People with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions, so there’s no need to transfer washing to a second appliance. Check its depth, the space needed for connections and how much laundry it can dry.
Who is this option for?
Households without space for a permanent airer
Built-in drying means you won’t need to leave washing hanging around your home. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, and drying takes longer than in a conventional tumble dryer.
Households with large or frequent laundry loads
For bedding, towels or several consecutive loads, compare the number of kilograms accepted for a wash-and-dry cycle, not just for washing. If your space allows, consider two separate appliances as well.
What should you compare?
Washer-dryer
Worth considering: if you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and dry your laundry in one go, without transferring it.
The trade-off: the load you dry must stay within the lower capacity for drying than for washing alone. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that drying takes longer than in a conventional tumble dryer and uses water.
Two appliances stacked
Worth considering: if you have enough height and a suitable installation to stack a washing machine and tumble dryer.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for two appliances and have to transfer your washing between them.
Washing machine and air-drying
Worth considering: if you can set aside space to hang your washing and are happy to wait for it to dry.
The trade-off: your washing won’t be ready to put away at the end of the wash, and the airer will take up space while it dries.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Drying load | Compare the capacity in kg for a wash-and-dry cycle with the capacity for washing alone. Also check the load limit for quick programmes. | I want to dry my washing without having to take some of it out after the wash. |
| Cycle time | Check the full cycle time for the exact model. Don’t assume a quick programme’s duration applies to a full-capacity load. | If I start a load in the evening, I need to know when I’ll be able to put it away. |
| Water and energy | In EPREL, the European Commission lists the full cycle separately from washing alone. Compare energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use in litres per cycle and the capacity for the full cycle. | I plan to dry laundry in the machine regularly, so the figures for washing alone don’t reflect how I’ll use it. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth. Check the manual for connections, door clearance and access needed for maintenance. | My space is narrow, so the appliance needs to fit while remaining easy to load and use. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A load that’s within the washing limit may exceed the limit for a wash-and-dry cycle. You’ll then need to remove some laundry before drying or split it into separate loads.
Choose a full-cycle capacity that suits the loads you actually want to dry in one go.
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Comparing washing figures alone
Figures for washing alone don’t tell you what to expect from a cycle that washes and then dries your laundry. The European Commission lists these cycles separately in EPREL.
When comparing washer-dryers, check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and duration shown for the full cycle.
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Measuring only the available width
In an alcove, the appliance’s depth and the space needed for the door or connections can determine whether it’s practical to install.
Check all three dimensions for the exact model and make sure you allow for the clearances specified in its installation instructions.
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Assuming a quick programme gives the full-load cycle time
A short wash-and-dry programme may be designed for a small load, so it won’t tell you how long a standard-capacity cycle takes.
Check the load limit for the quick programme and look up the full-cycle time separately on the model’s product details.
Which branded models should you compare?
The capacities and dimensions below apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s French range includes washer-dryers with different capacities.
- Electrolux France lists an 11 kg washing capacity and 7 kg drying capacity for the EW7IW4176DG, compared with 10 kg and 6 kg for the EW9W1165RB.
- So washing capacity alone won’t tell you how much laundry the appliance can dry in the same cycle.
Bosch
The WNA13400FF is a good example of the difference between its washing capacity and its wash-and-dry capacity.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists a capacity of 8 kg for washing alone and 5 kg for the wash-and-dry cycle.
- Its stated dimensions are 848 × 598 × 590 mm. Be sure to check the clearance needed for installation too.
Siemens
The WN54G200FR is worth comparing if you need to dry loads of up to 6 kg.
- Siemens France lists a washing capacity of 10.5 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for this model.
- To see if it suits your routine, compare the full-cycle time and energy and water use as well.
Haier
According to Haier France, the HWD100-B14939 has a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
- Its stated dimensions are 595 × 688 × 850 mm.
- At 688 mm deep, it’s particularly important to check that it will fit in an alcove or under a worktop.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These models wash and dry your laundry in a single appliance. To find the right one for your home, focus on the load you want to dry, then compare the dimensions and full-cycle figures for the model you’re considering.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 — 11 kg washing, 6 kg drying
For washing and drying without a second appliance, keep the load for the full cycle within the stated 6 kg drying capacity, even though this model can wash 11 kg on its own. Check the full-cycle time and energy and water use, and allow for the necessary installation clearances.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying
This model lets you wash and dry in one appliance, as long as you keep the load within the stated 6 kg drying capacity rather than the 10 kg washing capacity. Check the label for the exact model to find the full-cycle time and energy and water use, and allow enough space for the connections.
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White Roborock Zeo One — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying
This washer-dryer means you won’t need to transfer laundry to a second appliance, as long as your load stays within the stated 6 kg drying capacity. The 10 kg figure is for washing. Check the dimensions, full-cycle time and energy and water use for the exact model before choosing where to install it.
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White Roborock Zeo Lite — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying
For automatic drying after a wash, use the stated 6 kg drying capacity as your load limit, not the 10 kg washing capacity. Before buying, compare the full-cycle figures and check the dimensions and that you’ll have enough room to open the door.
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White Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini — 1 kg washing, 0.5 kg drying
With a stated washing capacity of 1 kg and drying capacity of 0.5 kg, this model is for very small loads, not a typical household wash. If you’re thinking of installing it in a compact space, check its dimensions and full-cycle figures.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash 8 or 10 kg and then dry it all automatically?
Not if the load exceeds the model’s drying capacity. For example, Bosch Home Appliances France lists a capacity of 8 kg for washing alone but 5 kg for washing and drying on the WNA13400FF. Haier France lists 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying on the HWD100-B14939. Keep the load within the full-cycle capacity or remove some laundry before drying.
Which label figures should you compare if you want dry laundry?
Check the figures for a full wash-and-dry cycle, which are separate from those for washing alone. In EPREL, the European Commission lists the capacity, duration, water per cycle and energy in kWh per 100 cycles for these uses. Compare models using the figures that match your routine.
Does a quick wash-and-dry programme show how long a full load takes?
No. A quick programme may be intended for a small load. Check the load limit in the model’s documentation and look up the full-cycle time at rated capacity separately.
How can you check whether a washer-dryer will fit in an alcove?
Measure the height, width and depth, then check the manual for the space needed for connections and to open the door. As examples of manufacturers’ stated dimensions, the Bosch WNA13400FF is 590 mm deep and the Haier HWD100-B14939 is 688 mm deep. Width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.