A washer-dryer can solve the problem of limited floor space, as long as your usual load can be dried without exceeding its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If you have enough height and two compatible appliances, a stacked set-up can save you from splitting a load before drying it. Before choosing, compare the duration, water use and energy consumption of the full cycle too.
If you can't fit two appliances side by side, check the appliance's depth, the clearance needed in front of the door and the amount of laundry it can actually dry. Width alone won't tell you whether it'll fit.
If you want to start drying without taking any washing out after the wash cycle, compare your usual load with the drying capacity, not just the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that these figures differ on washer-dryers.
If you want to dry your clothes without hanging them out, check the figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle. Information for washing alone won't tell you how long the full cycle takes or how much water and energy it uses.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance on the floor and your load fits within the model's drying capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to remove some of the laundry before drying a full washing load.
Consider this if: you have enough height and want to wash and dry loads without being limited by a washer-dryer's drying capacity.
Bear in mind: Bosch requires appliances that are approved for stacking, plus a suitable stacking kit. You can't simply place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine.
Consider this if: you can make room for a way to dry your laundry at home without installing a second appliance.
Bear in mind: drying won't start automatically once the wash is done. Check where and how you can dry your laundry.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the limit for the programme you plan to use. | If I want to leave all my washing in the machine until the cycle is complete, the drying capacity determines whether I'll need to take some clothes out. Around 42% of consumers may prioritise being able to do this. |
| Space and installation | Measure the depth, door clearance and access routes. For a stacked set-up, check that both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. | In a narrow room, I need to be able to install the appliance and load the laundry without blocking the way through. Available space could be the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Cycle time and running costs | Check the time, water use and energy consumption for the complete wash-and-dry cycle, separately from the figures for washing alone. | When I have several loads to get through, I need to know how long the machine will be occupied and how much the full cycle will cost to run. This could be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. For example, a 9/6 kg model can only dry 6 kg in one cycle if you want to leave the laundry in the machine until drying is complete.
First, choose a drying capacity that suits your usual load, then check the washing capacity.
The duration and running costs of the full cycle matter if you plan to use the drying function regularly. UFC-Que Choisir assesses washing, drying and combined cycles separately in its washer-dryer tests.
Check the wash-and-dry cycle figures on the label and model information, then compare them separately with the figures for washing alone.
You'll need more room when the door is open. For its F964V51WRSA model, LG lists a depth of 565 mm for the appliance and 1 100 mm with the door open. These measurements shouldn't be assumed to apply to other models.
Also measure the delivery route, the available depth and the space in front of the appliance you're considering.
Stacking isn't as simple as placing a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine. Bosch says the models must be suitable for stacking and used with a compatible kit.
Check the instructions for both models and follow the installation guidance before choosing this option.
LG offers front-loading washer-dryers, including the F964V51WRSA, listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Bosch offers front-loading washer-dryers in 8/5 kg, 9/5 kg and 9/6 kg configurations, depending on the model, as well as separate-appliance options.
Miele's WT1 range includes washer-dryers with different capacities, depending on the model.
Samsung offers washer-dryers including 9/6 kg models, with smart features available on certain models.
These appliances wash and dry your laundry in one machine. For each model, compare its drying capacity with your usual load, then check the space required and the figures for the full cycle.
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Wash and dry in one appliance, as long as you keep the combined load within the drying capacity.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the door clearance and the full-cycle figures before you buy.
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A combined solution if your drying load doesn't exceed 6 kg, even when you use more of the washing capacity.
Listed capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The title and description show two different model codes, so check the exact model before relying on its detailed specifications.
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Run a wash and dry cycle in one appliance, provided the load stays within the stated drying capacity.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the dimensions, door clearance and full-cycle figures for your space.
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Enjoy drying in the same machine, as long as you keep the load within the maximum drying capacity.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the space in front of the door, along with the duration and running costs of the full cycle.
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Wash and dry in one appliance if a 5 kg drying load suits your needs.
Listed capacities: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. The dimensions listed for this model contradict one another, so confirm the overall measurements and door clearance before planning its installation.
Not if the load exceeds the model's drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. For a 9/6 kg model, limit the load you want to dry without interruption to 6 kg, or remove some laundry after washing.
Compare the capacity, duration, water use and energy consumption listed for the complete cycle, then check the figures for washing alone separately. The energy rating for washing alone doesn't describe how the appliance performs when drying is included.
Choose appliances whose instructions confirm that they can be stacked, and use a compatible kit. Bosch says you should check that the appliances are compatible. Don't simply place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine.