Hotpoint WDUD9640P review

Review: April 2016

Rating:

In a nutshell: The Hotpoint WDUD9640P is a good choice if you're looking for a washer-dryer that costs less than £500. With a useful LCD display and a good choice of programmes, it's quiet when washing and includes the convenience of automatic sensor drying. Just be aware that many of the wash&dry programmes are slow to complete, and the machine can be very noisy while spinning.

Design

The Hotpoint Ultima WDUD 9640P washer-dryer is an inexpensive, practical option if you only have space (or the budget) for a combined washer and tumble dryer. It's a relatively cheap appliance, and you can see that in the build quality. While the body of the machine feels solid enough, the door is plastic, and warps when handled roughly.

The controls take some getting used to. Instead of a conventional dial for selecting the wash programme, Hotpoint has opted for a push-button control panel, which isn't the best solution. You'll need to remember which symbol represents the programme you want. An LCD display shows information about the programme selected, and there are more push button controls arranged around the display. It's not the simplest set of controls we've seen on a washer dryer, although the machine does feature a "set and forget" drying setting, which uses a moisture sensor to automatically stop when the load is dry.

Washing and performance

The WDUD9640 has a 9kg wash capacity and a 6kg drying capacity, which is large for a washer-dryer. That makes it an excellent choice for a family.

The maximum spin speed of 1400rpm is fast enough to remove most moisture from the wash, cutting down on the length of time required to run the dryer. In fact the machine has an overall 'A' energy efficiency rating, which is the highest rating possible. Additionally, an Eco option is available, which will give further savings in energy use. Note, however, that the maximum spin speed of 1400rpm is not available with every wash cycle.

The machine has a range of washing options, including a 30°C Daily Wash, a Rapid 30 minute wash, and Woolmark Platinum Care. There's a choice of 4 drying levels to choose from when running the dryer on automatic sensor drying. Be aware that some of the combined cycles take several hours to complete.

A 24 hour timer delay is available.

The WDUD9640P is extremely quiet when washing. With a 51dB noise level, it beats most of Hotpoint's dedicated washing machines. However, it can be quite noisy when drying, and very noisy when spinning.

Reliability

Hotpoint is a mid-market brand, and this machine in particular should be regarded as an entry-level model. Cost savings are evident in the construction of the machine, and we can't say that durability is likely to be a key strength of this model.

Conclusion - a good entry-level washer-dryer

When space and money are tight, the Hotpoint WDUD9640P is a good option. The control panel may take a little getting used to, but it's not rocket science, and most people will probably only use one or two programmes most of the time. Combined wash & dry programmes can take quite a long time to run, although the fast 30 minute wash is available if you're pressed for time and your clothes aren't too badly soiled.

As this is a budget machine, there are some compromises. In particular, we doubt that this model will prove to be particularly durable compared with more expensive models. And although it's quiet when washing, it's noisy when spinning!

Having said all that, it's one of the best combined washer-dryers you can buy for the price.

Hotpoint WDUD9640P features include:

Washing capacity: 9 kg
Drying capacity: 6 kg
Maximum spin speed: 1400 rpm
Energy efficiency class: A
Spin class: B
LCD display
Delay start
Child lock
Drum volume: 58 litres
Noise level (washing): 51dB
Noise level (spinning): 85dB
Dimensions (H X W X D): 85 x 59.5 x 54 cm
Can be built-under

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Hotpoint WDUD9640P user reviews

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