One space, with drying included
You’re short on floor space and would like to dry your laundry in the same machine; first, check how much it can actually dry.
Who are these options for ?
Room for a stack, if it can be secured
You have enough height, but need to confirm the stack will be stable, the models are compatible and you can reach the controls on the tumble dryer above.
A narrow space, with room to air-dry
You’re looking for a washing machine that fits a narrow space and can use another area to dry your laundry.
What should you check first ?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if : you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and dry your laundry without moving it between machines.
Bear in mind : the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, so plan each cycle around the former.
Two stacked appliances
Consider this if : you have enough height and can reach the tumble dryer’s controls.
Bear in mind : both appliances must be front-loading, a similar size and compatible with the stacking kit. The tumble dryer goes on top of the washing machine.
Compact washing machine and air-drying
Consider this if : a slim model will fit the space and you have a suitable place to dry your laundry.
Bear in mind : this option does not provide mechanical drying on its own.
Start by measuring the space and deciding how you’ll dry your laundry day to day. If you’re considering a stack, check the exact model numbers of the appliances and stacking kit before comparing other features.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this most important to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Making the appliances fit | Measure the space and access route; check the full dimensions and how the model’s door opens. | If space is tight, I want to know whether I can load the machine and open its door without anything getting in the way. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Making sure a stack is secure | Check the manuals, which models the kit is suitable for, any exclusions and the installation instructions. | If I stack two appliances, I want to confirm that the kit is suitable for that exact pair and that the installation will be stable. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise compatibility and stack safety. |
| Drying the laundry you wash | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg for the exact model. | If I want to run one cycle straight after another, I need to keep the load within the drying capacity. Around 20 % of consumers put the amount of laundry to dry first. |
| Accessing the appliances | Check the height of the controls, how the doors open and access to the parts that need maintenance. | If the tumble dryer is up high, I want to be able to use its controls and maintain both appliances without awkward manoeuvres. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise day-to-day access and maintenance. |
| Comparing use and after-sales service | Compare energy and water figures on a like-for-like basis; distinguish between the statutory guarantee and a commercial warranty. | If I’m choosing between several options, I want to compare how they work and understand what support I can call on after buying. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise these long-term considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
Its drying capacity may be lower, so a full wash load won’t necessarily fit into a drying cycle.
Check both capacities for the exact model and plan loads around the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in washer-dryers.
You may need to split a load across extra drying cycles or find another way to organise your laundry.
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Assuming a stacking kit will fit because the appliances are the same brand or width
Compatible dimensions and excluded models vary by kit, so similar measurements alone don’t confirm that it will fit.
Check the full model numbers of both appliances and the kit, along with the manuals, before stacking them.
An unsuitable kit may mean changing your choice of accessories or rethinking the installation.
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Measuring only the width at floor level
The depth with the door open and access to the controls or lower appliance can make a machine awkward to use, even if it fits into the alcove.
Measure how much depth you need with the door open, and check that you can load and maintain the appliance in its intended position.
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Planning to put a tumble dryer on top of a top-loading washing machine
This setup does not meet UFC-Que Choisir’s guidance for stacking two appliances: both should be front-loading and a similar size.
Choose a top-loading washing machine only if you plan to dry your laundry another way.
You’ll need to make separate arrangements for somewhere or something to dry your laundry.
Brands and models to know
These notes cover the specific models and ranges mentioned; they aren’t a summary of everything each brand offers.
Electrolux
The range includes an 8/5 kg washer-dryer and several stacking kits to choose from, depending on the appliance models.
- Electrolux says the E1WYHSK2 kit with shelf fits certain front-loading appliances with a depth of 52 to 67 cm.
- The STA8GW4 is listed as suitable for a depth of 47 to 60 cm. It needs to be fixed to a wall and does not have an extendable shelf. These kits are not interchangeable just because they’re from the same brand.
Bosch
For a stack, the exact Bosch kit model matters just as much as your choice of appliances.
- The product details for kit 00717525 set out the compatibility requirements for this model.
- Bosch says this kit is for a washing machine with a depth of over 55 cm and excludes several Series 2 models. These restrictions don’t apply to every kit in the range.
LG
The F852SV50WRS is an example of a washer-dryer advertised as “Slim”, designed for a shallow space.
- LG lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for this model.
- Its stated overall depth is 535 mm, increasing to 1 015 mm with the door open at 90°. Check the space needed with the door open rather than relying on the appliance body depth alone.
Samsung
The WD90DG5B15BEEF is an example of a washer-dryer with separate washing and drying capacities to consider.
- Samsung lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for this model.
- These figures are the stated capacities of this model; they don’t represent the whole range.
Whirlpool
The TDLR 62667 FR is a top-loading washing machine, to be paired with a separate drying solution.
- Whirlpool describes this model as a 6 kg top-loading washing machine.
- Its top-loading design doesn’t meet the front-loading requirement for a two-appliance stack.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. Compare their respective capacities to find the right load size for your space and laundry routine.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3
Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance; adjust the load to suit the drying programme.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3
Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying; plan your load around the stated drying capacity.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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Roborock Zeo Lite
Worth considering if you want one appliance for washing and drying, while keeping its dedicated drying capacity in mind.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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Grey Roborock Zeo One
Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance; compare the load you want to dry with the load you wash.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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Comfee CFP03ED100W-HR
Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying; keep the load within the drying capacity.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a stacking kit will fit my two appliances ?
Check the full model numbers, then consult the manuals and the kit’s compatibility information. Suitable depth ranges vary by model: Electrolux lists 52 to 67 cm for the E1WYHSK2 and 47 to 60 cm for the STA8GW4; Bosch publishes exclusions for kit 00717525. A compatible depth alone doesn’t confirm that the exact pair will fit.
Can I dry a load that’s filled to the washing capacity ?
Not necessarily. If you’re running a combined cycle, stick to the drying capacity, which may be lower than the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference; for example, the Electrolux and Samsung models mentioned have capacities of 8/5 kg and 9/6 kg. If your load exceeds the drying capacity, plan to remove some laundry or dry it another way.
What can make a stacked setup less convenient to use or maintain ?
Reaching the controls on a tumble dryer positioned high up and working on the washing machine below can be difficult. Before choosing, check the height of the control panel, how the doors open and whether you can access the parts that need maintenance in your planned setup.
What should I compare to assess a washer-dryer’s running costs ?
Compare figures for the same cycle type, and distinguish between washing alone and a wash-and-dry cycle. The EU energy label includes figures such as energy use per 100 cycles, water consumption and cycle duration; capacity in kg alone doesn’t tell you how much energy or water the appliance uses.
What are my rights if an appliance bought from a trader has a fault or doesn’t conform to the contract ?
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is provided by the professional seller and is separate from any commercial warranty. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under this guarantee for new or second-hand goods. Keep your proof of purchase and check any installation commitments set out in the contract.