You only have room for one appliance
When floor space or the area beneath a worktop is limited, consider the overall depth and door clearance as well as how much laundry can be dried in one go.
Which option is right for you?
You want your laundry to come out dry without transferring it
A continuous wash-and-dry cycle saves you from moving laundry between two appliances, as long as you stay within the drying capacity. Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some of the load after washing.
You regularly dry large loads
If you have space for a second appliance or can safely stack compatible models, consider the capacity of a separate tumble dryer before choosing an all-in-one appliance. You’ll also need to make sure the installation is suitable for your home.
How do the options compare?
Your choice comes down first to the space you actually have, then to how much laundry you want to come out dry without any intervention.
Washer-dryer
Consider it: if one space needs to accommodate both washing and drying.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. A large wash load may therefore need to be reduced before drying.
Separate washing machine and tumble dryer
Consider it: if you often dry large loads and can fit a second appliance, including alongside an existing washing machine.
Plan for: a suitable space or, for a stacked installation, a stacking kit that is compatible with both appliances, as well as the necessary connections.
| Consideration | What to check | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | Measure the overall depth, door clearance and route to the installation space. | I only have a narrow recess and need to open the door without blocking the room; around 33% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s size. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the wash-and-dry cycle capacity, in kg, with your usual load. | I want all my laundry to come out dry without removing damp items; this is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cycle time and energy use | Check the figures for the combined cycle, which differ from those for washing alone, using comparable programmes and loads. | If I often run a complete cycle, its duration and energy use matter to my choice; around 20% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| Installation | Check the model’s instructions for the required connections and make sure the necessary power supply is available. | Before choosing an appliance, I need to know whether my home can accommodate and connect it; this is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on washing capacity
A washer-dryer rated at 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying cannot wash and then dry a 9 kg load in one continuous cycle. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in capacity.
Start with the amount of laundry you want to come out dry in one go, then check the limit for the combined programme on your chosen model.
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Measuring the recess without allowing for the door to open
The depth of the appliance’s body doesn’t necessarily include protruding parts or the space taken up by the open door. For example, LG lists the F964V72WRHT as 565 mm deep, but gives an overall depth of 620 mm.
Measure the usable space, door clearance and delivery route before placing your order.
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Looking only at the washing figures
The duration and energy information for the combined cycle relate to a different type of use. For the LG F964V72WRHT, the product information gives an A rating for washing and an E rating for washing and drying.
If you expect to regularly collect dry laundry, compare the figures for the combined cycle using comparable load sizes and programmes.
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Assuming a separate tumble dryer can be added without any constraints
Suitable drying capacity is not enough if you can’t install or connect the second appliance in the space available.
Check its dimensions and installation instructions. For a stacked setup, confirm that the stacking kit is compatible with both models.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated washer-dryers. Its product information for the Series 6 WNG24402FR lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 848 × 598 × 590 mm, which can help you check whether it will fit.
- A 9 kg wash load cannot be dried in full during the same cycle, which is limited to 6 kg.
LG
The LG F964V72WRHT is a 9/6 kg washer-dryer. Its product information gives separate figures for the appliance’s depth and overall depth.
- LG lists a product depth of 565 mm and an overall depth of 620 mm, including protruding parts.
- The same product information gives a depth of 1 100 mm with the door open at 90° and a documented full-load drying cycle time of 7 h 50. Check that you have enough space and time.
AEG
AEG offers both the LWR98B166X heat pump washer-dryer, rated at 10/6 kg, and the TR939I4OBCE separate condenser and heat pump tumble dryer, rated at 9 kg.
- These two models let you compare an all-in-one appliance with the option of adding a tumble dryer, depending on the space available.
- AEG lists a maximum depth of 660 mm for the washer-dryer; the separate tumble dryer will need its own space.
Samsung
The Samsung WD90DG5B15BE washer-dryer is listed with a 9/6 kg capacity and dimensions of 600 × 850 × 600 mm.
- Its separate washing and drying capacities make it easy to check whether a continuous cycle will suit your load.
- For connected features and AI Energy, check Samsung’s requirements, including Wi-Fi connection, an account and eligible programmes.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine. Both Samsung models have a 6 kg drying capacity; the Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini is better suited to very small loads. Compare this capacity with your usual load before choosing.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
Worth considering if you want to wash and then dry your laundry in one appliance. It has a listed capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so limit the load to 6 kg for a continuous cycle. Check the usable dimensions, the duration and energy use of the combined cycle, and the model’s installation instructions.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
This model combines both functions in one appliance, making it suitable when you only have space for one. It is listed at 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full wash load will need to be reduced before drying. Check the product information and instructions for the exact WD11DG6B85BEU3 model to confirm its dimensions, combined cycle and installation requirements.
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White Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini, 1/0,5 kg
Best considered for very small loads rather than drying a full, typical wash load. It has a listed capacity of 1 kg for washing and 0,5 kg for drying. Check its dimensions, cycle information and installation requirements before choosing this format.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a full load and then dry it without doing anything?
Yes, as long as the load does not exceed the capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this capacity is lower than the washing capacity on its own. For a 9/6 kg model, limit the load to 6 kg to run both stages in sequence, or remove some laundry before drying.
Which connections should you check before ordering?
Check the installation instructions for the exact model, then make sure your home has a water supply, a drain, enough room for the hoses and a suitable power supply. If you’re adding a separate tumble dryer, check its own installation requirements rather than assuming they’re the same as those for the washing machine.
Is one existing socket enough to install two appliances?
The presence of a socket alone is not enough to determine whether your installation is suitable for both appliances. Promotelec describes dedicated circuits for washing machines and tumble dryers in the electrical installations it covers. If you’re unsure about your home’s wiring, have it checked before planning to connect both appliances.