If you only have room for one appliance on the floor, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also reports that drying generally takes longer and uses water. If there’s enough height and the appliances are compatible, you could stack a separate heat pump tumble dryer on top of your washing machine. This gives you a dedicated drying function and, according to UFC-Que Choisir, uses less electricity than a conventional condenser dryer.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to make room for a second appliance. Check the drying capacity, though: it’s lower than the washing capacity, so a large load may need to be split or some items removed. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that washer-dryers take longer to dry than separate tumble dryers.
You can stack a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer, rather than placing them side by side. You’ll need a stacking kit suited to the exact models and enough space for both appliances, as Bosch and Miele explain. Then compare the energy consumption figures for the tumble dryer you’re considering.
A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an air-exhaust duct to the outside, according to the European Commission. Check the manual to find out how the condensed water is collected or drained, and how much clearance the appliance needs.
First, measure the space and the route to it. Then compare the amount of laundry the appliance can actually dry with the information for the cycles you plan to use.
| What to consider | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the height, width and depth, check access and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. If stacking the appliances, check that the kit is suitable for the exact model numbers. | I only have room for one appliance on the floor. If there’s enough height, stacking could still be an option, but I’ll need to check first. |
| Load capacity and cycle time | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. Compare the full cycle time with your usual laundry routine, too. | To wash and dry a load without removing any items, I need to stick to the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this is lower than the washing capacity. |
| Water and electricity | Compare energy and water use, along with the cycle time for the programmes that matter to you. For a washer-dryer, check the figures for a wash-and-dry cycle, not just washing. | If I dry laundry regularly, running costs matter. UFC-Que Choisir says a heat pump tumble dryer uses less electricity than a conventional condenser model, while a washer-dryer may also use water during drying. |
| Stacking the appliances | Check the model numbers, the kit instructions, the washing machine’s depth and the available height. Bosch specifies a depth of more than 55 cm for some of the kits mentioned; this isn’t a universal requirement. | I’d like two separate appliances without using two side-by-side spaces, but only if the manufacturer says they can be stacked. |
You may not be able to dry the maximum washing load in one go. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
Compare both capacities in kilograms. If you want to run a wash-and-dry cycle without having to intervene, don’t exceed the stated drying capacity.
A stack that hasn’t been designed for the models in question may leave the appliances unsecured. Bosch and Miele stacking kits have different depth and compatibility requirements depending on the models.
Note down both appliance model numbers, then check the manufacturer’s documentation for the right kit and the dimensions of the complete setup.
UFC-Que Choisir says conventional condenser models generally dry faster than heat pump models, but use more electricity.
If you dry laundry frequently, compare the cycle times and energy figures for the specific models against the way you’ll use them, rather than focusing on just one feature.
An appliance may fit into the space you’ve set aside, but still not leave enough room to open the door or meet the clearance requirements in the manual.
Measure the space, the route to it and the door’s opening clearance before choosing a model.
These ranges give you some configurations to consider. Always check stacking compatibility and capacity for each specific model.
Bosch France offers heat pump tumble dryers and stacking kits for some appliance combinations.
LG France offers washer-dryers and separate heat pump tumble dryers.
The Samsung France range lets you compare heat pump tumble dryers with washer-dryers.
Miele France offers heat pump tumble dryers and stacking kits for some appliance combinations.
These options include two washer-dryers for homes with room for just one machine, and three separate tumble dryers to consider if there’s space for a second appliance, perhaps stacked if the models are compatible.
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For a setup with just one appliance, this model has a stated capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you’re using both functions in sequence, base your load on the drying capacity. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual, too.
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This appliance combines washing and drying in one machine, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Compare the full cycle time and energy and water use, then check the clearance needed for installation.
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This separate tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg. If you plan to stack it on top of a washing machine, check its dimensions and make sure there’s a kit compatible with both model numbers. Compare the cycle information, too.
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With a stated capacity of 8 kg, this model is an option if you’re looking for a separate drying appliance. Before comparing energy use or planning a stacked setup, check the applicable energy label, the dimensions and whether the kit is compatible with your washing machine.
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This 8 kg model gives you the option of a separate condenser tumble dryer. Check the model details for its drying technology and cycle information. If it’s going in a small room or a stacked setup, check the installation instructions and appliance compatibility, too.
Not if the load is at its maximum washing capacity: drying capacity is lower, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. To run both functions without having to intervene, keep the load within the stated drying capacity. Otherwise, remove some items after washing.
A heat pump condenser dryer doesn’t need an air-exhaust duct to the outside, according to the European Commission. However, check the manual for instructions on collecting or draining condensed water, and for the installation requirements for that particular model.
Don’t simply place one appliance on top of the other: the stacking kits from Bosch and Miele are designed for specific compatible models. Check both appliance model numbers, the dimensions and the kit instructions before stacking them.
Compare energy and water use for the cycles you’ll actually run, as well as their duration. The European Commission says washer-dryer labels include information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. If you plan to run both functions in sequence, check the figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle.