Space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions, so there’s no need to transfer laundry between appliances. Compare your usual load with its drying capacity, and measure the available space, especially the depth.
Which set-up is right for you?
Your choice depends first on how many appliance spaces you have, then on how much laundry you need to dry and the dimensions of the installation.
Enough headroom for a stacked set-up
Stacking two appliances may suit you if you regularly dry loads that are too large for a washer-dryer. Check the model numbers of both machines and make sure they’re compatible with the stacking kit. For example, Bosch Électroménager France says its Bosch WTZ27510 kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
Limited depth for drying
If you can fit a second appliance, a slim tumble dryer may be worth considering. Check its exact depth, clearance and door opening, as well as its capacity and how the condensed water is collected.
What should you check before choosing?
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and then dry your laundry in the same machine.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir Ensemble, a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A full wash load may therefore need to be reduced before drying.
Two stacked appliances
Consider this if: you have enough headroom and often dry loads that exceed a washer-dryer’s capacity.
The trade-off: you’ll need room for two appliances and a stacking kit that’s explicitly compatible with both models.
Compact tumble dryer
Consider this if: you can fit a separate tumble dryer, but the available depth limits your choice of size.
The trade-off: the word ‘slim’ alone doesn’t confirm that an appliance will fit, that its door will open properly or that it can handle your usual loads.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the height, width and depth, then allow for clearance and the door opening. For a stacked set-up, also check that the kit is compatible: Bosch Électroménager France says its WTZ27510 kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm. | I only have space on the floor for one appliance, or I can fit two appliances vertically. If depth is a problem, I’ll check the dimensions of a slim tumble dryer rather than relying on its name alone. |
| Load to be dried | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities in kg, then compare the capacity of a separate tumble dryer with your usual loads. Que Choisir Ensemble points out that washer-dryers can dry less laundry than they can wash. | If I want to run a wash straight through to drying without removing any laundry, I need to stay within the drying capacity of the programme I use. |
| Dryer installation | Find out what type of tumble dryer it is and how it handles condensed water. According to Que Choisir Ensemble, a vented model needs an opening or duct to the outside; for a condenser model, check the tank and whether it can be connected to a drain. | If there’s no suitable outlet to the outside, I’ll look for a condenser dryer and check where the collected water will go. |
| Complete cycle | For a washer-dryer, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle rather than the wash cycle alone. The European Commission says the label includes details such as energy consumption, water consumption and cycle duration. | If I dry laundry regularly, the full cycle time and its consumption matter just as much as the stated capacity. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Comparing washing capacity alone
A load at the maximum washing capacity may exceed the washer-dryer’s drying capacity. You’ll then need to remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle.
Start with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go, then compare both capacities in kg and check the full cycle duration.
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Choosing a vented dryer without an outside outlet
According to Que Choisir Ensemble, this type of appliance needs an opening or duct to the outside to vent moist air.
If there’s no outlet, consider condenser models, including heat pump dryers, and check how their water is collected or drained.
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Stacking two machines without checking the kit
You can’t assume a stack will be stable if the kit isn’t suited to the models and dimensions of your appliances.
Note down both model numbers and check the manufacturer’s compatibility and installation requirements before stacking the machines.
Allow for a stacking kit as a separate accessory if one isn’t included with the appliances.
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Using wash-only figures to judge the full cycle
A wash-and-dry cycle has its own duration and consumption figures. The European Commission lists separate information for the complete cycle on washer-dryer labels.
Compare the wash-and-dry figures for the models you’re considering, taking into account how often you’ll use the drying function.
Which brands should you consider?
These examples highlight formats and features to consider; the specifications of one model don’t apply to an entire brand.
Electrolux
The range includes washer-dryers with separate washing and drying capacity figures.
- Electrolux France lists washing and drying capacities of 8 kg and 5 kg for the EW7IW2856BG, and 10 kg and 6 kg for the EW9W1165RB.
- To run a continuous cycle, size your load according to the drying capacity of the model you choose.
Bosch
The brand offers tumble dryers and stacking accessories to consider for a stacked installation.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists a capacity of 9 kg and dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm for its WQG2450SFR heat pump tumble dryer.
- Its WTZ27510 kit is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm; also check that the model numbers are compatible.
Candy
Candy France offers a range of slim tumble dryers designed for narrow spaces.
- A reduced-depth design may be a good option if you can fit a separate tumble dryer but have limited depth.
- Check the dimensions, clearances and capacity of the model you choose before deciding that it’s suitable.
Beko
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers to consider based on the space available and your installation requirements.
- For its D0H11230 model, Beko France describes a heat pump system that reuses warm air inside the appliance.
- Check the dimensions and capacity of each model: the drying technology alone doesn’t determine whether it will fit in a small space.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These models combine washing and drying in one appliance. Pay particular attention to the drying capacity compared with your usual laundry load, then check the dimensions and full-cycle information for the model you’re interested in.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity
This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. To dry your laundry without removing any items after washing, limit the load to its 6 kg drying capacity. Remember to measure the space you have available, too.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity
The two capacities are different: a 10 kg wash load can’t be dried in one go within the stated 6 kg limit. Before choosing, also check the duration and consumption figures for the wash-and-dry cycle.
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Grey Roborock Zeo One, 10 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity
This model combines both functions and features Zeo-Cycle drying. Its 6 kg drying limit is the figure to bear in mind for a continuous cycle. Check its dimensions and full cycle duration to make sure it suits your installation.
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Grey Roborock Zeo Lite, 10 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity
The stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The title mentions Zeo-Cycle drying, LintClear and automatic dosing; check the dimensions and wash-and-dry cycle duration separately.
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White Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini, 1 kg washing and 0,5 kg drying capacity
With a stated drying capacity of 0,5 kg, this model is limited to very small loads and won’t replace a washer-dryer designed for a household’s usual laundry. Check its dimensions and full cycle duration before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without a duct to the outside?
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an outside duct to vent moist air. According to Que Choisir Ensemble, a vented model does require a suitable opening or duct. Also check the installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
Where does the water from a condenser tumble dryer go?
It’s collected in a tank that you’ll need to empty, or it can be sent to a drain if the model supports a suitable connection. Bosch Électroménager France describes this second option for its WTZ1110 condensate drainage kit; check that it’s compatible with your appliance.
Can an 8/5 kg washer-dryer wash and then dry 8 kg without any intervention?
No: 8 kg is the washing capacity and 5 kg is the drying capacity. To run both stages without removing any laundry, stay within the drying capacity of the programme you use. Electrolux France lists these separate capacities for its EW7IW2856BG model.
How do you choose a kit for stacking two appliances?
Choose a kit that the manufacturer confirms is compatible with the model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then follow its installation instructions. For example, according to Bosch Électroménager France, the Bosch WTZ27510 kit is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
Which figures should you compare for a washer-dryer?
Compare the washing capacity, drying capacity and wash-and-dry cycle figures separately. The European Commission says the washer-dryer label includes details such as energy consumption, water consumption and cycle duration. Wash-only figures don’t tell you how the appliance performs when using both functions.