Washer-dryers in the test: 5 top appliances in comparison

Washing and drying laundry – that's what the washer-dryer can do. Not all at once, of course, but one after the other. The good thing is that the laundry stays in the appliance. This eliminates the need to transfer wet trousers or towels from the washing machine to the dryer. In addition, the device saves space - and also offers a lot of other advantages. Get to know current top models in more detail.

How does a washer-dryer work?

The washer-dryer has all the programs of a washing machine and can do everything that a dryer can do. How extensive the selection is depends on the model. Basic features include:

In addition to the basic functions, there are the additionalfunctions of the manufacturers. Special programmes ensure, for example, that silk fabrics remain beautifully shiny and do not fluff, that the water-repellent surface of outdoor clothing is not damaged or that dark laundry does not fade. In addition, washer-dryers can dry shirts gently and wrinkle-free, make pillows fluffy and fluffy and protect cotton clothing from mite and germ infestation.

When does a washer-dryer make sense?

Washer-dryers are especially useful if you have a small apartment. Instead of two large machines, you only need to set up one device. This saves you space. In addition, most models do not require venting. So you can also place the device in a small bathroom without windows. This is particularly practical in city apartments. Of course, you don't always have to wash and machine dry the laundry. You can also use each feature separately.

What should I look for when buying a washer-dryer?

Washer-dryers, as with washing machines and dryers, have various functions and product specifications. Therefore, you should inform yourself well before buying and think about what is important to you.

Features

A tumble dryer therefore offers numerous additional functions for different types of laundry. As a result, such a device sometimes saves you further work steps, such as ironing. Stiftung Warentest provides orientation in the variety of functionsand recommends paying attention to the following extras when buying:

• Free choice of temperature
• Free choice of spin speed
• Extra rinse cycle
• Flush stop
• Start time area code
• Display of the remaining term

Exhaust air or condensation washer-dryer?

In addition to the selection of possible additional functions, there are also basic questions to answer. Probably the most important: Where should your washer-dryer be located later? The choice of location has a great influence on the drying technology to be chosen.

In general, a distinction is made between exhaust air and condenser dryers. In both variants, the damp laundry is dried using warm air. With the exhaust air washer-dryer, the moisture escaping in the process is directed to the outside via an exhaust air hose. In a condensation washer-dryer, on the other hand, it is condensed with the help of cold ambient air and collected in a container. This must be emptied after each drying.

Accordingly, an exhaust air washer dryer is only suitable for rooms with windows or another exhaust air system. A condensation dryer, on the other hand, can also be set up in a storage room – without running the risk of mold forming.

Capacity

In addition to the type of washer-dryer, the size also plays an important role. While a washer-dryer with a capacity of three to five kilograms should be sufficient for a single household, the washer-dryer should hold five to six kilograms for two-person households.Families, on the other hand, should use a seven- to nine-kilo device.

Energy efficiency class

By the way: The bottom line is that washer-dryers consume more energy than a two-appliance combination of washing machine and dryer. This is because washer-dryers dry mainly via energy-intensive condensation, while dryers now rely largely on heat pump technology. However, the fact that you cannot currently find a washer-dryer with the A+++ energy label is due to the requirements of the EU directives. In the past, the energy efficiency class A+++ for washer-dryers was simply not provided for in these.

Since March 2021, the usual classification ranges from A (best class) to G (worst class). However, at the moment (as of spring 2024) only one model is available that has been awarded the energy label A. Another bears the C label. All other washer-dryers are classified in classes D and E. But that doesn't mean that these models are insanely inefficient. Rather, manufacturers are to be given an incentive to develop even more economical models. Therefore, it is to be expected that more washer-dryers with class A or B will come onto the market in the next few years. In order to keep the ecological footprint as low as possible, a green electricity tariff is a good choice.

Volume

Last, but not least, you should also pay attention to the volume of the household appliance when buying. If your washer-dryer is in the basement, you will probably think less about the soundscape than if the washer-dryer is located in the bathroom or kitchen. Washer-dryers are considered quiet up to 65 decibels. From 70 decibels it can be exhausting. By comparison, 75 decibels is about the same as the volume of yourwashing machine in the spin cycle.

How long does a washer-dryer take?

The duration of a complete run cannot be given as a general rule. It makes a big difference whether the laundry should be only slightly dry or cupboard dry. The guideline: Coloured laundry needs about three hours to be clean and dry. If the drum is only partially full, it takes about two hours. For small, lightly soiled items, the laundry can be done in express mode after just one hour.

Which washer-dryer is the right one?

Our comparison shows that modern washer-dryers with low energy consumption are only available in the upper price ranges. Models with heat pump technology also dominate here.Of course, there are also inexpensive appliances with good washing and drying properties, but you have to accept a few minor compromises in terms of efficiency – at least according to the new energy label classification – but they are still not excessive power guzzlers. We provide our personal test winners and explain what makes the individual washer-dryers so special.

