Energy label explained · Washer-dryers
How to read the washer-dryer energy label
A washer-dryer label is two labels side by side: the left half rates a complete wash-and-dry cycle, the right half rates washing alone. Each side has its own A–G class, energy per 100 cycles, capacity, water and duration, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2014.
Why are there two energy classes?
Because a washer-dryer is used in two ways, and drying adds far more energy than washing. The left scale and figures describe a complete cycle, washing and then drying the laundry to cupboard-dry; the right scale and figures describe the washing cycle on the eco 40-60 programme, exactly as on a washing machine.
The left side is marked with a water drop and heat waves, the right side with a water drop only. Spin-drying class and noise sit once at the bottom and refer to the washing cycle.
What does each line on the label mean?
Every value in the middle of the label appears twice: left for wash and dry, right for wash only.
| On the label | Left: wash and dry | Right: wash only |
|---|---|---|
| A–G scale and arrow | Class of the complete cycle | Class of the washing cycle |
| kWh / circle with 100 | Weighted energy for 100 complete cycles | Weighted energy for 100 eco 40-60 washes |
| Laundry basket, kg | Rated capacity of the complete cycle | Rated washing capacity |
| Tap, litres | Weighted water per complete cycle | Weighted water per wash |
| Clock, h:min | Duration of the complete cycle at rated capacity | Duration of eco 40-60 at rated capacity |
Below the two columns, a dripping shirt with a scale from A to G gives the spin-drying class, and a loudspeaker gives the noise of the spinning phase in dB(A) with a class from A to D. Both are read as on a washing machine label, and the regulation number 2019/2014 closes the label.
Why is the left capacity smaller?
Because the complete cycle can only take as much laundry as the machine can also dry. If the machine offers a continuous wash-and-dry programme, its rated capacity is the left figure; otherwise it is the lower of the washing capacity and the drying capacity to cupboard-dry. A machine that washes 10 kg may therefore show a much smaller figure on the left, and a full drum has to be split before drying.
How are the two energy figures measured?
The wash-only figure is measured like a washing machine: eco 40-60 at full, half and quarter load, weighted by drum size. The wash-and-dry figure comes from complete cycles at full and half rated capacity, weighted three to two, with the laundry dried to cupboard-dry, defined as 0 % final moisture at 20 °C and 65 % relative humidity.
Both classes come from an energy efficiency index, the weighted energy as a percentage of a standard energy for the rated capacity. The wash side uses the washing machine thresholds, the complete cycle its own.
| Class | Index (energy as % of standard) |
|---|---|
| A | 37 or less |
| B | over 37 to 45 |
| C | over 45 to 55 |
| D | over 55 to 67 |
| E | over 67 to 82 |
| F | over 82 to 100 |
| G | over 100 |
Worked through the formula, class A for a complete cycle with a 6 kg capacity means at most about 170 kWh per 100 cycles, several times the wash-only figure of a similar machine. The distribution below shows how the registered models spread across the classes.
A: 1% · B: 1% · C: 3% · D: 60% · E: 34% · F: 2% · G: 0%
Which figure decides the running cost?
The one that matches how often you dry. We rank washer-dryers by the left figure, wash and dry, with a default of 160 complete cycles a year; if you mostly wash and dry on the line, the right figure is closer to your bill. Both are listed on every model page, and the most efficient washer-dryers are sorted by the complete cycle.
What does the washer-dryer label leave out?
It shows no figure for drying alone and no noise value for the drying phase.
- Energy for a drying-only programme, for example when you wash a load and dry part of it later.
- Washing efficiency and rinsing effectiveness, which are in the product information sheet.
- Power in standby, off mode and delay start.
The wash-only values are read like the washing machine label. For choosing between a washer-dryer and two separate machines, see our washer-dryer buying guide and the washer-dryer overview.
Questions
Why does a washer-dryer have two energy classes?
One class rates the complete cycle of washing and drying, the other washing alone on the eco 40-60 programme. Each is measured separately and judged against its own thresholds. Drying uses much more energy than washing, so the two figures differ widely.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full wash load?
Usually not in one go. The rated capacity of the complete cycle on the left of the label is often smaller than the washing capacity on the right, because it is limited by what the machine can dry. A larger wash load has to be split before drying.
Is the noise value measured while drying?
No. The label gives only the noise of the spinning phase of the eco 40-60 washing programme, measured as sound power in dB(A) with a class from A to D. There is no noise figure for the drying phase.