Choose a washing machine with good spin-drying efficiency if you can still hang your laundry out and mainly want to reduce drying time. A washer-dryer is suitable when two appliances will not fit in your home, while a separate heat-pump tumble dryer is a better choice for regular loads, provided you can manage the space, noise, maintenance and condensate.
If you dry your laundry on an airer indoors, prioritise a washing machine whose spin-drying efficiency, noise level and energy consumption suit your routine. ADEME recommends choosing an A spin-drying efficiency class when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors.
A washer-dryer avoids the need for two appliances and transferring laundry between them. However, compare the washing capacity with the drying capacity, along with the figures for the complete cycle.
A separate heat-pump tumble dryer is worth considering if an indoor airer is no longer sufficient. Check the available space, noise level, maintenance requirements and how condensation water is handled.
Choose this if: you have room to hang your laundry and mainly want it to come out less wet.
Bear in mind: the laundry will still need to dry indoors, and the spin speed should suit the fabrics.
Choose this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to run washing and drying consecutively.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and the complete cycle should be compared separately.
Choose this if: you often dry large loads and have room for a dedicated appliance.
Bear in mind: check the noise level, filters and the condensate collection or drainage system.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce time on the airer | Spin-drying efficiency class, adjustable speed for different fabrics and noise during spinning. | I want to hang up less wet laundry without using a tumble dryer every time. ADEME recommends an A spin-drying efficiency class for quick indoor drying. |
| Manage laundry volumes | Washing and drying capacities shown separately; tumble-dryer capacity close to that of the washing machine. | I want to avoid having to split a load before drying it mechanically. |
| Energy consumption and duration | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco 40-60 programme duration and complete-cycle data for a washer-dryer. | I need to be able to organise cycles without assuming that a long programme is necessarily energy-intensive. |
| Installation | Drying type, location, noise level, condensate tank or connection to the water drain. | My home may not have a direct outlet to the outside. UFC-Que Choisir states that a vented model requires an external opening or an air-vent hose. |
| Durability and maintenance | Durability index, availability of parts, filters and maintenance instructions for the specific model. | I prefer an appliance whose maintenance and repair requirements remain visible considerations when making my choice. |
The maximum spin speed does not replace the spin-drying efficiency class shown on the label. A high speed is not suitable for every fabric and may increase creasing.
Compare the spin-drying efficiency class first, then select a speed that is suitable for the fabrics being washed.
The drying capacity is often lower than the washing capacity. The Bosch WNA14401FR, for example, lists 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Check both capacities and plan to split the load if you want to dry all your laundry mechanically.
A split load may require additional drying time.
A vented model requires an opening to the outside or an air-vent hose, unlike a condenser model.
Measure the space, identify the technology and read the model’s installation instructions again before ordering.
Without an external opening or a compatible hose, installation may not be possible.
The label data for washing machines is measured using the Eco 40-60 programme. The duration helps you organise your household routine, but on its own it is not enough to assess consumption.
Compare the duration, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level together; for a washer-dryer, also check the complete cycle.
In France, Bosch offers examples of washing machines with high spin speeds, washer-dryers and heat-pump tumble dryers.
Whirlpool is a brand worth considering for a washer-dryer when saving space is the main priority.
Miele can be used as a reference point when comparing heat-pump tumble dryers, condensate collection and stacking installation.
Joybuy options for indoor drying: compact or large-capacity washer-dryers, heat-pump tumble dryers and washing machines designed to reduce residual moisture before hanging laundry out.
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For a home where one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying.
11 kg washing capacity, 6 kg drying capacity and maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm. The stated wash-and-dry cycle lasts 7 h 32 min, with 308 kWh/100 cycles and 90 L per cycle; a large wash load may need to be split before drying.
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Worth considering for frequent drying of household loads with a separate appliance.
8 kg drying capacity, heat-pump technology, stated noise level of 64 dB and the option to connect the condensate drainage hose directly. Check the available space and whether the home’s drainage system is compatible.
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A two-in-one option for small homes that cannot accommodate two appliances.
8 kg washing capacity, 5 kg drying capacity, maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm and stated dimensions of 600 × 520 × 847 mm. The load may need to be split before drying.
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For households looking for a single washing and drying solution.
10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity, with 27 stated washing programmes and automatic dosing. A full wash load may need to be divided before drying.
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For continuing to dry laundry on an airer while reducing residual moisture after washing.
8 kg capacity, maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm, spin-drying efficiency class B, 33 kWh/100 cycles, 38 L per cycle and an Eco 40-60 programme lasting 3 h 38 min. The laundry must still be hung out after washing.
First check the spin-drying efficiency class, followed by the noise level, energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption and the duration of the reference programme. ADEME recommends an A spin-drying efficiency class when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors.
No. A high speed generally removes more water, but delicate fabrics, lace and embroidery may require a lower speed. Check each fabric’s care instructions before prioritising quick drying.
The capacities are stated separately for washing and for the complete cycle. The Bosch WNA14401FR, for example, lists 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for wash-and-dry; capacity, duration, water and energy figures should therefore be compared for each cycle.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer requires an opening to the outside or access to an air-vent hose, unlike a condenser model. Always check the exact model’s instructions and the requirements that apply to your home before buying.
Yes. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the durability index gradually replaced the repairability index for washing machines from 8 April 2025. This score out of 10 takes repairability and reliability into account, among other factors.