If your home can only accommodate one appliance and you need to dry your laundry indoors, a washer-dryer could be the answer, provided it can be installed in your space and its drying capacity suits your laundry loads. Check the dimensions and connections, then compare the capacities and wash-and-dry cycle data. If you could fit two appliances after all, a separate tumble dryer is also worth considering for large, frequent loads.
In a small kitchen or compact utility room, drying laundry at home without installing two appliances means checking the washer-dryer’s overall dimensions and how much it can dry per cycle. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is generally lower than its washing capacity.
If you have large or frequent loads, the difference between the washing and drying capacities may mean taking some laundry out before starting the drying cycle. Check the full cycle time too, so you know how the appliance will fit into your routine.
Even a single appliance needs a suitable spot near the necessary connections. Compare the washing-only and wash-and-dry information on the model’s product page, then check the manual against your space and existing installation.
First, make sure the appliance can be installed in your home, then check how much laundry it can actually dry. If you find there’s room for two appliances after all, you could also compare this option with a separate tumble dryer.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the overall width, height and depth, allowing room to open the door. Check whether the model is freestanding or built in. | When there’s only room for one appliance, I want to be able to wash and dry my laundry without blocking the door. Around 33% of consumers say space is their top priority. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, as well as the capacity for a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, if stated. | With several loads to get through, I want to avoid having to take a large amount of laundry out after every wash. The amount an appliance can dry is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, and cycle time | For the exact model, compare the electricity, water and cycle-time figures for washing alone with those for the wash-and-dry cycle. | If I plan to use the dryer often, I want to know how long the full cycle takes and what resources it uses. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the manual against your flooring, power supply, water inlet and drainage. Make sure you can access the parts that need maintenance. | If the space is difficult to connect or reach, I need to be able to install and maintain the appliance without any obstacles. These considerations come before other criteria for around 17% of consumers. |
A rating of 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying doesn’t mean you can dry a 9 kg load in one go. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is generally lower.
Compare both capacities in kg. If you want to run a continuous wash-and-dry cycle without taking any laundry out, check the maximum load for that cycle too.
Information for washing alone doesn’t tell you about the wash-and-dry cycle. Choosing based on these figures alone could mean overlooking the cycle time and running costs of the mode you’ll actually use.
For the exact model, check the electricity, water and cycle-time figures for each mode separately, under comparable conditions.
An appliance might fit the available width but still need more room for its depth, connections or door to open.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check it against the appliance’s overall dimensions and the clearance requirements in the manual.
The flooring, drainage, socket and access to parts that need maintenance are just as important as the space the appliance takes up. The manufacturer’s instructions apply to the model you choose.
Before delivery, check the connections and maintenance access required in the manual. If you’re unsure about the socket or circuit, ask a qualified professional to inspect the installation.
A brand to explore if you’re looking for a freestanding washer-dryer with separate washing and drying capacity figures.
A brand to consider if you’d like to check the capacity and depth of a freestanding washer-dryer on its product page.
A brand worth browsing to compare freestanding and built-in models, depending on what you’re looking for.
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine. The first three have a washing capacity of 10 or 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg; the last is a mini model designed for much smaller loads. Before choosing, check that each one will fit your space and can be installed there.
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This freestanding model is designed for homes where washing and drying need to fit into a single appliance. It’s listed with an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so you’ll need to reduce or split the load if you want to dry a larger wash. Check its dimensions, door clearance and connections against your available space.
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This washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry in a single space-saving appliance. It’s listed with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so bear this difference in mind if you often wash large loads. Before buying, check the dimensions and compare the energy and water use and cycle times for both modes on the product page.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions for households that can only fit one appliance. It has a listed washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. If you want to dry a full load without taking anything out, plan around the 6 kg limit and check the dimensions, installation requirements and full-cycle information too.
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This mini model is for very small loads, not as a replacement for an appliance designed for larger laundry loads. It’s listed with a 1 kg washing capacity and a 0,5 kg drying capacity. Check that these limits suit the items you plan to wash, then check its dimensions and installation requirements.
Only if the load is within the model’s stated drying capacity or continuous-cycle capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. With a 9/6 kg appliance, a 9 kg wash load exceeds the stated 6 kg drying limit.
For the exact model, compare the electricity, water and cycle-time figures for washing alone and for the wash-and-dry cycle separately. Washing-only figures aren’t enough to assess the full cycle you’ll use to dry your laundry.
Measure the available width, height and depth, allowing for the door to open and the space needed for the connections. Then check these measurements, along with the position of your water inlet and drain, against the installation instructions for your chosen model.
Have the installation checked before fitting the appliance. Electrolux Support France specifies in its instructions for relevant appliances that they must be connected to an earthed socket. The manual for your chosen model sets out the requirements you need to follow.
Make sure you can easily access the door seal, detergent drawer and filters, then follow the cleaning schedule and instructions in your model’s manual. Electrolux Support France recommends regular maintenance of these parts for the appliances covered by its guidance.