All-in-one portable washer/dryers - OK for just washing?

[kreismetal]

I'm trying to get a portable washer for my apartment, and a co-worker has offered me an all-in-one, Italian portable washer/dryer for $350. I believe it's the Ariston Ariston AWD129NA 24" unit. Since this thing retails for over $1000, this seems like a good deal, but the reviews are abysmal. That said, most of the review complain about the drying function, which I wouldn't use (I hang dry everything).

The review sample size is small, and obviously bad reviews are typically over-represented. Does anyone have experience with this manufacturer? Does the was function work well? Thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Ariston-Plati...qid=1346858726&sr=1-1&keywords=ariston+washer

 

[dj-gabriele]

Aritston/Hotpoint are Indesit sourced machines and usually place themselves in the MOL market segment.
Cleaning ability should in par with its Italian made-for-Europe counterpart, excellent, the drying, with only 110V and small heater, it's quite easy to understand how can be abysmal. Washer-dryers aren't made for huge load, drying all the times like stand alone appliances are, but come in handy when you want a small one-go load from dry to dry, also because they use water while drying too for the condenser system to work.

Don't let the small size put you down!

A machine like that is able to handle a wash load of 6 pillow cases, top and bottom large bed sheets and a complete single bed set plus some space for towels!
Drying capacity is usually 1/2 to 2/3 of the washing capacity. I guess that model is 6kg wash 4 kg dry. (even if expressed in pounds.)

For that price I'd snap it in a second!

 

[coldspot]

Reviews on this site are more on the up side.

http://www.ajmadison.com/b.php/Ariston;Washer+Dryer+Combos/N~70+4294967280

 

[paulc]

I had the Hotpoint similar version of this washer dryer and HATED it with a passion. Wash performance wasn't great, acceptable, but not great. The machine is very noisy especially on spin. The Cabinet on the Hotpoint version was incredibly flimsy and dented when I moved the unit to clean behind it. My machine lasted two years before the PCB burnt out.

I am sure you will find a "compact" F/L washer only if you search ebay or craigslist and would probably find better quality machine.

Sorry to put a dampener on things, you never know you may be fine with the Ariston model.

PaulC

 

[fido]

It is best to only buy a washer dryer if you need a washer dryer rather than just a washer. Usually the drums are smaller to make room for the condensing gubbins at the back. Also, the dryer heater can absorb moisture if not used and that can result in an earth leakage fault which trips your house electrics.
Also, I agree with what paulc says, poor build quality and dodgy electronics on the Ariston.

 

[tecnopolis]

Not sure if they are available where you live, but I found a Haier 14lb combo for $100 on Craigslist he in Fort Lauderdale and loved having my own private laundry instead of having to use the communal laundry room in my apartment building. Yes, it takes forever to dry most jeans and blankets, but it's well worth being able to have both in one where only one will do, if that. My apartment didn't have permanent hook-ups so the built in retractable wheels were a godsend when I needed to hook it up to the sink! Spins were loud, but water usage was low. I guess my point is maybe you should try out a less expensive combo to see if you can adapt to the way they work (smaller, more frequent loads)than to spend $350 on an experiment. One things for sure, your laundry will be sanitary as your clothes and wash tub get soo hot, your clothes are literally steamed dry.
I've also has some experience with a Malber Combo, but it was more expen$ive to purchase, but worked the same.