A washer-dryer solves the problem of having no room for two appliances, as long as the load stays within its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If you have enough height and the appliances and stacking kit are compatible, a stacked setup is worth considering for regularly drying larger loads. Indoor air-drying is another option, provided you can remove the moisture, as ADEME advises.
If you have space for a washing machine but a second appliance or regular air-drying would take up too much room, compare the washer-dryer's drying capacity with your usual loads. Measure the available depth too, including clearance.
A stacked setup can save you having to size every wash around the lower drying capacity of a washer-dryer. However, check the tumble dryer's capacity, the available height, and whether both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible.
If there’s no room for a drying appliance, air-drying requires a space where moisture can be removed. ADEME recommends considering the room’s size and whether it has good ventilation or mechanical ventilation (VMC).
Worth considering : when you have room for one appliance and your usual loads are within its drying capacity.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. For a larger load, you’ll need to remove some laundry or split the drying cycle.
Worth considering : if there’s enough height to install a separate tumble dryer above a compatible washing machine.
The trade-off : you’ll need a stacking kit that suits the appliance models. Bosch notes that its kits have specific compatibility requirements.
Worth considering : if you have a spacious, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor where you can put up an airer.
The trade-off : drying laundry releases moisture into your home, which ADEME says needs to be removed.
Before you decide, start with the load you need to dry and the space you actually have, then compare the demands of the cycle or the room.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg for the same model. For a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, go by the drying limit, not the washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. | I want to dry my whole load without removing any laundry between the two stages. |
| Space | Measure the available space and the clearances specified in the manual. For a stacked setup, check the height, floor stability, and compatibility of the appliances and stacking kit. | I have room for just one appliance, or I can use the vertical space without making installation difficult. |
| Full cycle | For the washer-dryer, check the cycle duration and the water and energy figures for a full wash-and-dry cycle, which differ from those for washing alone. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the water used during drying. | If I regularly machine-dry my laundry, I want to know how long a full cycle takes and what its consumption figures are. |
| Moisture and connections | For an appliance, check the water inlet, drainage and socket requirements in its manual. For indoor air-drying, choose a well-ventilated room or one with an extractor: ADEME highlights the moisture released as laundry dries. | I need to be able to install the appliance in its intended spot, or remove the moisture if I dry laundry in a room. |
A washer-dryer rated for 10 kg of washing and 6 kg of drying cannot continuously dry a 10 kg load. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two capacities differ.
To avoid having to intervene between washing and drying, compare your usual load with the model’s stated drying capacity in kg.
A wash-only cycle and a combined cycle aren’t the same thing. If you regularly dry laundry in the appliance, the full cycle’s duration and consumption figures matter too.
For the wash-and-dry cycle on each model, compare the rating, energy and water use, and duration shown on its label.
A stacking kit won’t necessarily fit every washing machine and tumble dryer. Bosch advises checking which models are compatible; its 00717524 kit, for example, requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
Choose the models for both appliances, then check the manufacturer’s documentation to find the right kit for them.
Remember to factor in the extra cost of a stacking kit.
According to ADEME, air-drying laundry releases moisture indoors. If it isn’t removed, it can encourage mould growth.
Before choosing this option, make sure you have a spacious room that can be well ventilated or has suitable extraction.
These examples illustrate different setups to compare; their features don’t apply to every model from each brand.
The WNC254A0FR and Bosch stacking accessories show two distinct options: a combined appliance or a compatible stacked setup.
The F964V42IXRS is an example of a washer-dryer whose French product information lists separate washing and drying capacities.
The HWD100-B14387U1FR is worth considering when the available dimensions and drying capacity are key factors.
The EW8W3816BI is an example of a built-in washer-dryer; the brand’s stacking kits are for a different setup.
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads, then check the overall dimensions and full-cycle figures against your space and intended use.
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This combined model is a good fit if you need just one appliance. Its stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so size your load to the drying limit if you want to run both stages without removing any laundry. Check the dimensions, connections and full-cycle figures before installation.
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If you want to wash and dry in one appliance, compare your usual loads with its stated 6 kg drying capacity, rather than its 10 kg washing capacity. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual, as well as the full cycle’s duration and consumption figures on the label.
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This washer-dryer has a stated drying capacity of 5 kg and a washing capacity of 8 kg, so any load above the drying limit will need to be reduced or split. Check the exact dimensions in the manual before choosing a tight space for it, then look at the full-cycle figures.
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This model combines washing and drying. Before choosing it for regular loads, check its washing and drying capacities on the product information, along with its dimensions, full-cycle duration and consumption figures.
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This model combines both functions in one appliance, with stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you want to dry a load without removing any laundry between stages, stay within the drying capacity. Check the dimensions and full-cycle figures before choosing.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For a continuous cycle, stick to the model’s drying capacity in kg or remove some laundry after washing.
Check the water inlet, drainage, a suitable socket and the space required in the model’s manual, as well as ensuring the floor is stable. The Bosch WNC254A0FR manual, for example, specifies a properly installed, earthed wall socket. Check the exact requirements for the appliance you choose.
It depends on the technology. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer collects water in a tank or drains it away. Check the exact type of model and its installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
No. The two appliances and the stacking kit must be compatible. Bosch recommends checking the model numbers; its 00717524 kit, for example, is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. You’ll still need to check the kit’s other requirements.
Only if you also have somewhere to remove the moisture. For air-drying laundry, ADEME recommends a spacious, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC). Check that this is possible before relying on an airer regularly.