You only have room for one appliance
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in a single appliance. Before choosing one, check that its dimensions and door opening will fit the space available.
Who is this choice for?
You often dry large loads
Towels, bedding and combined loads make drying capacity especially important. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may need to take some clothes out before drying.
You can install a stacked pair
If floor space is limited but you have enough height, a suitable floor and compatible appliances, consider stacking two machines. Bosch Electroménager France recommends checking that the appliances are compatible and using a suitable stacking kit.
What should you consider?
Washer-dryer
Worth considering: when you can only install one appliance and your loads for drying are within its drying capacity.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a full wash load may not be able to dry in one go in the same drum.
Two appliances stacked together
Worth considering: if you often dry a lot of laundry and can install two compatible appliances, one above the other.
The trade-off: this arrangement needs enough height and a compatible stacking kit. Bosch Electroménager France advises against simply placing one appliance on top of the other.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow room for the door to open. For a stacked pair, check that the appliances can be stacked and that the kit is designed for both models. | If I can only set aside one space for laundry, I need to know whether a washer-dryer or stacked pair will actually fit in my home; around 33% of consumers put this arrangement first. |
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, as well as the maximum load for the model’s combined wash-and-dry programme. | When I combine loads, I want to avoid taking some clothes out after washing. Drying capacity would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Full cycle | Check the duration, water use per cycle and energy use per 100 wash-and-dry cycles, separately from the figures for washing alone. The European Commission explains that the label for relevant appliances shows these figures per cycle. | If I expect to do several loads, the duration and consumption of a full cycle affect how I plan my day; around 20% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Occasional drying | Check the load allowed for any quick programme and the ventilation available if you plan to hang some of your laundry out to dry. | If I only use a dryer for small, urgent loads, I also need somewhere suitable to hang the rest. This would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on washing capacity
A full wash load may be larger than the maximum drying load. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in washer-dryers.
Check both capacities in kg. If you want to run the wash and dry phases back to back without removing any clothes, make sure the load is within the drying capacity.
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Assuming the wash rating applies to the full cycle
The European energy label gives separate figures for washing alone and for washing and drying, as the European Commission explains. The first set of figures does not describe the cycle you’ll use to get dry laundry.
Compare the capacities, durations and consumption figures for the specific cycle you plan to use.
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Planning to stack appliances without checking they’re compatible
Two machines can’t be stacked just because their widths look similar: their stability and connection depend on the models and installation instructions.
Before buying, check that the model numbers are compatible, choose the right kit, measure the space and follow the manufacturers’ instructions. If needed, ask a professional for advice.
You may need a suitable stacking kit and, depending on the installation, a professional to fit it.
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Relying on an indoor airer in a poorly ventilated room
Drying clothes indoors should also factor into your choice of drying solution. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or a room with mechanical ventilation (VMC) to dry laundry.
If you plan to hang some loads to dry, check the room’s ventilation before relying on this as an everyday option.
Brands to consider for these set-ups
LG
If you’re considering a shallow washer-dryer, the French product page for the LG F852SV52IRS lists a depth of 47,5 cm, a washing capacity of 8,5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
- These dimensions and separate capacities make it easier to compare this model with your available space and typical loads.
- For this specific model, LG lists a duration of 7 h 50 and water use of 90 L for a full-load wash-and-dry cycle. These figures don’t apply to other LG appliances.
Beko
For an integrated installation, the Beko B5DBT69547W is listed with a 6+6 kg capacity for a combined wash-and-dry programme.
- The product page gives this model an A rating for Eco 40-60 washing and a D rating for washing and drying.
- So the rating for washing alone doesn’t tell you how this model performs over a full cycle.
Bosch
Bosch gives you two separate things to consider: the capacity of a washer-dryer and whether the accessories are compatible with a stacked set-up.
- The WNG24400FR product page lists a capacity of 9 kg for washing alone and 6 kg for a combined wash-and-dry cycle.
- The WNG24400FR we checked is listed as unavailable. Its specifications illustrate the difference in capacity, rather than recommending this model for purchase.
Washer-dryers on Joybuy
These appliances wash and dry your clothes in one machine. To compare models for a home with limited space, match their drying capacity to your usual loads, then check the dimensions and figures for the full cycle.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg/6 kg
Worth considering if you want to wash large loads in one appliance while keeping the drying load within capacity. It has a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg/6 kg
This washer-dryer could suit you if the laundry you want to dry fits within a 6 kg load. It has a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. If you plan to use the full cycle regularly, also check its duration and consumption.
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Roborock Zeo Lite, 10 kg/6 kg
If you want to wash and dry clothes in one appliance, first check that its drying capacity suits your usual laundry. This model is listed with a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. Before choosing a space for it, check its dimensions as well as the duration and consumption of the full cycle.
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CHiQ JW85882HG, 8 kg/5 kg
This washer-dryer is worth considering if a 5 kg drying load suits your needs. It has a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. Check its exact dimensions before planning an alcove installation, then check the duration and consumption of the wash-and-dry cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Can you dry the whole load you’ve just washed?
Not always. UFC-Que Choisir says a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. To run both phases one after the other without stopping to remove clothes, keep to the drying load allowed for your chosen model and programme.
Can you stack any washing machine and tumble dryer?
No. Both models must be suitable for stacking and installed according to their instructions, using a compatible stacking kit. Bosch Electroménager France recommends checking that the appliances are compatible rather than simply placing one on top of the other.
Which figures on the energy label should you compare?
Compare the figures for washing alone with those for the wash-and-dry cycle you plan to use. The European Commission lists energy classes and consumption per 100 cycles, among other details. Also check the capacity, water use per cycle and duration for each mode on the model’s product page.
What maintenance does a washer-dryer need?
Follow the maintenance instructions and schedule in your model’s manual. Electrolux France recommends leaving the door and detergent drawer slightly open after each cycle. Other maintenance tasks depend on the appliance.