Choose a washer-dryer when there is only one available space and you can adjust the load to a drying capacity that is often lower than the washing capacity. A separate tumble dryer is better suited to full loads if installing two appliances is possible. A dehumidifier remains an addition to an indoor airer: it will not fix a leak, inadequate ventilation or a problem with the property.
You have the space and connections for just one appliance and want to wash and then dry your clothes without transferring them. Focus on comparing the drying capacity, depth and installation requirements of the washer-dryer you are considering.
You regularly wash sheets, towels or several kilos of laundry and can install two appliances. Do not confuse a washer-dryer’s washing capacity with its drying capacity, which may be lower.
You notice condensation, unpleasant smells or mould when clothes are dried on an indoor airer. First identify the possible causes, such as ventilation, a leak, heating or condensation, before adding a dehumidifier.
Choose this if: only one space and one connection are available, and you want to run washing and drying consecutively without transferring the laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and drying cycles may take longer.
Choose this if: the property can accommodate two appliances in a configuration approved by their manuals and you often dry full loads.
Bear in mind: you will need more space, as well as checks on the connection, condensate drainage and noise level.
Choose this if: the airer needs to remain indoors and the room is sufficiently well ventilated or has an extractor fan.
Bear in mind: a dehumidifier helps manage the moisture released by wet laundry, but it does not replace ventilation or remedy a leak.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and positioning | Measure the width, height and depth, including the doors, connections and clearances specified in the manual. Also check that the floor is stable and that there is a suitable socket. | I want to combine washing and drying in one space, without discovering after delivery that the appliance cannot be installed properly. |
| Actual drying load | Compare the drying kilograms with your usual load, not just the washing capacity. A 9/6 kg washer-dryer can wash up to 9 kg but dry up to 6 kg. | I want to avoid removing some of the wet laundry or splitting a wash before drying it. |
| Indoor humidity | For an airer, choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extractor. Also check the grilles, ventilation and absence of leaks if the damp persists. | I want to dry laundry indoors without causing lasting condensation problems in the flat. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare the stated noise levels for the same function. Check the condensate tank, any option for continuous drainage, the filters and the maintenance tasks specified by the manufacturer. | I need to be able to use the equipment near a living area while keeping emptying and maintenance tasks manageable on a day-to-day basis. |
The drying capacity is generally lower than the washing capacity. A full wash load may therefore need to be split before drying, leading to more handling and extra time.
Start by choosing according to the load you usually need to dry, then check the washing and drying kilogram capacities separately on the product page and in the manual.
Poor ventilation, a leak, inadequate heating or condensation may be causing the damp. A portable appliance can reduce the humidity in the air without fixing the underlying cause.
Check the ventilation outlets and grilles, look for leaks, air the room after moisture-producing activities and report persistent damp to your landlord if you are a tenant.
An appliance may have a standard width while still being too deep for its intended space. An unstable installation increases vibration, noise and movement during cycles.
Measure the available space with the doors and connections taken into account, then consult the manual for the exact model before ordering. Do not alter an electrical installation or unplanned drainage yourself.
Depending on the model, condenser drying and dehumidification may require you to empty a tank, maintain filters or install continuous drainage.
Before buying, check the tank capacity, whether a drainage hose is compatible, access to the filters and the maintenance tasks specified in the manual.
A useful reference for a freestanding washer-dryer with a medium to large capacity. The EW7IW4966BG model is listed with 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
A useful reference for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer when the property allows more space to be dedicated to drying.
A useful reference for people who keep an indoor airer and want a compact dehumidifier with a laundry-drying programme.
Joybuy options for a small flat: washer-dryers designed to combine two functions in one appliance, and dehumidifiers to use alongside an indoor airer.
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Wash and then dry with one appliance, provided you limit the drying load to 6 kg.
Listed dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. The wash-and-dry cycle is stated as taking 7 h 32 min; check the alcove, clearances, water inlet, drainage and socket before buying.
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A combined option for a single space, with a 6 kg drying capacity despite the stated 11 kg washing capacity.
Listed dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm; spin speed up to 1 400 rpm. The stated spin noise level is 72 dB and the wash-and-dry programme is listed as using 90 L and taking 7 h 32 min.
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Combine washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated 10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity.
The product lists 27 programmes, low-temperature Zeo-Cycle drying, automatic dosing and automatic cleaning of the lint filter. Check the dimensions, noise level and installation requirements before buying.
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An addition to an indoor airer, with a Dry mode and stated extraction of up to 20 L per day.
A 2.5 L tank, automatic shut-off and continuous drainage are listed. Allow for 20 cm of clearance and check the noise level for laundry mode.
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A complementary option for an airer, with a Drying mode and stated extraction of up to 16 L per day.
Listed dimensions: 28.7 × 17 × 49.8 cm. The continuous drainage hose is included; the stated capacity of 16 L/day is given at 35 °C and 90% relative humidity.
Not necessarily. For the Electrolux EW7IW4966BG, Electrolux states 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. To run both phases consecutively without removing any laundry, the initial load must comply with the drying capacity of the selected programme.
No. ANIL states that damp may be linked to ventilation, a leak, inadequate heating or condensation. If it persists despite airing the room and checking the ventilation outlets, report the problem to your landlord if you are a tenant.
ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extractor. According to this publication, air-drying laundry is an activity that releases a very high amount of moisture into indoor air.
Consult the exact manual for the chosen model and measure the space, including connections and clearances. For its appliances, Electrolux specifically recommends a flat, hard floor, a stable and level appliance and an earthed socket; these requirements should be checked for each model.
For a property to meet decent-housing standards, ANIL specifies that opening systems and any ventilation systems must be in good condition and allow moisture to be removed appropriately for normal occupancy and the operation of the equipment. How this applies to a particular property depends on its circumstances and observed condition.