I haven't heard a good word about them from people who have them - reliability seems to be appalling

The Ariston I've got (it was thrown in with the house I bought) seems to be OK, and I think it was several years old when I got it.

and they usually have half the drying load capacity than washing capacity.

That's as maybe. I've a feeling I wash more than the recommended load most of the time anyway -- I've never dialled up enough drying to dry stuff completely, as it's usually either bedding (when it's nice to hang it up to air it anyway) or shirts (which I'd have to iron if I didn't hang them up for the last bit of drying). Mind you, in my little house there's no room for separates (or top-loaders); a combo would be the only option.

Peter