Households with space for only one appliance
If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes without an airer. When choosing a load size, though, go by its drying capacity rather than its washing capacity.
Which option is right for you?
Households with back-to-back loads
With two separate appliances, you can start a wash while the previous load is drying. If you plan to stack them, check the available space and make sure the stacking kit is compatible with both models.
People who dry clothes regularly
If electricity use is an important factor in your decision, compare heat-pump condenser tumble dryers with other types of appliance. Que Choisir highlights the trade-off between energy use and drying time.
What should you look for?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to dry your clothes without transferring them.
Bear in mind: the Electrolux 8/4 kg and 9/5 kg examples have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
Separate appliances
Consider this if: you need to run several loads one after another and have enough room, possibly vertically.
You’ll need: two appliances and, if stacking them, a kit compatible with both models.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for one appliance | Compare washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the duration of the combined cycle for your intended load. | When I only have room for one machine, I also want to be able to finish drying without an airer; around 30% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Several loads of washing | Check the tumble dryer’s capacity and, if stacking the appliances, the available height and kit compatibility. | If I have several loads to get through, I want to wash one while another is drying; this would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Energy use when drying | Compare the energy use and duration given for the same function and reference programme, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. | As I dry my clothes often, I’d rather check how much electricity an appliance uses, even if that means accepting a longer cycle; around 20% of consumers would put this first. |
| Installation options | Check whether an external vent is needed, as well as the required clearances and instructions in the manual. | If my home has no vent or little space, I need to make sure an appliance can be installed before comparing its features; this would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at washing capacity
Electrolux lists one model with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity, and another with 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. So a load that fills the drum for washing may not be able to dry in one go.
Think about how much laundry you want to dry and check the duration of the corresponding combined programme.
If the load is too large, you may need to remove some laundry and run an extra drying cycle.
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Assuming stacking kits fit every model
An unsuitable kit won’t secure the stack as intended. Bosch, for example, specifies depth requirements and excludes certain models for its WTZ2741X kit.
Note down the full model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then check with the manufacturer which kit is compatible before installation.
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an external outlet
Unlike a condenser model, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening or duct to the outside, as explained by Que Choisir.
Check the venting route before choosing this type of appliance. If there isn’t one, look at condenser models and their installation requirements instead.
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Choosing a heat-pump model without checking cycle times
Que Choisir notes that heat-pump models use less electricity, while conventional condenser models generally dry clothes more quickly.
Compare energy use and the duration of a programme suited to your loads, especially if you need to run several washes one after another.
Brands to consider for these options
Electrolux
The range includes freestanding washer-dryers, with washing and drying capacities listed separately.
- Electrolux product specifications list capacities of 8/4 kg for the EWW8416DB and 9/5 kg for the EW7W4954CA.
- These figures apply to the models mentioned. Check the programme and cycle duration for the model you’re considering too.
Bosch
The brand offers accessories for stacking certain washing machines and tumble dryers.
- The Bosch WTZ2741X kit gives you useful installation requirements to check when planning a stacked setup.
- It requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and excludes certain Series 2 models, among other conditions. Check compatibility with your exact models.
Miele
The brand’s separate tumble dryers and stacking kits may suit plans for a stacked installation.
- Miele generally recommends choosing a tumble dryer with a capacity close to that of your washing machine, so it can handle successive loads.
- Check the manuals for your chosen models to confirm installation and stacking options.
Whirlpool
The range includes built-in and freestanding washer-dryers to consider when the available space determines your choice.
- Whirlpool lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the built-in BIWDWG96146FR model.
- To estimate how long a typical load will take, check the duration of the relevant programme and its drying capacity.
Joybuy products to suit these needs
This selection includes four washer-dryers for homes with room for one appliance, plus a separate heat-pump tumble dryer. If you choose the latter, you’ll also need a washing machine; check the installation requirements before considering a stacked setup.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
For washing and drying with one appliance: the listed capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Size your loads according to the drying capacity and check that the manual matches the WD11DG6B85BEU3 variant.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
For a single space: the listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Before planning several consecutive cycles, compare the duration and energy use of the wash-and-dry programme for this variant.
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Roborock Zeo Lite Gray, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
For washing and drying in one appliance: the listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product title mentions 27 programmes; check the dimensions, cycle duration and energy use for the programme you plan to use.
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Roborock Zeo One Gray, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
Finish a wash without transferring the laundry to a separate tumble dryer: the listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The model features automatic dosing; also check its dimensions and the duration of the cycle suited to your load.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer
For drying with a separate appliance: this model has a listed capacity of 8 kg and uses heat-pump technology. You’ll also need a washing machine. Compare energy use and cycle times, and check the installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a washer-dryer dry a whole load after washing it?
Not always: the drying capacity determines how much laundry the machine can dry in one go. For example, Electrolux lists 8 kg for washing and 4 kg for drying on the EWW8416DB, and 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7W4954CA. If your load exceeds the drying capacity, follow the manual’s instructions for splitting it up.
Does a tumble dryer need an outlet to the outside?
A vented model needs an opening or duct to the outside, while a condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need to be connected to one, according to Que Choisir. However, check the manual for the model’s ventilation and clearance requirements.
Can you stack any washing machine and tumble dryer?
No: the kit must be compatible with both models and their installation requirements. Bosch, for example, specifies that its WTZ2741X kit is for certain setups, including a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm, and excludes some Series 2 models.
What should you compare on a washer-dryer’s energy label?
Compare the information for the wash-and-dry function, including energy use, the water listed for the reference cycle and its duration. ADEME notes that the figures shown are based on reference cycles, so compare the same functions and programmes, then check that the load capacity suits the way you’ll use the appliance.