Review: LG 8 kg / 5 kg Direct Drive Washer Dryer (W4X1085NWB)

Washer-dryer combos have a poor image. Ask anyone who’s tried one, and you’ll probably hear the same story: the wash cycle works fine, but the clothes come out of the machine damp. So why bother testing yet another one?

Because the LG W4X1085NWB actually solves that very problem. The clothes come out of the machine almost bone-dry – ready to be folded and put away in the cupboard. It may sound trivial, but that is precisely what sets this machine apart from many of its competitors.

Who is it for?

Before we dive into the details, it’s worth establishing who this machine is aimed at. If you have space for both a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer, buy two separate machines – they will always be faster and more energy-efficient.

But if you live in a flat with limited space, or have a utility room with only one connection point, a combi machine makes sense. And in that case, the LG W4X1085NWB is one of the best options on the market.

DirectDrive is the motor that makes all the difference

LG’s DirectDrive technology isn’t new, but it remains one of the company’s strongest selling points. The motor is mounted directly on the drum with no belts or pulleys in between, which reduces noise, vibrations and wear. LG is so confident in its durability that they offer a 10-year warranty on the motor.

In practice, this means the machine runs remarkably quietly during the wash cycle. The spin cycle is naturally noisier – 75 decibels according to the specifications – but this is on a par with other machines in its class. However, the noise level depends on the machine being correctly levelled during installation.

6Motion and Steam

The machine uses LG’s 6Motion technology, where the drum performs six different movements depending on fabric type and soiling level: Stepping, Filtration, Scrubbing, Tumbling, Rolling and Swinging. It may sound like marketing talk, but in practice the wash results feel thorough and gentle.

The Steam function opens up the fabric fibres and, according to LG, removes up to 99.99 per cent of allergens such as dust mites and bacteria. The function is BAF-certified, meaning it has been approved by the British Allergy Foundation.

The app actually works

The LG ThinQ app is easy to set up – simply scan a QR code on the machine and follow the instructions. Connecting to your home Wi-Fi is a breeze, provided your router is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band in the room where the machine is located.

Via the app, you can monitor energy consumption, both overall and per wash. You can also download additional programmes to the machine one at a time, such as Allergy Care, Cold Wash, Duvet or Dry 30/60. The programmes can be replaced as needed.

One thing that was puzzling at first was the remote start function. Although the machine can be started via the app, it first requires a 3-second press of a button on the machine itself, but it switches itself off after 5–10 minutes, so you’re back to square one. You can’t, therefore, load the machine in the morning and start it many hours later on your way home from work.

Instead, you can use the delayed cycle, but be aware that this does not mean the machine starts later. It starts immediately, but extends the programme so that, for example, it takes three hours instead of one and a half to wash the laundry. The laundry isn’t just sitting there waiting. The wash simply takes longer.

Drying – the big surprise

Washer-dryer combos aren’t generally known for drying clothes properly. Many leave clothes slightly damp, so you end up hanging them up to air-dry afterwards anyway.

The LG W4X1085NWB does things differently. Clothes come out of the machine almost bone-dry, ready to be folded. It’s a game-changer for those who’ve been disappointed by other combi machines.

It takes time – up to 8 hours for a full wash+dry cycle with 5 kg of laundry. But the whole point of a washer-dryer is that you can set it in the evening and take out dry clothes in the morning. And it actually works here.

What’s more, you can choose from several dedicated drying programmes capable of drying a smaller load (up to 1.5 kg) in just 30 or 60 minutes. Super handy!

What about energy consumption?

The machine has an energy rating of A for washing alone, which is top of the range. However, the combined wash and dry cycle has an energy rating of E, and this is worth bearing in mind.

A full wash and dry cycle uses 3.26 kWh and 80 litres of water. This is significantly more than separate machines, but that is the price you pay for handling both tasks in a single unit. This is because combi machines use water for drying as they do not usually have a heat pump, but rely on condensation. If you primarily use the machine for washing and only occasionally dry in it, energy consumption is more moderate.

Maintenance is important

One thing to bear in mind: combi machines require more maintenance than standard washing machines. LG recommends running the Tub Clean programme at least once a month to remove soap residue and lint from the system. If you don’t do this, you risk unpleasant odours and reduced drying efficiency over time.

The door seal should also be wiped down after each cycle, as lint and moisture will otherwise accumulate there.

Conclusion

The LG W4X1085NWB solves the biggest problem with washer-dryer combos: it actually dries your clothes properly. The DirectDrive motor with a 10-year warranty, the user-friendly ThinQ app and the effective washing performance make it one of the best options if you need washing and drying in a single machine.

It’s not for you if you have space for separate machines, or if you do several loads in a single day – it’s too slow for that. But if you live in a flat with limited space and can manage to run a wash-and-dry cycle in the evening, the LG W4X1085NWB delivers exactly what it promises