Space for just one appliance
If you want to wash and dry your laundry without adding a second appliance, a washer-dryer is a practical solution. Before choosing one, check the available depth, drying capacity and cycle times.
Which set-up is right for you?
Frequent laundry and little space for an airer
If you have enough headroom for a stacked set-up, two appliances could suit a busy laundry routine. Stacking requires compatible models and a suitable kit, as well as a space that can accommodate them.
A small household that mainly uses an airer
If you’re not considering a tumble dryer, compare washing machines’ spin performance and noise levels. A spin cycle helps prepare laundry for indoor drying, but it doesn’t replace an airer.
What should you check before buying?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and your laundry loads stay within the model’s stated drying capacity.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. You may need to remove some items before drying a full wash load.
Washing machine and airer
Consider this if: you have room to air-dry your laundry and don’t want to install a tumble dryer.
Bear in mind: a spin cycle helps prepare laundry for indoor drying, as ADEME points out, but it will still need to dry on an airer.
Two stacked appliances
Consider this if: you often dry several loads and have enough headroom for two compatible appliances.
Bear in mind: Bosch explains that stacking depends on the specific models and a suitable kit. Having enough headroom alone doesn’t confirm that the installation is suitable.
If space or room for an airer is limited in your flat, decide what matters most to you, then check the requirements for the model and the space available.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to you? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the depth and clearance needed. For a stacked set-up, also confirm that the appliances and kit are compatible. | I only have space for one appliance on the floor, and I need to load it without blocking the way. Around 42% of consumers put this space constraint first. |
| Laundry frequency | Compare washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the cycle times for the way you plan to use the appliance. | When I have several loads to get through, I don’t want to split each one just to dry it. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this ability to wash and dry continuously. |
| Indoor drying and how you use it | Look at spin performance, noise levels and the energy consumption figures for the cycle you plan to use. | If I air-dry laundry at home, how damp it is after spinning matters. If I use a tumble dryer, I want to compare the cycle I’ll use. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
Mistakes that make drying more difficult
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
With a washer-dryer, the load you’ve washed may be larger than the amount you can dry in one go. You’ll then need to remove some items or split the load for drying.
Compare both capacities in kg. If you want to run a wash-and-dry cycle without stopping to remove items, keep the load within the model’s drying capacity.
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Choosing a stacked set-up based on width alone
Installation depends on the height and depth available, the floor and whether both appliances and the kit are compatible. Bosch specifically advises checking the model numbers before stacking its appliances.
Check the instructions for the models and kit you’re considering. Don’t simply place a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine.
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Comparing only the washing cycle rating
The washing rating alone doesn’t tell you how a wash-and-dry cycle performs. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying energy consumption is an important factor when choosing a washer-dryer.
Check the label and product information separately for the cycles you plan to use.
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Overlooking the spin cycle and load size
If you air-dry laundry in your flat, the spin cycle affects how much water is left to dry. For machine drying, an oversized load can make the cycle less effective.
Compare spin performance and noise levels, stick to the stated drying capacity and follow the instructions for cleaning the filters.
Brands to consider for each set-up
Bosch
Bosch offers tumble dryers and stacking kits to consider if you’re planning to stack two appliances.
- The brand provides compatibility information for its kits and the appliances they work with.
- The requirements for a particular Bosch kit don’t automatically apply to other models.
LG
LG’s French range includes washer-dryers for homes where an all-in-one appliance is being considered.
- LG features a model with separate capacities of 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
- These capacities apply to this model, not the entire range. Check the model number and dimensions.
Samsung
Samsung’s French range lets you compare washer-dryers with different capacities.
- One model listed by Samsung has a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
- Check the capacities and energy label information for the specific variant you choose, rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
AEG
AEG features a heat pump washer-dryer to consider if the combined cycle information is important to your decision.
- AEG’s product information for model LWR98B166X states a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
- You can’t use the technology and specifications of this model to predict the performance of other models.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These four washer-dryers combine washing and drying in one appliance, making them a good fit for homes with space for only one floor-standing appliance. Before choosing, compare their drying capacities and check the dimensions and instructions for the variant on sale.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
Wash and dry with one appliance, provided the load you want to dry doesn’t exceed 6 kg.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the full model number, dimensions and installation requirements in the product information and instructions for the variant on sale.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
Worth considering if you want both functions in one appliance and have space for this model.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product description lists dimensions of 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Also check the required clearance and the information for the wash-and-dry cycle.
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Grey Roborock Zeo Lite, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
An option to consider if one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying.
The title states a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. Check these capacities in the product information for the variant on sale, then check its dimensions and installation requirements.
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Grey Roborock Zeo One, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
Consider this for washing and drying in one machine, provided the space is suitable for the model.
The title states a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. Check the capacities, dimensions and cycle information in the product details and instructions for the variant on sale.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a full load and dry it straight away in a washer-dryer?
Only if the load is within the model’s drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this may be lower than the washing capacity. Check both figures before planning a cycle that won’t need you to intervene.
What should you measure before choosing an appliance for a flat?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the dimensions and clearance requirements for the exact model. For a stacked set-up, also check the available height, the floor and the compatibility of the appliances and kit.
Can you place a tumble dryer directly on top of a washing machine?
No, not without a stacking device explicitly confirmed as compatible with both models. Bosch says a suitable kit is used to secure the appliances. Follow the instructions rather than relying on the dimensions alone.
How should you compare the energy consumption of a washer-dryer?
Compare the energy label and product information for the cycle you’ll actually use. The washing rating alone doesn’t describe the wash-and-dry cycle, so check its figures separately.
What maintenance can affect drying performance?
Stick to the recommended load size and clean the parts listed in the model’s instructions. AEG recommends cleaning the fluff filter in its tumble dryers after every use. Check the instructions for your own appliance.