Choose a washer-dryer when only one space is genuinely available and every load intended for drying remains within the stated drying capacity, which is often lower than the washing capacity. If you regularly dry large loads or want to wash one load while another is drying, two separate appliances may be a better fit if space, stacking and installation allow; compare the dimensions, duration, water usage and electricity consumption of the relevant cycle.
If only one appliance can be installed and keeping a permanent clothes airer is not practical, a washer-dryer can reduce clutter. However, you need to size the load according to the drying capacity rather than the washing capacity alone, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
For several loads, bulky laundry or a regular need for dry clothes, the difference between washing and drying capacities becomes decisive. A combined appliance also cannot wash a new load while drying another one at the same time.
A stacked washer and tumble dryer can reduce the floor space required when the appliances and stacking kit are compatible. The Institut national de la consommation states that a front-loading washing machine can accommodate a tumble dryer when designed for stacking.
Choose this if: only one space is available for an appliance and the load to be dried remains within the stated limit.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity and combined cycles are generally long.
Choose this if: you dry laundry frequently or want to wash one load while another is drying.
Bear in mind: you need space and installation for two appliances, including when stacking them.
Consider this if: a standard appliance will not fit in the measured space.
Check: the capacity, dimensions, door opening and installation requirements of the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg for the same model. Check the wash-and-dry programme at the stated drying capacity. | I want to leave all the laundry in the drum after washing. With a washer-dryer, my load must remain within the stated drying capacity. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the height, width, depth, door clearance and delivery access points. For a stacked setup, check that the appliances and kit are compatible. | The appliance must fit in my recess without blocking a door or access to the drum. Stacking can reduce the floor space required, according to the Institut national de la consommation. |
| Cycle planning | Compare the duration of the wash-and-dry cycle using comparable loads and programmes. For two appliances, also check the tumble dryer’s capacity and programme. | I want to avoid tying up the only drum for a long sequence. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying takes longer with a washer-dryer than with a conventional tumble dryer. |
| Water and electricity | Read the wash-and-dry cycle label: class, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle, duration and noise. Compare the same indicators for the shortlisted options. | I want to assess the complete cycle, not just washing. The European Commission states that this information appears on washer-dryer labels. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. A full load may therefore need to be divided before drying.
Use the drying capacity in kg as the limit for a load you want to wash and dry without handling it between cycles.
The class and data for washing alone do not necessarily describe the water, electricity or duration of the wash-and-dry cycle.
Compare the label indicators for the exact model and complete cycle, using comparable capacities and programmes.
A standard-width appliance may not fit beneath a worktop or may not have enough clearance in front of the door.
Measure the recess, door opening, corridors and lifts before ordering. Also check the packaged dimensions when provided.
Two appliances place greater demands on the electrical installation, while daisy-chained extension leads increase the electrical risk.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, avoid daisy-chaining extension leads and have the installation checked by a professional if in doubt.
LG offers front-loading washer-dryers with separate washing and drying capacities.
Samsung sells front-loading washer-dryers in France, including models with a 9 kg + 6 kg capacity.
Bosch also offers separate heat-pump tumble dryers for installations with two appliances.
This selection brings together washer-dryers for a single space and separate tumble dryers to consider when two appliances can be installed.
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A combined option for a single space, provided the load intended for drying is limited to 6 kg.
Stated capacities: 11 kg washing and 6 kg drying. Dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. The stated wash-and-dry cycle lasts 7 h 32, with 308 kWh/100 cycles and 90 L/cycle.
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This two-in-one model suits a single space if loads to be dried do not exceed 6 kg.
Stated capacities: 10 kg washing and 6 kg drying. Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Check the exact model’s energy label for the wash-and-dry cycle.
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A washer-dryer for smaller loads that you want to wash and dry in sequence, with a stated drying limit of 5 kg.
Stated capacities: 8 kg washing and 5 kg drying; spin speed: 1,400 rpm. Confirm the applicable dimensions, as well as the label and manual for the exact model, before installation.
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Pair it with a separate washing machine when your installation allows washing and drying on two appliances.
Stated drying capacity: 8 kg. Heat-pump technology and class C stated. Check the full dimensions, connections and stacking compatibility before buying.
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A separate drying option for larger volumes, provided a second appliance can be installed.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Heat pump, class D and three stated drying levels. The 30-minute quick programme should be assessed according to the load and drying result specified in the manual.
It is generally lower than the washing capacity. To run a wash and dry cycle without removing any laundry, your load must comply with the drying capacity of the exact model; UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in washer-dryers.
For the cycle and load you are interested in, compare the energy class, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle, duration and noise. The European Commission explains that this information appears on washer-dryer labels; do not infer the complete cycle from the washing-only figures.
Check the full dimensions, door openings, stacking compatibility specified by the manufacturers and the safety of the electrical installation. The Institut national de la consommation recommends avoiding daisy-chained extension leads and having the installation checked by a professional if in doubt.
It can be suitable if the loads intended for drying are modest and the cycle duration fits your routine. For several loads, a separate washing machine and tumble dryer allow you to wash while another load is drying, provided that space and installation allow.