Which washer-dryer brand is most reliable?

In our unique brand reliability and customer satisfaction survey (August 2023), we asked more than 1,500 Which? members and members of the public to tell us whether they're happy with their washer-dryer and if they've experienced problems.

Our survey data takes into account which washer-dryer had faults reported and whether they needed to be repaired or replaced as a result.

We've crunched the numbers for the biggest washer-dryer manufacturers – including Bosch, Miele and Samsung – and have calculated a customer score for each, so you know which brands come recommended by owners. 

See which models impressed in our tests with our guide to the best washer-dryers.

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Which washer-dryer brands develop the fewest faults?

The table below summarises our findings on how quickly washer-dryer brands develop faults, based on washer-dryers bought in the past 7 years.

Which? members can log in to view which washer-dryer brands are the most and least reliable, and which our members are most satisfied with. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Find out how to buy the best integrated washer-dryer

Which washer-dryer brands do owners recommend?

As well as faults, our survey also revealed which washer-dryer brands owners feel happy with – and which they would recommend to a friend.

These results are shown as each brand’s customer score, and is based on washer dryers bought in the past seven years.

Which? members can log in to view which washer-dryer brands last the longest before they need to be replaced. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Compare more options with our expert washer-dryer reviews

The three most common washer-dryer faults

Taking good care of your machine is important to keeping it running efficiently and extending its working life. But sometimes faults do develop without warning, however well you look after your machine.

Here are the three most common faults, as reported by more than 1,550 owners of washer-dryers in our survey.

1. Washer-dryer broke down for no obvious reason (15% of all faults reported)

Because you're essentially dealing with two different machines in one, it may not always be clear what's causing an issue, and it may just stop working with little to no warning. This was the most common problem across brands, according to our survey.

Before calling in the professionals, run some checks on the machine to try and determine the issue – check the power supply to the unit, especially if it has an LCD display that isn't turning on either. It may also be worth checking your fuse box and the electrical outlet it's plugged into, as well as the cord itself.

If it's stopped working after you've run several loads in a row, it may have overheated and just needs to cool down before running again.

Also, ensure the door latch is closed properly, as the machine won't run if it isn't. If you're having trouble closing the door, try cleaning the inside of the door rim with a cloth to get rid of any blockages or residue. 

2. Problems with the drum or drum bearings (14% of all faults reported)

Issues with the drum or drum bearings were most common, according to our survey, with it occurring in 14% of cases. We found that 11 out of 12 brands were reported to have this problem in at least one case.

A dodgy drum can be caused by many culprits, such as overfilling with heavy laundry, worn drum bearings or debris or small items becoming lodged inside the mechanism. Which? research found that £1 coins and bra wires are the most likely culprits.

Some machines have bolts in place to stop the drum moving while in transit – such as if you've just brought it or just moved house. If these aren't removed before use, the machine may become damaged, or may not work at all.

Broken drums are a pretty serious problem that could cause the machine to stop working completely, so it's best to get a professional to fix this.

3. Electrical fault (13% of all faults reported)

According to our survey, the third most common fault related to electrical faults. 

As we explained above, you can do some electric checks yourself, such as making sure the plug connection is secure and a fuse hasn't been tripped. 

Electricity and water don't mix well, so you may want to check around the machine for any signs of condensation or dampness. It can pose a serious risk if water gets into the electrical components of your machine. 

We recommend calling in a professional when it comes to electrical problems. You can search for a Which? Trusted Trader to get the job done right.

Can a broken washer-dryer be repaired?

Small issues may be able to be resolved with proper care and maintenance, such as cleaning the filters, drum and vent regularly. Keeping the machine clean will reduce the chance of it breaking. 

You can also make sure that the hoses and connections are secure and properly maintained to keep it running smoothly.

If there are persistent or more serious problems with your washer-dryer, it's best to consult a professional or the company that sold your washer-dryer. Our survey revealed that most respondents who dealt with a faulty washer-dryer had it repaired by the manufacturer under warranty, so always check the warranty parameters when buying a new machine.

Find out how to recycle electrical items safely and sustainably

Which washer-dryer brands offer the best guarantees?

Most washer-dryer brands offer product guarantees of at least one year as standard, and you may be able to extend this by registering the machine. There are a handful of brands that offer longer cover, including:

• Samsung offers two years warranty as standard, but this can be extended up to five years parts and labour by registering a qualifying product.
• AEG offers a standard two-year warranty on all appliances, which can be extended up to five years.
• John Lewis offers a minimum two-year guarantee on all electricals, with an additional year available for John Lewis-brand machines.

Faulty product? Find out how to get a refund, repair or replacement

How we discover the most reliable washer-dryer brands

Which? has a wealth of information on your favourite brands. Every year, we ask Which? members and members of the public to tell us about the home appliances they own – from how likely they would be to recommend a brand to how reliable the products are once they get them home.

This year, 14,481 Which? members and members of the public told us about more than 39,000 individual products. We calculate each brand's customer score, fault rate and reliability rating using the results of our annual survey.

Our surveys, combined with our extensive lab tests, mean we can recommend the best washer-dryers to buy.

For more on our tests and what it takes to get a Which? Best Buy recommendation, read how we test washer dryers