A washer-dryer is a good choice when you only have floor space for one appliance and your load fits within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If the available height and appliance models allow it, stacking two appliances with a compatible kit is another option. A drying rack avoids the electricity used by a tumble dryer, but ADEME recommends using one in a large, well-ventilated room or a room with mechanical ventilation extraction.
Floor space isn’t the only thing to consider: available height, laundry loads and drying conditions all matter too.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one appliance. However, if you want to run both cycles without removing any washing in between, make sure the load is within the drying capacity, which is lower than the washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Stacking two appliances could work if the models and stacking kit are compatible with this set-up. Bosch recommends checking the instruction manuals to make sure stacking is possible before putting together a tower.
A drying rack avoids the electricity used by a tumble dryer, but you’ll still need to think about humidity. ADEME recommends using one in a large, well-ventilated room or a room with mechanical ventilation extraction.
First, choose a set-up that fits your home. Then check the load you need to dry and the day-to-day conditions for using it.
Consider this if: you only have floor space for one appliance and want to run a wash and dry cycle without transferring your laundry.
The trade-off: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests also found that most models tested use water during drying.
Consider this if: you have enough height and both models are approved for stacking with a compatible kit.
The drawback: compatibility depends on the appliances and the kit. Bosch, for example, specifies depth limits for some of its kits.
Consider this if: you have a large, well-ventilated room or a room with mechanical ventilation extraction, as recommended by ADEME.
The drawback: air-drying clothes releases moisture into the room, so you’ll need a suitable spot.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the capacity in kg for washing alone and for a wash-and-dry cycle. Check whether your usual load is within the drying limit. | I want to start drying without having to remove some of the washing after the wash cycle. |
| Available space | Measure the usable width, height and depth, allowing for the door, hoses and clearances specified in the manual. If stacking appliances, also check that the kit is compatible with both models. | The appliance needs to fit in my alcove, or I can make use of the height without needing a second spot on the floor. |
| Full cycle | Compare the duration, water use and electricity consumption of the wash-and-dry cycle, separately from the figures for washing alone. UFC-Que Choisir measures these separately in its testing process. | If I run several loads, how long the appliance is in use matters as much as its stated capacity. |
| Air-drying | Check the room size and ventilation, or whether it has mechanical ventilation extraction, in line with ADEME’s recommendations for drying clothes indoors. | I can set aside a suitable room for a drying rack rather than tumble-drying every load. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If the load is too large, you’ll need to remove some items or split the drying between cycles.
Check the separate ‘wash’ and ‘wash-and-dry’ capacities, then compare the latter with your usual load.
An appliance might fit between two units but leave too little room for its connections or for the door to open.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and compare your measurements with the model’s dimensions and installation instructions.
Whether appliances can be stacked depends on both models and the kit. Bosch notes that some kits have depth limits and compatibility exclusions.
Check the model numbers in the manufacturer’s documentation and follow the fitting instructions for the compatible kit.
Drying clothes indoors adds moisture to the air. ADEME recommends using a drying rack in a large, well-ventilated room or a room with mechanical ventilation extraction.
Use a spot that meets these conditions; otherwise, compare other ways of drying your laundry.
These models illustrate different set-ups. Check the specifications of the exact model rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
Bosch offers washer-dryers, as well as stacking kits for certain combinations of washing machine and tumble dryer.
Whirlpool France’s range includes freestanding washer-dryers, with dimensions varying by model.
LG France offers both washer-dryers and a WashTower, which combines two appliances in a single tower.
Electrolux France also offers a heat pump washer-dryer for shoppers who want to explore this technology in a single appliance.
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine. They’re suited to homes with space for only one appliance, but their drying capacities vary. A model designed for very small loads won’t necessarily be suitable for the regular laundry needs of a household.
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If you want to run a wash and dry cycle in one appliance, keep your load to a maximum of 6 kg when using both functions, even though the stated washing capacity is 11 kg. Before choosing a spot for it, check the usable dimensions and connections specified in the manual.
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This model combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg. If you want to dry a full load in one go, use the 6 kg limit as your guide. Also check the duration and consumption of the combined cycle in the model’s product details.
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The Zeo Lite combines washing and drying, with 10 kg and 6 kg capacities respectively, as stated in its product name. App control and its LintClear system are among the features listed. Check the dimensions and full-cycle details separately to make sure they suit your needs.
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The stated capacities are 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, so the latter determines the load size for a continuous cycle. The 465 mm width mentioned in the product name conflicts with other dimensions listed for this model. Ask for its overall dimensions to be confirmed before planning to fit it in an alcove.
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This mini washer-dryer is designed for very small loads: its product name lists a 1 kg washing capacity and a 0.5 kg drying capacity. Compare these limits with the laundry you actually need to wash, then check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements.
Not if the load is larger than the wash-and-dry cycle’s capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNA144V0FR. Check both figures for the model you choose.
Compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space you actually have, then check the manual for the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and required clearances. Bosch’s support information on water supply and drainage doesn’t replace the manual for your specific model.
No. Both models must be suitable for stacking with a compatible kit. Bosch recommends checking the manuals and states that one of its kits is designed for washing machines over 55 cm deep. Check the requirements for the kit you’re considering before installation.
No. For drying clothes indoors, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction. If your chosen spot doesn’t meet these conditions, reconsider your drying set-up.
Compare the details that match how you’ll use the appliance, distinguishing between washing alone and wash-and-dry cycles, particularly for energy, water and cycle duration. The European Commission says the EPREL database provides access to the declared specifications of models covered by energy labelling.