A washer-dryer is a good choice if you only have space for one appliance on the floor and can adjust your loads to its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. If you regularly dry larger loads, consider stacking two appliances, provided you check that the machines and stacking kit are compatible, the floor is stable and the controls are within reach.
If your bathroom, kitchen or utility room only has room for one appliance, a washer-dryer means you won’t need to find space elsewhere for a tumble dryer. Measure the available depth as well as the width.
If you regularly dry several loads of washing, bed linen or towels, compare the drying capacity with the size of your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you have enough vertical space, stacking two appliances can save floor space. Check that the models and stacking kit are compatible, that the floor is sturdy and that you can reach the tumble dryer’s controls.
Start by checking how much space you actually have, then consider how much washing you need to dry. A stacked set-up also requires you to check the installation requirements for each appliance.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Measure the width and depth of the space, including the clearance needed. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. | If there’s only room for one appliance in my small utility room, I want to be able to wash and dry without finding space for a second one; around 40% of shoppers put saving space at the top of their list. |
| Drying capacity and frequency | Compare drying capacities in kg and the duration of programmes suited to your needs, rather than relying on the washing capacity alone. | If I regularly dry large family loads, having to take some washing out after every wash could make my routine more complicated; around 30% of shoppers prioritise drying capacity and speed. |
| Installing a stacked set-up | Check the model numbers for both appliances and the stacking kit in the manuals, along with the dimensions, floor and access to the controls. | Before stacking two appliances at home, I want to know that they can be secured properly and used without difficulty; around 30% of shoppers prioritise installation compatibility. |
A washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities are not interchangeable. Bosch, Electrolux and LG product specifications include models with capacities of 8/5 kg or 9/6 kg, where the first figure is the washing capacity.
Choose according to how much washing you want to dry in one go, then check the duration and energy use of the relevant programme in the model’s specifications.
If a load exceeds the drying capacity, you may need to take some washing out and run another cycle.
Similar dimensions alone don’t prove that two appliances and a stacking kit are compatible. Requirements vary depending on the model numbers of the kit and machines.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check their manuals, as well as the kit compatibility information provided by the manufacturer.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the tumble dryer should go on top of the washing machine, and the set-up must be stable. The washing machine needs to stand on a flat, firm and sturdy floor.
Check that the washing machine is level and follow the stacking kit’s fixing instructions. If you can’t confirm that the installation requirements are met, get them checked before stacking the appliances.
The stack may make the tumble dryer’s controls difficult to reach and make it harder to work on the washing machine underneath.
Measure the proposed overall height and check that you’ll be able to open the doors, reach the controls and move the appliances if they need servicing.
Bosch offers washer-dryers, separate tumble dryers and several stacking kits with different model numbers.
Electrolux offers washer-dryers and kits for front-loading appliances.
LG offers washer-dryers as well as accessories for stacking its appliances.
These two appliances offer an all-in-one solution: the Samsung is a 10/6 kg washer-dryer, while the Roborock Mini is designed for very small loads. If you’re planning to stack two separate appliances, you’ll need to check the compatibility of the pair and the kit separately.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance for your household loads. The product title lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so a 10 kg wash can’t be dried all at once. Before buying, check that its dimensions fit your space and look at the duration and energy use of the programmes you plan to use.
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This mini washer-dryer is worth considering for very small, occasional loads, but shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for a machine designed for family washing without checking first. Its title lists a washing capacity of 1 kg and a drying capacity of 0.5 kg. Check its dimensions and cycle specifications against the space you have and how you plan to use it.
No. For a stacked set-up, UFC-Que Choisir recommends putting the tumble dryer above the washing machine, which is heavier when it contains water and vibrates during the spin cycle. You’ll still need to check that the appliances are compatible and securely fixed together.
Only if the load is within its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity; specifications for Bosch, Electrolux and LG models include capacities of 8/5 kg and 9/6 kg. If your load is over the drying limit for your chosen model, remove some of the washing as instructed in the manual.
No. Dimensions are one factor, but the kit must also be compatible with the exact models of washing machine and tumble dryer. Check the manuals and the kit manufacturer’s information before ordering: Bosch, Electrolux and LG publish different requirements for their accessories.
Yes, when a business sells goods to a consumer in France. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. If your issue relates specifically to an installation, also check who was responsible for carrying it out and the documents provided when you bought the appliance.