If you only have space for one appliance on the floor, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one go, provided the load you want to dry is within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity. A separate tumble dryer is a good option if you can make room for one. Stacking saves floor space only when both appliances, the stacking kit and the support are compatible.
A washer-dryer saves you from transferring laundry between two appliances. However, check how much you can dry in one go: UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
A separate tumble dryer has its own drying capacity. Compare it with your usual loads, then measure the space available for the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual.
If you have enough vertical space, you may be able to place the tumble dryer above the washing machine instead of needing room for both side by side. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this set-up requires front-loading appliances of compatible dimensions and a flat, rigid, sturdy floor. Also check that the stacking kit is suitable for the exact model numbers.
Start by measuring the space, then compare the load you need to dry and how often you do laundry with each option’s capacity and installation requirements.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who might prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for just one appliance | Separate washing and drying capacities; dimensions and duration of a full wash-and-dry cycle. | If I only have room for one appliance, I want to be able to wash and then dry without moving the laundry, even if the load I can dry is smaller. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise having just one space for an appliance. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Drying capacity in kg and the load usually dried per cycle. | When I do laundry regularly or have large loads, I’d rather be able to dry the whole load without taking some of it out after washing. This dedicated capacity would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Electricity consumption | The energy label for the exact model and the consumption stated for the programme suited to the load. | If I dry clothes often during the week, I want to compare how much electricity each option uses rather than relying on the technology name alone. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Stability when stacking | Documented compatibility of the kit with both model numbers; the floor’s dimensions and condition. | If I’m planning to make use of the room’s height, I want to keep two appliances without improvising how they’re secured. Around 14% of consumers would put the feasibility of a compatible stacking set-up first. |
UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, unlike a condenser model.
If there’s no outlet where you plan to put it, consider a condenser model and check its own installation requirements in the manual.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one cycle. For example, Bosch lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg capacity for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WDU8H500FF model.
Compare the drying capacity with the load you want to dry without having to intervene.
You may need to split a larger washed load before drying it.
Similar dimensions don’t confirm that the stacking kit will fit. Stability also depends on the appliances and the support they stand on.
Check the exact model numbers with the manufacturer. The tumble dryer must go above the washing machine, and both front-loading appliances must be compatible and placed on a flat, rigid, sturdy floor.
Check whether the compatible kit needs to be purchased separately.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and that combined cycles can take a long time.
If you regularly need to dry large loads, compare the duration of a cycle suited to your laundry with that of a separate tumble dryer before deciding that the space saved by a washer-dryer is worth it.
Bosch offers washer-dryers and stacking accessories, but you’ll need to check the compatibility of each model and accessory separately.
Electrolux washer-dryers are worth considering if the amount you can actually dry is a deciding factor when choosing a single appliance.
Whirlpool offers, among other options, the CWD84MWWSFR, a separate 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer.
These appliances let you compare two options for your home: a washer-dryer that uses just one space on the floor, or a separate tumble dryer if you can make room for one. Don’t assume any of these models can be stacked without checking the model numbers and stacking kit.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in a single floor-standing appliance. This model is listed with an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check whether 6 kg is enough for the load you want to dry without taking any laundry out. Also check the dimensions and clearances in the manual.
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Another all-in-one option if you want to wash and dry in a single appliance. It’s listed with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If you plan to use it regularly, check the duration and energy consumption of a full cycle.
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Consider this if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to compare an appliance with a stated capacity of 8 kg. It’s a condenser model, so measure the space available and check the manual for the required clearances.
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Compare this with other separate appliances if you have space to dry your laundry. This heat-pump model is listed with an 8 kg capacity. Check its dimensions, clearances and the energy consumption figures for the programme you’re interested in.
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This separate tumble dryer is another 8 kg model to consider if your room can accommodate a second appliance. Before choosing, check its dimensions and installation clearances, then compare the programmes suited to your loads.
Yes, if you choose a condenser model rather than a vented one. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct. In all cases, check the clearances and connections specified in the appliance manual.
Only if the load is within its drying capacity. As UFC-Que Choisir explains, this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, Bosch lists a 10 kg washing capacity for the WDU8H500FF, but a 6 kg capacity for a wash-and-dry cycle.
No. Check the manufacturer’s documentation to confirm that the kit is suitable for the exact model numbers of both appliances. The requirements outlined by UFC-Que Choisir include front-loading appliances of compatible dimensions, placed on a flat, rigid, sturdy floor, with the tumble dryer above the washing machine.