With room for just one appliance, a washer-dryer is the right choice if you can’t install a separate tumble dryer above your washing machine using a compatible stacking kit. Compare drying capacity, the full wash-and-dry cycle and the washer-dryer’s actual dimensions. If stacking is an option, also check the available height and the appliances involved. UFC-Que Choisir reports that conventional condenser tumble dryers are generally faster than heat pump models, while heat pump models typically use less electricity.
If you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes, the drying capacity and total cycle time of a washer-dryer are especially important. UFC-Que Choisir notes that washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
If you’re thinking of putting a tumble dryer above your washing machine, check that both model numbers and the stacking kit are compatible, and make sure you have enough height. Bosch recommends checking that the specific appliances can be stacked.
If you can fit a compatible stacked setup in your home, compare cycle times and energy use based on how often you dry laundry. UFC-Que Choisir highlights general differences between conventional condenser tumble dryers and heat pump models.
When space is limited, first check whether the appliance or stacked setup will fit. Then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry, energy use and cycle times.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting the available space | Measure the width, depth and door clearance. For a stacked setup, also check the height and the compatibility of the model numbers and stacking kit. | If my home only has room for one appliance and stacking isn’t an option, I’ll first check the washer-dryer’s actual dimensions; around 42% of consumers in this situation say size is their top priority. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Compare your usual drying load with the drying capacity in kg, not just the washing capacity. | If I have large loads to dry, I’ll compare the drying capacity in kg rather than the washing capacity; around 25% of consumers in this situation put dry-load capacity first. |
| Energy and water use | Compare like-for-like cycles and loads, distinguishing between washing only, washing and drying, and drying only. | If I dry laundry often, I’ll check the water and electricity use for the cycles I’ll actually use; around 17% of consumers in this situation prioritise this factor. |
| Cycle times | Check how long the programme takes for the load size and level of dryness you want. | If I need my laundry quickly or have several loads to get through, the time taken by the right programme matters more; around 16% of consumers in this situation prioritise speed. |
A washer-dryer can have different capacities for washing and drying. For example, LG lists an 8.5 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity for the F852SV52IRS.
Choose based on the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go, then check the capacity of the relevant programme.
If the load is larger than the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some laundry or split the drying across several cycles.
A separate tumble dryer doesn’t wash clothes. If you only have space for one appliance on the floor, you can keep both functions only if a compatible stacked setup is possible.
First check that both appliances, the stacking kit and the available height meet the instructions for the exact models. If they don’t, compare washer-dryers instead.
Condenser models don’t need a vent to the outside, but ventilation, condensate drainage and clearance requirements depend on the appliance.
Check the model’s instructions for connections, ventilation and maintenance, and make sure you can access the water tank or drain if needed.
A stacked setup may also need a suitable kit and enough space to access the parts that require maintenance.
The European Commission says the revised tumble dryer energy label has applied since 1 July 2025. Washer-dryers are covered by a separate European energy labelling framework.
Compare the energy use and cycles shown on the labels that apply to the appliances in question, and don’t rely on the rating letters alone.
LG describes the F852SV52IRS as a washer-dryer with an 8.5 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
The EWW8416DB is worth considering if you’re looking for 8 kg of washing capacity and 4 kg of drying capacity, according to Electrolux’s product details.
Bosch lists the WNG24402FR as a washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Whirlpool offers the CWD84MWBSFR heat pump tumble dryer, listed with an 8 kg capacity.
Indesit’s French product details describe the YT CHA CM10 8B FR as an 8 kg conventional condenser tumble dryer.
This selection features washer-dryers that combine washing and drying in a single appliance. Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads, and check the dimensions and connections listed for each model.
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Worth considering if you want washing and drying in one appliance and want to compare a high washing capacity with a separate drying capacity.
Listed capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Listed dimensions: 60 × 85 × 60 cm. A full washing load exceeds the listed drying capacity.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for one appliance that does both jobs and want to consider its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Listed dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. A full washing load can’t be dried in one go at this capacity.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated appliance that combines washing and drying, and this configuration suits your space.
Listed capacities: 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Listed dimensions: 59.5 × 81.5 × 54.5 cm. The advertised 45-minute wash-and-dry cycle is limited to 1 kg; drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
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Compare this model if you want washing and drying in one appliance. Check the space, door clearance and connections before installation.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Listed dimensions: 59.5 × 68.2 × 85 cm. The advertised wash-and-dry cycle takes 8 h 35; cycle time varies depending on the programme and load.
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Worth considering for very small loads if you want washing and drying in one appliance.
Listed capacities: 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying. This product is designed for small loads, and its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
No. Conventional condenser tumble dryers and heat pump models don’t need an external vent, unlike vented tumble dryers, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, check the instructions for room ventilation, clearance and condensate drainage.
No. Stacking depends on the two model numbers and the kit used. Bosch lists specific conditions and exclusions for some of its kits, so check the instructions and compatibility of the exact model before planning a stacked setup.
A washer-dryer needs to be connected up for its washing function. Check the model’s instructions for the required water supply and drainage, and how the water system is set up. Not needing an external air vent doesn’t mean it won’t need water connections.
Make sure you can access the parts that need cleaning and, depending on the model, the condensate tank or drain. Follow the instructions for your appliance. For example, Bosch lists a water drain hose and self-cleaning condenser for the WQG2450SFR; don’t assume other models have the same features.
The revised energy label for tumble dryers has applied since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission. Washer-dryers are covered by a separate European energy labelling regulation. For goods sold by a trader to a consumer, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies and can be claimed within two years. An optional commercial guarantee does not replace it.