Households that dry laundry indoors
If you have somewhere to hang your laundry but want it to dry faster, check the spin-drying efficiency class first, then look at the noise level and capacity that suit your washing loads.
Who is this choice for?
Small homes with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions. However, check that your usual load is within its drying capacity and that the door can open in the space available.
Households that run loads back-to-back
If drying one load could delay the next, it may be worth considering two separate appliances, provided you have enough space and have checked the installation requirements.
What should you look for?
Your choice depends first on the space available for drying laundry, then on the size and frequency of your loads. A top-loading washing machine may suit access or width restrictions, but it won’t dry laundry any better than a front-loading model.
Washing machine only
Consider this if: you can hang your laundry up and mainly want to reduce how much water it retains after washing.
Bear in mind: even with a suitable spin cycle, you’ll still need space and time for your laundry to dry.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and dry your laundry in the same machine.
Bear in mind: a full washing load may be too large for the machine’s drying capacity.
Separate washing machine and tumble dryer
Consider this if: you regularly dry full loads or need to run loads back-to-back.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and should confirm the installation requirements.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle before hanging laundry up | Compare the spin-drying efficiency class, then the spin-cycle noise level and the duration of the Eco 40-60 programme. ADEME recommends choosing class A if you need your laundry to dry quickly indoors. | If I hang my laundry up at home, my main priority is for it to retain less water after washing. Around 42% of consumers put this need first. |
| Space for one appliance | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities in kg separately, and check the dimensions with the door open. | If I can’t fit a second machine at home, I want to combine washing and drying without exceeding the drying capacity. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Frequent washing | If you’re considering a separate tumble dryer, check its capacity, programme durations and noise level, as well as whether your chosen models can be installed or stacked together. | When I run loads back-to-back, I don’t want drying to hold up the next wash. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this setup. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a washer-dryer based on its washing capacity alone
Its drying capacity may be lower. For example, Bosch lists a washing capacity of 10,5 kg and a capacity of 6 kg for the WNC254A0FR wash-and-dry cycle. So a full washing load may not be able to dry in one go.
Compare both capacities and decide whether you’d rather reduce the load before washing or remove some laundry before drying.
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Looking only at spin speed
Spin speed is no substitute for the spin-drying efficiency class when comparing how damp laundry will be afterwards. ADEME recommends class A when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors.
Check the class on the energy label, and don’t overlook the noise level and programme duration for the way you plan to use the machine.
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Overlooking spin-cycle noise
Spin-cycle noise is one of the areas for improvement mentioned by readers surveyed in UFC-Que Choisir’s 2026 study, which had 4 350 respondents.
Compare the noise levels listed for the models you’re considering, especially if the machine will be near living areas.
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Assuming appliances can be stacked just because the dimensions fit
Two appliances that look as though they’ll fit on top of each other won’t necessarily be compatible. Bosch’s stacking accessories vary depending on the appliances.
Before installation, check the model numbers of both machines, the right stacking kit, door clearance and the instructions in their manuals.
You may need a compatible stacking kit.
Brands to know when comparing appliances
Bosch
The range includes front-loading washer-dryers, with capacities that should be checked for each model.
- Bosch lists a washing capacity of 10,5 kg and a wash-and-dry capacity of 6 kg for the WNC254A0FR.
- These figures don’t apply to every Bosch model, so check the dimensions of the one you’re considering too.
Electrolux
The freestanding washer-dryer range offers several combinations of washing and drying capacities.
- For the EW7IW4176DG, for example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg.
- Drying capacity and technology vary by model, so compare the specifications for the exact model you’re considering.
LG
LG’s washer-dryer specifications distinguish between washing-only features and those of a cycle that includes drying.
- LG lists the F854M20WR with a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
- To decide whether a complete cycle will suit your loads, use the drying capacity of the model you choose, not its washing capacity alone.
Whirlpool
The range includes heat-pump and condenser tumble dryers to consider if you’re planning to install two separate appliances.
- You can compare several types of tumble dryer designed to dry laundry after washing.
- Check the capacity, noise level, programme duration and installation requirements for each model.
Appliances available on Joybuy
These models show three ways to organise your laundry drying: a washer-dryer for a single space, a washing machine to use with a clothes airer or another appliance, and a tumble dryer to use with a separate washing machine. Compare their capacities based on how you actually handle your loads.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg / 6 kg washer-dryer
This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, making it suitable when you only have space for one. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load will need to be reduced before drying.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg / 6 kg washer-dryer
This washer-dryer suits a one-appliance setup if the load you’re drying stays within its 6 kg limit, which is separate from its stated 10 kg washing capacity. Before choosing, compare the noise level, spin performance and features of the complete cycle too.
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Hisense WF5I8043BWF, 8 kg washing machine, 1 400 rpm
This washing machine doesn’t dry laundry, so you’ll need to plan for drying after the cycle. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 rpm. If you hang laundry indoors, also compare the spin-drying efficiency class and noise level: don’t assume the former from spin speed alone.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer
This 8 kg tumble dryer is designed to be used with a separate washing machine; it doesn’t wash laundry. If you plan to stack the appliances, confirm that the models and kit are compatible, then compare programme durations and energy consumption for the way you’ll use them.
Frequently asked questions
What washing machine capacity should I choose if I dry laundry at home?
Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads rather than automatically opting for a larger drum. ADEME says that 7 kg is enough for most people. If you’re considering a washer-dryer, check separately how much laundry it can dry in one cycle.
Why does a washer-dryer show two capacities?
Because the maximum load for drying may be smaller than the maximum load for washing. Bosch, for example, lists a washing capacity of 10,5 kg and a capacity of 6 kg for the WNC254A0FR wash-and-dry cycle. If you wash a full load, you’ll need to remove some laundry before drying it in the machine.
What should I look for on a washing machine’s energy label if I dry laundry indoors?
Start with the spin-drying efficiency class: ADEME recommends class A if your laundry needs to dry quickly indoors. Then compare the spin-cycle noise level, the duration of the reference programme, water use per cycle and energy consumption across similar models.
Can you put any tumble dryer on top of any washing machine?
Only plan to stack appliances if the exact models are compatible and the manufacturer recommends the kit you’ll use. Check the manuals, dimensions and space needed to open the doors before you buy.
Does spinning mean you don’t need somewhere to dry your laundry?
No. A washing machine spins your laundry, but doesn’t dry it. If you plan to hang it up indoors, make sure you have enough space. An ADEME publication highlights that air-drying laundry contributes to indoor humidity.