If you can dry laundry indoors, start by choosing a washing machine with a spin cycle that suits your loads. To get dry laundry regularly without air-drying it, consider a separate tumble dryer if you can install one. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity.
If you have room for a washing machine but not two appliances, compare a washer-dryer with a washing machine whose spin cycle suits your needs. Your decision will largely depend on how much laundry you need to dry without hanging it out.
If you often need dry laundry and can install a second appliance, a separate tumble dryer lets you choose a dedicated drying capacity. Stacking the appliances requires compatible models and a suitable stacking kit.
If you can still dry laundry indoors, first consider the washing machine’s spin efficiency, capacity and noise level. ADEME says an effective spin cycle helps laundry dry faster indoors.
First decide between air-drying and using an appliance, then check the space available and the size of the load you need to dry. Each of the three set-ups meets different needs.
Consider this if: you can still dry your laundry indoors.
Bear in mind: a spin cycle can reduce drying time, according to ADEME, but it cannot replace air-drying.
Consider this if: you regularly need to dry loads and have a suitable installation space.
Bear in mind: a second appliance takes up space and needs the maintenance set out in its manual.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance and would sometimes like to wash and dry in one go.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Also compare the duration and consumption of a complete cycle.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the space and check how far the door opens. For a stacked installation, confirm that both models and the stacking kit are compatible. | With room for only one appliance, I want to be able to dry laundry without installing two. Around 40% of consumers would make space a priority. |
| Load size to dry | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads. For a washer-dryer, check this separately from the washing capacity. | When I do laundry frequently, I want to dry my loads without always having to split them. This would be the priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Use and maintenance | Check the figures for the cycle you use, the noise level and how easy it is to access the filters or water tank, depending on the appliance. | If the appliance is near living areas, I want to keep noise and regular maintenance tasks manageable. Around 10% of consumers would make this their top criterion. |
A washer-dryer may take less laundry for a complete wash-and-dry cycle than for washing alone. For example, Bosch lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for washing and drying with the WNA13400FF.
Start with the size of the load you usually need to dry, then check both capacities separately for the model you’re considering.
If the washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some laundry before drying or run an extra cycle.
The Bosch WNA13400FF product information gives a duration of 7 h 30 for its full cycle at rated capacity, compared with 3 h 32 for its Eco 40-60 wash-only programme. These times apply to this model and these programmes.
Compare the duration, water and energy use of the wash-and-dry cycle that suits your needs, rather than looking only at the washing label.
A long complete cycle delays your next load on the same appliance.
The Bosch manual for the WQG133DTFR tumble dryer specifies that a suitable connection kit is needed for stacking. You must also follow the requirements for fixing and venting the appliance.
Note down the exact model numbers of both appliances and check the accessories and instructions approved by their manufacturers before deciding where to install them.
In a compact home, your chosen location could make the noise more noticeable and the filter or water tank less convenient to access. ADEME recommends considering noise levels when choosing an appliance.
Compare the stated noise levels and make sure you can open the door, remove the filters and empty the tank if your chosen model has one.
The range includes washer-dryers and tumble dryers, giving you the choice of a combined appliance or a two-appliance set-up.
The heat-pump tumble dryer range offers options for separate drying.
The UK range includes 8 kg/5 kg washer-dryers and heat-pump tumble dryers.
These appliances offer two ways to dry laundry indoors: combine washing and drying in a washer-dryer, or add a separate tumble dryer. If you’d rather air-dry your laundry, consider the washing machine’s spin performance separately.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry, provided its drying capacity suits your needs.
The title lists 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the dimensions, connections and full-cycle information for this model.
Image unavailable
Consider this for separate drying if you have room for a second appliance.
The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check the space required and how condensate is handled in the manual.
Image unavailable
This all-in-one appliance combines washing and drying when space is limited.
The title lists 8 kg for washing, 5 kg for drying and a spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Check the exact dimensions before deciding where to put it, as the product description gives conflicting information.
Image unavailable
This separate tumble dryer provides dedicated drying if you have room for a second appliance in your home.
The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Check the model’s dimensions, noise level and condensate handling arrangements.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’d like to add a separate tumble dryer and have room for it.
The title lists a D energy rating. The capacity information differs across the details associated with this model, so check the capacity of the exact variant before comparing it with your loads.
Not always: compare the washing and drying capacities of the specific model. For example, Bosch lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle with the WNA13400FF. This means a full wash load may need to be reduced before drying.
Not necessarily: depending on the model, condensate can be collected in a tank or drained through a suitable connection. Bosch documentation describes both options for the model in question. Check the manual for the one you’re considering and make sure you have any accessories you need.
No: you need to confirm that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible before installation. The Bosch WQG133DTFR manual specifies that a suitable connection kit is required. Check the instructions for both models you want to stack.
Compare washing-only and full wash-and-dry cycles separately, taking their respective capacities into account. Check the relevant product information and labels for cycle duration, energy and water use, and noise level. Then compare these figures with the cycles you’ll actually use.