If you can only install one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and then dry your clothes without transferring them, provided the load is within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If your only constraint is floor space, it’s also worth considering a stacked pair of appliances, if you have enough height and the models are compatible. A washing machine with a separate drying solution may suit you if you don’t need the cycle to run straight through automatically. When comparing washer-dryers, check the figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle, not just for washing.
In a kitchen or small home where there’s no room to install a second appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, make sure loads intended for a full wash-and-dry cycle are sized according to the drying capacity, which is usually lower than the washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A continuous wash-and-dry cycle means you don’t have to move your laundry between two appliances. Just make sure you stay within the machine’s stated drying capacity.
If you regularly need to dry bedding, towels or large loads, compare a washer-dryer’s drying limit with the option of installing a stacked pair. Stacking requires enough height and a kit that’s compatible with both appliances.
Worth considering: when there’s room for only one appliance and your usual load fits within its drying capacity.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir highlights the lower drying capacity, longer drying time and water consumption.
Worth considering: if you can dry your laundry separately without needing a second machine on the floor.
The trade-off: you’ll need to transfer your laundry after washing, and how you dry it depends on the solution you choose.
Worth considering: if floor space is your only limitation and there’s enough height for two compatible appliances.
The trade-off: stacking requires a suitable fixing kit. Bosch advises checking that its kit is compatible with each appliance.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the clearance needed to open the door. For a stacked installation, check that the appliances and kit are compatible. | I only have room for one appliance on the floor: does that mean I can fit just one, or could I use the height to stack two? |
| Load to be dried | Compare the rated washing and drying capacities in kg. According to Bosch and LG France’s product specifications, the WNA13400FF and F964V52IRSA models offer capacities of 8/5 kg and 9/6 kg respectively. | If I want to leave the laundry in the drum until the cycle ends, my usual load needs to fit within the drying capacity, not just the washing capacity. |
| Full cycle | Check the figures for wash-and-dry cycles separately from washing-only cycles: electricity per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. The European Commission says these figures are shown on the label for relevant appliances. | If I often run a wash-and-dry cycle, the duration and consumption of the full cycle are important factors in my choice. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual to find out how to access the filter, detergent drawer and door seal, and make sure they’ll still be accessible once the appliance is installed. | I want to be able to carry out routine maintenance, even with limited space around the machine. |
For the Bosch WNA13400FF, Bosch lists an 8 kg washing capacity, but a 5 kg capacity for a continuous wash-and-dry cycle. Any load above this limit can’t be dried fully in the same cycle.
Think about the loads you need to dry and choose based on the stated drying capacity, not just the washing capacity.
A full cycle has its own water, electricity and duration figures. For the F964V52IRSA’s wash-and-dry cycle, LG France lists 359 kWh per 100 cycles, 90 L per cycle and a duration of 7 h 50 at full load.
Compare full-cycle figures across models with a drying capacity that meets your needs.
An appliance may fit the width of the space but still be difficult to install or use if you haven’t accounted for its depth, the door opening or access for maintenance.
Measure the space in full and check the clearance requirements in the product specifications and manual for the model you’re considering.
A stacked installation takes up just one footprint, but it requires two appliances, enough height and a compatible fixing system. Bosch advises checking that its kit is compatible before ordering.
Before choosing this solution, confirm the model numbers of both appliances, the right kit and any installation requirements.
You may need to budget for a compatible stacking kit as an additional accessory.
The French range includes the WNA13400FF, a front-loading washer-dryer with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg capacity for a continuous cycle, according to Bosch Électroménager France.
LG France lists the F964V52IRSA with a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Haier France lists the HWD80-B14939 from the I-Pro Series 3 range as a freestanding model with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads, and check the dimensions of the model you choose.
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For a continuous cycle without transferring laundry, keep the load within the stated drying capacity of 6 kg. Check the full model number on the product label before comparing its cycle figures.
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This model combines both functions in one appliance, but don’t assume a 10 kg wash load can be dried in one cycle: its stated drying capacity is 6 kg. Check the full-cycle figures for the model you’re considering.
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The stated capacities show the difference between the load you can wash and the load you can dry without taking any laundry out. If space is tight, check the installation dimensions and full-cycle figures for this model.
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If you want to wash and then dry without emptying the drum, keep the load within the stated drying capacity of 5 kg. Check the exact dimensions of this model before choosing it for a narrow recess.
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With a stated drying capacity of 0.5 kg, its continuous cycle is suited to very small loads rather than a family wash. Check its dimensions and full-cycle figures for the way you plan to use it.
The washing capacity shows the maximum load for a wash-only cycle; the drying capacity is the limit for drying laundry in the appliance. If you want to run both stages without taking any laundry out, load the machine according to its drying capacity.
Compare the figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle separately from those for washing alone. The European Commission lists details including the energy rating, electricity used per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. Make sure you’re comparing the same type of cycle across two models.
Only if its weight is within the model’s drying capacity. Bosch lists an 8 kg washing capacity but a 5 kg capacity for the WNA13400FF’s continuous cycle; LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V52IRSA. If your load exceeds the drying limit, take some laundry out or dry it separately.
Yes, as long as both models, their dimensions and the stacking kit are compatible. Bosch says that one of its kits is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm, and advises checking compatibility before installation.
Check the manual to see how to access the filter, detergent drawer and door seal, then make sure there’s enough room to carry out these tasks. UFC-Que Choisir includes these maintenance checks in its washer-dryer assessment process.