If there’s room for just one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry in one go, as long as you keep the load within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you have enough height and your models are compatible for stacking, a separate washing machine and tumble dryer give you two dedicated drums, but you’ll need a suitable stacking kit and will have to transfer the laundry between them.
If there isn’t space for two appliances in your flat, a washer-dryer means you won’t need to add a separate tumble dryer. Bear in mind, though, that your loads must fit its drying capacity, and check how long the programmes take. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these two limitations of washer-dryers.
A stacked set-up lets you fit a separate washing machine and tumble dryer without placing them side by side. Bosch, Electrolux and Whirlpool recommend checking the stacking kit and the models it supports before stacking your appliances.
If your clothes airer regularly takes up space in your living area, compare the drying capacity, programme times and noise levels of the model you’re considering. ADEME also recommends checking the spin efficiency if you dry laundry indoors or use a tumble dryer.
Start with the space available, then compare how much laundry you can actually dry and the figures for the cycle you’ll use.
Worth considering if: there’s room for one appliance only and you want to wash and dry without transferring laundry.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and that drying takes longer than with a separate tumble dryer.
Worth considering if: you have two spaces available or enough height for a compatible stacked set-up, particularly if you want to wash one load while another is drying.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to transfer the laundry and, for a stacked set-up, use a kit designed for the exact models of both appliances.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the depth, the space in front of the door and the available height. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing capacity with the capacity of the full wash-and-dry cycle: UFC-Que Choisir says the latter is lower. | I want to free up my living area by getting rid of the clothes airer, without having to stop every cycle to take some of the laundry out. |
| Time and energy use | For a washer-dryer, the energy label shows separate figures for washing and the full cycle. The European Commission lists details such as energy use, programme duration and capacity to help you compare the mode you’ll use; check the label for a dedicated tumble dryer separately. | If I dry laundry often, the duration and energy use of a full cycle are important factors in my choice. |
| Stacking | Check the model numbers of both appliances, the depth supported by the kit and the installation instructions. Whirlpool France says to place the washing machine on the floor and secure the tumble dryer above it with a suitable stacking kit. | I have enough height, but not enough width for two appliances side by side. I want to know if stacking is suitable for my exact models. |
| Spin performance and noise | Check the washing machine’s spin-drying class and noise level on the model’s energy label. ADEME recommends choosing spin-drying class A if your laundry needs to dry indoors or in a tumble dryer. | In a small living space, I want to minimise the time my laundry stays wet and take the noise of the cycles into account. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer can dry a smaller load than it can wash. If your wash load is too large, you’ll need to split it before starting the drying cycle.
Compare your usual load with the capacity stated for the full cycle, especially if you regularly wash sheets or towels.
Matching widths don’t guarantee that a stacking kit will be compatible. Bosch and Electrolux specify depth or range requirements for some of their kits.
Check the model numbers of both appliances in the kit instructions and follow the manufacturer’s guidance, keeping the washing machine on the floor.
With a washer-dryer, washing alone and the full cycle are two different uses. The European Commission lists separate figures for each on the energy label.
Check the capacity, energy use and duration for the cycle you plan to use. If you choose two separate appliances, check the tumble dryer’s label too.
An appliance may fit into an alcove but still be awkward to use if there isn’t enough room to open the door. In a compact home, it’s also worth checking the noise level before installation.
Measure the space and the door clearance, then check the dimensions and noise level for the exact model.
The requirements below apply to specific kits or models. The brand name alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
Bosch France provides details of stacking kits designed for specific combinations of washing machines and tumble dryers.
Electrolux France lists the E1WYHSK2 kit for front-loading Electrolux appliances.
Whirlpool France explains how to install a tumble dryer above a washing machine.
This selection includes washer-dryers for a single space, plus a heat pump tumble dryer to pair with a separate washing machine. Compare drying capacities and check that the appliances can be installed in your home.
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This washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. To run both cycles without taking any laundry out, keep the load within its 6 kg drying capacity. Also check the dimensions and connections needed for your space.
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This washer-dryer is a practical choice if you need both functions in one space. Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load to suit the full cycle and check the energy label figures for that cycle.
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This washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in one appliance, although its drying capacity is limited to 6 kg compared with its stated 10 kg washing capacity. Check the dimensions, duration and energy use of the full cycle before choosing this model for your flat.
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This separate tumble dryer can complement a washing machine if you have a suitable space for it. Its stated capacity is 8 kg. Check its dimensions and, if you’re planning a stacked set-up, make sure the kit is compatible with both appliances.
Not always: UFC-Que Choisir says a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. To wash and dry without taking any laundry out, stick to the full-cycle capacity stated for the model you choose.
No. The European Commission says condenser tumble dryers don’t need to vent air outside. Check the model’s instructions for how to manage condensed water and for any installation requirements.
No. Whirlpool France says to place the washing machine on the floor and secure the tumble dryer above it with a suitable stacking kit. Bosch and Electrolux specify depth requirements or exclusions for some kits. Check the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit before you buy.
Compare the figures for the mode you’ll use. The European Commission lists washing-only and full wash-and-dry cycle details separately. For each, check the capacity, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and duration, rather than relying on the washing rating alone.