If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying, but you’ll need to size each load to its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. If you can stack two appliances using a compatible stacking kit, a separate tumble dryer is another option. Choose one based on whether you can vent it, the space available and the conditions in the room.
You need to wash and dry your clothes but can’t install a second appliance, even above the first one. The capacity of the wash-and-dry programme is therefore an important factor. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity.
You’re short on floor space but could stack your appliances. Check that both models are compatible with each other and with the stacking kit: Bosch states that its 00576101 kit is not compatible with certain Series 2 washing machine models.
A separate appliance may be an option if there’s enough room and you choose a model that doesn’t need external venting. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between vented and condenser dryers; installation requirements vary by model.
First, check whether you can fit only one appliance or whether stacking would work. Then compare the loads each option can actually dry, energy and water use, and the room’s requirements.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and stacking | Measure the space and check access to the door. If stacking the appliances, check the manuals to make sure both models are compatible with each other and with the kit. | If I can’t fit two appliances on the floor, I’ll first check whether one appliance is enough or whether I can use a compatible stacked setup; around 36% of consumers in this situation would make footprint their top priority. |
| Drying capacity and cycle time | Compare washing and drying capacities, then check how long the full programme takes for the stated load. | If I need to dry my usual loads without splitting them into several batches, the capacity of the full cycle matters more than the washing capacity alone; around 29% of consumers in this situation would prioritise cycle time. |
| Energy and water use for a full cycle | Compare similar programmes and check electricity use separately. For a washer-dryer, also check water use for the wash-and-dry cycle. | If I want to keep track of the resources used by the programme I actually run, I’ll compare the full cycle rather than washing alone; around 21% of consumers in this situation would put this first. |
| Room conditions and maintenance | Check whether external venting is needed, the model’s specified operating temperatures, and access to filters and the water tank. | If the room has no air duct or has particular conditions, I’ll first check the installation requirements and how easy it is to maintain the appliance; around 14% of consumers in this situation would make compatibility their top priority. |
Washer-dryers can have different washing and drying capacities. The Bosch WNG24402FR and LG F964V42IXRS each have a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity.
Size your load according to the capacity of the programme that washes and dries, not the washing capacity alone.
If the load is too large, you may need to remove some laundry before drying or run the programme in several batches.
Energy and water use, as well as programme times, don’t describe the same use if one figure is for washing alone and another is for washing and drying. UFC-Que Choisir also reports that most models in its test use water during drying.
Compare like-for-like cycles and check the reference load, units, and water and electricity use.
A condenser dryer doesn’t need external venting, but that doesn’t guarantee it will fit in your room or that you’ll be able to stack it on your washing machine.
Before choosing, check the dimensions, room conditions, compatible models and access for maintenance.
Stacking appliances may require a suitable space and a kit that’s compatible with both models.
Examples of washer-dryers and stacking kits. Check compatibility for each model.
The F964V42IXRS is an example of a washer-dryer with separate figures for washing and the full cycle.
An example of a separate heat pump tumble dryer listed for the French market.
The French range includes separate tumble dryers, including heat pump models.
The products featured here are washer-dryers for situations where both washing and drying need to fit into one appliance. Compare their drying capacity with the size of your usual loads.
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Wash and dry in one appliance, sizing the load according to its drying capacity.
11 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity. A-rated for washing.
Its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so check whether 6 kg is enough for your usual loads.
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Combine washing and drying in one appliance, with a lower capacity for drying than for washing.
10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity. D-rated.
Listed dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Check the available space before you buy.
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For a space designed to fit an integrated appliance that combines washing and drying.
9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity. Listed spin speed: 1 400 rpm.
Listed dimensions: 59,5 × 81,5 × 54,5 cm. Check that it will fit your space and planned layout.
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Wash and dry in one appliance, bearing in mind that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity. Listed with 27 washing programmes.
The product title mentions Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing functions; check the details for this model.
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For very small loads when washing and drying in one appliance is the priority.
1 kg washing capacity and 0,5 kg drying capacity.
The 0,5 kg drying capacity limits how much laundry you can process in one cycle.
Yes, provided the washing machine and tumble dryer models are compatible for stacking, there’s enough height and you have a suitable stacking kit. Check the manuals: Bosch lists certain Series 2 washing machine models as incompatible with its 00576101 kit.
A vented model needs an opening to the outside or an air duct. A condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, doesn’t need an external connection. However, check the model’s manual for its other installation requirements.
Check the manual for access to the filters, how to clean them and how to manage condensation water. Bosch says that removing lint helps its tumble dryers work properly. Automatic maintenance features have their own requirements and don’t mean that all cleaning is unnecessary.
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request that it be applied; any commercial guarantee is separate.
The European rules that came into force on 1 July 2025 do not amount to a general ban on sales or use. The European Commission explains that the new requirements apply to new machines placed on the market and not to appliances placed on the market before that date which retailers still hold in stock.