The one-drum washer/dryer combo Ariston AWD121 offers more features than you might expect for the price, so it has earned Consumer Guide's Budget Buy designation. With this model you will find a welcome extra rinse, a pre-wash cycle, a delay timer and maximum spin speeds of up to 1200 rpm for an affordable price.

One of an increasing number of all-in-the-same tub washer/dryers, the AWD121 uses a non-venting condensation system for the dryer. With its easy-on-pocketbook price tag, this Ariston model is just beginning to catch on and is a perfect solution for homes where the installation of a conventional vented dryer is not possible. Reports so far are encouraging, in spite of the fact that Ariston has a somewhat rocky reputation with its earlier products sold in Europe.

Offering an impressive warranty on this product, it appears that Ariston is serious in making a commitment to the American market. Numerous powerhouse retailers across the country have added this product to their lineup of condensation washer/dryer combos -- a very good sign. Reports also indicate that an attentive service network is also rapidly developing. Even so, since this product is fairly new to our market, we would encourage you to opt for an extended warranty -- this added protection just makes sense.

We can't help but like the look, design and price of the AWD121. With a width of 23-7/16 inches, this model is smaller than some, but in tight quarters it can be a surprisingly good thing. Often the AWD121 will fit in a closet or other small space in the home. The tradeoff to the small size, of course, is a smaller capacity. This model is designed to wash about 12 pounds of laundry and dry about 8 pounds of laundry.

Unfortunately, like many other condensation combo units, the AWD121 can effectively wash more laundry than it can dry. If you plan to fill the machine to capacity for washing, be prepared to remove your most delicate items to hang dry. Another option for balancing washing with effective drying is to fill the machine only 3/4 full.

Equipped with a unique easy-iron feature, Ariston's AWD121 allows you to hold your laundry in water until you are almost ready to remove it. When you know you will soon be ready to either remove laundry or iron it, you can activate the machine and it will complete the load. The intent here is to prevent completed laundry from sitting in the dryer gathering wrinkles. A first for us, it remains to be seen how Americans react to this wrinkle-reducing feature.

Wrinkles aside, Ariston's washer/dryer has a feature that we know is desirable in the United States. It offers the coveted Energy Star rating and has an energy guide estimate of 176 KWh/yr for electricity usage. Such a rating is quite efficient, although you must keep in mind that the machine is fairly small.

Reports so far on the small Ariston AWD121 are encouraging. With its value packed features, attractive design and bargain price, we can't help but like it. However, common sense tells us to use caution in purchasing any product that is new to the market.


Pros: Lots features for the price, washes and dries in the same drum, extra rinse, pre-wash, easy-iron setting, 4-hour wash/dry time
Cons: New to the market, lacks a track record in the United States, no internal heater

Warranty
2 years, full; 5 years, electronic parts; lifetime, rust