People in small homes with nowhere to dry clothes
You have just one floor space for both washing and drying. A washer-dryer could work for you if the amount of laundry you dry in each cycle is within its drying capacity.
Who are these options for?
Households that dry clothes several times a week
For large or back-to-back loads, compare a washer-dryer’s capacity and cycle times with those of a setup that includes a separate tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a washer-dryer takes longer to dry clothes than a conventional tumble dryer.
People who still have a room for drying clothes
Air-drying is still an option if you have the right space. ADEME recommends drying clothes indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction.
What should you compare before choosing?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you can install just one appliance and want to run both stages in sequence without transferring the laundry.
Bear in mind: the load is limited by the drying capacity and, according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer.
Washing machine and airer
Consider this if: you can leave your laundry to dry in a suitable room and wait for it to dry.
Bear in mind: your laundry will take up space while it dries. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
Stacked appliances
Consider this if: you have enough headroom to stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine using a compatible stacking kit.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install two appliances and choose a kit that’s compatible with their exact model numbers. The floor space alone doesn’t tell you whether they can be stacked.
Once you’ve worked out which setup will fit in your home, compare the load capacities, cycles and installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
| Factor | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Load to dry | Check the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. Make sure the combined wash-and-dry programme is suitable for the load and fabrics you’ll be washing. | I want to take out a whole load of dry laundry without removing anything between cycles: my load must be within the drying capacity. |
| Water, energy and cycle time | The European Commission says a washer-dryer’s label shows separate details for washing alone and the wash-and-dry cycle, including energy, water per cycle and cycle time. Compare the cycles you plan to use. | If I often use the machine to dry clothes, the washing-only energy class won’t tell me enough about the full cycle. Cycle time also matters if I need to run several loads one after another. |
| Dimensions | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, as well as the room needed to open the doors. For a stacked setup, check the kit and its compatibility requirements for both model numbers. | I may have enough floor space for one appliance, but not necessarily enough height or depth to stack two. |
| Air-drying | Check the room’s size and ventilation. ADEME recommends drying clothes indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extract vent. | I can keep using an airer if I have a suitable room and I’m happy with how long the clothes take to dry. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s manual for details of filters and other parts that need maintaining. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that the condenser needs maintenance on some heat pump tumble dryers it has assessed. | If I dry clothes regularly, I want to know what maintenance is still required, even if an automatic cleaning system is advertised. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer can take a larger load for washing than for drying. So if you wash a full load at the appliance’s maximum capacity, it may not all fit in one continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
Compare your usual load with both capacities in kg. If you want to run one cycle without removing any laundry, use the drying capacity as your guide.
Removing some of the laundry or running an extra drying cycle takes time.
-
Looking only at the washing energy class
The European Commission’s label shows separate information for washing alone and for the wash-and-dry cycle. The washing-only class doesn’t tell you everything about using the appliance to dry clothes.
Check the energy, water per cycle and cycle time for the programme you’ll use, then compare models on the same basis.
-
Assuming any two appliances can be stacked
Compatibility depends on the kit and the specific appliances. For example, Bosch says its WTZ2741X kit requires a washing machine that’s more than 55 cm deep and isn’t compatible with Series 2 washing machines.
Before installation, check both model numbers, the manufacturer’s recommended kit, the available dimensions and whether the doors can open fully.
-
Forgetting about ventilation or maintenance
ADEME highlights the moisture released by clothes drying indoors. UFC-Que Choisir also found that, on some heat pump tumble dryers, failing to maintain the filters and condenser can affect performance.
Make sure you have a suitable room if you use an airer, and follow the manual for maintenance on any drying appliance.
A few brands to consider
These model and accessory examples highlight features worth checking; they don’t represent every product in each brand’s range.
Bosch
The WDU8H500FF is an example of a washer-dryer, while the WTZ2741X kit shows what to check when choosing a stacked setup.
- Bosch lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle and a depth of 616 mm for the WDU8H500FF.
- According to Bosch, the WTZ2741X kit requires a washing machine that’s more than 55 cm deep and isn’t compatible with Series 2 washing machines.
LG
The F164HP2WST is an example of a heat pump washer-dryer featured by LG France.
- LG lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for this model.
- Before comparing the full cycle time quoted by LG with another appliance’s, check which cycle and load conditions it applies to.
AEG
The LWR98B166X lets you explore a heat pump washer-dryer with separate energy ratings for washing and washing-and-drying.
- AEG lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity, an A rating for washing and a B rating for the wash-and-dry cycle on this model.
- If you plan to dry clothes in the machine, don’t use the washing-only energy class as a substitute for the rating for the full cycle.
Samsung
The WD10T754DBH is another example to compare washing capacity, drying capacity and depth.
- Samsung lists a 10.5 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and a depth of 600 mm for this model.
- The washing features advertised for this model don’t, on their own, tell you how well it will dry clothes.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These three washer-dryers let you wash and dry clothes in one appliance. To choose between them, start with the load you need to dry, then check the dimensions and full-cycle details of the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3 — 11 kg / 6 kg
To run washing and drying in one appliance, keep the load for the full cycle within the stated drying capacity of 6 kg, rather than the 11 kg washing capacity.
Image unavailable
White Roborock Zeo One — 10 kg / 6 kg
This washer-dryer combines both stages in one appliance, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product title mentions Zeo-Cycle, automatic dosing and the LintClear system; check the manual for details on how to use and maintain them.
Image unavailable
White Roborock Zeo Lite — 10 kg / 6 kg
For a full wash-and-dry cycle in one appliance, bear in mind the stated drying capacity of 6 kg rather than the 10 kg washing capacity. The product title mentions Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear; check the model documentation for details on how to use these features.
Frequently asked questions
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load straight after washing it?
Not necessarily: as UFC-Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you want to run both stages in sequence without removing any laundry, check your load against the drying capacity in kg, not just the washing capacity.
Which figures on the label should I compare if I plan to dry clothes in the machine?
Look at the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, not just those for washing alone. The European Commission says the label includes the energy class, energy consumption, water per cycle and cycle time. Its QR code gives you access to more detailed information in EPREL.
Can I stack any tumble dryer on top of my washing machine?
No. You need to check that the stacking kit is compatible with the exact model numbers and dimensions of both appliances. For example, Bosch’s WTZ2741X kit requires a washing machine that’s more than 55 cm deep and isn’t compatible with Series 2 washing machines.
Can an indoor airer replace machine drying?
Yes, if you have the time and a suitable room. Because drying clothes releases moisture, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extract vent.
Does a heat pump tumble dryer need maintenance?
Yes. UFC-Que Choisir has found that clogged filters and condensers can affect a tumble dryer’s performance. Check your model’s manual to find out which parts need maintaining, even if an automatic cleaning feature is advertised.