Choose a washer-dryer if you can only install one appliance and the loads you dry remain within its stated drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity. If you regularly dry large loads and have a genuine second space available, two separate appliances are more suitable: UFC-Que Choisir notes that washer-dryer drying performance does not match that of a dedicated tumble dryer. Compare the wash-and-dry cycle data, as well as the appliance’s full dimensions and door opening clearance.
You have room for just one appliance in a kitchen, bathroom or small utility room, and want to wash and dry your clothes without moving them between machines. Check the depth, door opening and access routes first; UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
This solution may suit you if you can organise your laundry so that the amount to be dried stays within the full-cycle capacity. In that case, the water, electricity and programme duration for the wash-and-dry cycle matter more than the washing class alone.
If a second appliance could genuinely be installed, think about the volume you usually dry. Large loads or frequent cycles are less compatible with a reduced drying capacity and longer programmes.
Choose this if: you only have space for one appliance and the loads you need to dry remain within the stated drying limit.
Trade-off: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity; UFC-Que Choisir also reports that drying takes longer than with a dedicated tumble dryer.
Choose this if: you regularly dry large loads and have a second floor space available or a compatible stacking installation.
Trade-off: this arrangement requires more space and means transferring laundry between the appliances.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual drying load | Compare the drying kilograms with the washing kilograms; check the load permitted by the wash-and-dry programme in the manual for the exact model. | I want to start washing and drying without removing damp laundry. I will therefore size my load according to the drying capacity, not the maximum washing capacity. |
| Complete cycle | Record the class, kWh, litres and duration of the wash-and-dry cycle using the same basis for comparison. The European Commission distinguishes these figures from those for washing alone. | If I dry laundry regularly, I want to know how much time and how many resources a cycle ending with dry clothes requires. |
| Installed footprint | Measure the overall width, height and depth, then check the space required with the door open. Also check doors, corridors and lifts along the delivery route. | My appliance must fit into the space without blocking the passage or preventing me from loading the laundry. |
| Routine maintenance | Consult the manual to find out how to access the seal, detergent drawer and filters. Check whether a cleaning programme is available for the specific model. | I would prefer to build cleaning into my routine. ADEME states that using too much detergent can encourage build-up and unpleasant smells. |
Drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. An overly large load may mean removing some damp laundry or splitting the drying cycle, reducing the convenience of an automatic programme.
Base your choice on the number of kilograms you genuinely want to dry at once, and check the full-cycle capacity in the product listing and manual.
European information distinguishes between washing alone and washing plus drying. For the LG F964V72WRHT, LG France states 90 L and 7 h 50 for the full cycle at full load, compared with 50 L and 3 h 48 for the full-load Eco 40-60 wash; this example applies to this specific model.
Compare the class, electricity, water consumption and duration in the wash-and-dry section of the label or EPREL listing, using the same basis for each model.
A complete cycle may use more water, electricity and time than the washing-only information suggests.
Depth, connections, protruding parts, door clearance and the delivery route all matter too. LG France, for example, states an appliance depth of 565 mm, 620 mm overall and 1,100 mm with the door open for the F964V72WRHT.
Measure the space in three dimensions, allow room for connections and check access routes before choosing a model.
A door that cannot open properly can make loading difficult, even if the appliance fits into the space.
UFC-Que Choisir considers access to filters, the detergent drawer and the seal in its practical-use tests. ADEME states that using too much detergent can cause build-up in the washing machine and create unpleasant smells.
Before buying, check the manual to see how accessible parts should be cleaned. After installation, follow the recommended detergent dosage and the maintenance programme specified by the manufacturer.
The French range includes freestanding and integrated washer-dryers, with separate washing/drying capacities such as 8/5 kg, 9/5 kg, 9/6 kg or 10.5/6 kg, depending on the model.
LG offers washer-dryers as well as separate appliances. The F964V72WRHT is listed at 9/6 kg, with dimensions of 600 × 850 × 565 mm, 620 mm overall and 1,100 mm with the door open.
The French range includes the WD70T554DBE/S3, listed at 7 kg for washing and 4 kg for drying, with dimensions of 600 × 850 × 550 mm.
The X5 HWD120-BP14357U1 is listed at 12/8 kg, with dimensions of 595 × 666 × 850 mm and a class D rating for the combined cycle.
Joybuy washer-dryer options for homes where one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying.
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For a single space, with loads intended for drying limited to 6 kg.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
An 11 kg full wash cannot necessarily be dried in one go; also check the space, connections and door clearance.
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A combined model for washing and drying with one appliance, provided you observe the drying load limit.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm.
Check the exact model’s label for full-cycle data, as well as its overall depth and the space required with the door open.
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An all-in-one option for a utility room with space for just one appliance, with a separate drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; 27 wash programmes, app control and automatic dosing are listed.
Check the dimensions, installation requirements and wash-and-dry cycle data before buying if space or frequent drying is a key consideration.
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This washer-dryer may suit you if the loads you dry remain modest in a compact home.
Stated capacities: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying; stated dimensions: 600 × 520 × 847 mm.
For the exact model, check the depth with the door open, connections and full-cycle data before ordering.
Washing and drying capacities are different. European regulations define them separately, and UFC-Que Choisir points out that the drying load is lower. To run both functions consecutively without removing laundry, load the machine according to its drying capacity.
Compare the wash-and-dry cycle information if you plan to dry laundry regularly in the machine: class, electricity consumption, water consumption and duration. Washing-only figures remain useful if you rarely dry clothes, but they do not describe a cycle that finishes with dry laundry.
No. A 9/6 kg machine can wash up to 9 kg, but the corresponding drying cycle is limited to 6 kg. Reduce the initial load or remove some laundry after washing before starting the drying cycle.
Measure the space, the appliance’s total depth, the room needed with the door open and the delivery route. Width alone does not confirm compatibility: depending on the model, the depth and open door may take up considerably more room.
Avoid using too much detergent: ADEME states that this can cause build-up in the appliance and lead to unpleasant smells. Also follow the model’s manual for cleaning the seal, detergent drawer, filters and drum-cleaning programme, where provided.