Are you looking for an appliance that washes and dries your clothes? Do you have limited space, or do you simply want an easy solution because you don’t have much time? A washer dryer will make your life easier.

Let’s take a look together at how you can end up with the ideal choice based on your needs.

1. Capacity

Capacity is the first thing you need to think about in order to find the appliance that will cover your needs, as well as those of your family. As a general rule, you should know that the washing capacity is usually greater than the drying capacity, since drying requires more empty space for air circulation and the efficient operation of the appliance.

Which capacity should you choose?

• For small households or if you live alone and have very few clothes to wash and dry during the week, then an appliance with a washing capacity of 6-7kg and a drying capacity of 4-5kg is the ideal choice for you.
• For a couple with slightly greater needs or a small family (2-3 people), a washer dryer with a capacity of 7-8kg and 5-6kg, for washing and drying respectively, may be enough.
• If you have a larger family (2-5 people), choose a washer dryer with a capacity greater than 9kg and 6kg, for washing and drying respectively.

SkroutzTips: 

1. If you fill the appliance drum for washing, you will need to split the load into more loads for drying.

2. If you plan to wash and dry larger items, such as blankets, or you want to do fewer laundry loads per week, choose a larger capacity, even if you live alone.

2. Placement

Placement plays an important role, depending on the needs of your space, as well as aesthetics. Most washer dryers are freestanding and can be placed anywhere in your space. However, if you want the appliance not to be visible or you have space in the kitchen, you can choose an built-in washer dryer.

3. Drying type

As with clothes dryers, the drying type can also vary here. Many appliances now feature a heat pump, which offers lower electricity consumption, but also slower drying. However, there are also washer-dryers with condensation drying, in which all the moisture removed from the clothes is collected in a container, while no air vent is required.

4. Noise

db (decibels) indicate how loud the sound produced by the appliance is when it operates. So if noise level is important to you, all you have to do is look for a low-noise washer dryer. As a general rule, remember that appliances with noise levels below 75db during spinning are relatively quiet, while those exceeding 80db will become increasingly less discreet in operation.

5. Programs

Programs differ from appliance to appliance and from washing to drying. 

• As far as washing is concerned, we usually find programs by fabric type, quick program, which can last from 15-30 minutes and is suitable for lightly soiled clothes, as well as a steam technology program for refreshing and reducing wrinkles.
• As for drying, many appliances either have a specific function, in which the user can set the desired time, or a drying option after any washing program. Also, there are washer-dryers with separate programs, such as an easy ironing program, which keeps clothes slightly damp for easier ironing.

6. Technologies & extra features

• In many appliances, we find sensors that adjust the amount of water and detergent according to the weight of the clothes. Choose a washer dryer with load weighing, for optimal results, lower consumption, and savings.
• If you are often away from home or want to schedule the washing and drying of your clothes, choose a washer dryer with delayed start. It offers the ability to choose the appliance's start time, such as activation during off-peak electricity hours for greater savings.
• Finally, washer dryers with smart functions offer connection with a smartphone or tablet for more capabilities, such as remote control, cleaning and maintenance notifications, as well as advice on the ideal program for each type of garment. Usually, these are washer dryers with a digital display for easy navigation and operation.

7. Connectivity

Washer dryers that can be connected to external devices provide additional functions and make it easier to control and manage the appliance. The way they connect may vary, and it is this that determines the extra features. Let’s take a look at the 3 connection methods below.

• Washer dryers with Wi-Fi offer the ability to connect the appliance wirelessly, adapting the programs based on your needs and sending notifications when the program cycle is complete.
• Washer dryers with Bluetooth require the connected device to be nearby so you can adjust the programs according to your needs.
• Washer dryers with NFC allow changes to the factory settings of the appliance’s programs and provide updates in case of a malfunction.

8. Energy Efficiency

The information shown on the energy label of a washer dryer, along with the filters on our page, can guide you so you can understand how much electricity it consumes during use. Indicatively, the letter A indicates the lowest possible consumption.

The other details found on the energy label are:

• The QR code you can scan for additional information
• The supplier's name
• The energy consumption of the specific model
• Additional information about the appliance's features

To learn everything about the new energy label and what changed, you can read our related article.

9. Dimensions

The dimensions do not differ much from one appliance to another. The height is around 85cm and the width around 60cm. As for the depth, for smaller homes with limited space, it is best to choose a compact washer dryer, less than 55cm.

Don't forget! By taking into account the above individual characteristics and combining those that suit your needs, you can arrive at the ideal choice for you. Before deciding, you can also take a look at the reviews of other users, to see their opinions and experiences, which can help you reach a final decision much more easily.

You can also take a look at the guide with the top choices for washer-dryers, where you will find the best options based on user feedback.