Choose a washer-dryer if you only have space for one appliance and your usual loads fit within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you can install two compatible appliances, side by side or stacked, compare their capacities and the space they need. If you can air-dry your laundry, a washing machine with a suitable spin-drying performance is another option. In every case, check the actual dimensions. For a washer-dryer, also compare the full cycle time and energy and water consumption.
If you don’t have a utility room or enough width for two appliances, you’ll want to wash and dry your clothes in the same footprint. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the space-saving benefits of a washer-dryer, provided you check its dimensions and drying capacity.
If you regularly dry large loads, the difference between washing and drying capacities may mean you have to remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle. Compare this with the space needed for two separate appliances.
If you have space to hang your laundry, you could consider a washing machine without a built-in dryer. ADEME recommends checking its spin-drying efficiency class if you plan to dry your clothes indoors afterwards.
Consider it: when one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying, and your load is within the model’s drying limit.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. You’ll also need to compare the full cycle time and consumption.
Consider them: if you often dry large loads and have space for two appliances, or enough height to stack compatible models.
The trade-off: stacking requires a kit that’s compatible with the exact models. Electrolux, for example, asks customers to check that its kit is compatible.
Consider it: if you can hang your laundry to dry and only need space for a washing machine.
The trade-off: a spin cycle isn’t a substitute for a tumble dryer. ADEME recommends choosing a good spin-drying efficiency class to help your laundry dry more easily afterwards.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the overall depth, allow clearance for the door and check access to the connections. If stacking, make sure the kit is compatible with both model numbers. | If I only have one space available, the appliance needs to fit without blocking the door or access to the connections. This would be a priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the capacity in kilograms for washing alone and for a wash-and-dry cycle with the size of your usual loads. | If I often dry sheets or towels, I want to know whether the whole load can stay in the drum. The amount that can actually be dried would come first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Time and consumption | Check the figures for washing alone and for the full cycle separately. Also consider spin noise if the appliance is near a living area. | In a room used every day, I need to be comfortable with how long the drum is occupied, the noise and the resources used. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise these practical considerations. |
A load that fits for washing may exceed the limit for the full cycle, meaning you’ll need to remove some damp laundry before drying. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two capacities generally differ.
For a model listed as 8/5 kg, check the 5 kg figure to see how much laundry it can wash and then dry without you having to unload it part-way through.
The door, protruding parts and connections can make an alcove unusable, even if the appliance’s main body seems to fit.
Check the overall dimensions of the exact model and allow enough space to open the door and access the connections.
Figures for washing alone don’t necessarily tell you how long a wash-and-dry cycle takes or how much it consumes.
Compare the figures for each mode on the label and product information, especially if you expect to use the full cycle often.
Similar dimensions aren’t enough to guarantee that two appliances and a kit will work together.
Before planning a stacked installation, check with the manufacturer that the kit is compatible with each model number.
These model examples show which features to compare. The capacities and functions mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not to every appliance from that brand.
The WNA13400FF lets you compare washing, drying and a programme for smaller loads.
The F852SV52IRS shows which measurements to check if you’re choosing a model for its shallow depth.
The range includes washer-dryers as well as accessories for certain stacked installations.
The models available in France include washer-dryers with separate washing and drying capacities.
These two appliances suit different needs in a small home: washing and drying in one machine, or using a washing machine and then hanging your laundry indoors.
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Wash and then dry with a single appliance, as long as your drying load doesn’t exceed 5 kg.
The model name indicates an 8 kg washing capacity, a 5 kg drying capacity and a spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
Before choosing this model for a narrow alcove, check its overall dimensions and the clearance it needs. Also compare the full cycle time and consumption.
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Worth considering if you can hang your laundry to dry after washing: this is a washing machine with no built-in dryer.
Its name indicates an 8 kg capacity and a spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Before choosing this option, check the installation dimensions and the model’s spin-drying efficiency class.
No. To run a wash-and-dry cycle on an 8/5 kg model, your load must be within the 5 kg limit for the full cycle. The washing capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much laundry the appliance can then dry without you removing some of it.
Compare the information for washing alone and for the wash-and-dry cycle separately, including consumption, cycle time and the capacity listed for each mode. Also check the noise level if the appliance will be used near a living area.
No. You need a kit explicitly compatible with both model numbers, as well as enough height for the installation. For example, Electrolux lists a depth range and asks you to check the product number for one of its kits. These conditions don’t automatically apply to other kits.