If you can only install one appliance and want to wash and dry clothes in one go, a washer-dryer could fit the bill, provided you keep the load within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If the height and appliance compatibility allow, a stacked pair keeps the two tasks separate, but requires two appliances and a suitable installation. A washing machine with an airer avoids machine drying, as long as you have a well-ventilated space or one with mechanical extraction, as recommended by ADEME for indoor drying.
If there’s no room for a second appliance, either on the floor or above the first, a washer-dryer combines both functions. To run a wash and dry cycle back to back, make sure the load doesn’t exceed the model’s drying capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A stacked pair can take up just one floor space if the ceiling height, connections and access to the controls allow. UFC-Que Choisir recommends stacking compatible front-loading appliances, with the tumble dryer above the washing machine.
A washing machine on its own may be enough if you can dry clothes without an appliance. For indoor air-drying, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction to help manage the moisture produced.
Consider this if: you can only install one appliance and your usual loads are within the model’s drying capacity.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer takes longer to dry clothes than a conventional tumble dryer and may also use water.
Consider this if: floor space is limited but there’s enough height to install two compatible appliances.
You’ll need: a stacking kit that’s suitable for your chosen models, plus easy access to the controls, connections and appliances for maintenance.
Consider this if: you can set aside the time and space needed to air-dry clothes.
Keep in mind: according to ADEME, drying clothes indoors releases a lot of moisture, so you’ll need a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction.
Once you’ve chosen your solution, first check the load you need to dry, then look at installation requirements and the features of the cycle you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to check | How it fits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities in kg separately. Check the manual for the maximum load allowed for a wash-and-dry cycle. | I want to run both stages without taking clothes out: my starting load is limited by the drying capacity, not the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, door opening space and delivery route. For a stacked pair, check that both front-loading appliances and the stacking kit are compatible; for a built-in model, consult the cabinet installation diagram. | My only floor space can fit one appliance, but the available height will determine whether stacking is an option. I also need to be able to reach the connections and open the doors. |
| Combined cycle | When comparing two washer-dryers, compare the duration and water and electricity consumption of the wash-and-dry cycle on a like-for-like basis, not just the washing figures. UFC-Que Choisir measures these in its testing protocol. | If I often use the machine to dry clothes, I want to know how long a full cycle takes and which figures apply specifically to that use. |
| Air-drying | Allow for a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction, in line with ADEME’s recommendations for indoor drying. | I can manage without machine drying if I have room to hang clothes and can allow for drying time and manage the moisture in the room. |
For the models listed by Bosch, Haier and Electrolux, the maximum drying load is lower than the washing load. So if you fill the machine to its washing limit, you may need to take some clothes out before drying.
If you plan to run both stages back to back, choose your load size based on the drying capacity of the exact model.
The product details for the Bosch WNG24402FR, Samsung WD90DG5B15BEEF and Haier HWD100-B14939 give depths of 590 mm, 600 mm and 688 mm respectively. So a cabinet or delivery route that works for one may not work for the others.
Check all the appliance dimensions against your available space, delivery route and the clearances specified in the manual. If it’s a built-in model, check the installation diagram too.
UFC-Que Choisir explains that the tumble dryer must go above the washing machine and that both appliances must be front-loading and compatible in size. Stacking kit compatibility also depends on the models: Bosch, for example, says to check compatibility before ordering its 00717524 kit.
Choose your two appliances, then check their manuals for the right stacking kit, floor stability, dimensions and access to the connections.
ADEME identifies indoor air-drying as a major source of moisture in the home. So simply having enough room for an airer doesn’t necessarily make this the right option.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction; otherwise, reconsider your machine-drying options.
These models show how capacities and formats can vary. Check the exact model, rather than relying on the brand alone.
Bosch’s French product pages list the WNA13400FF at 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for a combined cycle, compared with 9 kg and 6 kg for the WNG24402FR. Both are 590 mm deep.
Haier lists the freestanding HWD100-B14939 with a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and dimensions of 595 × 688 × 850 mm (width × depth × height).
Samsung lists the WD90DG5B15BEEF with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, and a depth of 600 mm.
Electrolux describes the PerfectCare 800 EW8W3816BI as a built-in model with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity.
These two washer-dryers are options if you’re looking for one appliance to wash and dry clothes. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads, then check the installation requirements and combined-cycle information for your chosen variant.
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This freestanding model combines washing and drying in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so limit the load to 6 kg if you want to run both stages without taking clothes out. Before buying, check the dimensions, combined-cycle figures and documentation for this variant.
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This washer-dryer has a stated washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg, so a full-cycle load must stay within the 5 kg limit. The listed widths of 465 mm and 600 mm don’t match; before choosing it for a narrow space, confirm the dimensions and installation type using the technical specifications and installation diagram. Check the wash-and-dry cycle figures too.
Only if the load is also within the model’s drying capacity. Bosch, for example, lists the WNG24402FR at 9 kg for washing but 6 kg for a combined cycle. For loads over 6 kg, you’ll need to take some clothes out before drying or split them across several cycles.
Measure the available height, width and depth, the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Then check the manual for clearance requirements, installation type and connections. UFC-Que Choisir recommends, among other things, a flat, stable floor, a water supply, a drain and a suitable power socket for installing a washing machine.
Yes, if the height, floor and access allow, and the two front-loading appliances are compatible with a suitable stacking kit. UFC-Que Choisir specifies that the tumble dryer goes above the washing machine, never the other way round. Check the model numbers and manuals before installation.
It can work if you have the time and a suitable space. ADEME points out that air-drying clothes indoors produces a lot of moisture and recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extract vent.
Compare the information that matches how you plan to use the appliance, distinguishing between washing alone and a wash-and-dry cycle. European Regulation 2019/2014 covers energy labelling for these appliances. To assess a back-to-back cycle, also check its duration and water and electricity consumption, which are measured in UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol.