Forgot to add the only feature that I would prefer on the dryer is one with intermittent reversing action. Wasn't available back when I purchased my machines, but I would go to some effort to get one with it now. (At least I think so!) Also, isn't ASKO one of the few brands left with 220V washing machines? That is really important, IMO. And since you'll need 220V for the electric condenser dryer it won't add to your installation cost (washer and dryer can be interconnected needing only one wall outlet) and it will provide far superior cleaning. ASKO machines also need only cold water supply as they heat their own water. If it was a necessary choice, 220V washers would trump reverse tumble drying, at least for me. How's that for inconsistency? HTH, L.

Was very happy with my Bosch pair. It's easy to use and does an excellent job. I had the condenser dryer and really liked it a lot. Normal drying times, I would say. I have the Miele set now, which are pluperfect, but for what you're describing Bosch will be fine. I've seen the Blomberg around but can't comment.

All combo washer/dryer in one are mediocre at best. That includes the one or two Miele makes and doesn't market in the US. Problem is that a washer can wash far more than a dryer can dry in the same drum space. It takes room for tumbling to take place to allow clothes to dry. The combo units are the size of a 6 kilo washer drum and no more. So you end up with very small loads that take a long time to dry. If you're doing underwear and towels for one person maybe it would be almost okay. But anything more in terms of load, and you're asking for trouble. Buy separate units if you have any way to fit them in. Ventless or condenser dryers work well. They're quite common in Europe and becoming more usual here in the US. They work by heating the clothes far hotter than a standard dryer, and then condensing the steam that rolls off them and pumping it into the drain or storing it onboard the dryer and signaling you when it's time to empty the water storage unit. Condenser dryers also take longer to do a load of clothes and you MUST le them go thru their cool down cycle or the damp hot clothes can give you a nasty steam burn! Most have locking doors that won't open until the contents have cooled enough to avoid injury to the user. . . so to recap, they're slower, hotter, and cost more to run because of the heat and the fact they run longer. BUT IF YOU HAVE NO WAY TO VENT A STANDARD DRYER, they're much better than hanging clothing in the bathroom to dry! We had one in Europe for three years and got used to it. Ours was a Miele with a matching washer and worked great. The condenser unit has to be pulled out and cleaned every now and then (once every month or so) and a light and signal tell you when. It's not an awful task but it does take fifteen or twenty minutes to get it right. One of those things the maid will never do properly. Like changing the bag in the vacuum. Just doesn't seem to occur to household help for some reason! The ASKO high end Washer and Dryer are said to be great design. They seem to have service problems sometimes and ASKO service is spotty in the US. Make sure you have factory service available in your area before you pop for the two grand the washer can cost. Also, get the super-extended waranty on Asko products from ASKO. A five year service extension is like $300 if purchased at the time you buy the washer. Well worth the money, I'm told.

I may have to rescind my earlier reviews of my compact E'lux washer. The little plastic door latch has let go. E'lux knows this is an issue. I got the 1 year labour, 3 year parts warranty with it, so I thought "it's all good, I'll just order the part & replace" After spending about 1/2 hour on the phone with a CSA who clearly didn't understand her job, she finally figured things out & said it would cost me $75 for the part. But I have a "platinum warranty" That only covers parts when our service tech installs it. You have to pay for a service call. She then told me the only service is 2 ferries ($200 & 12 hours travel) She could not find the local co who has been the warranty service for them since 1989. Anyway, it's all set now, but I will never get that 4 hours of my life back trying to get this done. It certainly colours my thoughts on E'lux & their customer service. Fingers crossed that the door latch holds until the part comes in, sometime in the new year.