Choose a washer-dryer if you only have room for one appliance and your usual load fits within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity. If you often dry full loads and can install two appliances, a separate washing machine and tumble dryer offer dedicated drying capacity, but require more space and transferring the laundry.
If there is room for only one appliance and you want to avoid moving laundry between two machines, start by checking the amount of laundry that can actually be dried in one cycle. UFC-Que Choisir states that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
Compare your usual loads with the washing-and-drying capacity. If they regularly exceed it and a stacked installation is possible, two appliances may be better suited to the volume of laundry you need to dry.
Compare the figures for the full washing-and-drying cycle separately from those for washing only on the label and in EPREL. For a separate tumble dryer, UFC-Que Choisir states that a heat-pump model generally uses less electricity than a conventional condenser model.
Choose this if: you can only install one appliance and want to run washing and drying consecutively without transferring the laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying load is smaller than the washing load, and the complete cycle can be lengthy.
Choose this if: you regularly dry large loads and have a second space available, either on the floor or in a compatible stacked arrangement.
Bear in mind: you will need to transfer the laundry and check the stacking kit and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual drying capacity | Compare the maximum washing-and-drying capacity in kg with your usual loads. Do not rely solely on the washing capacity. | I want to run a continuous cycle without removing some of the laundry before drying. |
| Space required | Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance and delivery access. Also check the clearances specified in the manual. | I want dry laundry without reserving space for two appliances, or I can use the height with a suitable stacking arrangement. |
| Time and resources | For the exact model, compare the capacity, water use, energy consumption and duration of the complete washing-and-drying cycle on the label and in EPREL. For two appliances, distinguish between tumble-dryer technologies. | My cycles need to fit my laundry routine and the way I plan to use the appliance every day. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the connections, floor stability, clearances and installation requirements in the manual. Follow the filter and condenser cleaning instructions where applicable. | I want to install the appliance in a room that meets the manual’s requirements and keep the filtration components clean. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry immediately afterwards. An oversized load may therefore require you to remove some items or run several drying cycles.
Base your choice on the number of kilograms you want to dry at once, then compare this figure with your usual loads.
Washing-only data does not show the duration, water use or energy consumption of the complete washing-and-drying cycle. These figures can vary significantly depending on how the appliance is used.
Check the label and the EPREL fiche for the exact model, then compare equivalent complete cycles between appliances.
The required depth and clearances may prevent installation, even when the width appears compatible. The Whirlpool FFWDD1074269BCVFR, for example, is listed as having a depth of 60,5 cm.
Measure the alcove, door and delivery route, then compare these measurements with the exact model’s installation diagram before ordering.
According to Electrolux, a condenser blocked with lint can increase energy consumption and damage the appliance.
Clean the filter when prompted by the appliance and follow the instructions in the manual for checking the condenser.
Poor maintenance can increase electricity consumption and limit the appliance’s proper operation.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated front-loading washer-dryers. The WNA13400FF is listed with an 8 kg washing capacity and 5 kg for the washing-and-drying cycle.
LG sells washer-dryers in France, including the F964R35WR, listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity.
Whirlpool offers freestanding washer-dryers. The FFWDD1074269BCVFR is listed with a 10 kg washing capacity, 7 kg drying capacity and a depth of 60,5 cm.
Electrolux offers condenser tumble dryers with heat-pump technology for households able to install a separate appliance. The EDHF4812AC is listed with an 8 kg capacity.
These Joybuy options include washer-dryers for a single space and a separate tumble dryer when two appliances can be installed.
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For a home with space for just one appliance, with a listed drying capacity of 6 kg.
Listed dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. Listed washing-and-drying cycle: 7 h 32, 90 L per cycle and 308 kWh/100 cycles.
A washing load over 6 kg cannot be dried completely in one cycle; also check the installation clearances in the manual.
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A two-in-one option for a usual drying load of up to 6 kg.
Listed dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Listed energy class: D.
The drying capacity remains lower than the washing capacity; compare the label and the EPREL fiche for the exact model and complete cycle.
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An all-in-one appliance listed for homes with space for just one machine.
The product features low-temperature Zeo-Cycle drying, 27 app-controlled programmes, automatic dosing and a LintClear system for automatic filter cleaning.
Check the dimensions, connections, clearances and complete-cycle data in the manual for the exact model.
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A two-in-one solution for drying loads of no more than 5 kg.
The product features a 530 mm drum, a 1400 RPM BLDC motor, steam programmes and a 15-minute quick wash.
The product fiche contains conflicting width information; confirm the official dimensioned diagram and complete-cycle data before buying.
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Worth considering when two appliances are possible and dedicated 8 kg drying capacity is better suited to frequent loads.
The product features a heat pump, an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter and the option of connecting directly to the drain.
It does not replace a washing machine: allow space for a second appliance, laundry transfer and checking the installation requirements in the manual.
The first figure refers to washing only, while the second is the maximum load for a complete washing-and-drying cycle. With an 8/5 kg model, you can wash 8 kg, but only 5 kg can remain in the drum if you want all the laundry to come out dry at once.
A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat-pump model, can operate without an external vent, unlike a vented model. You must still follow the model’s manual, room-temperature requirements, clearance guidelines and maintenance instructions.
Clean the lint filter when prompted by the appliance and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the condenser when it is accessible. Electrolux states that a blocked condenser can increase consumption and damage the appliance; the required procedures vary by model.
Compare the energy-label and EPREL data for the complete washing-and-drying cycle, which differs from the washing-only figures. Pay particular attention to the capacity, water consumption, energy use and duration for the same type of use.
Not necessarily. ADEME states that drying laundry indoors releases moisture; if you choose this option, use a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extraction point, preferably humidity-controlled.