Households with room for just one appliance
You need to wash and dry your clothes without installing a second appliance. Compare the combined model’s actual dimensions and drying capacity, not just its washing capacity.
Who are these options for?
Households that dry clothes frequently
You can install a separate tumble dryer and want to keep an eye on electricity use across your cycles. Compare the energy labels and installation requirements of the models you’re considering.
Households with large loads of laundry
You want to dry a large load without transferring laundry between appliances or running multiple cycles. Check the drying capacity, which may differ from the washing capacity on a combined appliance.
What to compare
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you genuinely only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes.
Bear in mind: the drying load may be smaller than the washing load, so it’s worth comparing the full cycle.
Heat-pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you can install a separate appliance and dry laundry regularly.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir says these models generally use less electricity than conventional condenser dryers, but usually take longer to dry clothes.
Conventional condenser tumble dryer
Consider this if: you can install a separate appliance and drying time is an important factor in your choice.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir says these models generally dry clothes faster, but use more electricity than heat-pump models.
For the four criteria below, start with the main constraint in your home, then check the data for the exact cycle and model you’re considering.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and door clearance, and check access to the installation space. If stacking the appliances, check that both models and the stacking kit are compatible. | If I only have room for one appliance to wash and dry my clothes, I’ll choose an option that fits that space. Around 33% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Energy and water use | Compare figures for the same type of cycle and the same generation of energy label. For a washer-dryer, check the wash-and-dry cycle and its water use. | When I run drying cycles frequently, I check their electricity use and, for a washer-dryer, its water use too. Around 27% of consumers prioritise these running costs. |
| Load size and drying time | Compare your usual load with the drying capacity in kilograms, and check how long the appropriate programme takes. | To dry large loads, I check how much laundry can be dried at once, not just the washing capacity. Around 20% of consumers put load size and drying time first. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the manual for the specific model’s placement, connections and maintenance requirements. Not needing an external vent doesn’t mean you can skip ventilating your home. | If my home has installation constraints, I also check the required connections and maintenance. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer may dry less laundry than it can wash. For example, LG lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the F964R33WR.
Choose based on the amount of laundry you usually dry and the capacity of the full cycle.
If your load is larger than the drying capacity, you may need to split it up or run extra cycles.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
Heat-pump and conventional condenser tumble dryers generally use different amounts of energy. For a washer-dryer, the washing-only figure doesn’t reflect the full wash-and-dry cycle.
Compare the figures for the specific models on a like-for-like basis, and check which generation of energy label is used.
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Assuming “no external vent” means there are no installation requirements
A condenser tumble dryer can work without venting air outside, but you still need to consider where it will go and how well your home is ventilated.
Check the model’s manual and keep your home’s intended air inlets and outlets clear.
You may need to adapt the space before installing the appliance.
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Assuming you can always stack one appliance on top of another
Compatibility depends on the washer, tumble dryer and stacking kit models. For its 00576101 kit, Bosch specifies depth requirements and lists models that are not compatible.
Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit before planning a stacked installation.
Stacking may require a compatible kit and a suitable installation.
Brands to know when comparing specific models
Bosch
Heat-pump tumble dryers and stacking accessories to consider, depending on the models you’re looking at.
- Bosch lists a 9 kg capacity and a half-load option for the WQG1450BFR.
- Bosch states that the 00576101 kit isn’t compatible with all washing machines. Check the model numbers and the requirements specified for this kit.
LG
Washer-dryers to consider when there isn’t room to install two separate appliances.
- For the F964R33WR, LG lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
- This model’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so plan your laundry loads accordingly.
Electrolux
Heat-pump tumble dryers with published figures you can use to compare specific models.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 8 kg and energy use of 73 kWh per 100 cycles for the EW9HI783FC.
- These figures apply to this specific model and are provided by the manufacturer. They are not independent test results or representative of the entire range.
Whirlpool
Condenser tumble dryer models to include when comparing separate appliances.
- Whirlpool’s product details for the FFTBCM118XBFR list a capacity of 8 kg and energy use of 4,72 kWh per cycle.
- These specifications apply to this specific model and shouldn’t be assumed to apply to a heat-pump tumble dryer.
Candy
Washer-dryers, including a built-in model to consider if the type of installation matters to you.
- Candy lists the BC4S485M4D8-S as a built-in model, with dimensions of 600 × 525 × 820 mm.
- The energy rating quoted for this model applies to the combined cycle. Check that it matches the cycle you use.
Products to suit your needs
This selection includes washer-dryers for a single space and separate tumble dryers, including heat-pump and condenser models. Check the dimensions, connections and drying capacity of the model you choose.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 washer-dryer
A combined appliance to consider if you need to wash and dry your clothes in one space.
Listed capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; D rating.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 washer-dryer
A combined appliance to consider if you want to wash and dry your clothes in the same space.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; D rating.
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Whirlpool BI WDWG FreshCare+ built-in washer-dryer
Built-in installation is worth considering if the type of fitting matters when choosing a combined appliance.
Listed capacity: 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; stated spin speed: 1 400 tr/min.
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LG RT10X8B heat-pump tumble dryer
A separate appliance to consider if you can set aside a dedicated space for it.
Listed capacity: 10 kg; black; C rating.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare condenser tumble dryer
A separate tumble dryer to consider if you have a suitable space and want to compare its capacity with your usual loads.
Listed capacity: 8 kg; E rating.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliance can I consider if there’s no window or external vent?
A condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, doesn’t need a vent to carry air outside. Check the manual for the specific model and make sure your home is properly ventilated. The French decree of 24 March 1982 covers general, permanent ventilation in homes. A washer-dryer also needs to be installed using the connections specified for washing.
Can you stack any tumble dryer on top of any washing machine?
No. Compatibility depends on both appliances and the stacking kit. For the 00576101 kit, Bosch specifies that the washing machine must be more than 55 cm deep and states that it isn’t compatible with Series 2 washing machines. Check the exact model numbers before planning a stacked installation.
Which energy use figures should I compare for a washer-dryer?
Compare the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle that matches how you use the appliance, not just those for washing. Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses drying separately and records water use during drying for most of the models it tests.
What difference in capacity should I check on a washer-dryer?
Check the listed washing and drying capacities separately in kilograms: the drying load may be smaller. If you want to run both functions one after the other without removing any laundry, size your load according to the drying capacity.
What maintenance does a condenser tumble dryer need?
The manual for the specific model explains how condensed water is collected or drained, and which filters need cleaning. These requirements vary by model; the words “condenser tumble dryer” alone don’t tell you where the water tank is or how often maintenance is needed.