If you only have room for one appliance and drying clothes on an airer is difficult, a washer-dryer could be the answer. Just bear in mind that, on some models, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. A compact or top-loading washing machine can solve a space problem, but it won’t dry your laundry. If you dry clothes often, two stacked appliances may be a good option, provided they’re compatible, properly installed and have adequate ventilation.
If you only have room for one appliance and drying clothes indoors is difficult, check how much laundry the machine can actually dry in one cycle. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity.
The width, depth and height of the space, as well as the door or lid opening, can help you choose between a compact front-loading model and a top-loader. Also measure the space needed to access the connections and open the appliance.
If you do laundry frequently, compare a washer-dryer with a separate tumble dryer, provided you have enough space. If you’re planning a stacked set-up, Bosch recommends checking that both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible.
In a small home, first compare the available space and how the appliance opens, then check how much laundry it can actually dry. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Drying without space for a second appliance | The drying capacity on the combined cycle and the figures for the full cycle. | If I only have room for one appliance and using an airer is difficult, I want to know how much laundry can be dried in one cycle. Around 33% of consumers prioritise drying without having to make room for a second appliance. |
| Fitting the appliance into a narrow space | The width of the space and access route; clearance above the appliance if you’re considering a top-loader. | If width is my main constraint, I check the dimensions and opening before choosing. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a narrower installation width. |
| Working around limited depth or height | All three dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and a capacity suited to your laundry loads. | If a worktop or access route limits the available depth or height, I want to avoid an appliance that fits into the alcove but can’t be accessed properly. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these dimensions. |
| Drying laundry frequently | Drying capacity, how often you do laundry, ventilation and whether the appliances can be stacked. | If I dry laundry often, I compare the drying capacity and whether I can install two appliances. Around 20% of consumers prioritise being able to dry laundry regularly. |
Its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference in washer-dryers, so check the capacities of the exact model before expecting it to wash and dry a full load without any intervention.
Compare both capacities with your usual laundry load and stick to the limit specified for the combined cycle.
If the load is too large, you may have to remove some laundry before drying or run an extra cycle.
A shallow front-loading model may still be almost as wide as a standard model, while a top-loader needs clearance above it. Examples published by UFC-Que Choisir and the dimensions given by manufacturers show that the shape matters just as much as the depth.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the opening and connection space, then compare these measurements with the model’s manual.
Stacking depends on the specific models and how they’re installed. Saving space doesn’t automatically mean a tumble dryer can be placed on top of a washing machine.
Before installation, check both models and the suitable kit in their manuals or with the manufacturer.
You may need a compatible stacking kit to install the appliances as a column.
The Mini ProWash 700 CW50-BP12307U1-S is an example of a low-profile, narrow front-loader for spaces where the dimensions are a deciding factor.
The EW6T4613HA top-loader may be worth considering if width is limited and there’s enough free space above the appliance.
The WNA13400FF is an example of an all-in-one solution, while the WQG133DTFR is a separate heat-pump tumble dryer.
The F964R33WRS is another washer-dryer to consider when comparing washing and drying capacities.
The products below include washer-dryers that combine both functions, as well as a separate tumble dryer for homes where there’s room for a second appliance.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; class D. A load over 6 kg needs to be adjusted or split before drying.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying without needing two appliances.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; class D. Keep the drying load within the capacity specified for this function.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one machine.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Loads over 6 kg need to be adjusted or split before drying.
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Its mini size is worth considering for very small loads, rather than drying a full wash.
Stated capacity: 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying; class A. The drying capacity limits how much laundry can be processed in one cycle.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and already own a suitable washing machine.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; heat-pump technology; class C. Make sure you have a suitable space or check that the appliances are compatible before stacking them.
No, not in one full-load wash-and-dry cycle. Bosch states that the WNA13400FF has an 8 kg capacity for washing only and 5 kg for the combined cycle. If your wash load is larger than the drying capacity, adjust or split it before drying.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer with a heat pump doesn’t need the external vent used by a vented tumble dryer. You still need to follow the appliance’s ventilation instructions: the Bosch WQG133DTFR manual calls for adequate ventilation in the room.
No. Bosch recommends checking that both models are suitable for stacking and using a compatible kit. Check the model references in the manuals before installation; matching widths alone don’t mean the appliances are compatible.
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning the lint filter and emptying the condensation water tank, if it has one. The Bosch WQG133DTFR manual covers both; features can vary from one model to another.
For the relevant categories, an energy label is required on new appliances sold in France, including washing machines and tumble dryers. The French Ministry of the Economy recommends comparing the information for washing or the combined cycle. If you buy as a private individual from a professional seller, your legal guarantee of conformity is provided by the seller; an optional commercial warranty does not replace it. Since 8 April 2025, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines; don’t assume it applies automatically to washer-dryers.
A washing machine without a drying function doesn’t remove the need to dry your laundry. If you hang clothes indoors, ADEME advises keeping air inlets and extractor vents clear and cleaning them regularly. The conditions suitable for the appliance also depend on how it’s installed.