If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in one go, provided you keep the load within its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If your room has enough height and the appliances are compatible, stacking two machines is a better option for frequent washing. A drying rack may also work if you have a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room, as recommended by ADEME.
A washer-dryer combines both functions without needing two machines side by side. Measure the space available and choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you want to wash and then dry without removing anything from the drum between cycles.
Stacking two appliances lets you start another wash while the previous load is drying. You’ll need enough height and a stacking kit that’s compatible with the exact models of both appliances.
A drying rack could mean you don’t need to install a drying appliance, if you have a suitable room. ADEME recommends drying clothes indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan.
Consider this if : you only have space for one appliance on the floor and want to wash and dry without transferring the laundry.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer.
Consider this if : you often dry laundry and have room to stack two compatible appliances.
The trade-off : you’ll need a suitable stacking kit and must follow the stacking instructions for your chosen models.
Consider this if : you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan, as recommended by ADEME.
The trade-off : your laundry will take up space while it dries and release moisture into the air indoors.
Once you’ve found a solution that works for your home, compare the loads it can actually dry and the details of the cycle you’ll use.
| Criterion | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing-only and wash-and-dry capacities in kg. Check the maximum load for the programme you’ll use. | I want to take all my laundry out dry without having to remove some of it after washing. |
| Cycle times | Check the cycle time for a similar load and the maximum load for quick programmes. Compare drying-only cycles with combined wash-and-dry cycles. | If I do one load after another, I need to know how long the machine will be in use. |
| Water and electricity | For a 2-in-1 appliance, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle separately from those for washing alone. Compare similar programmes and load sizes. | I plan to use the appliance for drying, so the washing-only energy rating doesn’t reflect the full cycle. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. For a stacked set-up, confirm that both model numbers and the kit are compatible. | Space is limited: the appliance needs to fit, the door needs to open and installation must follow the instructions. |
| Indoor drying | Check how much room the drying rack takes up and whether the room has adequate ventilation or an extractor fan. ADEME notes that drying clothes indoors releases moisture. | I can air-dry clothes only if the room is suitable and won’t become a permanently enclosed drying space. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual to see how to access the filter, detergent drawer and door seal. Check the maintenance tasks required for your chosen model. | With one appliance for both washing and drying, I want routine maintenance to be straightforward. |
A machine listed as 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying can’t wash and dry a 9 kg load in one go. You’ll need to remove some laundry before drying.
Base your choice on how much laundry you want to dry at once, then check both capacities listed for the model.
A short programme may only be suitable for a small load. Bosch’s 60-minute wash-and-dry programme for the WNG24402FR is intended for small loads.
Compare the cycle time, maximum load and drying level for the programme you actually plan to use.
A similar width doesn’t guarantee compatibility. For example, Bosch says its 00717524 stacking kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and advises checking the model numbers.
Confirm that the two appliances and the kit are compatible, then follow their installation instructions.
A compatible stacking kit is an extra accessory to budget for.
ADEME points out that air-drying clothes releases a lot of moisture into indoor air. A poorly ventilated room doesn’t meet its recommendations.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan ; otherwise, consider a drying solution that suits the layout of your home.
These examples show different set-ups to compare. The specifications quoted apply to the individual models, not every appliance from each brand.
Bosch lists the WNG24402FR as a freestanding washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity.
LG describes the F964R35WR as a freestanding washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
AEG describes the LWR98B166X as a heat pump washer-dryer, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance, making them 2-in-1 options. Whether stacking appliances or air-drying is right for you also depends on the space and ventilation available at home.
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This 2-in-1 model is worth considering if you have space for just one appliance. It has a stated washing capacity of 11 kg, but a drying capacity of 6 kg. For a load you want to wash and dry without intervention, keep it to 6 kg. Check the dimensions and details of the full cycle to see if it suits your needs.
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This model combines both functions in one appliance. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a load that stays in the drum for both stages must be within the lower limit. Also compare the duration and energy use of the wash-and-dry cycle, as well as the installation requirements.
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This washer-dryer combines both stages in one appliance. Its title lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so allow for a load of no more than 6 kg if you want to run both stages in one go. Check its dimensions, combined cycle time and energy use before comparing it with other models.
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This model combines washing and drying without the need for a second appliance. Its stated capacities are 10 kg and 6 kg respectively, so bear the drying limit in mind if you want to run both stages in one go. Check the dimensions and details of the full cycle to see if it suits your home.
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This washer-dryer is designed for very small loads, with a stated washing capacity of 1 kg and a drying capacity of 0,5 kg. It won’t replace a solution that can dry a larger load of laundry. Check its dimensions, along with the cycle times and energy use of the programmes you’re considering.
No : on a model such as the Bosch WNG24402FR, 9 kg is the washing-only capacity and 6 kg is the wash-and-dry capacity. To leave the whole load in the drum between the two stages, don’t exceed the stated drying capacity.
Check the information for the wash-and-dry cycle as well as for washing alone. Ratings can differ : for example, AEG gives the LWR98B166X an A rating for washing and a B rating for its wash-and-dry cycle.
No. Check the model numbers of both appliances and make sure they’re compatible with the stacking kit you plan to use : Bosch, for example, says its 00717524 kit is for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and advises checking compatibility.
Yes, if you have a suitable space for drying. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan, and points out that air-drying clothes indoors releases a lot of moisture.
Check the model’s manual to find out how to access the filter, detergent drawer and door seal, and what cleaning tasks are required. UFC-Que Choisir includes these points in its assessment of how easy washer-dryers are to maintain.