If you can only fit one appliance, choose a washer-dryer with a drying capacity that suits your usual loads. This is generally lower than its washing capacity, and a complete wash-and-dry cycle can take a long time. If you regularly dry larger loads, a stacked washing machine and tumble dryer may be a better fit, provided you check the space, access, ventilation and compatibility of both appliances with the stacking kit.
You want to wash and dry your clothes without installing a stacked pair. Pay particular attention to the usable drying capacity and the length of a complete cycle. UFC-Que Choisir reports that washer-dryers often dry less laundry than they can wash, and take longer to dry a load than a conventional tumble dryer.
You regularly have loads to dry and are considering stacking two appliances, if the room allows. Bosch Home Appliances France recommends checking the model numbers in the manuals to make sure the appliances are compatible before installing them in a stack.
You don’t have an external vent and need to check the room’s ventilation requirements. Electrolux Support warns that a room that is too small or poorly ventilated can encourage condensation around a tumble dryer.
Worth considering if: you only have room for one appliance and your loads fit within the model’s drying capacity.
Bear in mind: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity, and a complete cycle can take a long time. UFC-Que Choisir describes these trade-offs with washer-dryers.
Worth considering if: you often dry large loads and have the height, access and space needed for a compatible stack.
Bear in mind: you need to check that both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible, that the stack is stable, and that you can access the doors and filters, following the instructions in the manuals.
Worth considering if: you want a separate tumble dryer without an external vent and can meet the model’s ventilation requirements.
Bear in mind: not needing a vent doesn’t automatically make a closed cupboard suitable. Electrolux Support warns of a risk of condensation in a small, poorly ventilated room.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and installation | Measure the width, depth including the door and connections, stack height, clearance for opening doors and access to filters. For a stacked installation, check the model numbers of both appliances and the kit in their manuals. | If floor space is limited, I want to install and use the appliances without blocking the way or compromising stability. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the space taken up and the safety of the installation. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the load you want to dry with the model’s drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity. | If I want to dry my usual laundry without splitting a load, I check the drying capacity first. Around 27% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Room ventilation | Check the model’s ventilation instructions and make sure the room also allows access to the water tank and filters. | Without an external vent, and in a poorly ventilated room, I want to know whether installation and maintenance will be possible. Around 20% of consumers put ventilation requirements first. |
| Cycle time and energy use | Compare cycles that do the same job and handle similar-sized loads; distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a complete wash-and-dry cycle. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to understand the time and energy use of the cycle I’ll actually run. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
For a stacked installation, the tumble dryer goes on top of the washing machine. Both appliances must be suitable for stacking, and the kit must be compatible with the exact models. A product’s dimensions alone don’t tell you whether it will fit in your space, leave enough clearance or get through the delivery route.
Washing and drying capacities can differ. If you wash a load that’s larger than the drying capacity, you’ll need to split it or dry it in more than one go.
Compare your usual loads with the drying capacity for the exact model, not just its washing capacity.
Stacking kits have their own compatibility and size requirements. A stated depth range alone doesn’t confirm that a kit will fit a particular pair of appliances.
Check the model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit together, then follow the fixing instructions and weight limits in the manuals.
A tumble dryer without an external vent still needs to be installed according to the model’s instructions. Electrolux warns that a small, poorly ventilated room can encourage condensation.
Before choosing a separate appliance, check the room’s ventilation and the requirements in the manual.
A wash-only cycle doesn’t reflect the energy use of a complete wash-and-dry cycle. Tumble dryer energy labels also changed in 2025.
Compare the figures for the exact models, using the same functions and similar loads. The European Commission states that the tumble dryer energy label scale changed to A–G from 1 July 2025.
Washer-dryers and stacking accessories to consider by exact model number.
Washer-dryers whose capacities and dimensions you can check in the product information for the model you’re considering.
Freestanding washer-dryers to compare if the depth of your space is a key consideration.
Stacking kits and tumble dryers to consider based on your appliances and the room.
Separate heat pump tumble dryers to consider if a stacked installation is an option.
This selection features washer-dryers for smaller spaces, with washing and drying capacities to compare against your usual loads.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes in a compact laundry area.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Loads over 6 kg will need to be split for drying.
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Worth considering if you want one appliance for washing and drying rather than a stacked pair.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Loads washed above 6 kg will need to be split for drying.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a combined appliance and want to compare its listed programmes and features.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product name lists 27 wash programmes and app control. Loads over 6 kg will need to be split for drying.
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Best suited to very small loads if you’re looking for a combined appliance, as its stated capacities are limited.
Stated capacity: 1 kg for washing and 0,5 kg for drying. The product title lists more than 20 wash and dry programmes.
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Worth considering if a combined appliance suits your needs and its stated width fits the space you have in mind.
Stated capacity: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. The title lists a width of 465 mm. Loads over 5 kg will need to be split for drying.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the width and depth with the door and connections, as well as the door opening. For a stacked installation, include the height of the kit and check you can reach the filters. For example, LG lists a depth of 62 cm for the F964V42IXRS, or 110 cm with the door open at 90°. These measurements don’t apply to other models.
No. Check the model numbers of both appliances, the permitted dimensions, the fixing method and the weight instructions in the manuals. Electrolux lists a depth range of 52 to 67 cm for its E1WYHSK2 kit and front-loading appliances. This range alone doesn’t confirm that any pair of appliances will be compatible.
Compare the loads you want to dry with the model’s drying capacity, not just its washing capacity. If your load exceeds the stated drying capacity, plan to split it or dry some of it separately.
Not without checking the model’s installation and ventilation requirements. Electrolux Support warns that a room that’s too small can encourage condensation. Also make sure you can access the filters and water tank.
No. That is no longer the current energy label scale for tumble dryers. The European Commission states that the A to G scale has applied to labels displayed in shops and online since 1 July 2025. Compare the product information for the models you’re considering on the same basis.