Renters with space for just one appliance
If you can only install one machine, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry a suitable load without needing space for two appliances side by side. Be sure to measure the entire space, not just its width.
Who are these options for?
Households that regularly dry clothes indoors
If you’d like to avoid using a clothes airer for some of your laundry, compare the drying capacity and the length of the full cycle. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
People with room in height but limited floor space
Stacking two appliances may be an option if the models are compatible, there’s enough room and you use a suitable stacking kit. Bosch Home Appliances recommends checking the stacking requirements in the instruction manuals.
What sets the options apart?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have floor space for one appliance and your load is within the model’s drying capacity.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and the only drum is occupied for the full cycle, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Compact washing machine with separate drying
Consider this if: your washing machine needs to fit into a small space and you have another practical way to dry your clothes at home.
Bear in mind: washing and drying won’t run automatically one after the other in the same machine.
Two stacked appliances
Consider this if: you have enough height to keep a separate tumble dryer above your washing machine.
Check that: both models can be stacked and are installed using a suitable kit, in line with their instructions; Bosch Home Appliances recommends having the installation carried out by a qualified professional.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, height and depth, including connections, required clearances and room to open the door. | If there’s only one space available, I need to be able to fit the machine there and access my laundry; around 33% of consumers put the appliance’s size at the top of their list. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg. For a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, use the drying capacity as your limit. | If I usually dry large loads, having to remove some laundry after washing would change how I planned to use the machine; nearly 27% of consumers prioritise drying capacity. |
| Waiting time | Check the duration of the wash-and-dry programme you plan to use, rather than the wash-only cycle. | If I need dry laundry the same day, having the drum tied up for longer matters more; around 20% of consumers prioritise cycle time. |
| Water and electricity | Check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle: energy per 100 cycles and water per cycle, making sure you distinguish them from wash-only figures. | If I use the drying function often, I want to compare the resources used by the full cycle; around 20% of consumers make this their main concern. |
According to the European Commission, the label for washer-dryers includes information such as energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle and cycle duration. Compare the figures for the programme you’ll use.
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at washing capacity
A load that fits during washing may exceed the drying capacity of the same machine, UFC-Que Choisir reminds us. You would then need to remove some laundry or dry it over several cycles.
Start by choosing a drying capacity that suits the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go, then compare the washing capacity.
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Comparing wash-only figures
The duration and consumption figures for a wash-only programme don’t show what to expect from a cycle that combines washing and drying.
For each model you’re considering, check the wash-and-dry cycle figures on the energy label and in its European product information sheet.
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Assuming two appliances can be stacked
Whether appliances can be stacked depends on the models and their installation instructions; similar-looking dimensions don’t guarantee they’ll fit together.
Before choosing this set-up, check both instruction manuals, the recommended kit, levelling requirements and clearances.
You may need a suitable stacking kit and, depending on the installation, help from a professional.
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Measuring the width but not the rest of the space
A machine may fit between two units but still lack the depth needed for its connections or enough room for the door to open.
Measure the entire space and check it against the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
Brands to consider
There are no brand profiles to show in this section.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads, then check the installation space and full-cycle figures before choosing.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 freestanding washer-dryer
Wash and dry in one appliance, keeping the combined load within the drying capacity. Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; check the clearance needed for installation.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 washer-dryer
Combine both functions when the load you want to dry is a manageable size. Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; also check the duration and consumption figures for this model’s wash-and-dry cycle.
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Comfee' CFP03ED100W-HR freestanding washer-dryer
For a space where you can compare the stated width with your own measurements. Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying; stated width: 60 cm. Also check the height, depth and full-cycle figures.
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Roborock Zeo Lite Zeo-Cycle washer-dryer
Combine washing and drying in one machine. Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; the model also features app control and the LintClear system. Check its dimensions and full-cycle figures.
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Roborock Zeo One Gray washer-dryer
Wash and dry a load in the same appliance. Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; the model also features Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing. Check the dimensions and wash-and-dry cycle figures.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a full load and then dry it without removing any laundry?
Only if the load is also within the model’s drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so compare both figures in kg before planning a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
Which energy label figures should I compare if I dry my laundry often?
Compare the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, rather than looking at washing alone. The European Commission says the label includes information such as energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle and cycle duration; check the figures for the exact model.
Can any tumble dryer be stacked on top of any washing machine?
No. You need to confirm that the two specific models are compatible. Bosch Home Appliances advises checking the appliances, suitable kit, levelling and fixings, and recommends installation by a qualified professional.
How can I check repair options before buying?
Find out about the parts available and the repair options for the model you’re considering. EUR-Lex states that the European ecodesign requirements for covered washing machines and washer-dryers include provisions on access to certain parts and repair information. Check the details with the manufacturer or retailer.