People with a shallow alcove
The width may fit, but the open door could block the way. Measure the full footprint: LG France lists a depth of 47.5 cm for its F852SV52IRS, 53 cm including protruding parts and 101.5 cm with the door open at 90°.
Who is this option for?
Households wanting to wash and dry in one go
With a suitable load, the laundry can go from washing to drying without being transferred to a second machine. As the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, you’ll need to reduce the load from the start or remove some items before drying a larger wash.
People who often use a tumble dryer
If machine drying is part of your regular routine, the duration and energy and water use of a complete cycle matter just as much as the space it takes up. Compare these figures on each model’s label, including when considering a heat-pump appliance.
What should you check before buying?
If you can only fit a washing machine, first decide whether air-drying meets your needs or whether you need to dry laundry in a machine. If you do, check the available space, drying capacity and figures for a complete cycle before comparing the models’ features.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the overall dimensions, space for connections and door swing; compare them with the model’s installation diagram. | If my machine has to fit into a narrow alcove, I also want to be able to open the door and move around in front of it. Around 38% of consumers would make its overall footprint their priority. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the load allowed for a combined wash-and-dry programme. | If I want to dry a load without removing any clothes between the two stages, I need to be able to load the amount the machine can dry from the start. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this convenience. |
| Complete cycle | Compare kWh/100 cycles, litres/cycle and the duration for washing and drying. Don’t confuse these with figures for washing alone. | If I often use a tumble dryer, the time the machine is occupied, as well as the water and electricity it uses, will influence my choice. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise the figures for a complete cycle. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on washing capacity
A model listed as 9/6 kg can wash up to 9 kg, but its stated drying capacity is 6 kg. So you may not be able to dry a maximum washing load in one go.
Start with the amount of laundry you want to dry without having to intervene, and check the limit for the wash-and-dry programme.
A load that’s too large for drying will need to be split, or some of it will have to be hung out after washing.
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Measuring only the depth of the casing
Protruding parts, connections and the open door can make a machine difficult to install or load, even if the casing fits into the alcove.
Check the overall dimensions and door-open depth of the exact model, as well as the clearance specified in its installation instructions.
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Relying only on the washing energy rating
Figures for washing alone don’t describe a cycle that includes drying. The European Commission lists these two cycles separately in the energy label information for washer-dryers.
To compare models based on how you plan to use them, check the energy and water use, duration and capacity for each model’s complete cycle.
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Assuming a quick programme is suitable for a large load
A short duration quoted for a small load doesn’t tell you how long a complete cycle will take with a full load.
Check the load limit for the quick programme and the stated duration of a complete cycle before planning to do several loads in a row.
With just one appliance, you’ll have to wait for the current cycle to finish before starting the next wash.
Brands to consider
LG
The range includes a shallow model and heat-pump washer-dryers. Compare the different models rather than assuming they all have the same footprint.
- For the F852SV52IRS, LG France lists a capacity of 8.5/5 kg and a depth of 47.5 cm for the appliance, or 53 cm including protruding parts.
- For a narrow alcove, you’ll also need to check whether the stated depth of 101.5 cm with the door open fits the available space.
Bosch
The WNC254A0FRB is a useful example of what a high washing capacity looks like in a single appliance.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists a washing capacity of 10.5 kg and a capacity of 6 kg for this model’s wash-and-dry cycle.
- Its stated dimensions are 848 × 598 × 622 mm. In particular, check that the depth suits the space you have in mind.
AEG
The LWR98B166X is worth considering if you’re looking at a heat-pump washer-dryer.
- AEG France lists a capacity of 10/6 kg and a 3-hour Propre&sec programme for 3 kg.
- This duration is for the stated load, not necessarily a full load. Compare the label figures for the complete cycle separately.
Electrolux
The brand offers heat-pump models and a built-in model. Consider which features suit your planned installation.
- Electrolux France lists a capacity of 10/6 kg for the heat-pump EW9W1166RB and 8/4 kg for the built-in EW8W3816BI.
- The stated overall dimensions for the EW8W3816BI are 819 × 596 × 540/553 mm. Check the model diagram to confirm the cabinet and installation requirements.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads. The mini model at the end of the list is designed for very small loads, so you’ll need to check its installation requirements carefully.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
Worth considering if you want both functions in one appliance and need to dry loads of up to the stated 6 kg capacity.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Before choosing it for an alcove, check the space needed with the door open and the installation clearances.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
To wash and dry in one go without transferring the laundry, base your load on the drying limit rather than the washing limit.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Compare the figures for a complete cycle on the energy label and check how much space it needs with the door open.
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Roborock Zeo Lite, Zeo-Cycle 10/6 kg washer-dryer
Worth considering for loads suited to its 6 kg drying capacity, provided its installation requirements work for your home.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the overall dimensions, clearances and figures for a complete cycle for this model.
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CHiQ JW85882HG, 8/5 kg washer-dryer
If you want to keep to one appliance with a stated drying capacity of 5 kg, check the available space carefully before choosing this model.
Stated capacity: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. The title mentions a BLDC motor and a spin speed of 1400 rpm. The dimensions given in the product information don’t match, so check the overall dimensions and door opening in the model documentation.
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Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini, 1/0.5 kg washer-dryer
This size is only suitable for very small loads, not the regular laundry needs of a household.
Stated capacity: 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying. Before considering installation, check the dimensions, water supply requirements and figures for a complete cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 9/6 kg washer-dryer dry a 9 kg load?
Not in one go at its stated capacity: 9 kg refers to washing and 6 kg to drying. To run both stages without removing any laundry, you’ll also need to stay within the load limit for the programme. Otherwise, plan to dry the load in batches or hang some of it out.
Which part of the energy label should I compare?
If you plan to use both functions regularly, compare the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle. The European Commission distinguishes this from washing alone, so check the capacity, energy and water use, and duration for the way you plan to use each model.
What depth should I measure for a narrow alcove?
Measure the space needed for the installed appliance, its connections and its open door, then check the diagram for the exact model. For example, LG France lists the F852SV52IRS as 47.5 cm deep, or 53 cm including protruding parts, and 101.5 cm deep with the door open at 90°. The first measurement alone isn’t enough to judge whether it will fit.
Will a heat pump alone reduce energy use?
No. The technology alone isn’t enough to draw conclusions about a specific model. If you often use a tumble dryer, compare the figures for a complete cycle on the energy labels, then check that the drying capacity and dimensions of the models you’re considering suit your needs too.