If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one go, without a washing line, as long as your load doesn’t exceed its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity. If you regularly dry larger loads and have space for two appliances, consider a separate tumble dryer, either side by side or stacked using a compatible stacking kit. To choose, compare the capacity, cycle duration, and energy and water figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between washing and drying capacities, while the European energy label lists figures for the full cycle separately from those for washing alone.
In a small home with no room for a washing line or a second appliance, a washer-dryer saves you having to transfer your laundry. Bear in mind, though, that your usual load must fit within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If your loads often exceed the drying capacity of a washer-dryer, it’s worth considering two separate appliances. Compare cycle times with your routine too: UFC-Que Choisir records the duration of each cycle as part of its testing process.
Stacking a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine can save floor space. You’ll need compatible appliances and a suitable stacking kit; Bosch, for example, asks you to check the model numbers before using its 00576101 kit.
First, choose a setup that will fit in your home. Then check how much laundry you actually want to dry and the figures for the cycle that matches your needs.
Worth considering: when you can only fit one appliance and your usual load is within its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: a larger wash load may mean taking some items out before starting the drying cycle.
Worth considering: if you have enough height to stack a tumble dryer on top of your washing machine.
You’ll need to: transfer your laundry and check that the stacking kit is compatible with the exact model numbers.
Worth considering: if you have space for both appliances and want a separate drying capacity.
You’ll need to allow for: enough room for both appliances and transferring your laundry after washing.
| Factor | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous cycle | Check that the model offers a wash-and-dry cycle and that the load you put in is within its drying capacity. | I want to take out dry laundry without using a washing line or transferring it to another appliance. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir says washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. | If I wash a large load, I want to know whether I’ll need to take some of it out before starting the drying cycle. |
| Cycle duration and consumption | For a washer-dryer, check the figures for the full cycle: energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. The European Commission lists these separately from the figures for washing alone. | A long full cycle could make it harder to fit in all my laundry; I also want to compare the consumption figures for the drying cycle I’ll use. |
| Space and stacking | Measure the dimensions and clearance needed. If stacking the appliances, check that both model numbers are compatible with the kit. The Bosch 00576101 kit, for example, requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. | I may be able to use the available height, but I need to make sure the appliances will fit and can be installed in the space. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the model’s manual for requirements relating to the floor, connections and access to parts that need maintenance. ADEME warns that using too much detergent can cause build-up in a washing machine. | Before delivery, I want to make sure I can open the appliance, reach the parts that need maintenance and meet the installation requirements. |
A washer-dryer may not be able to dry a full load straight after washing it. UFC-Que Choisir lists separate capacities for washing and drying. For example, Electrolux France gives the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG a capacity of 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
If you want to run consecutive cycles without taking laundry out, compare your usual load with the drying capacity of the exact model.
The rating and figures for washing alone don’t tell you how the full wash-and-dry cycle performs. The European Commission lists these two types of use separately on washer-dryer energy labels.
Compare the full-cycle figures on a like-for-like basis: energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle, duration and capacity.
The width of the appliances alone doesn’t tell you whether they can be stacked. For its 00576101 kit, Bosch asks you to check compatibility and specifies, among other things, that the washing machine must be more than 55 cm deep.
Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit requirements before choosing this setup.
If the space is too tight, it may be difficult to reach the parts that the manual says need maintenance. ADEME also warns that using too much detergent can cause build-up in a washing machine.
Check the manual for the access you’ll need and use the recommended amount of detergent.
These examples of product ranges and accessories can help you identify the features to compare. The capacities and requirements mentioned apply to the specific models listed.
Electrolux France lists washer-dryers including the EW7IW2856BG, with an 8/5 kg capacity, and the EW9W1166RB, with a 10/6 kg capacity. The latter is a heat pump model.
LG France lists the F964R35WR washer-dryer with a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Bosch Home Appliances France lists separate heat pump tumble dryers, as well as stacking kits for selected setups.
The first two models combine washing and drying in one appliance. The next three are separate tumble dryers, to consider if you also have a washing machine and enough space to install both appliances.
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For washing and drying in one appliance, bear in mind that its stated drying capacity is 6 kg, compared with 11 kg for washing. If your load is over 6 kg, check how to split it before running consecutive cycles. Also check the dimensions and installation instructions to make sure it will fit in your space.
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This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. For a continuous cycle, keep the load within the drying limit. Also compare the full-cycle figures on the energy label and check the installation requirements.
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This separate tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg, so you can dry clothes without using a washing line. You’ll need a separate washing machine and will have to transfer your laundry after washing. Check its energy label, dimensions and installation requirements before choosing where to put it.
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This separate tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg. You’ll need a separate washing machine and will have to transfer the load. Compare the figures for its drying programme and make sure its dimensions and the required clearances suit the space you have in mind.
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This separate tumble dryer lets you dry clothes without a washing line. You’ll need a separate washing machine and will have to transfer the laundry after washing. Capacity details vary between descriptions, so check the capacity of your chosen version before comparing it with your usual loads. Also check the programme figures and installation dimensions.
Only if the load is within the model’s drying capacity. Electrolux France gives the EW7IW2856BG a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg; LG France gives the F964R35WR a capacity of 9/6 kg. If your load exceeds the drying limit, you’ll need to take some laundry out or run another cycle.
Check the figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle, not just washing alone. The European Commission lists these uses separately. Compare the capacity, energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration on a like-for-like basis across models.
No. You need to check the model numbers and use a stacking kit that’s explicitly compatible. For its 00576101 kit, Bosch specifies, among other things, a washing machine depth of more than 55 cm and asks you to check compatibility before ordering.
Measure the space, available depth and door clearance, then check the model’s manual for connections, floor stability and access to parts that need maintenance. If you’re planning to stack two appliances, also check the requirements for a kit compatible with their model numbers.