If you only have room for one machine and want to wash and dry your clothes in one go without transferring them, a washer-dryer could be a good fit, provided the load is within its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you do laundry frequently or have large loads, two separate appliances let you wash one load while another dries, but you’ll need to check more things before installation. Air-drying is another option if you have a suitable room and don’t mind waiting for your clothes to dry.
If there’s no room for a second appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions without you having to transfer your laundry. However, check the permitted drying load: UFC-Que Choisir says it’s lower than the washing capacity on these appliances.
If you regularly have several loads or bulky household laundry to get through, being able to wash one load while another dries is useful. Two separate appliances make this possible if you have room to install them; stacking them requires you to confirm that the models you’ve chosen are compatible.
If you’d rather keep just one washing machine and hang your laundry indoors, compare its spin performance and decide where your clothes will dry. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
Your choice depends first on the load you need to dry and the space available: a washer-dryer saves you transferring laundry, two appliances let you manage separate loads, while air-drying requires a suitable room.
Consider this if: you can only install one machine and your load is within the drying capacity of the programme you choose.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. If a load is too large, you’ll need to split it before drying.
Consider this if: you need to get through several loads and want to wash one while another is drying.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to transfer your laundry and make room for both appliances. You can only stack them if the appliances and stacking kit are compatible.
Consider this if: you don’t want to add a tumble dryer and can hang your laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
Bear in mind: your laundry will take up space for a while, and air-drying indoors adds moisture to the room, as ADEME points out.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Space and transferring laundry | Measure the space, then compare the washing and drying capacities when running a continuous cycle. | I only have room for one machine and want to get dry laundry without moving it between two drums; around 40% of consumers put this need first. |
| Volume and frequency of laundry | Compare the drying capacity and programme duration. If stacking the appliances, check that both appliances and the kit are compatible. | When loads come one after another, I want to start a wash while the previous load dries. This is the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Air-drying | Check the washing machine’s spin performance and make sure you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction, as ADEME recommends. | I’d rather hang my laundry than add a tumble dryer, but I need to be able to manage moisture in the room; this is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Filling a washer-dryer to its washing limit doesn’t mean the whole load can be dried in the same cycle. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower.
Compare the two capacities in kg and choose according to how much laundry you want to dry without removing any items.
Unlike a condenser model, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a vent hose, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check that this is possible before choosing your appliance, then follow the installation requirements in its manual.
Stacking kits aren’t universal. Bosch’s WTZ20410 kit, for example, is subject to specific requirements, including a washing machine depth of more than 55 cm.
Check that the exact models of washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit are compatible before putting them together.
You may need a compatible kit to install the appliances this way.
Air-drying laundry adds moisture to your home. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
If you can’t arrange to dry your laundry this way at home, reconsider whether an appliance suited to your installation would be a better choice.
A brand to look at if you’re after a freestanding or integrated washer-dryer.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
A brand to look at if the conditions in your room affect your choice of separate tumble dryer.
A brand worth considering if you’re planning to stack two appliances or connect the condensate drain on a compatible tumble dryer.
These models include washer-dryers, which handle both stages in one machine, and a separate tumble dryer to consider if you have a suitable washing machine and space for it. Focus on the load you need to dry and the installation requirements that suit your home.
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Wash and dry your clothes in one machine when space is limited.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Any load over 6 kg will need to be reduced before drying. Check the dimensions and the duration of your preferred programme before installation, too.
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Wash and dry your clothes without transferring them to a second appliance.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; the product name lists 27 wash programmes. Check the load allowed for your chosen programme, along with the dimensions and programme times that fit your routine.
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Combine washing and drying in one freestanding appliance, provided your load is within its drying limit.
The title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the exact model number and specifications before choosing: the model suffix differs between the title and the product description.
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Use one machine to wash and dry your clothes in one go.
Listed capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the permitted load and duration of the programme you plan to use, as well as the clearance needed for installation.
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Dry your laundry in a separate appliance if you already have a washing machine and enough space.
Listed drying capacity: 8 kg. If you’re planning to stack the appliances, check the dimensions, compatible models and required kit before installation.
Yes, as long as the load is within the drying capacity of the programme you choose. UFC-Que Choisir says that washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity, so you’ll need to split a larger washed load before starting the drying cycle.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented model needs an opening to the outside or a vent hose, unlike a condenser model. Even with a condenser model, check the manual for guidance on positioning and maintenance. If you’re considering direct drainage, make sure the connection is compatible.
Only if the appliances and stacking kit are compatible. For example, Bosch’s WTZ20410 kit is designed for a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm, subject to other compatibility requirements. Check the exact model numbers and fitting instructions.
Compare the capacity, the duration of the programme you’ll use and the consumption figures stated in each appliance’s product information. For washer-dryers, check the wash cycle separately from the wash-and-dry cycle. Don’t compare energy ratings alone without taking the type of appliance and programme into account.
ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction vent, preferably humidity-sensitive. This advice applies to laundry hung indoors; if you’re using a tumble dryer, follow the installation instructions for your appliance.