Choose a washer-dryer if you only have room for one appliance and its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, is enough for your usual loads. If you often dry several loads, a separate tumble dryer lets you free up the washing machine while drying, provided you have the space. To compare models, also look at cycle times, energy and water consumption, and the maintenance required.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. If you want to start drying as soon as the wash finishes without taking out any laundry, compare your usual load with the drying capacity, not just the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in capacity.
With two separate appliances, you can wash a new load while the previous one is drying. This set-up is particularly worth considering if you dry laundry frequently and have room for a second appliance.
Compare the figures that match how you’ll actually use the appliance: drying for a dedicated tumble dryer, or washing and drying for a combined machine. UFC-Que Choisir notes that heat pump tumble dryers use little electricity; you’ll need to check the model’s manual for maintenance instructions.
Choose this if: you have room for one appliance and being able to wash and dry in one go means you won’t need to transfer the laundry.
Bear in mind: you may not be able to dry the whole wash load in one go. UFC-Que Choisir notes that washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
Choose this if: you have room for a second appliance and want to be able to wash one load while another is drying.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install and maintain an extra appliance, then transfer the laundry after washing.
If you can’t rely on drying laundry outside, start with the factor that has the biggest impact on your washing routine: space, the amount of laundry to dry or how you use the appliance every day.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and allow enough depth to open the door. With a washer-dryer, also distinguish between its washing and drying capacities. | If I only have room for one appliance, I want to wash and dry without adding a second machine. Around 36 % of consumers put space requirements first. |
| Loads and laundry routine | Compare the drying capacity in kg and the length of the programme you’ll use. Two appliances let you wash and dry separate loads at the same time. | If I do load after load, I need to dry one without tying up the washing machine for the next. This uninterrupted routine comes first for around 36 % of consumers. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the figures for the relevant programme, including washing and drying for a combined machine. Check the manual for information on the filter and condensate management. | I can adjust my laundry routine, but I want to know about energy use and maintenance before choosing. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
If you choose a separate tumble dryer, UFC-Que Choisir associates heat pump models with low electricity consumption. However, you should still compare cycle times and programme figures across the models you’re considering. Check any tumble dryer described as a ‘condenser’ model individually: the term alone isn’t enough to identify its drying technology.
A washer-dryer may have two different maximum load capacities. LG France lists the LG F84400WHR and F852SV50WRS at 8/4 kg and 8.5/5 kg respectively. So washing a full load doesn’t mean you can dry it all without doing anything else.
Compare the drying capacity with the amount you want to dry in one go, and be prepared to take some laundry out first if needed.
A washer-dryer uses the same drum for washing and drying. A programme that runs both cycles back to back can therefore delay your next load, even though you don’t have to transfer the laundry to another appliance.
Check the stated wash-and-dry programme time for the load in question, then decide whether it fits your laundry routine.
A self-cleaning system doesn’t necessarily remove the need for other maintenance. For the relevant appliances, Bosch’s care instructions include cleaning the filter and emptying the condensate container.
Check the manual for the model you choose and make sure you can reach the parts that need cleaning once the appliance is installed.
Drying can affect a washer-dryer’s energy and water consumption. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol found that most of the models it tests use water during drying.
Compare the figures for the wash-and-dry programme with those for washing alone, taking account of the programme and load specified for each figure.
Bosch offers a range that includes heat pump tumble dryers.
LG’s washer-dryer range includes models with different washing and drying capacities.
Samsung offers washer-dryers with different washing and drying capacity combinations, depending on the model.
Electrolux’s range includes washer-dryers, including a heat pump model.
Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers as well as vented models.
These models give you a chance to explore the two main options: a separate tumble dryer that frees up the washing machine while drying, or a washer-dryer if you can only install one appliance. Compare each model’s features with your available space and usual loads.
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A separate appliance to consider if you want to keep your washing machine free while laundry is drying.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; heat pump technology. Compare the relevant programme time and energy consumption, then check the installation space and condensate management in the model’s documentation.
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Another separate appliance to consider if you have room to dry one load while starting the next wash.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Before comparing it with a heat pump model, check the exact drying technology, programme times and installation requirements in the documentation for this model.
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This combined machine gives you the option to wash and dry with one appliance, as long as its drying capacity suits the laundry you usually do.
Stated capacities: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. If you wash an 8 kg load, you may need to remove some laundry before drying. Check the external dimensions and the wash-and-dry programme figures before choosing where to install it.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, LG France lists the F84400WHR with a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 4 kg. Check both capacities for your model if you want to run the programmes back to back without taking any laundry out.
It’s worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and are mindful of electricity consumption. UFC-Que Choisir notes the low energy consumption of heat pump models, but you should still compare cycle times and the figures for the appliances you’re interested in.
Not always: how condensate is managed depends on the model and installation. Bosch lists a water drain hose for the WQG2450SFR, while its instructions also mention emptying the container. Check the manual for connection options and the related maintenance requirements.
Follow the maintenance instructions in the manual for the appliance you choose. These include looking after the filters and, depending on the model, the condensate container. Bosch covers these tasks in its care instructions, while Electrolux publishes specific guidance for washer-dryers. Even if a component is described as self-cleaning, check what other maintenance is required.