If you only have space for one appliance on the floor, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in the same machine. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If the height and appliance compatibility allow, a stacked set-up with a separate tumble dryer is another option for regularly drying large loads. If you can still air-dry laundry in a suitable room, ADEME recommends paying attention to spin efficiency.
Floor space isn’t the only deciding factor: the available height, how much laundry you need to dry and where the appliances will go all affect your choice.
A washer-dryer takes up the space of one appliance. A stacked set-up can also save floor space, provided the height, dimensions and stacking kit are suitable for both machines. UFC-Que Choisir recommends using front-loading appliances of similar dimensions for this installation.
How much laundry you need to dry deserves as much consideration as how much you need to wash. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer has a lower drying capacity than washing capacity, so a full wash load may need to be split across two drying cycles.
The noise level of the model and where you plan to put it matter in everyday use. If laundry finishes drying on an airer indoors, you’ll also need to consider humidity: ADEME identifies drying laundry as a significant source of indoor moisture and highlights the importance of ventilation.
First work out where your laundry can dry. Then compare each set-up with the space you have and the size of load you want to handle in one go.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow for the necessary clearance. For a stacked set-up, check the instructions for both appliances, the stability of the floor and the compatibility of the kit. UFC-Que Choisir says the tumble dryer should go on top of the front-loading washing machine. | I can only set aside one space on the floor: I should consider a washer-dryer or a compatible stacked set-up, depending on the available height. |
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer has a lower capacity for drying than washing. If you have two appliances, compare their respective capacities too. | To wash and dry in one go without taking any laundry out, I need to limit the load to the drying capacity, even if the drum can wash more. |
| Spin efficiency and indoor drying | Check spin efficiency if your laundry will then dry in the room or in a machine. ADEME recommends choosing spin efficiency class A in these situations. If you plan to air-dry laundry, make sure the room is suitable and well ventilated. | If I want to keep the option of drying laundry indoors, spin efficiency matters, but it doesn’t replace the space needed for damp laundry or good ventilation. |
| Type of tumble dryer | Check the installation instructions for the model. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside, while the European Commission says a condenser model does not require an air outlet. | Without a suitable external air outlet, I need to rule out any set-up that depends on one and check where the tumble dryer I choose can go. |
| Cycles and noise | For the models you’re considering, compare the duration of the programmes you’ll use, the stated energy consumption and the noise level. Also check the load size that these figures are based on. | If the appliance is near a living space, I want to know how long it will run and how much noise it’s rated to make—not just its energy rating. |
A load that fits in the drum for washing may exceed the maximum drying capacity. According to UFC-Que Choisir, washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
Compare both figures in kg and size a wash-and-dry cycle according to the drying capacity, or plan to take some of the laundry out before drying.
Similar dimensions alone don’t mean that two appliances can be safely stacked. UFC-Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances of similar dimensions, with the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine.
Check the manuals, load limits and dimensions supported by the kit, then make sure the floor and available height are suitable.
You may need to buy a compatible stacking kit as well as the two appliances.
UFC-Que Choisir says a vented model needs an opening to the outside or access to a suitable duct. It can’t be installed in the same way as a condenser model.
If an outlet isn’t possible, look at a condenser tumble dryer and check its manual for any other installation requirements.
Programme duration, stated noise level, capacity and dimensions also affect how practical an appliance will be in a small home.
Compare these details for the specific models that fit your space and the amount of laundry you need to dry.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing separate tumble dryers. The right model will always depend on its features and your planned installation.
Bosch’s range in France includes heat pump tumble dryers, including 8 kg models.
Beko offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers in France.
Miele’s French catalogue includes heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
These options include washer-dryers for an all-in-one set-up and separate tumble dryers for homes that already have a washing machine and a suitable space. Check the drying capacity and installation requirements of the model you’re interested in.
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One appliance for washing and drying in the same space. It has a stated washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. To run both cycles without taking any laundry out, stick to the 6 kg limit. Also check the dimensions and connections for your chosen spot.
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This model combines washing and drying in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, with a D rating shown in its product title. Adjust the load to suit the cycle you want to run, and compare the duration and energy consumption of the programmes you’ll use.
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This washer-dryer has a stated washing capacity of 10 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg. If you want to dry the whole load in one go, keep it within the drying capacity. Check the dimensions, stated noise level and cycle duration before deciding where to put it in your flat.
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This 8 kg tumble dryer needs a separate washing machine and a suitable space. Its product title gives it a C rating. Before planning a floor-standing or stacked installation, check its dimensions and manual, and make sure it’s compatible with your chosen set-up.
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This 8 kg model has a D rating according to its product title. It dries laundry but doesn’t wash it, so you’ll need a washing machine and a separate space, or a compatible stacked set-up. Compare its dimensions, cycle duration and noise level with your requirements.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says a vented model needs an opening to the outside or access to a suitable duct. The European Commission says a condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need this type of air outlet. However, check the manual for any other installation requirements.
Only if the load is also within the stated drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. If your load is too large, take some laundry out before drying or reduce the load from the start.
Put the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, not the other way round. UFC-Que Choisir says both appliances should be front-loading and of similar dimensions. Check their manuals too, along with the kit intended for this type of installation.
No. Check which appliances and dimensions the kit specifically supports. For example, Electrolux kits list different depth ranges depending on the model. Also check the manuals and load limits before installation.
Compare each model’s stated noise level, the duration of the programme you’ll use, its capacity and stated energy consumption. If your washing machine will be followed by indoor or machine drying, ADEME also recommends checking spin efficiency.