Where to position your washing machine and dryer, let alone which appliances to choose, can be a real headache. But worry not, we’ve asked the experts for their top buying tips…
Whether you need a separate washing machine and tumble dryer, a freestanding washer-dryer, or a built-in model, will depend on the size and layout of your ground floor space, says KBB journo Sally Smith. This will also determine whether there’s room for a utility or simply a laundry station in the kitchen.
“Smaller spaces benefit from stacked appliances, which free up valuable floor space for other appliances or storage. A stacking kit often includes a pull-out shelf, making it easier to fold clothes and move laundry between the washer and the dryer,” says Chloe Blanchfield, product marketing manager for Hisense UK.
In larger utility rooms, side-by-side appliances offer flexibility and a generous countertop for folding, while integrated washer-dryers are perfect if you have less space and smaller loads.
The latest laundry appliances
The latest washing machines and tumble dryers are designed to make laundry routines easier. Advanced AI algorithms take the guesswork out of wash cycles, and Auto Dose features will minimise detergent levels. Wifi connectivity means you can remotely control washes, including start, pause, and monitor energy and water usage, via an app.
The enhanced fabric detection capabilities of these laundry appliances allow you to wash and dry a wider variety of fabrics. Tanya Weller, marketing director, digital appliances at Samsung Electronics UK, explains, “Your washing machine is likely to have settings that can clean delicate or ‘dry clean only’ clothes just as well, at a fraction of the cost.
“Today’s washing machines and detergents are designed to be just as effective for cold washes, and using them can cut your energy bill by over a third.”
Buying tips
Take time to decide how much space you need to reserve for laundry appliances when designing the room that will house them, to ensure the machine fits, and consider freestanding or integrated options.
“If you want to hide a freestanding washing machine or dryer in a cabinet, these models tend to be deeper than a standard cabinet depth, so plan carefully when you are designing the layout,” says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens.
If the laundry appliances are going to be in an open-plan space, look out for models with a Quiet Mark label – anything below around 70dB is quieter than average – to help cut down on general background noise in the home.
Good to know
Washing machines and dryers make a big impact in a kitchen or utility room, so think about how the appliances will integrate with the rest of the space. “Concealed cabinetry can help the room feel cohesive and less cluttered, but you’ll need to ensure adequate ventilation for the machines to function properly,” says Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley.
Using your washing machine in energy-saving mode can make a big difference, reducing energy costs by up to 70%, as the machine will determine the most cost-effective time to wash your clothes.
Remember to also wipe down the machine’s door and exterior on a regular basis focusing specifically on the door seals and around the drum. This will avoid a build-up of moisture which can lead to damp and mould.
What will your new laundry appliances cost?
Expect a top-of-the-range washing machine and dryer with AI functionality to be anything from £1000 to around £2500 each. The standard models cost from £600 to £1000 and would be ideal for a stacked set-up to save on valuable space.
An individual tall laundry cabinet fitted into a run of cabinets will generally cost about £3000, with a complete utility room set-up costing £5000 to £8000 and above, not including the appliances.
If you want to invest in the latest laundry drying cabinets, expect to pay over £350.
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