If you can hang your laundry out temporarily, start by comparing washing machines’ spin-drying efficiency: ADEME highlights how useful it is for drying clothes indoors. If you only have room for one appliance and little space to hang laundry, a washer-dryer saves you from needing a second appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If you dry laundry often and have room for two appliances, consider a separate tumble dryer, checking its capacity, installation requirements and maintenance needs.
If there’s no room for two appliances in your home, compare a washer-dryer with a washing machine whose spin cycle is suitable for indoor drying. With the latter, you’ll still need to find somewhere to hang your laundry temporarily. ADEME recommends paying attention to spin-drying efficiency for this purpose.
If you regularly wash items such as sheets or towels, check how much laundry can actually be dried in each cycle. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you have room to install one, it’s worth considering a separate appliance.
Stacking the appliances can save you from using a second area of floor space. However, you’ll need a kit that’s compatible with the models you choose, and you must follow the installation instructions, as Electrolux explains in its manual.
Consider this if: you can set aside a temporary space to hang laundry and don’t need it to be dry as soon as the cycle ends.
Bear in mind: even with a suitable spin cycle, you’ll still need to hang your laundry up, where it will take up space while it dries.
Consider this if: you can only install one appliance and your drying loads fit within its stated drying capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to reduce a full washing load before drying it. UFC-Que Choisir also reports that most of the washer-dryers it studied use water during the drying cycle.
Consider this if: you dry laundry frequently and have room for a second appliance or a compatible stacked installation.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to transfer laundry between the appliances, make room for installation and add tumble dryer maintenance to your routine.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare your usual loads with the drying capacities, then check the installation requirements and the features of the cycle you plan to use.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle and air-drying | Compare washing machines’ spin-drying efficiency ratings. If you hang your laundry up, decide where the airer can stay while the clothes dry: a spin cycle won’t remove this step. | I can hang my laundry up, but I want to limit how long it takes up space in my flat. ADEME recommends choosing a spin-drying efficiency rating of A if you need laundry to dry quickly indoors. |
| Drying capacity | Check the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. If you’re buying two appliances, compare their maximum load sizes; Miele generally recommends choosing a tumble dryer with a capacity that matches the washing machine. | If I wash a large load, I want to know whether I can dry it all without removing some of the laundry or running another cycle. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and compare it with the model’s dimensions. For a stacked set-up, check that the kit is compatible and read the installation instructions. For a tumble dryer, also check the room requirements. | I only have room for one appliance, or I can use the vertical space without adding another appliance beside the washing machine. |
| Cycles and maintenance | Check the consumption and duration details for the wash-and-dry cycle you plan to use. For a separate tumble dryer, check the manual for access to the filter and instructions for the condenser. | I dry laundry often and need a laundry routine that works with the cycle times and regular appliance maintenance. |
A load that fits in a washer-dryer for washing may be too large for its drying capacity. The product specifications for the Bosch WNA14409FF and Whirlpool FFWDB964489BVFR both state a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Compare both capacities for the model you’re considering. If you want to run a wash and drying cycle without removing any laundry, base your load size on the drying capacity.
Saving space doesn’t tell you how the cycle works. UFC-Que Choisir reports that most of the washer-dryers it studied use water during the drying cycle.
If you regularly dry large loads, also look at the combined cycle details and whether you can install two appliances side by side or in a compatible stacked set-up.
Cleaning the filter is part of regular use: Electrolux support says to clean it after every cycle.
Before choosing a model, check its manual to find out how to access the filter and what instructions apply to the condenser.
Stacking two appliances isn’t simply a matter of putting the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine. Electrolux’s instructions call for a suitable stacking kit.
Before choosing this arrangement, check that the kit is compatible with both models, measure the space and read the installation instructions.
These examples highlight features to check on the models mentioned; they don’t necessarily apply to other appliances from the same brands.
The UK product information for the Bosch WNA14409FF washer-dryer offers a clear example of the difference between the washing and drying capacities of a combined appliance.
The Whirlpool FFWDB964489BVFR washer-dryer lets you compare the stated washing and drying capacities in one product listing.
Electrolux’s guidance is useful when checking room requirements and maintenance for a separate tumble dryer.
Miele’s advice offers two starting points to consider when choosing a separate washing machine and tumble dryer: capacity and stacking.
These models represent two of the options covered here: adding a separate tumble dryer or choosing a washer-dryer when you only have room for one appliance. For each one, compare the drying capacity with your usual laundry loads and check the installation requirements before deciding.
Image unavailable
This separate 8 kg tumble dryer is suited to a set-up where you have room for a second appliance. Its product description specifies a heat pump and class C; check the dimensions, installation requirements and energy consumption for your intended use.
Image unavailable
This 8 kg model offers the option of drying laundry in an appliance separate from the washing machine. Its product description specifies class D; check the available space, operating requirements and energy consumption for the cycle you plan to use.
Image unavailable
Washing and drying are combined in one appliance, so you only need room for one. The stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full washing load or dry it in more than one go. Also check that the combined cycle fits your laundry routine.
Image unavailable
This washer-dryer offers a single-appliance solution, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you want to run both functions one after the other, keep your loads within the drying capacity. Also check the duration and energy consumption of the combined cycle.
Image unavailable
This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you want to dry a full laundry load without splitting it, bear in mind the 6 kg drying capacity. Also check the dimensions and cycle features for your home.
Not always: its drying capacity is generally lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. The product information for the Whirlpool FFWDB964489BVFR and Bosch WNA14409FF states a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for each model. Check both figures for the model you’re considering before planning to run a cycle without removing any laundry.
Check the available space and the requirements in the model’s manual, rather than relying on its drying technology alone. For example, Electrolux states that the EDHF5841EC operates in a room between 5 °C and 35 °C. This applies to that model only.
Yes, provided the appliances and stacking kit are compatible and you follow the installation instructions. Electrolux’s manual specifies using the kit designed for the appliance in question, so check the exact model numbers before opting for a stacked installation.
Clean the filter regularly: Electrolux support says to clean it after every cycle. Check your model’s manual for instructions and any guidance on inspecting the condenser.