If you only have floor space for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry without installing a second machine, provided the load you want to dry is within its drying capacity. If you have enough height and the appliance models are compatible for stacking, a stacked set is worth considering for larger or more frequent loads. An airer is another option if you can dry your laundry in a well-ventilated room, in line with ADEME’s recommendations.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. To check whether it will really suit your home, measure how much space it needs with the door open, and bear in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A stacked set with a front-loading washing machine and tumble dryer may suit you if you regularly need to dry larger loads without the drying capacity limit of a washer-dryer. You will need enough vertical space, though, and must check that the appliance models are compatible with the stacking kit. Bosch specifically asks customers to check this for its kits.
An airer can save you from installing a drying appliance, but where you put it matters. For drying laundry indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC).
In a small home, first work out what you can install. Then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry with the ventilation available and the cycle information for the programme you plan to use.
Consider it: if you can only install one appliance and your usual load is within its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to remove some laundry between washing and drying. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that a washer-dryer can take longer to dry a load than a separate tumble dryer.
Consider it: if you have enough vertical space for a stacked set and regularly drying larger loads is a priority.
Plan for: stacking requires a kit that is compatible with the exact appliance models. Check the manufacturer’s documentation.
Consider it: if you have a suitable spot in your home for air-drying laundry.
Keep in mind: laundry releases moisture as it dries. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC).
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, check the door clearance and make sure there is enough access to get the appliance into place. For a stacked set, check that the kit is compatible with both appliance models. | When space is tight, I want to know whether the appliance will fit and still be easy to use once installed. Around 42% of consumers would put this need for space first. |
| Load and cycle time | For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the duration of the cycle that matches how you plan to use it. | If I do laundry often, I’d rather not have to split every load before drying it. Around 33% of consumers would put this need for throughput first. |
| Moisture and consumption | If you use an airer, consider the room’s ventilation or extraction. For an appliance, compare the energy and water figures and duration for the same reference cycle. | Whether I air-dry laundry or use a machine, I want to take account of the moisture in the room and the consumption associated with how I use it. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
A washer-dryer may not be able to dry the full load it has just washed. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the capacities for the two functions. For example, LG lists 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying for the F164R78WSTA.
If you want to run both functions back to back without removing any laundry, use the model’s drying capacity as the limit when preparing your load.
Width alone doesn’t tell you whether appliances can be stacked. Bosch asks customers to check that the appliances in question are compatible before ordering a stacking kit.
Note down the exact model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit, then check the manufacturer’s guidance before installation.
The wash-and-dry cycle has its own energy, water and duration information. The European Commission provides these indicators on the energy label for washer-dryers.
Compare the figures for the cycle you plan to use on a like-for-like basis, rather than assuming the washing rating alone reflects the appliance’s overall performance.
According to ADEME, air-drying laundry adds moisture to your home, so not every room in a small property is equally suitable.
In line with its recommendations, choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC).
LG offers washer-dryers worth considering if you’re looking for a combined appliance. The F164R78WSTA product information lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Bosch is a brand to explore if you’re planning to stack a washing machine and tumble dryer. It offers kits designed for selected appliances.
Samsung offers washer-dryers in France. Compare individual models if you’re looking for a combined appliance.
These four appliances combine washing and drying. They’re mainly suited to situations where installing two separate appliances is difficult. Compare their drying capacities and check their dimensions before choosing.
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This washer-dryer is designed for people who want to wash and dry their laundry in one appliance.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Any wash load over 6 kg needs to be reduced before drying. Also check the dimensions and door clearance for your space.
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This washer-dryer is a good option if you need one appliance to handle both functions, provided it fits in the space available.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you plan to dry the whole load without splitting it, limit the load to the drying capacity. Also check the door clearance and the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle.
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This washer-dryer is designed for people who want to wash and dry their laundry without needing space for two appliances.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Adjust the load if you’re running both functions back to back, and check the dimensions, door clearance and information for the full cycle before choosing this model.
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This washer-dryer is worth considering if you need one appliance to handle washing and drying in the space available.
Stated capacities: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. Before relying on its description as a slim model, confirm its overall dimensions: the stated width for this model varies between listings. Also check the door clearance.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the two capacities. To run both functions back to back without removing any laundry, keep the load within the drying limit for the model and programme you’re using.
Check that the exact models of both appliances and the kit are compatible, then make sure you have enough height for the installation. Bosch specifically asks customers to check appliance compatibility before ordering its stacking kit.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC). ADEME points out that air-dried laundry releases moisture indoors, so a small, enclosed room won’t provide the same drying conditions.
Compare the information for the wash-and-dry cycle you plan to use, including energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration, rather than looking only at the washing energy rating. The European Commission lists these figures on the energy label for washer-dryers. Make sure you compare two models using the same cycle basis.