

A combination washer-dryer can be ideal if space is tight, but they do have their downsides, warns Mackenzie. “The wash function tends to be on par with equivalent washing machines, but the dryer function lags behind,” he says. “The drying capacity is half of the washing machine, so an 8kg washing machine will mean a 4kg dryer. Most are condenser dryers, so they use more water to dry, which increases water consumption, and they’re slow – a wash/dry cycle typically lasts from three to six hours.” They can also be slightly larger than a standalone washer or dryer, which can create issues with under-bench space. Quality washer-dryers start at about $1000.