In a studio flat, first choose an appliance whose dimensions and door or lid leave enough room to move around. Then check how much laundry you need to dry per cycle. A washer-dryer takes up just one space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Two separate appliances give you more flexibility to organise your cycles, but only if they can be installed separately or stacked, as the UFC-Que Choisir guides point out.
If you’re short on depth, look at a slimline washing machine. If width or the door opening is the issue, measure up a top-loading model. UFC-Que Choisir covers these two constraints in its guides to small spaces.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in a single appliance. However, if you want to wash and dry in one cycle, your load must fit the drying capacity, which UFC-Que Choisir notes is lower than the washing capacity.
A separate tumble dryer lets you run washing and drying on two appliances, provided you have room for both or can safely stack them. Also check how the tumble dryer needs to vent.
To keep your studio easy to move around, identify where space is tight. UFC-Que Choisir describes slimline models as less deep, while a top-loading washing machine needs less width but must have clear space above it. Then decide whether one appliance can handle the laundry you need to dry, or whether two appliances can be installed without getting in the way.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the width and depth, check how far the door or lid opens, and measure the remaining walkway. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a slimline model is generally 33 to 45 cm deep, but still around 60 cm wide. | If opening a door makes the walkway unusable, keeping enough room to move around matters more than maximising capacity. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Drying setup | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities, as well as the length of the cycle you plan to use. To run washing and drying back to back, the load must be within the stated drying capacity. | With just one appliance space, avoiding indoor air-drying may matter more than drying a large load all at once. This would be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Match the capacity to your usual laundry loads and bulky items. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 5 to 7 kg as a guide for one or two people. | If you tend to save up your laundry, a drum that’s too small could mean running more cycles. Around 19% of consumers would put choosing a capacity suited to their loads first. |
| Installation options | Check the connections, the model’s instructions and, if stacking two appliances, whether the stacking kit is compatible. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a vented tumble dryer needs an external outlet or duct. | If the room doesn’t allow you to add an air outlet or change the connections, being able to use the existing setup becomes essential. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
UFC-Que Choisir describes mini washing machines with a 2 to 3 kg capacity as occasional-use options. A drum that’s too small for everyday use can mean more cycles and make it harder to wash bulky items.
For one or two people, first compare the 5 to 7 kg guideline with the space available and the amount of laundry you usually wash.
A brand to consider if the available width points you towards a top-loading washing machine.
A brand to compare if you’re looking for a washer-dryer that takes up one space or a separate tumble dryer.
One option to compare when looking at top-loading washing machines featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s guide to small spaces.
This selection focuses on an all-in-one appliance. Above all, check that the drying load and the model’s confirmed dimensions suit your studio flat.
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For a studio flat with room for just one appliance, this washer-dryer combines both functions in a single unit.
Its stated capacity is 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. If you want to run both stages without taking any laundry out, limit the load to 5 kg. The product title also lists a spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
The stated dimensions differ, so ask for confirmation of the JW85882HG’s dimensions and required clearance before ordering. Also check the connection requirements in its manual.
No, not if you choose a condenser model, including a heat pump tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a vent hose. Check the technology and manual for the model you choose.
Measure the space, the delivery access and the clearance needed to open the door or lid. Then check that your existing water, waste and electrical connections meet the model’s requirements. Electrolux France notes that its installation service doesn’t carry out the work needed to create these connections.
Yes, but only if both front-loading appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing appliances from the same brand or manufacturer where possible. In all cases, check the exact model numbers and their installation instructions.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, Bosch Home Appliances France lists 8 kg for washing alone, but 5 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WNA13400FF. If you want to run both stages back to back, use the model’s stated drying capacity as your guide.
Check the energy label and product information sheet for each model, comparing figures for the same type of use, such as washing alone or washing and drying. For models sold in the European Union, the European Commission’s EPREL database also lets you view their key declared specifications.