In a studio flat without a balcony, first choose a spot where the laundry or appliance can be used without blocking your living space. A vertical clothes airer takes up less floor space, but ADEME recommends air-drying in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. If you do laundry often, compare the installation requirements and cycle times of a separate tumble dryer with the drying capacity of a washer-dryer, which takes up the space of just one appliance.
If a second appliance would get in the way, compare the floor space taken up by an open clothes airer with that of a washer-dryer. A stacked washing machine and tumble dryer need a compatible stacking kit for both models, as well as enough room for installation.
A separate tumble dryer may suit a regular drying routine if you have the right space for it. To choose between a heat pump and a conventional condenser model, look at electricity use, cycle times and maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir reports that heat pump models generally use less electricity, but have longer cycles.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in the space of one appliance. However, check its maximum drying load separately from its washing capacity: after a full wash, you may need to take some laundry out before starting the drying cycle.
Start with the available space and ventilation, then compare the capacity and cycle times with how often you do laundry.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity and ventilation | For a clothes airer, find a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. Also measure how much space the laundry takes up once it’s hung out. | I don’t want to leave damp laundry in a closed living space. ADEME notes that air-drying releases a lot of moisture into the air indoors; a compact airer doesn’t change that. |
| Floor space and stacking | Measure the appliances and allow for the installation clearances they need. For a stacked set-up, check which models are compatible with the kit and the required washing machine depth. | I only have room for one appliance, or I need to keep a walkway clear. The Bosch WTZ27410 kit, for example, requires a washing machine more than 55 cm deep; this requirement doesn’t apply to all kits. |
| Cycles and maintenance | Compare electricity use and cycle times on a like-for-like basis. Check that the filters are easy to reach and what maintenance the instruction manual recommends. | If I dry several loads a week, waiting times and maintenance matter just as much as electricity use. UFC-Que Choisir describes heat pump models as generally using less electricity than conventional models, although their cycles may be longer. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities, then check the length of the combined programme and its water consumption figures. | I want to know whether my laundry will dry in one cycle. Whirlpool, for example, lists a 9 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg drying capacity for the BIWDWG96146 FR. Check both figures for the model you’re considering. |
| Noise and heat | Check the stated noise level and the permitted room temperature. Follow the ventilation requirements in the instruction manual, even for a tumble dryer without an external vent. | If I sleep or work in the room, I need to be able to choose when to run a cycle. Electrolux warns that a tumble dryer in a small room can make it warmer and encourage condensation on cold surfaces. |
A tower airer takes up less floor space, but laundry still releases moisture as it dries. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan.
Decide where the airer will go when it’s open and covered with laundry, then check the ventilation and make sure there’s room to move around it.
A washer-dryer may have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. If the load is too large to dry, you’ll need to reduce it or split it across several cycles.
Compare both capacities and the length of the wash-and-dry programme for the exact model, rather than relying on its washing capacity alone.
The width alone doesn’t confirm that the stack will be stable or that the kit is compatible. The Bosch WTZ27410 kit, for example, requires a washing machine more than 55 cm deep, and you’ll need to check that your models are compatible.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check the kit documentation before installation.
Remember to include a compatible stacking kit in your list of things you’ll need.
Generally lower electricity use than a conventional condenser model doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be comfortable to use in a small space. Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small can become hot and develop condensation.
Check the appliance manual for ventilation and clearance requirements, cycle times and maintenance instructions.
These examples show which features to compare; their specifications won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Its stacking kits show what you need to check when installing a tumble dryer above a washing machine.
The EDHF5841EC model documentation lets you compare capacity, noise and electricity use against the space available.
The BIWDWG96146 FR washer-dryer is an example of a single appliance that could work when space is limited.
The Pegasus Tower 190 is an example of a vertical clothes airer to compare with the space you actually have available at home.
The Mixer 3 Ultimate is an example of a flexible tower airer for a narrow space, provided you have a suitable area for drying.
These products offer several ways to dry laundry in a studio flat: a vertical clothes airer, a washer-dryer and separate tumble dryers. Compare their installation requirements before deciding where to put one.
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Washing and drying functions take up the space of one appliance. The stated capacities are 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, so you may need to adjust the load before starting a drying cycle. Check the exact dimensions of this model before deciding where to put it, along with the cycle time and water consumption for the programme you choose.
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The extendable vertical design lets you choose how much drying space to use and folds away after use. Check its floor space when fully open and the usable drying length for your chosen set-up. Place it on a level surface, spread the laundry out and choose a well-ventilated area or one with an extractor fan: according to ADEME, drying laundry indoors releases a lot of moisture.
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This separate tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg, a noise level of 64 dB and a 2-in-1 filter accessible through the door. The stated noise level alone won’t tell you how comfortable it’ll be to use in your studio flat. Before choosing a spot, check its dimensions, installation instructions, ventilation requirements and programme times.
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This model is designed for dedicated tumble drying and has a stated capacity of 8 kg, three drying levels and a double-layer filter. Before setting aside space for it, check its dimensions, noise level, detailed energy consumption and ventilation requirements. Before buying, also check the safety and installation instructions for this specific model.
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This separate tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg and measures 60 × 65 × 85 cm according to its description; also check the clearances required in the instruction manual. The manual lists a noise level of 66 dB, annual energy consumption of 235 kWh and OptiSense sensors. Check the ventilation requirements and the permitted room temperature for the space you have in mind.
Only if there’s enough space for suitable ventilation while it dries. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extractor, as air-drying releases a lot of moisture. A vertical clothes airer takes up less floor space, but it won’t reduce the amount of moisture released.
Not for it to work: UFC-Que Choisir says that both conventional condenser and heat pump models can be installed without an external vent, unlike vented tumble dryers. However, make sure you follow the clearance and ventilation requirements in the instruction manual.
No. Check that the stacking kit is compatible with the exact models of both appliances and follow its installation instructions. For example, Bosch says its WTZ27410 kit is for washing machines more than 55 cm deep and asks you to check model compatibility.
Because the maximum drying load may be lower than the washing capacity. Whirlpool lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the BIWDWG96146 FR, so you shouldn’t assume a 9 kg wash load will dry in one go. Check both capacities for the model you’re considering.
No. The space also needs to suit the appliance’s dimensions, ventilation requirements, noise level and operating conditions. Electrolux warns that a tumble dryer in a room that’s too small can warm it up and encourage condensation. Check the manual for the exact model before installing it.