A washer-dryer can be a good fit if you only have room for one appliance, provided the load you want to dry fits its drying capacity, which is separate from its washing capacity. If you can air-dry your laundry, a washing machine on its own is another option; if you have space for two appliances and do several loads in a row, consider a separate washing machine and tumble dryer too. Whichever option you choose, check the space needed, cycle times and consumption figures for the way you plan to use it.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Before choosing this option, compare its dimensions with the space available and its drying capacity with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go.
A complete wash-and-dry cycle can save you from transferring your laundry, as long as the load is within the drying capacity. Cycle time matters too if you need to run several loads in a row.
If your laundry doesn’t need to be dry when the programme ends, a washing machine on its own may be suitable. ADEME recommends paying attention to spin efficiency when drying laundry indoors; you’ll still need space to hang it up.
First work out where your laundry can dry, then compare your usual load size and the time you have available with the features of each option.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and the load you want to dry fits the capacity of a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and you should check how long a complete cycle takes to fit your laundry routine, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance but can leave your laundry to dry naturally.
Bear in mind: your laundry won’t be dry when the wash finishes, and you’ll need space to hang it up.
Consider this if: you have space for both appliances and often need to dry large loads.
Bear in mind: you’ll need more space and will have to transfer your laundry between the appliances.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Load to dry | For a washer-dryer, compare the stated washing, drying and complete-cycle capacities in kg. The European Commission lists these separately in its regulated product information. | I want to know whether I can leave the whole load in the drum until the cycle ends, without having to take some of the laundry out. |
| Time available | Check the length of a complete wash-and-dry cycle, not just the wash cycle. Look at the programme and load size you plan to use. | If I’m doing several loads one after another, I need to know how long the appliance will be occupied before I can start another cycle. |
| Installation | Compare the height, width and depth with the space available. Check the manual for clearance requirements, and make sure the door can open and maintenance components are accessible. | The machine needs to fit in my alcove, but I also need to be able to open the door and load the laundry once it’s installed. |
| Consumption | For washer-dryers, compare the figures for washing alone and for the complete cycle separately: energy in kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. The European EPREL register lists these two types of use separately. | If I plan to use the machine to dry laundry regularly, I want to compare the figures for the complete cycle, not just for washing. |
A load that fits the washing capacity may be too large for the same appliance to dry. You’ll then need to remove some of the laundry or dry it another way.
Compare the two capacities for the exact model and use the amount you want to dry without any intervention as your guide. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in capacity for washer-dryers.
Figures for washing alone don’t reflect the combined wash-and-dry cycle. So if you plan to use both functions regularly, you’ll need to check the figures for a complete cycle.
Compare energy, water and cycle time for the same type of programme across the appliances you’re considering; EPREL lists complete cycles and washing alone separately.
A complete cycle also uses water and electricity to get your laundry dry, so check its specific figures rather than those for washing alone.
An appliance may fit between two units but still leave too little room to open the door or access parts that need maintenance.
Measure the space, check the dimensions of the exact model and consult its manual for the required clearance and door-opening space.
A higher washing capacity doesn’t mean you’ll be able to dry the same amount in a complete cycle.
Estimate separately the loads you usually wash and the loads you need to dry straight away, then compare each with the relevant capacity.
These options include four washer-dryers that combine both functions in one appliance, and a washing machine on its own to consider if you can air-dry your laundry after washing. For each model, compare the load you need to dry and the installation requirements with your needs.
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For washing and then drying in one appliance, compare your load with the stated capacities of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you regularly use the complete cycle, check its duration and consumption figures for this model, as well as the clearance needed for installation.
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This washer-dryer has a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so a wash load of more than 6 kg can’t be dried in full in the same cycle. Check the complete-cycle duration and consumption, then check the installation clearance and door-opening space.
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This model combines washing and drying, with 10 kg and 6 kg capacities respectively stated in its name. Before choosing it for an alcove or frequent loads, check its exact dimensions, the complete-cycle duration and the corresponding consumption figures.
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This washer-dryer’s name states a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. Confirm these capacities in the specifications for the exact model, and check its dimensions, complete-cycle duration and consumption figures before planning its installation.
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This washing machine on its own may suit you if you have somewhere to hang your laundry after the cycle; it won’t dry it automatically. Its name states a capacity of 8 kg and a spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Check the dimensions and the clearance needed for your installation.
Yes, but only if the load is also within the capacity stated for a complete wash-and-dry cycle on that model. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may need to reduce a full wash load before drying it.
Compare the figures for washing alone and for the complete wash-and-dry cycle separately: capacities in kg, energy classes, energy use, water use and cycle duration. The European Commission lists these uses separately; the label’s QR code can take you to the model’s declared information in EPREL.
No: your laundry will still need to dry after spinning. If you can hang it up and wait, a washing machine on its own may meet your needs; ADEME recommends paying attention to the spin-efficiency class when drying laundry indoors.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then compare them with the dimensions of your chosen model and the clearance requirements in its manual. Also check that the door can open and that you’ll still be able to access the parts needed for maintenance.