If you can’t dry your laundry on an airer, a washer-dryer means you won’t need to make room for a second appliance. If you have enough height and the models are compatible, a stacked set-up gives you a separate tumble dryer. A compact washing machine is another option if your home’s ventilation is suitable for air-drying. Whichever you choose, measure the space and base the capacity on the loads you actually plan to dry, not just wash.
If you don’t have room for an airer and there’s no well-ventilated room available, compare a washer-dryer with other set-ups that might fit in your home. The ADEME notes that air-drying laundry increases indoor humidity.
A narrow space might make a top-loading washing machine a better fit, while limited depth is a reason to look at shallow front-loading models. Que Choisir distinguishes between these two formats for small spaces.
A stacked set-up can accommodate a separate tumble dryer without needing two side-by-side spaces. Before choosing this option, check the available height and make sure the stacking kit is compatible with the exact models of both appliances.
Consider this if: you have a narrow or shallow space and a suitable room where you can dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: an airer takes up space and you’ll need to manage the humidity. A capacity that’s too small could also mean running more cycles.
Consider this if: you want to wash and dry with one appliance and can tailor your loads to its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go. For example, Electrolux lists a 10 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its EW9W1166RB model.
Consider this if: you have enough height to install a separate tumble dryer above a compatible front-loading washing machine.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a stacking kit that’s suitable for both models. Similar widths alone don’t guarantee compatibility.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the width, depth, available height and clearance needed to open the door. For a stacked set-up, check that the kit is designed for both models. | When every centimetre counts, I need to be able to use the appliance without blocking the way or its door. Around 33 % of consumers put this requirement first. |
| Drying without a permanent airer | Compare a washer-dryer’s drying capacity with the space needed for a separate tumble dryer. If you air-dry, check the room’s ventilation. | Without reliable outdoor space, I want to avoid leaving damp laundry in my living area for too long. This is the top priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Spin-cycle noise | Check the stated noise level for the exact model and look for independent test results where available. | If the machine is near the room where I spend time, its spin cycle could disrupt what I’m doing. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise noise levels. |
| Capacity and laundry routine | Start with your usual load sizes, then compare the wash and drying capacities, which are listed separately in kg. | I’d rather avoid extra cycles or transferring laundry for a typical load, even if space is limited. Useful capacity is the top criterion for around 20 % of consumers. |
A wash load may be larger than the amount you can dry in one go. Bosch, Electrolux and Haier product information all includes models with different wash and drying capacities.
Compare both figures in kg with the amount of laundry you want to dry after each wash.
According to Que Choisir, a drum that’s too small can mean running more cycles, while an oversized appliance may not suit your usual loads.
Consider how much laundry you have, how often you wash and whether you need to clean bulky items before prioritising a few centimetres of extra space.
The appliances’ apparent dimensions aren’t enough to confirm compatibility. Electrolux advises checking the appliance references for its stacking kits.
Note down the exact model numbers or PNCs for the washing machine and tumble dryer, then check the kit’s documentation before buying.
The ADEME notes that air-drying laundry adds moisture to your home. Managing that moisture is particularly important when drying clothes in your living area.
Check the ventilation and choose a suitable place to dry your laundry before settling on this option.
In France, Bosch offers front-loading washer-dryers, including a model listed with an 8 kg wash capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
Electrolux offers washer-dryers, tumble dryers and stacking kits, making it possible to consider either a combined appliance or a stacked set-up.
Miele offers tumble dryers with capacities of 7 to 9 kg and suggests stacking as an option for some smaller spaces.
Haier offers the HWD80-BP14357NTU1 washer-dryer, listed at 595 × 530 × 850 mm, with an 8 kg wash capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. First, compare the drying capacity with your usual loads. Then check the dimensions and spin-cycle noise of the model you’re interested in against the space you have available.
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Wash and dry with one appliance, if a 6 kg drying load suits your needs.
Listed capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Any wash load over 6 kg will need to be split before drying.
Measure the space and allow room to open the door before choosing this model.
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Combine washing and drying in one appliance if your drying load is within the 6 kg capacity.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full wash load may therefore need to be dried in two batches.
Before buying, check the dimensions and spin-cycle noise level for the room where you plan to put it.
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Get washing and drying in one appliance, with drying loads planned separately.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Split any wash load that exceeds the drying capacity.
Check the dimensions and spin-cycle noise level before choosing it for a studio flat.
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Combine both functions in one appliance if a 6 kg drying capacity is enough for your usual loads.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A larger wash load will need to be split before drying.
Check the overall size and spin-cycle noise level for the exact space you have in mind.
Check the location and electrical installation before fitting the appliance. Promotelec notes, in particular, that it must be outside zones 0, 1 and 2, and the concealed zone; it must be earthed and connected to a circuit protected by a 30 mA residual current device. If in doubt, ask a qualified professional to check your installation.
Yes, as long as you can remove the moisture produced as the laundry dries. For air-drying, the ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction to help prevent moisture from building up.
Not necessarily: wash and drying capacities can differ. For example, Electrolux lists a 10 kg wash capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its EW9W1166RB model. Always compare both figures for the model you choose, and be prepared to split any load that exceeds its drying capacity.
No. Check that the kit is designed for the exact models and their dimensions. For example, Electrolux lists a depth range of 47 to 60 cm for one of its kits for front-loading appliances. This information alone isn’t enough to confirm that a particular pair of appliances is compatible.