If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in the same spot, provided the load you want to dry is within its drying capacity, which Que Choisir says is lower than its washing capacity. If there’s enough height and the models are compatible with a stacking kit, it’s worth considering a separate washing machine and tumble dryer for frequent drying or larger loads. Check the dimensions and specifications of each appliance first.
If you can’t install a stack, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one spot. You’ll need to keep loads within its drying capacity, though: Que Choisir points out that this is lower than its washing capacity, and that drying takes longer than with a separate tumble dryer.
A stack of two separate appliances is worth considering if you have enough height and a suitable stacking kit is available. Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your usual loads, and ask the manufacturer to confirm that all three products are compatible: the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit.
A condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, can be used without a vent to the outside. By contrast, Que Choisir says a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or access to an air duct.
Start by measuring the space, then compare washing and drying capacities with the size of your usual loads. When comparing washer-dryers for washing and drying clothes in one go, use the figures for the full cycle rather than washing alone.
Consider this if : you can only fit one appliance and your loads are within its drying capacity.
The trade-off : Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and drying takes longer than with a separate tumble dryer.
Consider this if : there isn’t enough room side by side, but you can fit a front-loading washing machine and a separate tumble dryer in a stack.
The trade-off : check the available height and dimensions, and confirm the stacking kit is compatible with both appliances before installation.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, allowing for the doors to open. For a stack, ask the manufacturer to confirm that the kit is compatible with both appliance models. For a vented tumble dryer, check that there’s an external vent. | I only have room for one floor-standing appliance, or I can make use of the available height with a suitable stack. |
| Drying capacity | Check the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. A washer-dryer listed as 9/6 kg can’t dry 9 kg in a full cycle: its stated drying limit is 6 kg. | I need to be able to dry my laundry without removing some of the load after washing. |
| Cycle time and energy use | Compare capacity, water use, electricity use and cycle time on a like-for-like basis. For washer-dryers, distinguish between washing alone and the “wash and dry” cycle. For a two-appliance set-up, check the specifications for the tumble dryer too. | If I dry my laundry regularly, the full cycle time and energy use matter just as much as the washing-only figures. |
| Condensate and maintenance | Check how the tumble dryer collects condensed water, whether the exact model can be connected to a drain, and what maintenance the manual recommends. | I want to know whether I’ll need to empty a tank and whether the room allows for the proposed connection. |
Que Choisir says a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A full washing load may therefore exceed the limit for a wash-and-dry cycle.
Note both capacities in kg, then compare the drying figure with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go.
The figures relate to different uses. In EPREL, the European Commission lists the LG F4X7EFPY6 as using 46 L of water and 0.371 kWh for an 11 kg wash-only cycle, compared with 90 L and 3.077 kWh for a full cycle with a 6 kg load.
If you want your laundry to come out dry, compare full-cycle figures across washer-dryers, then look separately at the specifications for any tumble dryer you’re considering.
Compatibility depends on the models and their dimensions. For example, Electrolux France lists different depth ranges for its stacking kits: 47 to 60 cm for one and 52 to 67 cm for another. These ranges don’t confirm that other appliance combinations are compatible.
Measure the available space and ask the manufacturer to confirm which kit is suitable for your exact washing machine and tumble dryer.
According to Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an external opening or an air duct, unlike a condenser model.
If the room doesn’t have the required outlet, look into the installation requirements for a conventional condenser or heat-pump tumble dryer instead.
These ranges offer examples of different set-ups to compare. The right choice depends on the features and dimensions of each model.
Bosch France offers washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers, so you can explore both types of set-up within its range.
LG France offers washer-dryers as well as a WashTower, which combines a washing machine and tumble dryer in an integrated stack.
Samsung France lists washing and drying capacities separately for several of its front-loading washer-dryers.
This selection includes washer-dryers for a one-appliance set-up and heat-pump tumble dryers for a separate set-up. A tumble dryer on its own can’t wash clothes. Stacking it with a washing machine requires confirmed compatibility between both appliances and a stacking kit.
Image unavailable
Combines washing and drying in one appliance. Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a load washed at maximum capacity is larger than the stated drying limit. Check the dimensions and connections in the manual for your intended space.
Image unavailable
An all-in-one option when there isn’t room for two floor-standing appliances. It’s listed as 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load if you want to run both functions in succession. Compare the full-cycle time, water use and electricity use for this model.
Image unavailable
This washer-dryer is listed as 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. If you need it to fit into a narrow space, check the exact width in the model documentation: the dimensions listed for this model are contradictory. Check the full-cycle figures too before comparing energy use.
Image unavailable
A separate drying option if you already have, or are planning to buy, a washing machine. This tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg; it doesn’t replace a washing machine. If you’re considering a stack, check its dimensions, confirm that a kit is compatible with both appliances, and check the manual for information on condensate management.
Image unavailable
This model has a stated drying capacity of 8 kg and needs a separate washing machine to cover both functions. Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions, installation requirements and the cycle time for your load. A quick programme won’t necessarily tell you how long a full load takes to dry.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, the European Commission lists the LG F4X7EFPY6 in EPREL as having an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg capacity for the full cycle. Compare both limits for the model you’re considering.
No. According to Que Choisir, heat-pump tumble dryers are a type of condenser dryer, which don’t need a vent to the outside. A vented model, on the other hand, needs an external opening or access to an air duct. Check the installation requirements in the manual for the model you choose too.
No. You need a stacking kit that the manufacturer confirms is compatible with both appliances and their dimensions. Electrolux France lists different depth ranges for its stacking kits, so check the exact models rather than relying on the width of the appliances alone.
If you want to wash and then dry your laundry, compare the capacity, water use, electricity use and duration of the full “wash and dry” cycle. Washing-only figures relate to a different use: EPREL lists cycle information for each model separately. For a two-appliance set-up, check the figures for the tumble dryer you choose too.
It depends on the connection available for your model. Bosch says that a compatible drainage kit can send condensate to a drain, so you don’t need to empty the tank. Without this connection, you’ll need to manage the reservoir as described in the manual. Check that the accessory is compatible with the exact tumble dryer model.