If you often dry full loads and have room for two appliances, a separate heat pump tumble dryer lets you wash one load while another dries, provided you follow the installation instructions. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. If you’re keeping your airer, check your washing machine’s spin performance instead: ADEME highlights how effective spinning can help speed up indoor drying.
If there’s room for only one appliance in your home, a washer-dryer means you won’t need to install a separate tumble dryer. When planning your loads, check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity: LG and Samsung product specifications show that the two figures can differ.
With two appliances, you can wash one load while another dries. If you’re thinking of stacking them to free up floor space, check that the models, stacking kit and installation space are all compatible before you buy.
If you don’t want to add a drying appliance, it’s worth paying attention to your washing machine’s spin performance. ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying efficiency class A to help clothes dry more quickly indoors, as long as the programme is suitable for the fabrics.
Start with your main constraint: space for the appliances, how much laundry you need to dry, the conditions in which you’ll use them, or whether you’ll continue drying clothes on an airer. To compare energy use, check the label for the type of appliance you’re considering: according to EUR-Lex, domestic tumble dryers and washer-dryers are covered by separate frameworks.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Just one space available | Appliance dimensions and drying capacity in kg, separately from washing capacity. | If there’s only room for one machine, washing and drying in the same appliance becomes the priority; around 36 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Laundry routine | Drying capacity to suit your usual loads; if stacking the appliances, check that the kit is compatible with their model numbers. | Some consumers would choose two appliances so they can get through the laundry without waiting for each load to finish drying; around 29 % would make this their main priority. |
| Energy use, noise and maintenance | Energy use for the reference programme, noise level in dB and access to parts that need cleaning. | Noise matters if the appliance is near a living area; with frequent use, energy use and maintenance matter too. Around 21 % of consumers would make these day-to-day factors their top priority. |
| Drying on an airer | The washing machine’s spin-drying efficiency class and a programme suitable for the fabrics. | If I’m keeping my airer, I mainly want my clothes to come out of the washing machine less wet; around 14 % of consumers would prioritise spinning over buying a drying appliance. |
The LG F964R33WR and Samsung WD11DG5B15BEEF have stated washing and drying capacities of 9/6 kg and 11/6 kg respectively. So a full washing load won’t necessarily fit in a single complete wash-and-dry cycle.
If you often plan to wash and then dry without removing any clothes, size your loads according to the drying capacity of the model you choose.
A similar-looking width isn’t enough to guarantee compatibility. Bosch, for example, says its WTZ2741X kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and isn’t compatible with certain Série 2 models.
Check the model numbers of both appliances and the kit’s compatibility requirements before ordering.
You may need to buy the compatible stacking kit separately.
The space required, ventilation and access for maintenance all depend on the model. Electrolux advises against installing a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer in an unventilated cupboard, for example.
Check the instructions for your chosen model before confirming its position and the required clearances.
Electrolux says that a condenser blocked with fluff can increase energy use and damage the tumble dryer.
Make sure you can reach the parts that need maintaining and follow the instructions for your particular model.
A brand to look at for separate tumble dryers and stacking accessories designed for specific compatible models.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a washer-dryer to fit into a single space.
A brand to compare when you want a washer-dryer with washing and drying capacities listed separately.
A brand whose support information offers useful checks for installing and maintaining a tumble dryer.
A brand to consider for a separate heat pump tumble dryer, depending on the capacity you need.
These models offer two ways to dry clothes indoors: a separate heat pump tumble dryer or a washer-dryer that combines both stages in one appliance. First, compare the space you have available with the drying capacity that suits your loads.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate drying appliance and need a stated capacity of 8 kg. The listing gives it a class C rating; check the instructions for its dimensions and required clearances in your chosen location.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance when there isn’t room for two machines. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying: use the latter figure to size your load if you’re planning a complete cycle.
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Another all-in-one option, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, and a class D rating shown in the product title. You’ll need to reduce or split a full washing load before drying it; check the model’s listing too, so you can compare noise and energy use.
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If you’re planning to install a separate drying appliance, this model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and an energy rating of D. If noise or space is a key consideration, check the energy label and instructions for this model before confirming its position.
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For washing and drying in one appliance, it has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product title mentions the LintClear system; check its maintenance requirements in the instructions, along with the dimensions and installation requirements, before choosing this model.
No. According to EUR-Lex, delegated regulation (EU) 2023/2534 on domestic tumble dryers excludes washer-dryers, which are covered by a separate labelling framework. Compare the energy use and information provided for each type of appliance first, rather than treating their ratings as directly equivalent.
No: stacking requires a kit that’s listed as compatible with both appliance models. Bosch, for example, says its WTZ2741X kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and isn’t compatible with certain Série 2 models. Check the instructions and the kit’s requirements before ordering.
Check the model’s instructions for its position, ventilation, clearances and maintenance access requirements. Electrolux advises against installing a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer in a closed, unventilated cupboard; the specific requirements depend on the appliance you choose.
Make sure you can reach the parts the instructions say to clean, particularly the filter and, depending on the model, the condenser. Electrolux says a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance; follow the cleaning instructions and schedule for your model.