LG Electronics LSWD100E

The LG Electronics LSWD100E not only stands out as a top-of-the-range model in terms of price, but also with its outstanding energy efficiency ratings. The LG washer-dryer is currently the only device on the market that has been awarded the top grade A in all efficiency classes. However, the economy only comes into its own under certain conditions: The washer-dryer is most efficient when it is fully utilized. However, with a capacity of twelve kilograms for washing processes and seven kilograms for the combined wash-drying process, the LSWD100E is clearly aimed at the needs of large families. In addition, the device has a steam function, an automatic dosing and an automatic volume. These technical subtleties can be controlled via a modern display integrated into the door, which is based entirely on touch function. One highlight is the "Artificial Intelligent Direct Drive". This feature uses AI technologies to weigh the load, assess the fabrics, and automatically determine the optimal cleaning program. Thanks to intelligent fiber protection, the service life of textiles is said to be increased by up to 15 percent.

AEG LWR9W80600 Series 9000

The AEG washer-dryer LWR9W80600 from the 9000 AbsoluteCare series precisely controls drum movement and temperature with heat pump technology, which prevents wool textiles from shrinking and keeps silk garments in optimal shape. The AbsoluteCare system also reactivates the waterproofing of outdoor clothing and is Woolmark Blue certified. SensiDry heat pump technology saves up to 55% energy (compared to a comparable condenser dryer) through precise sensors that ensure consistent drying results at lowtemperatures. With the ProSteam steam program, you can refresh clothes in 25 minutes, neutralize odors and reduce wrinkles, using only two liters of water. Via the AEG app, you can control the washer-dryer from anywhere, receive individual care tips and receive notifications about the status of the laundry. The ProSense+ technology uses weight sensors for optimal detergent dosage and automatically adjusts electricity, water and time consumption according to the amount of laundry. Interesting highlight: The NonStop 3h/3kg program washes and dries up to 3kg of laundry in just three hours, ideal for a quick refresher of your favorite clothes.

Bauknecht WATK Sense 86S 41 N

One of the core features of the Bauknecht WATK Sense 86S 41 N washer-dryer is the Active Care Wash & Dry technology. Byadjusting the washing and drying cycle to the moisture content of the clothes, the feature not only optimizes thorough stain removal, but also ensures that the clothes are not damaged during the washing process. Particularly noteworthy is the Continuous Wash and Steam Cycle, which uses steam technology to remove odors and bacteria, keeping your clothes fresh and clean. For quick laundry loads, the WATK Sense 86S 41 N offers the Kurz 30 program, which allows efficient cleaning and drying in just 30 minutes — ideal for days when you're short on time. The Stains 20° program effectively combats stubborn stains even at low temperatures, which not only saves energy, but also protects clothing. With its Dynamic Inverter motor, the WATK Sense 86S 41 N offers quiet, low-vibrationand at the same time energy-efficient laundry care. This not only guarantees reliable performance, but also promises a long service life of the device. With a consumption of over 300 kWh per 100 washing and drying cycles, the Bauknecht washer-dryer requires significantly more electricity than the models from LG or AEG, but it also costs only about a third of the two top-of-the-range models in comparison.

Siemens iQ700 washer-dryer WN54C2A40

The i-Dos technology of the washer-dryer WN54C2A40 from the Siemens iQ700 series ensures the exact dosage of the detergent, adapted to the material, water hardness and degree of soiling. You only have to fill the detergent once and i-Dos will take care of the rest. This saves time and prevents unnecessary flushing, which saves water. The smartFinish programme uses gentle steam to relax the textiles, reducing the formation of creases. This minimizes the ironing effort considerably, even with severely wrinkled shirts and blouses. Smart sensors monitor the drum temperature and moisture of the laundry to ensure a to ensure even and gentle drying. This prevents overheating and over-drying, protects the textiles and reduces energy consumption. With Wi-Fi capability and Home Connect, you can use the washer-dryer conveniently via your mobile devices. The aquaStop® system offers comprehensive protection against water damage by immediately stopping the water supply in the event of leaks. Siemens guarantees this safety for the life of the device.

Miele WTD 163 WCS

The model from Miele is also one of the premium washer-dryers in our test. The appliance has nine washing and ten drying programmes. Among other things, you can use the PerfectCare technology and PerfectDry function, which washes and dries the laundry particularly gently and removes lint. It makes ironing superfluous for some materials, and even for difficult garments, the ironing effort is reduced by half. The PerfectDry function also detects the limescale content of the water and adjusts the drying process accordingly. The appliance is also smart: via Miele @home, you can operate the washer-dryer via the Miele app or voice control. If you like, you can integrate it into your existing smart home solution and link it to the other Miele household appliances. In this way, the washer-dryer makes a precise landing. The disadvantage: At around € 1,600, the Miele washer-dryer is one of the more expensive appliances in its efficiency class (D).