If there isn’t room for two appliances in your flat, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes without needing a second space, although its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. If you often dry large loads and have enough room, consider a separate tumble dryer instead. If you’ll continue to use an airer, look for a suitable spin cycle and check your home’s ventilation.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in the same footprint. However, bear in mind that you may not be able to dry a full wash load in a single cycle, as the separate capacities listed by Bosch and Miele for their washer-dryers show.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you can make room for one or stack it on top of your washing machine. Que Choisir points out that stacking requires a suitable stacking kit. You should also check the dimensions and installation requirements for both appliances.
A washing machine with a suitable spin cycle can help clothes dry faster indoors without adding another appliance. ADEME recommends checking the spin-drying efficiency class. You should also consider cycle noise and air circulation.
First decide where your clothes will dry, then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry with your home’s practical limitations. Choosing an appliance comes after answering these two questions.
Consider this if: you want to wash and then dry your clothes without installing a second appliance.
The trade-off: the drying capacity is often lower, so you may need to handle a large wash load again before drying it.
Consider this if: you often dry large loads and can install two appliances.
The trade-off: even when stacked, you’ll need enough height and a compatible stacking kit, as Que Choisir points out.
Consider this if: you have room to air-dry your clothes and don’t want to add a tumble dryer.
The trade-off: your clothes will take up that space while they dry. A good spin cycle doesn’t mean you can skip checking the ventilation.
| Your concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space, door clearance and any room needed around the appliance. With a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | There’s no room for an airer or a second appliance, so I want to be able to wash and dry a small load in the same machine. Around 33% of consumers prioritise having a single appliance. |
| Loads to dry | Compare the drying capacity with the size of your usual wash loads. If you’re thinking of stacking two appliances, check that they’re compatible with the kit. | When my wash loads are large and frequent, I’d rather not have to remove some clothes before starting the drying cycle. Drying large loads comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cycle noise | Compare the noise level stated for the exact model, taking into account where it will go and when you’ll use it. | If the machine is near living areas or neighbours, spin-cycle noise affects my choice. Around 20% of consumers prioritise low noise. |
| Air-drying and energy use | Check the spin-drying efficiency class and compare the stated energy use for similar cycles. If you air-dry your clothes, check the existing ventilation too. | I can still air-dry some of my clothes, but I want them to spend less time in the flat without overlooking energy use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
A washer-dryer may have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. The Bosch, Miele and Siemens models mentioned below all list these two figures separately.
Compare each model’s wash-and-dry capacity with the amount of laundry you want to process without taking clothes out between the two stages.
An appliance may fit across without leaving enough depth for installation or room to open the door. If you’re stacking appliances, the total height matters too.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the clearances required in the appliance manuals and any stacking kit instructions.
If the dimensions aren’t compatible, delivery to the intended space or your preferred installation may not be possible.
In its tests of washer-dryers, Que Choisir reports that their drying function doesn’t match the performance of a separate tumble dryer. Results still depend on the appliance and programme you choose.
If you often dry large loads, compare the capacities and cycles of a washer-dryer with those of a two-appliance set-up that works in your home.
According to ADEME, an effective spin cycle helps clothes dry faster indoors. Qualitel also notes that ventilation helps refresh the air and reduce humidity.
If indoor air-drying is still your main solution, check that the existing air inlets and extraction vents are working, and don’t block them.
Worth considering if you’re comparing a washer-dryer with a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a high washing capacity but still want just one appliance on the floor.
Worth considering if you want to compare the two capacities of a washer-dryer in detail.
Worth considering when comparing the capacity, depth and noise of a front-loading washer-dryer.
The four washer-dryers below combine washing and drying in a single appliance. A separate tumble dryer is better suited to households that already have a washing machine and can install a second appliance. For each option, compare the dimensions and drying capacity with your home and your usual wash loads.
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Combines washing and drying in a single appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. The wash-and-dry programme is listed as taking 7 h 32 min. Check clearances, door opening space and connections before installation.
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Wash up to 11 kg without making room for a separate tumble dryer; the stated drying capacity is 6 kg.
Stated dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm; stated spin-cycle noise level: 72 dB. Check that the difference between the two capacities suits your usual loads, and allow enough space for the door to open and for connections.
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Combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg.
The product description mentions automatic dosing and the LintClear filter maintenance system. Before choosing this model for a fitted space, check its dimensions, noise level and energy use in the full product specifications.
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Wash and dry your clothes in one appliance, as long as the stated drying capacity of 6 kg is enough for your loads; the stated washing capacity is 10 kg.
The product description mentions automatic dosing and LintClear. Check the dimensions, installation requirements, noise level and cycle times before choosing where to put it.
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A separate drying option if you already have a washing machine and can install a second appliance; the stated capacity is 8 kg.
The stated noise level is 64 dB. Measure the space and check the manual for required clearances and stacking compatibility before planning a stacked set-up.
Because washing and drying capacities are different. For example, Bosch lists a washing capacity of 9 kg but a wash-and-dry capacity of 6 kg for the WNG24402FR. If you want to run both cycles without removing any laundry in between, compare your usual load with the drying capacity.
You can stack front-loading appliances using a compatible stacking kit, as Que Choisir explains. Check that the models are compatible, confirm the total height and follow the instructions in both manuals before planning this set-up.
Check the electrical requirements in each appliance manual and the available installation at the intended location. Having a socket there doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for your planned use. If you’re unsure, ask a qualified professional to check the installation.
No. It can help clothes dry faster, but it doesn’t replace good air circulation. ADEME recommends checking the spin-drying efficiency class for faster indoor drying, while Qualitel highlights the importance of ventilation. Check the existing air inlets and extraction vents.
Check that you’ll be able to reach the filter, detergent drawer and door seal easily, following the instructions for the model. Que Choisir includes these tasks in its assessment of how easy washer-dryers are to use. Easy access matters particularly when space is tight.