Choose a washer-dryer if you genuinely only have one floor-level space and can limit each load to the drying capacity, which is often lower than the washing capacity. A stacking column with two compatible appliances may be more suitable for frequent drying, but it requires sufficient height, a suitable stacking kit and a verified installation.
You only have one floor-level space in a kitchen, bathroom or small utility room, and sometimes need to dry clothes without hanging them out. According to UFC-Que Choisir, your priorities should be comparing the actual depth, drying capacity and duration of the combined cycle.
You are short on floor width but have enough height, and can check the precise compatibility of the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit. This configuration is worth considering when you dry loads regularly.
You need to fit the appliance into an existing recess. A nominal width of 60 cm is not enough: depth, protruding parts, connections and door opening can all affect the space required.
Start by confirming the space that is actually available, then choose the configuration based on your drying loads and whether you can safely install a stacking column.
Choose this if: you only have one floor-level space and need to dry clothes without hanging them out.
Bear in mind: the drying load is smaller than the washing load, and the combined cycle data needs to be checked.
Choose this if: the available height, compatible models and stacking kit have all been confirmed.
Bear in mind: this installation frees up floor space, but does not reduce the height required and needs suitable fastening.
Choose this if: neither a washer-dryer nor a stacking column can be installed correctly and drying is only occasional.
Limitation: this option does not allow washing and drying to run automatically in the same appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Measure the usable width, height and depth. Allow extra space for connections, protruding parts and the door when open. | I want to avoid finding that an appliance fits the recess on paper but blocks access to the laundry or the connections. |
| Drying load | Compare the wash-and-dry capacity with the washing-only capacity. The former determines the load that can remain in the drum through to drying. | I want to run a complete cycle without removing some of the damp laundry before drying. |
| Duration and resources | Check the duration, water per cycle and electricity consumption for the wash-and-dry cycle on the exact model’s label, using a like-for-like comparison. | Drying needs to fit into my daily routine, and I want to assess regular use rather than washing alone. |
| Compatible stacking column | Check the model numbers of both appliances, the specified kit, alignment and levelling before stacking them. | I can make use of the available height, but I do not want to install a tumble dryer in an unstable way. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash a larger load than it can dry. A full wash load may therefore need to be divided, reducing the benefit of a fully automatic cycle.
Use the drying capacity as the limit for loads you want to dry completely, rather than relying on the washing capacity alone.
Depth, connections and door opening may require more space than the cabinet dimensions suggest. An appliance may therefore appear compatible while restricting access or loading.
Measure the recess, any obstacles in front of the appliance and the space needed for the door, then compare these measurements with the technical specifications for the exact model.
UFC-Que Choisir states that the drying function of a washer-dryer does not match a separate tumble dryer. Combined programmes can take longer and use more water and energy during drying.
Check the wash-and-dry cycle data for your chosen model. If you regularly dry large loads, also compare it with a compatible stacking column.
Similar dimensions or the same brand are not enough. The appliances must be compatible, aligned and secured with a solution designed for stacking.
Check the model numbers in the manuals or with the manufacturer, choose the specified kit and call in a professional if the installation cannot be made safe.
A suitable stacking kit is an accessory to include in your installation plans.
Bosch offers the WNG24402FR, listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle.
LG lists 9/6 kg washer-dryers, as well as the Slim F852SV52IRS, with a stated cabinet depth of 47.5 cm.
Samsung France presents the WD90DG6B85BKU3, listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity.
Whirlpool offers the FFWDB864369BVFR, listed with an 8 kg washing capacity, 6 kg drying capacity and an unpackaged depth of 54 cm.
Hisense lists the WD3S8043BW7, with a stated washing capacity of 8 kg and drying capacity of 5 kg.
Joybuy two-in-one washer-dryer options for a home where one floor-level space needs to handle both washing and drying.
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For one space, with a stated drying capacity of 6 kg.
Stated dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. The wash-and-dry cycle is listed as 7 h 32, with 308 kWh/100 cycles and 90 L per cycle.
An 11 kg washing load cannot be dried completely in the same cycle; also check the usable depth, connections and door opening.
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For washing and drying in a single appliance, with the combined load limited to 6 kg.
Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm.
A full 10 kg load must be reduced before drying. Also check the wash-and-dry cycle data on the exact model’s label.
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A two-in-one option for loads limited to 5 kg when drying.
The model is listed with a 530 mm drum and a spin speed of 1400 rpm.
Confirm the width on the technical specification sheet or in the manual for the exact model before approving a recess.
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For one space, with stated washing and drying capacities of 10 kg and 6 kg respectively.
The product features 27 programmes, a LintClear system and low-temperature Zeo-Cycle drying.
Before installation, check the dimensions, clearance for connections, door opening and combined-cycle data.
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For combining washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated drying capacity of 6 kg.
The model features Zeo-Cycle drying, a LintClear system and automatic dosing.
Measure the recess and confirm the depth, space for connections, door opening and wash-and-dry cycle data before buying.
No, if the wash-and-dry capacity is lower. For example, Bosch lists 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for a consecutive cycle on the WNG24402FR, so you need to reduce the load from the outset or remove some laundry before drying.
Measure the width, height and, most importantly, the usable depth, then compare these with the dimensions of the exact model, including protruding parts and the open door. For the LG F852SV52IRS, LG gives a cabinet depth of 47.5 cm, 53 cm including protruding parts and 101.5 cm with the door open at 90°.
No. Bosch recommends checking that both models are suitable for stacking and using an appropriate stacking solution, with the appliances correctly aligned. The Electrolux STA8GW4 kit, for example, is intended for compatible front-loading appliances measuring 47 to 60 cm in depth and requires a precise compatibility check.
Compare the label data for the wash-and-dry cycle of the exact model, without confusing it with the class or consumption figures for washing alone. For example, LG lists 359 kWh/100 cycles, 90 L per cycle and 7 h 50 at full load for the combined cycle on the F852SV52IRS; these figures do not automatically apply to other models.