Choose a washer-dryer if only one appliance can fit on the floor and you are happy to limit the drying load to the drying capacity, which is often lower than the washing capacity. Opt for a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer when the height, compatible models and a suitable stacking kit allow it. In that case, compare the figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle, not just the washing figures.
You have room for one standard-width appliance, but not for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer. A washer-dryer solves this space constraint, provided you are happy with a smaller drying load and longer cycles. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that the space-saving benefit is particularly useful in smaller homes.
You cannot place two appliances side by side, but a stacked setup could work. Check the height, appliance depth, stacking kit and the manufacturer’s compatibility instructions before choosing this installation.
If you regularly dry a large proportion of your washing, start with the drying capacity. A machine rated at 9 kg for washing may be limited to 6 kg for washing and drying, which may mean splitting a load.
Best if: you only have one floor space available and want to run the wash and dry cycles consecutively without handling the laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and the complete-cycle figures must be read separately from those for washing alone.
Best if: you have enough vertical space and two appliances that are compatible with a stacking kit.
Allow for: the installation depends on the model numbers, appliance depths and securing system specified by the manufacturer.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the actual width, height and depth, including doorways and door clearance. For a stacked setup, also check that the kit is compatible with both model numbers. | I need the solution to fit between cupboards, under a worktop or in a bathroom. A stacked setup reduces the floor space required, but needs sufficient height. |
| Actual drying load | Compare the washing capacity with the wash-and-dry or drying capacity, expressed in kg. Also check the conditions for the programme selected. | I want to take out dry laundry without removing part of the load. The drying capacity, not the washing capacity alone, sets this limit. |
| Duration, water and electricity | On the label, check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, duration and capacity of the complete wash-and-dry cycle. | The laundry needs to be ready the same day and I want to compare like-for-like data. The European Commission and ADEME state that the label distinguishes the complete cycle from washing alone. |
| Stacking safety | Check the exact model numbers, loading type, permitted depths and the securing system supplied with the kit. | I do not want to assume that any tumble dryer can be placed on any washing machine. Depth requirements vary depending on the kit and manufacturer. |
A washer-dryer may wash more laundry than it can dry in a consecutive cycle. An oversized load means you may no longer be able to start the wash and take out dry laundry without intervening.
Base your usual load on the wash-and-dry or drying capacity, in kg, rather than on the washing figure alone.
Integrated drying changes the amount of water used, electricity consumed and cycle duration. For the LG F964V42IXRS, LG states 359 kWh/100 cycles and 90 L/cycle for washing and drying, compared with 58 kWh/100 cycles and 50 L/cycle for washing alone.
Compare the values in the same column of the label, prioritising those for the complete wash-and-dry cycle, and take the displayed duration into account.
Manufacturers specify their kits for particular model numbers and precise depths. An improvised stacking arrangement does not meet the securing conditions designed to limit movement or falls.
Before ordering, note down the full model numbers and dimensions of both appliances, then consult the kit manufacturer’s documentation.
Quick wash-and-dry programmes are generally intended for small loads; they do not replace the duration of a complete cycle at the rated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir measures the duration, water and electricity separately for drying cycles and consecutive cycles.
Check the capacity associated with the quick programme and the duration of the complete cycle at full load before making it your everyday solution.
Worth considering if you are looking for a front-loading washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity. Bosch France states these capacities and a depth of 590 mm for the WNG24402FR.
The F964V42IXRS is a useful reference for reading the washing figures separately from the complete wash-and-dry figures on the label.
An option for households looking for connected features, to be assessed alongside the French product page for the exact model and its usage conditions.
These Joybuy options correspond to the washer-dryer solution: they combine washing and drying in a single appliance for homes that cannot accommodate two machines side by side on the floor.
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For households wanting a single floor-standing appliance while retaining an 11 kg washing capacity.
The drying capacity is 6 kg: a full wash load may need to be split before drying.
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This model combines 10 kg of washing capacity with 6 kg of drying capacity in a stated size of 600 × 850 × 590 mm.
The 6 kg limit still applies when leaving a load in the drum until it is dry; check the exact model’s label for the complete cycle.
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A two-in-one option advertised with 8 kg of washing capacity and 5 kg of drying capacity for homes with only one available space.
The 5 kg drying load is lower than the washing load; check the exact model’s label for water, electricity and complete-cycle duration.
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This washer-dryer combines 10 kg of washing capacity and 6 kg of drying capacity in a single appliance.
For a consecutive wash-and-dry cycle, plan for a maximum load of 6 kg; check the dimensions and complete-cycle figures before confirming the installation.
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This mini combination appliance is designed for very small loads, with stated capacities of 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying.
Its 0.5 kg drying capacity is not suitable for regularly drying a full household load; check the dimensions and label before buying.
The first figure is the washing capacity, while the second is the maximum drying load or wash-and-dry capacity. To run both cycles consecutively without removing laundry, load the machine according to its drying capacity; the Bosch WNG24402FR illustrates this with 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for washing and drying.
Compare the complete wash-and-dry cycle data if you want to leave the laundry in the appliance until it is dry: electricity consumption in kWh/100 cycles, water consumption, duration and capacity for that cycle. The European Commission specifies that the label distinguishes the complete cycle from washing alone, and EPREL presents these figures separately.
No. Check the exact model numbers, loading type and depths specified by the kit manufacturer. For example, Bosch designs its WTZ27510 kit for a washing machine deeper than 55 cm, while a quoted Electrolux kit is intended for certain 47 to 60 cm front-loading appliances with a safety device and wall anchoring.
Yes, provided two compatible appliances can be stacked and you want to avoid reducing each load to the drying capacity of a washer-dryer. Electrolux presents its EDH1281HB model as an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer; nevertheless, check its dimensions, label data and compatible kit before buying.