ADEME recommends choosing a washing machine capacity that suits your usual loads and taking the spin cycle into account when drying laundry indoors. So, if you have somewhere to hang your washing, a dedicated drying appliance isn’t always necessary. If you only have space for one appliance, compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer. For frequent drying loads, a separate tumble dryer could be a good option if you can install one. Compare energy use only for similar cycles and loads.
You mainly dry your washing on an airer in your flat and want a suitable washing capacity and an effective spin cycle, without automatically adding mechanical drying. ADEME recommends taking the spin cycle into account when drying laundry indoors.
You want to wash and dry in a single machine. Check that the loads you plan to dry are within its drying capacity, which may be lower than its washing capacity. Que Choisir highlights this difference in washer-dryers.
You need to dry full loads regularly and are considering a separate appliance, provided you have the space and a suitable installation. If you plan to stack the appliances, check that both models are compatible with the stacking kit.
Start with the size of your loads and the space available, then compare the spin cycle, drying capacities and energy use on a like-for-like basis. ADEME advises choosing a capacity that suits your needs; Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer may dry less laundry than it can wash.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle and capacity | Capacity suited to your usual loads; spin-drying efficiency rating and noise level shown on the label. | When I hang washing to dry, I want to avoid it coming out too wet without choosing an oversized washing machine. Around 31% of consumers prioritise spin performance and a suitable capacity. |
| Washer-dryer and available space | Separate washing and wash-and-dry capacities; dimensions and connections for the exact model. | If I only have space for one appliance, I want both functions in one machine while drying a load that suits the cycle. Around 25% of consumers prioritise having just one appliance. |
| Loads to be dried | Drying capacity; type of tumble dryer and installation requirements; stacking kit compatibility if stacking the appliances. | For frequent laundry loads, I want to dry washing regularly without overlooking the space needed for the appliances. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a separate drying appliance. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Appliance category, programme and reference load; access to the filter and maintenance requirements in the manual. | I want to compare equivalent cycles and factor in routine maintenance before making a choice. Around 19% of consumers put energy use and maintenance first. |
The Bosch WNA144V0FR has a stated capacity of 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for washing and drying. So, when using the combined cycle, size your load according to the drying capacity.
Check both capacities for the exact model before deciding whether it suits your laundry needs.
A load that’s too large for the combined cycle may need to be split or dried in an additional cycle.
Condensation means there’s no need to vent air outside, but you’ll still need to follow the instructions for the power supply, positioning and any stacking. The appliances must also be compatible.
Read the manuals for the models you’re considering and check that the stacking kit is designed for those exact models before you buy.
The energy use shown depends on the appliance category and reference programme. For tumble dryers, the A to G scale has applied since 1 July 2025. The European Commission provides separate information for washing machines, washer-dryers and tumble dryers.
Compare equivalent reference cycles and loads, and take the appliance category and label date into account.
The models mentioned illustrate two different options: a washing machine and a washer-dryer.
The EW7H5125SU is an example of a heat-pump condenser tumble dryer.
The F14X76BSTA is an example of a washing machine with a stated capacity of 11 kg. Compare this with the size of your usual loads.
The D3H29D93WC tumble dryer illustrates why it’s important to consider the ventilation requirements of the space where it will be installed.
These models illustrate drying in a separate appliance, washing before drying laundry indoors on an airer, and washing and drying in one machine. The stated capacities can help you match a model to your usual loads. Check the installation requirements and labels for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you’re thinking about a separate tumble dryer for larger loads.
Heat pump; stated capacity: 10 kg; class C.
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Worth a look if you’re after a separate appliance for drying laundry regularly.
Heat pump; stated capacity: 8 kg; class C.
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Worth considering if you wash your laundry before hanging it to dry in your flat.
Stated washing capacity: 8 kg; stated maximum spin speed: 1,400 rpm; 16 programmes.
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Worth a look if you’re after a washing machine for laundry you’ll dry on an airer.
Stated washing capacity: 8 kg.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and dry in one appliance, provided your load is within its drying capacity.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying; stated width: 60 cm.
First, distinguish between a washing machine, a washer-dryer and a separate tumble dryer. For a washer-dryer, look at the washing figures separately from those for washing and drying. For tumble dryers, the A to G scale has applied since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission. Then compare the reference programme and load, not just the energy rating letter.
No, unlike a vented tumble dryer. Depending on the appliance, condensed water is collected in a tank or directed into a drain. Not needing a vent doesn’t mean you can ignore the installation instructions in the manual.
No. Check that the models of both appliances are compatible with this installation and that the stacking kit is designed for them. The Electrolux EW7H5125SU manual restricts use of the kit to appliances listed in the instructions supplied with the accessory.
Follow the manual for your model when it comes to the tank, filter and condenser. Electrolux recommends cleaning the fluff filter after the relevant cycles and checking the condenser as instructed for the appliance.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to a private individual and is separate from any commercial guarantee, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. In France, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. This information does not automatically apply to washer-dryers or tumble dryers.