If you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry, a washer-dryer could be a good choice, provided you keep each load within its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. If you can install two appliances in line with their instructions, a separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you need to dry large loads or do several loads in a row. In either case, check the actual dimensions, cycle time and energy and water consumption.
A washer-dryer combines both functions without taking up room for a second appliance. However, you’ll need to measure its depth, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the instructions. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you regularly need to dry several loads, two separate appliances let you wash one load while another is drying. This set-up requires space for a second appliance or models that are explicitly approved for stacking.
When comparing appliances, look at the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle rather than washing alone. If you also dry laundry indoors on an airer, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent.
Start by working out whether you can realistically install one or two appliances. Then compare how much laundry you need to dry per load and the figures for the cycle that matches how you’ll use it.
Worth considering: when you only have room for one appliance and want to wash and dry your laundry without transferring it between machines.
The trade-off: the drying load is smaller than the maximum washing load, so you may need to remove some laundry before drying.
Worth considering: if you have room for two appliances, or if the instructions explicitly allow the selected models to be stacked.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for the tumble dryer and will have to transfer laundry between the two appliances.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Overall dimensions, door clearance and installation gaps specified in the instructions; stacking-kit compatibility if the appliances are stacked. | If a second appliance would block access or won’t fit in the room, having space for just one appliance becomes the deciding factor. Around 42% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Drying load and frequency | Drying capacity in kg, which differs from washing capacity, and the cycle time for the load you have in mind. | If you need to dry large loads or several loads in a row, being able to avoid removing laundry between washing and drying matters more than saving space. This would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, and damp | Water, energy and full-cycle duration on the label or in EPREL; ventilation conditions if you also dry laundry in the room. | If I dry laundry often, I want to compare energy and water use without having to leave damp laundry in a poorly ventilated room. This would be the top consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
An appliance rated at 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying can’t dry its maximum washing load in the same cycle. This difference is shown, for example, on the LG F164R51WRS model featured by LG France.
For a wash-and-dry cycle without interruption, choose your load based on the capacity stated for the complete cycle, not just the washing figure.
If a load is too large for drying, you’ll have to remove some laundry or run another cycle.
An appliance may fit between two units but still leave too little room to open the door or meet the installation clearances.
Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the space needed to open the door, then compare them with the instructions for the model.
The class and figures for washing alone don’t show how much a combined wash-and-dry cycle uses. The European Commission lists these uses separately in its information about washer-dryers.
Compare the capacity, duration, water and energy figures for the complete cycle that matches how you’ll use the appliance.
Choosing not to buy a tumble dryer doesn’t solve the problem of where to dry damp laundry in a small home.
If you use an airer indoors, follow ADEME’s recommendation: choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent, and check that your home’s ventilation is working effectively.
These examples let you compare specific set-ups; the features of one model shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every product from the same brand.
Bosch France lists the WNG24402FR washer-dryer and the WQG24502FR heat-pump tumble dryer.
LG France lists the F164R51WRS washer-dryer, rated at 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Electrolux France lists the PerfectCare 700 EW7W4954CA washer-dryer, as well as separate heat-pump tumble dryers.
This selection includes washer-dryers that combine both functions in one space, and separate tumble dryers for homes that can accommodate an extra appliance. Before choosing, check the installation dimensions and cycle information for the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you only have room for one appliance and can keep consecutive loads within its drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the instructions for the space needed with the door open and the installation clearances.
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A way to combine washing and drying in one appliance if there’s no room for a separate tumble dryer.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Before planning a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, compare its duration and energy and water use on the model’s label; also check the door clearance.
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Another washer-dryer to consider if you’d rather not install a second appliance.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Measure the space and check the instructions and full-cycle information before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if you already have a washing machine and space for a separate tumble dryer.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy class: C. Allow for transferring laundry and check the model’s dimensions, clearances and energy and water use.
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A way to add a separate drying appliance to your existing washing machine if your home has room for one.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy class: D. Check the dimensions, clearances and detailed energy and water use before planning the installation.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. The LG F164R51WRS, Bosch WNG24402FR and Electrolux EW7W4954CA models show how washing and drying capacities can differ. To complete both stages without removing any laundry, stick to the full-cycle capacity stated for your chosen model.
Measure the available height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Compare these measurements with the dimensions and clearances required in the instructions for the specific appliance.
Only if the instructions for the models in question allow it and specify a compatible stacking kit. Similar widths alone don’t guarantee stability, secure fixing or enough access for maintenance.
Compare the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle, not just washing. The European information provided by the European Commission distinguishes between these uses. For each, check the capacity, water, energy and duration figures for the relevant model and programme.
Make sure the socket and electrical installation are suitable for each appliance and follow the instructions; don’t improvise the connection. If your home’s wiring is old or you have any concerns about it, ask a qualified professional to check it before installing the machines.