Choose a washer-dryer if you genuinely only have room for one appliance and your usual amount of laundry to dry fits within its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. Two separate appliances are a better option when your layout allows you to handle large loads regularly, while air-drying requires a well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction.
You have space for only one appliance and want to wash and dry without keeping a clothes airer permanently set up. Pay particular attention to the drying capacity and the duration of the complete cycle: the European Commission clearly distinguishes between washing capacity and drying capacity.
You often dry towels, bedding or several loads of washing and could consider two appliances. The dimensions, stacking compatibility and electrical safety still need to be checked before choosing this layout.
You mainly air-dry your laundry in a flat. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet to help manage indoor humidity.
Choose this if: you only have one available space and your usual drying load does not exceed the stated drying capacity.
Be prepared for: a full washing load potentially needing to be reduced before drying, with the duration and energy and water consumption of the complete wash-and-dry cycle needing careful comparison.
Choose this if: two appliances can be installed side by side or stacked using a specifically compatible solution.
Be prepared for: checking the measurements, connections and installation safety before buying.
Choose this if: you cannot install a tumble dryer and have a sufficiently well-ventilated room available.
Keep an eye on: wet laundry increases indoor humidity; ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity in kg with the washing capacity. Check the capacity specified for the drying programme or the complete cycle of the exact model. | I want to dry a load without removing some of the laundry after washing. A 9/5 kg or 10/6 kg appliance should be sized according to the load to be dried, not just the load to be washed. |
| Duration, water and electricity | For a washer-dryer, check the class, energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle, duration and noise level of the wash-and-dry cycle. Do not compare this cycle with a wash-only cycle. | I want to avoid a space-saving solution turning into an excessively long cycle or consumption levels that are difficult to predict. ADEME recommends checking the energy label to compare these figures. |
| Humidity and ventilation | Assess the room’s size, ventilation and whether it has a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet. Do not block air inlets or extraction outlets. | I want to use a clothes airer without making condensation or discomfort worse. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction. |
| Installation and durability | Measure the space and check the water supply, drainage and electrical circuit. In a bathroom, check the safety zones and residual-current protection; also check the durability index for the washing machine concerned. | I want an installation suited to my home and a model that is easier to assess over time. The durability index complements checks on capacity, consumption and installation requirements. |
Drying capacity is separate and generally lower on combined models. An appliance advertised as offering 9 kg of washing and 5 kg of drying may require you to remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle.
Choose an appliance based on your usual drying load and check the capacity of the complete cycle, not just the washing capacity.
The figures for the wash-and-dry cycle may differ from those for washing alone. For example, AEG states that the LWR7G944B has an A class for washing and a D class for wash-and-dry.
If you plan to wash and dry regularly, compare the class, energy consumption, water consumption and duration of the complete cycle on the information sheets for the exact models.
ADEME identifies air-drying laundry as a particularly high source of indoor humidity. In a small home, inadequate ventilation can encourage condensation and discomfort.
Set up the clothes airer in a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction, without blocking air inlets or extraction outlets.
The proximity of water and electricity means that specific installation and protection rules apply. Promotelec particularly highlights the importance of 30 mA residual-current protection on bathroom circuits.
Measure the position in relation to the shower or bath, and have the circuit and planned installation checked before ordering the appliance.
Adapting the electrical circuit or socket may require building work, depending on the chosen location.
A range of washer-dryers including 9/5 kg, 8/5 kg and 10/6 kg configurations, worth considering if you are looking for product information that details dimensions, complete-cycle duration and separate classes.
A range including 9/6 kg washer-dryers, worth comparing if a 6 kg drying capacity matches the amount of laundry you usually handle.
A washer-dryer range including 9/6 kg models, worth considering if you are looking for a relatively high drying capacity in a single appliance.
The French range combines washer-dryers with separate appliances, allowing you to compare an all-in-one solution with a layout using separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
These Joybuy options mainly cover washer-dryers for a single space, as well as a tumble dryer to pair with a separate washing machine in a compact layout.
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A two-in-one option for a single space, with stated capacities of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Stated dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. The wash-and-dry cycle uses 308 kWh/100 cycles and 90 L/cycle, and takes 7 h 32; the 6 kg drying capacity remains lower than the washing capacity.
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This model could suit a single space when drying loads of up to 6 kg matches your needs.
Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. The 6 kg drying capacity is separate from the 10 kg washing capacity; check the exact model’s label for the duration, water and energy consumption of the complete cycle.
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A washer-dryer solution for a single space, with stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
The product features Zeo-Cycle low-temperature drying, 27 programmes, a lint-cleaning system and automatic dosing. Check the dimensions and complete-cycle figures before making your choice.
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This washer-dryer is designed for homes where you need to limit the installation footprint to one appliance, with stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
The product features Zeo-Cycle drying technology, automatic lint cleaning and automatic dosing. A full washing load may need to be divided before drying.
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Worth considering for larger loads if your home can also accommodate a separate washing machine.
Stated drying capacity: 8 kg. The product features heat-pump technology, a C class, an accessible filter, a direct drainage connection and a stated noise level of 64 dB.
Not necessarily. European regulations distinguish between washing capacity and drying capacity: a 9/5 kg model can wash up to 9 kg of dry laundry, but can only dry 5 kg in the relevant cycle. Always check the second figure before buying.
This depends on the exact position in relation to the shower or bath, the safety zones and the electrical circuit. Promotelec points out that the NF C 15-100 standard governs these installations and includes requirements such as 30 mA residual-current protection; have the layout checked by a qualified professional before carrying out work or buying an appliance.
Yes, provided that ventilation is sufficient. ADEME recommends drying laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or in a room with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet; the home’s general and permanent ventilation must remain operational.
For a washer-dryer, check the drying capacity, the wash-and-dry cycle class, energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle, duration and noise level separately. For a washing machine alone, ADEME also recommends checking spin-drying efficiency when the laundry will subsequently be dried indoors or in a tumble dryer.
Check the durability index displayed for the washing machine concerned. According to ADEME, it has been mandatory since April 2025 for the relevant washing machines sold in France, and takes into account factors including reliability, repairability, availability of spare parts and maintenance.