A washer-dryer can solve a space problem if you can keep each wash-and-dry load within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you often dry large loads and have room for two appliances, separate machines avoid having every wash dictated by that limit, but they take up more space and you’ll need to transfer the laundry between them. In either case, compare the dimensions and the declared figures for equivalent programmes.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one machine, without moving them between appliances. However, you’ll need to keep loads within its drying capacity and check that the appliance will actually fit in the space available.
If you regularly need to dry bedding, towels or several loads of washing, the difference between a washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities may mean splitting your loads. If space allows, it’s worth considering separate appliances.
A two-in-one function isn’t enough to distinguish between models. Compare the programmes that suit your laundry, along with the energy, water and cycle-time figures shown on the energy label and product page.
Consider this if: you have room for only one appliance and want to wash and then dry your laundry without moving it.
Bear in mind: a wash-and-dry cycle must stay within the machine’s drying capacity, even if it can wash a larger load.
Consider this if: you often dry large loads and have enough space, perhaps for a compatible stacked set.
Bear in mind: this setup takes up more space and usually means transferring the laundry between appliances.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Overall dimensions, installation clearances and whether the appliance has a continuous wash-and-dry cycle. | If there’s no room for two machines or a clothes airer, being able to do everything in one appliance becomes the main priority; around 31% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Washing and drying capacities, in kg, as well as the load allowed for a complete cycle. | If you regularly dry bedding and towels without splitting every load, drying capacity matters more than washing capacity; around 25% of consumers put load size first. |
| Water and electricity use | Declared consumption figures for the same type of programme, alongside its capacity and duration, on the energy label and product page. | If reducing water and electricity use over time matters more than speed, you’ll need to compare the programmes you’re actually considering; around 25% of consumers prioritise consumption. |
| Cycle time | The declared duration of the complete programme for a load that’s within the drying capacity. | If you need one machine to leave your laundry dry before you next need it, knowing when the cycle will finish is essential; around 19% of consumers make cycle time their priority. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer may be able to wash a larger load than it can dry. Filling the drum to its washing limit could therefore mean taking some laundry out before drying or running several cycles.
Check the washing, drying and continuous-cycle capacities separately for the model you’re considering.
A washer-dryer saves you from transferring laundry, but UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying and a combined cycle can take a long time. A quick-wash feature doesn’t necessarily indicate how long a full wash-and-dry load will take.
Check the duration of the programme you plan to use and make sure you know what load it allows.
The European Commission lists separate details on washer-dryer energy labels to help you compare factors such as energy use, water consumption and cycle time. A single rating can’t replace comparing the figures for the use you have in mind.
Compare the same indicators and declared programmes, and check the product page for details of the test conditions.
The depth of the model, the door opening and access to connections can all affect whether the machine will fit its intended space. If you’ll also be using an indoor clothes airer, ADEME points out that drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air.
Measure the usable space, allowing for the clearances specified by the manufacturer. If you’ll continue drying clothes indoors, choose a well-ventilated room.
These examples can help you identify configurations to compare; they don’t mean that a particular model’s features apply to an entire brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat-pump washer-dryer and want to check its dimensions as well as its programmes.
Worth considering if you want to compare a washer-dryer with a stacked washing and drying set and have room to use the height.
Worth considering if you have room for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer.
Yes, but only if the load is also within the washer-dryer’s drying capacity. As this is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir, you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Compare the declared figures for the same type of programme, taking capacity, energy use, water consumption and cycle time into account. The European Commission says the energy label provides this information, while the product page gives you access to the model’s detailed specifications.
No. Also compare the energy-label figures, drying capacity, cycle time and dimensions of the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir presents heat-pump washer-dryers as a potentially more energy-efficient option, but this doesn’t tell you how much energy each appliance will use.
Not necessarily, but bear in mind the moisture produced when drying laundry indoors. ADEME highlights this increase in humidity. If you only use an airer occasionally, choose a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction.