If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry at home, as long as its drying capacity suits your usual loads. If you can fit two appliances, side by side or stacked where permitted, a separate tumble dryer avoids the washer-dryer’s drying-capacity limit. However, you’ll need to transfer the laundry and make room for a second appliance. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that washer-dryer drying cycles can take longer and use water. Compare cycle information and check the installation requirements before choosing.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in the space taken up by one appliance. If you want to run a wash and then dry it without removing any laundry, size your load according to the drying capacity, which is lower than the washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you regularly dry large loads and have room for two appliances. Choose a capacity that suits the loads you want to dry, then check how much space you’ll need.
Where you can put the appliances matters just as much as which ones you choose. If stacking them, check that the instructions and stacking kit approve the exact combination. In a bathroom, ask a professional to check that your plans meet electrical safety requirements.
Start with the space you actually have and the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go. Then compare the installation and day-to-day requirements.
Consider this if: you can only fit one appliance and want to run consecutive cycles without transferring the laundry.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, drying takes longer than with a standard tumble dryer, and drying uses water.
Consider this if: your home has room for a second appliance and your usual loads are larger than a washer-dryer’s drying capacity.
The trade-off: you’ll need to transfer the laundry and make room for two appliances, either side by side or stacked where expressly permitted.
Consider this if: a suitable home installation isn’t an option.
The trade-off: you’ll need to transport your laundry and check opening times and the capacity available near you.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg separately. Check the permitted load for the wash-and-dry programme you plan to use. | I want to take out a dry load without having to remove some of the laundry between the two stages. |
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, allowing for connections, door clearance and access for maintenance. For a stacked installation, check the model numbers and approved stacking kit. In a bathroom, get the electrical requirements checked. | My appliance needs to fit in the space without blocking access or requiring an unapproved stacked installation. |
| Cycles and consumption | Compare the label data for appliances in the same category, based on their reference cycle. Look at figures such as kWh per 100 cycles and water use where stated. Also check the duration of the programmes you’ll use. | If I often run consecutive loads, I need to know how long the laundry will be in the machine. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the model’s stated noise level and cleaning instructions. Make sure you’ll still be able to reach the parts that need maintenance once the appliance is installed. | If it’s near a living area, I want to take noise into account and have easy access to the parts that need cleaning. |
A washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you wash a full load, you may therefore need to split it before drying.
Compare both capacities and choose a drying load that matches the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go.
A similar width doesn’t mean two appliances are compatible. For example, the Bosch WQG133DTFR instructions prohibit stacking without a suitable stacking kit.
Check the model numbers and instructions for both appliances, as well as the stacking kit approved for that combination.
You may need to buy a compatible kit separately, so check whether one is included.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, cycle duration or, for some washer-dryers, the water used during drying. UFC-Que Choisir also distinguishes between the electricity consumption of heat-pump tumble dryers and how long they take to dry.
Compare equivalent reference cycles, then look at the programmes that suit your laundry routine.
Installing an appliance near a bath or shower requires particular care with electrical safety. Promotelec explains that protective zones apply to installations in bathrooms.
Identify the exact location, check the instructions and ask a qualified professional to assess the plans if you’re unsure whether the electrical installation is suitable.
These examples illustrate features and configurations to compare on a model-by-model basis; they don’t represent the performance of every product range.
Bosch offers washer-dryers and also provides guidance on installing its tumble dryers.
Electrolux’s product details for the EW8HI595BG heat-pump tumble dryer let you explore the features of a dedicated drying appliance.
Miele presents its washer-dryers as a way to combine washing and drying in the space taken up by one appliance.
The Whirlpool FFWDB864369BVFR is an example of a washer-dryer with both capacities and its depth listed.
In France, LG offers washer-dryers as well as WashTower sets that combine a washing machine and tumble dryer.
This selection includes washer-dryers for homes with room for one appliance, as well as dedicated tumble dryers to pair with a washing machine if your installation allows. The capacities in the product titles don’t replace the need to check the instructions and measurements for your home.
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This washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so stay within the drying limit if you’re running both stages in a row. Measure the space and check the connections required in the instructions.
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This washer-dryer could suit a home with space for just one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so compare the drying capacity with your usual loads. Check the energy label, cycle durations and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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This appliance is for drying only, so you’ll need a separate washing machine. Its stated capacity is 8 kg. If you’re considering stacking the appliances, check the instructions for compatibility between both appliances and the stacking kit, as well as the space available.
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This washer-dryer lets you wash and dry with one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you can’t dry a full 10 kg wash load in one go. Check the model’s dimensions, cycles and installation requirements.
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This tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg and requires a separate washing machine. Before adding it to your setup, compare its capacity with your usual loads and check the model documentation for dimensions, maintenance and installation requirements.
Not if the load exceeds the drying capacity. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, this is lower than the washing capacity. Check the limit for your chosen programme and remove some of the laundry if needed.
No. The appliances need to be approved for use together. For example, the Bosch WQG133DTFR instructions prohibit stacking without a suitable stacking kit. Check the instructions for both models and make sure you have the right kit before planning a stacked installation.
Start by checking the location and electrical installation, then check the instructions. Promotelec points out that protective zones apply around showers and baths. If you’re unsure whether the installation is suitable, ask a qualified professional to assess your plans.
Compare appliances in the same category, taking the stated reference cycle into account. ADEME highlights the energy rating, consumption in kWh per 100 cycles, noise and, where applicable, water use per cycle. Check the duration of the programmes you’ll use separately.
Check the model instructions to find out what needs doing and how often. Also make sure you’ll be able to reach the parts that need cleaning and, if the appliance has one, the water tank once the tumble dryer is installed.