In a studio flat, choose a vertical clothes airer if you can ventilate the room while your laundry dries, stack your appliances if both models and the stacking kit are compatible, or opt for a washer-dryer if you only have room for one appliance. Stacking requires enough height and a suitable installation; with a washer-dryer, bear in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A folding clothes airer that you can put away after use may work well if there’s still enough room to move around and you can ventilate the space while your laundry dries. ADEME points out that air-drying laundry adds moisture to your home.
Stacking lets you fit two appliances into the same floor space, provided the models can be stacked and the kit is suitable. Bosch recommends checking the exact models before installation.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, you’ll need to plan your laundry around its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Choose this if: you can’t set aside permanent space for an appliance and can ventilate the room while your laundry dries.
Bear in mind: your laundry will temporarily take up room, and air-drying adds moisture to the air, according to ADEME.
Choose this if: you have enough height to stack two appliances and have confirmed that they’re compatible.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a kit that suits the exact models, and must follow the manufacturers’ installation and ventilation instructions.
Choose this if: you only have room for one appliance and its drying capacity is enough for your usual loads.
Bear in mind: a full washing load may not fit in the dryer for the same cycle, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| A solution you can put away | Measure the clothes airer when open and folded. Check that there’s still room to move around and that you can ventilate the room. | If I can’t leave an appliance in my studio flat, I want to be able to clear the way after every load without drying laundry in a closed room. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a portable solution. |
| Two appliances in the same floor space | Check the appliance and kit model numbers, the available height and the ventilation instructions. | I do laundry often and would prefer a separate tumble dryer, but I need to make use of the height rather than take up a second space on the floor. Stacking meets the priority of around 37% of consumers. |
| One appliance | Compare washing and drying capacities, then measure the space, allowing for connections and the door opening. | If I only have room for one appliance, I want to wash and dry in the same machine, even if I need to reduce the load before drying. Around 36% of consumers prioritise having a single appliance. |
Stability depends on the exact appliances and kit. Bosch, for example, states that its WTZ2741X kit is designed for washing machines more than 55 cm deep. This requirement doesn’t apply to every kit.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check their manuals, as well as the kit’s stated compatibility, before stacking them.
Even a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer must be installed in a suitably ventilated space. Electrolux advises against installing one in a closed, unventilated cupboard.
Before choosing a cupboard or alcove, check the clearances and installation requirements in the manual for your chosen model.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A full washing load may therefore need to be split or handled differently before drying.
Compare both capacities and plan your laundry around the amount the appliance can dry in the selected cycle.
According to ADEME, air-drying laundry adds a lot of moisture to the air indoors. In a studio flat, where you put the airer matters just as much as which one you choose.
Decide where to dry your laundry and how you’ll ventilate the room; if that isn’t possible, consider another solution.
For exploring a stacked installation with a specified kit.
For checking installation requirements for a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer.
For comparing a washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities separately.
For looking at washer-dryers with a larger washing capacity, if you have enough depth available.
For finding a washer-dryer that will fit into a shallow alcove.
These products offer two ways to make the most of a single floor space: a washer-dryer or a stacked setup with a stacking kit. The kit is an accessory; it can’t wash or dry laundry on its own.
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For washing and drying with one appliance when there isn’t enough floor space for a second.
The model name indicates a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so adjust the load if you want to run both functions in sequence. Check the duration and energy and water consumption of the full programme before making your choice.
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For combining washing and drying in one appliance, as long as it fits in the space you have.
The model name indicates an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. Confirm its exact dimensions before measuring your alcove, as the dimensions listed for this model vary. Also compare the duration and consumption of the full cycle.
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For creating a stacked setup if you already have a washing machine and tumble dryer that are designed to be stacked.
The kit includes a sliding shelf and a strap. Before installation, check that it’s compatible with the models, depths and weights of both appliances, as set out in their manuals. Appliances are not included.
No. Check that both models are suitable for stacking and that the kit fits them. Bosch, for example, states that its WTZ2741X kit is designed for washing machines more than 55 cm deep. If you’re unsure about installation or stability, ask a qualified professional for help.
Not in a closed cupboard without the ventilation required by the manufacturer. Electrolux advises against this type of installation. Check your appliance manual for the necessary clearances and requirements for its location.
Not if the load is larger than the model’s drying capacity. The Beko B3D596441M and Haier HWD100-B14939 product details list washing and drying capacities of 9/6 kg and 10/6 kg respectively. Reduce the load or remove some laundry before drying, as instructed in the manual.
No. The presence of a socket doesn’t mean the location is suitable. Promotelec points out that the permitted positions for electrical equipment depend on the zones in the bathroom. Before installation, ask a qualified electrician to check your layout and connections.