If you only have space for one appliance and want to dry your laundry in a machine, a washer-dryer could be a good option, provided you adjust the load to its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you’re happy to use a drying rack, consider how well a washing machine spins your laundry instead. If you have space for a second appliance or a compatible stacking setup, a separate tumble dryer lets you dry clothes without being limited by the drying capacity of a combined appliance. In every case, check the space required and the specifications for the cycle you’ll use.
If you want to wash and dry your laundry in a machine without installing two appliances, a washer-dryer fits the bill. You’ll need to size your loads according to its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity on the models described by UFC-Que Choisir.
If you don’t need to machine-dry every load, a washing machine on its own means you won’t need to make room for an extra appliance. Spin efficiency is especially worth considering: ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying efficiency class A if you want your laundry to dry quickly indoors.
If stacking is an option, a dedicated tumble dryer gives you a separate drying capacity from that of the washing machine. Whether it’s suitable depends on the dimensions, the instructions and a stacking kit compatible with both appliances.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and dry your laundry one after the other in the same machine.
The trade-off: drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Consider this if: you can set aside space and time to dry your laundry on a rack.
The trade-off: spinning removes some of the water, but it doesn’t dry your laundry completely.
Consider this if: you have space for a second appliance or a compatible stacking setup.
The trade-off: you’ll need room for another appliance and, if stacking, you’ll need to check that the stacking system is suitable.
Once you’ve chosen a setup that works in your home, compare the load capacities, cycles and installation requirements of the specific model.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the width, height and depth; check the delivery route, door opening and access to connections. For a stacked setup, check the kit and the instructions for both appliances. | I have a narrow alcove, or I need to get the machine through a doorway and be able to open its door once it’s installed. |
| Laundry load | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. For example, Bosch lists 9 kg and 5 kg for the WNA144V0FR; Samsung lists 9 kg and 6 kg for the WD90T754DBH. | If I want to run the two functions one after the other, my load must stay within the drying capacity of the model I choose. |
| Cycle time and energy use | For a washer-dryer, compare the figures for washing alone with those for a complete wash-and-dry cycle: duration, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. EPREL product information lists these cycles separately. | I plan to machine-dry my laundry regularly, so the figures for the complete cycle are the ones that match how I’ll use it. |
| Spin performance and noise | Check the spin-drying efficiency class, rather than just the spin speed in tr/min, as well as the noise level shown for the reference cycle. ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying efficiency class A to help speed up indoor drying. | I dry my laundry on a rack and the washing machine is near a living area, so both the remaining moisture and the noise matter. |
| Maintenance | Check the care instructions and model-specific durability information. Find out how easy it is to access the parts that need cleaning for the type of appliance. | I want to be able to maintain the machine in the space I have, without blocking access to the parts I need to use. |
A washer-dryer rated for 9 kg of washing and 5 or 6 kg of drying can’t dry a full load of laundry in one go if that load reaches its maximum washing capacity.
Compare both figures. If you want to run the two functions one after the other without taking any laundry out, keep the load within the drying limit.
Information for the wash cycle doesn’t tell you what to expect from a complete cycle that includes drying. The model’s European product information lists these uses separately.
If you’ll use the dryer often, check the duration, water and electricity figures for the complete cycle on the label or in EPREL.
The depth, route into the room, door opening and connections could prevent you from installing an appliance that fits the available width.
Measure the space and access route, then compare them with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
Stacking kits have their own limitations. For example, the Electrolux 9029802551 kit is designed for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm and requires wall anchoring. These requirements don’t apply to every kit.
Check the model numbers of both appliances, the kit’s compatibility and its fixing instructions before choosing a stacked setup.
A compatible kit and its fixing requirements are part of the installation you’ll need to plan for.
These examples illustrate different configurations to compare; their specifications don’t represent each brand’s entire range.
Bosch offers both a washer-dryer and a separate tumble dryer: two setups with different space requirements.
LG describes the F964X71WHST as a washer-dryer with a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
The WD90T754DBH washer-dryer shows why it’s important to compare capacity and depth before choosing a combined appliance.
Darty’s product information for the NDB964489WKAFR provides a useful point of comparison for a washer-dryer with a stated depth of 54 cm.
This selection includes washer-dryers that combine both functions in one appliance, as well as a washing machine to pair with a drying rack.
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If you want to wash and then dry your laundry in one appliance, bear in mind that its stated drying capacity of 5 kg is lower than its 8 kg washing capacity. The width shown in the product title doesn’t clearly match the other dimensions provided, so confirm the model’s measurements before planning its installation.
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This appliance combines washing and drying, but a load that fills its stated 11 kg washing capacity would exceed its 6 kg drying capacity. Compare the figures for washing alone with those for a complete cycle, then check that there’s enough space to open the door.
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The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so make sure your load is suitable if you want to run both functions one after the other. Before choosing this model, check the duration and energy and water use for a complete cycle, along with the installation requirements.
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This washing machine is a good fit if you plan to dry your laundry on a rack afterwards; it doesn’t dry clothes mechanically. If you want your laundry to dry quickly indoors, compare its spin-drying efficiency class with those of other models. ADEME recommends choosing class A for this use.
They refer to washing and drying, which don’t necessarily take the same load. UFC-Que Choisir points out that these appliances have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. If you want to run the cycles one after the other, stick to the drying limit; otherwise, take some of the laundry out after washing.
Compare the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle, not just for washing. For the model you’re considering, check the capacity, duration, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. Detailed product information is available in EPREL.
No. Follow the instructions and use a stacking system that’s compatible with both model numbers. For example, Electrolux’s 9029802551 kit is designed for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm and requires wall anchoring.
No. If you can hang your laundry out to dry, a washing machine on its own is still an option. ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying efficiency class A if you want your laundry to dry quickly indoors. A separate tumble dryer could also work if you have space for one or a compatible stacking setup.