If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry without transferring it, as long as you keep the load within the drying capacity. If you can fit two appliances, separate machines offer a different way to organise your laundry, but need more space and suitable installation, particularly if you plan to stack them. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the trade-off between saving space, capacity and cycle time.
You want to wash and dry your laundry without setting aside space for a second appliance. Measure the depth, connections and clearance needed to open the door to check that the appliance will fit. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide highlights space-saving as one of the benefits of a washer-dryer.
You want to take out a dry load without removing some of the laundry before drying. Compare the washing capacity with the capacity of the combined wash-and-dry programme, as shown on the Bosch WNA13401FR product information.
You could consider two appliances, possibly stacked, and compare how they would fit with a washer-dryer. UFC-Que Choisir and LG offer separate guidance on choosing a tumble dryer and installing stacked appliances.
Worth considering : if you only have room for one appliance and want to wash and dry without transferring your laundry.
Bear in mind : drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity, and the drum remains in use throughout the wash-and-dry cycle.
Worth considering : if you have space for two appliances, or can stack compatible models, and want to run washing and drying separately.
Bear in mind : check the available space and connections, as well as compatibility and the clearances specified in the instructions if stacking the appliances.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider this ? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the space and the delivery route. Check the dimensions, overall depth, connections and door clearance for the model you are considering. | If I only have one alcove and need to open the door without blocking the way, around 29 % of consumers prioritise fitting the appliance in a single space. |
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, as well as the limit for your chosen wash-and-dry programme. | If I want to dry a whole load without removing laundry or splitting it up, around 29 % of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry that can actually be dried. |
| Cycle times | Check the duration of the wash-and-dry cycle for the load you expect to wash and the programmes you plan to use. | If I need dry laundry by a particular time, around 24 % of consumers prioritise turnaround time and how long the drum is occupied. |
| Energy and water use | Compare the figures for the modes you will actually use, making sure the units and reference cycles are comparable. | If I dry laundry often and want to account for water and electricity use, around 18 % of consumers prioritise running costs. |
When comparing energy use, ADEME explains that the energy label includes information such as energy consumption in kWh per 100 reference cycles. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a wash-and-dry cycle; for two separate appliances, check the figures for each one.
An appliance may take a larger load for washing than for drying. If the load is too large for the combined programme, it will exceed the stated limit for drying everything in one go.
Compare both capacities and choose a load that stays within the drying limit for the programme you use.
If the washed load exceeds this limit, you may need to remove some laundry or dry it in several batches.
The overall depth and the space needed with the door open may differ from the stated depth. Stacking also requires a compatible set-up.
Measure the space and access route, then check the usable dimensions and instructions for the exact model.
A stacked installation may require a compatible stacking kit and specific clearances, depending on the model’s instructions.
Figures for a wash-only cycle do not reflect those for a wash-and-dry cycle. Comparing them without considering the mode used can give you a misleading picture of how the appliance will perform in practice.
Compare the information for the cycle that matches your laundry routine, using the same units and reference conditions.
The Series 4 WNA13401FR is an example of a front-loading washer-dryer rated for 8 kg of washing and 5 kg on a combined cycle.
The F964V41WRSA is an example of a washer-dryer with a stated capacity of 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
The ProWash&Dry 300 GWD 485SB6-S is an example of a freestanding washer-dryer.
The PerfectCare 900 EW9W1166RA is an example of a washer-dryer with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
This selection includes front-loading washer-dryers with a range of capacities and dimensions, as well as a model designed for smaller loads. Check each model’s drying capacity and dimensions against your needs and available space.
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Suitable if you want to wash and dry your laundry in a single front-loading appliance.
Stated capacity : 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Class D. Stated dimensions : 60 × 85 × 60 cm.
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Worth considering if you want one appliance for both washing and drying.
Stated capacity : 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Stated dimensions : 600 × 850 × 590 mm.
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Its stated capacity makes it easy to compare the washing load with the amount of laundry it can dry.
Stated capacity : 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing.
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Worth comparing if you are looking for a washer-dryer and want to check its depth before deciding where to put it.
Stated capacity : 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Stated depth : 68,2 cm. The product name mentions 27 programmes and Wi-Fi.
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Worth considering for smaller loads, rather than drying a full load of laundry.
Stated capacity : 1 kg for washing and 0,5 kg for drying. The product name mentions low-temperature drying.
Not if the drying programme you choose has a lower load limit. For example, LG lists a capacity of 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying for the F964V41WRSA. Check the limits for your model and the programme you use.
Measure the space, access route and clearance needed to open the door, then check the instructions for the exact model for connection and clearance requirements. LG’s guidance for stacking two appliances applies to that set-up and does not automatically apply to every washer-dryer.
First, compare the load with the drying limit, then check the instructions for advice on spin settings and maintenance. A load that exceeds the limit could explain poor drying results, but these checks alone cannot diagnose a fault.
Compare the figures for the modes you will actually use, with the same units and comparable reference cycles. For separate appliances, check the figures for each one rather than comparing one appliance’s wash-only rating with a wash-and-dry cycle.
For goods bought by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity may be claimed for two years from the date the goods are delivered, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. A commercial guarantee does not replace this statutory guarantee.