Choose a washer-dryer if you genuinely have room for only one appliance and every load left in the drum is within the drying capacity. If a second space is possible, two separate appliances can offer greater drying capacity, but they require suitable dimensions and installation. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights that integrated drying can take a long time and use water.
You have a water supply, a waste outlet and room for just one appliance, but still need mechanical drying. According to UFC-Que Choisir, you need to accept a smaller drying load than washing load, as well as longer cycles.
This solution is ideal if you want to collect dry laundry without moving the load. Check that your usual volume is compatible with the stated wash-and-dry capacity, often 6 kg on appliances that can wash more.
Two appliances may still be an option if the actual dimensions and installation allow it. A top-loading washing machine can reduce the width required, while a separate standard tumble dryer is usually close to 60 cm wide and deep.
Choose this if: you have only one space and can limit the drying load to the maximum stated for the combined cycle.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and the cycle ties up your only appliance for longer.
Choose this if: width is your main constraint and another drying area is available.
Bear in mind: the laundry must be dried separately; a compact washing machine does not replace an integrated mechanical drying function.
Choose this if: two appliances can be installed side by side or stacked according to their manufacturers’ instructions.
Bear in mind: the total footprint will be greater, even though the drying capacity may be better suited to larger loads.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying load | Compare the washing capacity with the wash-and-dry capacity. Base your choice on the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go. | I want to start washing and drying without removing any laundry. This is realistic only if my load does not exceed the drying capacity. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, height and depth, then allow for the door swing and the clearances specified in the instructions. | My appliance must fit under a worktop or between two units without blocking the door or making installation impossible. |
| Cycle times and consumption | Check the wash-and-dry cycle data on the label and model information, rather than the figures for washing alone. | I can accept a longer cycle if it means avoiding a transfer of laundry, but I want to understand how it will affect my laundry routine. |
| Installation and maintenance | In a bathroom, check the earthing, 30 mA residual-current protection and installation zone. Also follow the dosage and maintenance instructions. | I want to avoid odours, build-up and problems caused by unsuitable electrical installation. |
An appliance advertised as 9/6 kg or 10.5/6 kg cannot automatically dry a full 9 or 10.5 kg wash load. You will need to remove some laundry or split the drying cycle.
Choose according to your largest single drying load and read the “wash-and-dry” capacity, not just the first figure.
The depth, door opening and required clearances may prevent installation between units or under a worktop.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the overall dimensions and installation instructions for the model you are considering.
The combined cycle avoids transferring laundry, but UFC-Que Choisir states that drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer and may use a great deal of water.
Compare the duration, water use and electricity consumption of the precise model’s wash-and-dry cycle. A heat-pump model is worth considering based on its own specifications, dimensions and cycle.
An unsuitable installation in a damp room can pose an electrical risk.
According to Promotelec, check the earthing, a 30 mA residual-current device and compliance with the safety zones. Have the installation inspected if you cannot confirm these conditions.
LG offers front-loading washer-dryers such as the F964R35WRS, advertised as 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
The Series 6 and Series 8 ranges include front-loading washer-dryers; the WNG254ASFR is advertised as 10.5 kg for washing and 6 kg for wash-and-dry cycles.
Electrolux offers heat-pump models, including the PerfectCare 900 EW9W1165RB, advertised as 10/6 kg.
Whirlpool offers FreshCare+ washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers, making it useful for comparing the two configurations.
Candy is a useful reference for top-loading washing machines when width is more restricted than depth and drying can be arranged separately.
These Joybuy options are washer-dryers designed to wash and dry in a single appliance. First compare the drying capacity, dimensions that fit your alcove and the data for the combined cycle.
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For a home with one appliance space, provided you limit the load left for drying to 6 kg.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The stated wash-and-dry cycle takes 7 h 32; also check the 60 cm depth, door and required clearances.
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A combined option for regular loads of no more than 6 kg when drying.
The product offers 10 kg washing capacity, 6 kg drying capacity, automatic dosing and a LintClear system. Confirm the dimensions, duration and consumption of the combined cycle before installation.
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It meets the need to wash and dry in the same appliance for loads limited to 6 kg when drying.
The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Automatic dosing is intended for liquid detergents; check compatibility with the products you normally use.
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Worth considering for a single appliance space when continuously drying 6 kg of laundry matches your usual routine.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The stated dimensions are 600 × 850 × 590 mm; check the wash-and-dry cycle data on the model’s label.
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This option may suit small households whose drying loads are usually around 5 kg.
The product offers 8 kg washing capacity, 5 kg drying capacity and a depth of 520 mm. Confirm the actual width and required clearances before approving the installation.
Yes, but only if the amount of laundry does not exceed the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this capacity is lower than the washing capacity; for example, Bosch states 10.5 kg for washing but 6 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WNG254ASFR.
Because the duration, water consumption, electricity consumption and rating can vary depending on the cycle. European regulations on washer-dryer energy labels require information specific to these appliances: check the details for the combined cycle on the exact model.
According to Promotelec’s technical guidance, the appliance must be earthed, supplied by a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual-current device and installed beyond volume 2. Have the location and circuit checked by a qualified professional when these conditions are not clearly established.
ADEME states that using too much detergent can cause build-up in the washing machine and generate unpleasant odours. Follow the recommended dosage, run the maintenance cycles specified in the instructions and distinguish the Eco programme from a quick programme: Eco runs for longer at a lower temperature.
No. It may provide greater drying capacity, but it requires a second space. The Whirlpool tumble dryer mentioned in the brand specifications measures 59.8 cm wide and 60.7 cm deep; a washer-dryer remains more suitable when only one space is available.