If you only have room for one appliance, compare a washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities separately. If you can stack your appliances, check the model numbers, stacking kit, dimensions and instructions for both appliances before installing them. If you don’t have an external vent, compare condenser tumble dryers and take account of ventilation, maintenance and the requirements for the model you’re considering.
If you can’t fit two appliances side by side or stack them, compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA.
If you have enough height but want to free up floor space, check that the model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit are compatible. Bosch and Miele specify conditions and exclusions for some of their kits.
If a separate tumble dryer will fit in the room without connecting to an external vent, check the condensation technology, how water is collected and the ventilation required by the model’s instructions.
First, work out whether you can install a single appliance or stack two appliances safely. If a separate tumble dryer is an option, compare its technology, ventilation requirements and the specifications of the exact model.
| Factor | What to check | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, as well as access to it; compare these with the dimensions of the appliance you’re considering. | If I can’t fit two appliances side by side or stack them, I need a configuration that fits the available space. Around 33% of consumers prioritise footprint. |
| Stacking compatibility | Check the full model numbers, dimensions, weight limits and instructions for both appliances and the stacking kit. | If I want to stack my appliances, I need to confirm that this exact pair is compatible and stable before installation. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the compatibility and stability of a stacked set-up. |
| Energy use and ventilation | Compare the energy information for specific models and check how condensation is handled, as well as the ventilation required in the instructions. | If I dry clothes frequently without an external vent, I need to check both energy use and the ventilation required in the room. Around 20% of consumers prioritise running costs and ventilation. |
| Drying load | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, as well as the information provided for a complete cycle on the models you’re considering. | If I want to dry my washing without splitting a load, I need to look at the drying capacity rather than just the washing capacity. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry that can be dried per cycle. |
Requirements vary by model: some kits exclude specific ranges or require a minimum depth. So, the appliances’ apparent width alone doesn’t confirm that they’re compatible.
Note down the full model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit, then check the instructions and weight limits before buying.
If the pair doesn’t meet the requirements, you may need to replace the kit or rethink the installation.
A washer-dryer’s drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA.
Choose a model based on how much laundry you want to dry in one go, and compare the two capacities listed for that model.
If the load you’ve washed exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some of it or run extra drying cycles.
A condenser tumble dryer may collect water in a tank, but you still need to follow the installation, ventilation and maintenance instructions. The French ministry responsible for the environment recommends good ventilation in the home.
Check the instructions for ventilation requirements in the room and the maintenance needed for the model you choose.
Since 1 July 2025, EU requirements for placing household tumble dryers on the market have changed. The European Commission says that only tumble dryers with the most efficient heat-pump technology can be placed on the EU market, under Regulation (EU) 2023/2533.
Before choosing an appliance, check the exact model being sold and whether it complies with the applicable rules.
Worth considering for heat-pump tumble dryers and stacking kits, but check each model number.
Worth considering for stacking kits designed for specific washing machine and tumble dryer ranges.
Worth considering if one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying; compare its two capacities.
Worth considering by comparing the listed capacities of each washer-dryer model.
Whirlpool’s information can help you distinguish between vented and heat-pump dryers, and understand how to maintain a condenser tumble dryer.
This selection includes compact or condenser tumble dryers and a washer-dryer. Before choosing a model, compare its drying capacity, air venting requirements and the space it needs.
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Worth considering for drying small loads in a room where space is limited.
The listing states a 4 kg capacity, four programmes and a lint filter that needs cleaning. It mentions floor-standing, wall-mounted or stacked installation. Check the installation instructions and compatibility of this model before choosing a mounting option or stacking it.
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Worth considering if you have a separate washing machine and can manage the condensate and ventilation in the room.
The listing states an 8 kg capacity, a water collection tank, OptiSense sensors and an energy rating of E. Follow the instructions for installation and maintenance.
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Worth considering for small loads when space is limited.
The listing states a 3 kg capacity, six programmes, dimensions of 48 × 40 × 56 cm and an energy rating of G. It mentions floor-standing or wall-mounted installation; check the installation instructions for this model.
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Only consider this if you can route the exhaust air as specified in the model’s instructions.
The listing states a 4 kg capacity, six programmes and a maximum temperature of 60 °C. It mentions an air exhaust hose and freestanding or wall-mounted installation; check the installation requirements before choosing this option.
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Worth considering if you have space for just one appliance and can adjust the load to suit its drying capacity.
The listing states a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, condenser drying, a D rating for the wash-and-dry cycle and dimensions of 60 × 85 × 60 cm. Any washed load over 6 kg will need to be split for drying.
No. Width alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility. Note down the full model numbers, check the instructions for both appliances and the requirements for the kit, then verify the dimensions and weight limits. Bosch explicitly excludes certain Series 2 models from one of its kits.
Not necessarily. Depending on the model, a condenser tumble dryer can collect water in a tank. Whirlpool describes this type of water collection, but the appliance must be installed and maintained according to its instructions, in a room with ventilation that meets the relevant requirements.
Follow the instructions for the model you choose. They explain how to manage the tank and maintain the filters or condenser. Whirlpool describes a tank that needs emptying and maintenance tasks that vary by technology.
Compare the washing and drying capacities, as they can differ. Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA. If the washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some of it or split the drying load.
No. Since 1 July 2025, the European Commission says tumble dryer energy labels have used the A to G scale. Compare listings that use the labelling rules applicable to the models you’re considering.