If you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes, a washer-dryer can meet that need, provided its drying capacity is enough for your usual loads. If you have enough height for a compatible stacked setup, two separate appliances are also worth considering. You can then dry one load while another is washing; just check the available space, stacking kit and connections.
In a studio or small flat, a washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. To find out whether you can run a full wash-and-dry cycle without removing any clothes, check its drying capacity rather than just its washing capacity.
Stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer makes use of vertical space instead of taking up a second spot on the floor. This option depends on the dimensions of both appliances, an explicitly compatible stacking kit and the available connections.
If you want to dry one load while the next one is washing, two separate appliances may suit your routine better. UFC-Que Choisir points out that washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity, so a full wash load may need to be split before drying.
First decide what will fit in your space, then compare the amount of laundry you can actually dry and the full cycle. Washing capacity alone doesn’t tell you what day-to-day use will be like.
Consider this if: you can only install one appliance and want to wash and dry your clothes in one go, without transferring them.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and drying can extend the cycle. Some models also use water during this stage.
Consider this if: you can make use of the vertical space and want to dry one load while another is washing.
The trade-off: this setup requires two appliances, a compatible stacking kit, and checks on their depth, stability and connections.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height of the space. For a stacked setup, check that the kit and both appliances are compatible. For either option, allow for the door to open and the clearances specified by the manufacturer. | I only have one space on the floor: can I also use the height, or do I need one appliance that combines washing and drying? |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and wash-and-dry capacities in kg. Bosch, for example, lists a 10,5 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg capacity for the full cycle on the WNC254A0FR. | Do I need to dry a whole load at once, or can I take some clothes out after washing? |
| Cycle time and consumption | For the same type of cycle, compare the duration and the water and energy figures on the energy label and product details. Don’t assume the full-cycle consumption from the washing cycle’s energy class alone. | I’d like to know how long it takes from loading dirty clothes to finishing the drying cycle, and how much energy and water that use involves. |
| Installation | Check the flooring, levelling, water supply and drainage, plug socket and the instructions in the manual. For a stacked setup, also check the requirements for the stacking kit. | My space needs to stay accessible for loading laundry and maintaining the appliances, not just fit their stated dimensions. |
| Air-drying clothes | If you’re still considering drying clothes indoors, check the room’s ventilation. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction. | I can’t leave a clothes airer in a small, poorly ventilated room for long. I need a drying solution that also suits my installation. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. A full-capacity wash load may need to be split into two drying cycles, or some clothes may need to be removed first.
Check the wash-and-dry capacity and compare it with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go.
Dimensions vary between models: Bosch lists a depth of 622 mm for the WNC254A0FR washer-dryer, while Siemens gives a depth of 613 mm for the WQ46H2CTFR tumble dryer. These measurements don’t replace the clearance requirements in the manuals.
Measure the recess, skirting boards and delivery route, then check that the door can open once the appliance is installed.
A stacked setup must meet the appliances’ stacking requirements. The Bosch 00717524 kit, for example, is intended for certain standard-size washing machines over 55 cm deep, subject to compatibility.
Choose the two appliance models before selecting a kit, then check their manuals and the stability and installation requirements.
Allow for the cost of the kit and its installation in addition to the two appliances.
ADEME describes air-drying clothes indoors as a significant source of moisture in the air and recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
If you don’t have a suitable space, consider a mechanical drying option and check what’s needed to install and maintain it.
The WNC254A0FR shows the difference in capacity to look out for with an all-in-one washer-dryer.
The F164HP2WST is a washer-dryer that LG describes as featuring Dual Inverter heat pump drying.
Electrolux describes the PerfectCare 900 EW9W1166RA as a heat pump washer-dryer.
The WQ46H2CTFR is a separate heat pump tumble dryer to consider for a stacked setup, rather than as an all-in-one appliance.
These appliances combine washing and drying in one machine, making them an option for homes with space for just one appliance. The stated capacities are a useful starting point for comparing models. For the one you’re interested in, also check the installation dimensions, full-cycle duration and consumption.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so if you wash a full load, check how much of it can go into the drying cycle. Also check the full-cycle duration and the clearances required in the manual.
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This all-in-one model is listed with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If you plan to fill the drum for washing, check how you’ll split the laundry for drying afterwards. Compare the water and energy figures and the full-cycle duration, as well as the space needed to open the door.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, with a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg. Its name mentions Zeo-Cycle technology and the LintClear system. Check the manual for how these work and how to maintain them, as well as the dimensions, duration and consumption of the cycle you plan to use.
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This all-in-one model is listed with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Its name mentions Zeo-Cycle drying, the LintClear system and automatic dosing. These features don’t replace the need to check the drying capacity, installation dimensions and full-cycle figures.
Not if the load exceeds the appliance’s drying capacity. Bosch, for example, lists a 10,5 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle on the WNC254A0FR. A full-capacity wash load will need to be reduced before you start this cycle.
Because drying adds time and can significantly affect water and energy use. When comparing washer-dryers, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle on the energy label and product details, and don’t confuse them with figures for washing alone.
No. You need to check that the kit is compatible with both models and follow their installation instructions. The Bosch 00717524 kit, for example, is intended for standard-size washing machines over 55 cm deep. That requirement doesn’t mean it’s compatible with every appliance.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Compare your measurements with the model’s manual, which also sets out the requirements for positioning, drainage and electrical connections.
Follow your model’s manual for cleaning the door seal, detergent drawer and filters. For applicable appliances, Electrolux also recommends leaving the door and drawer slightly open after a cycle to encourage air to circulate.