If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry in one go, provided your laundry loads fit its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. Stacking is an option if you can make use of the vertical space and confirm that both appliances are compatible with a stacking kit. For occasional drying, an airer may be all you need, as long as you have a suitably spacious, well-ventilated room.
If you have the necessary connections but not enough space for two appliances, a washer-dryer saves you from transferring laundry between machines. However, the amount you can dry, not just wash, will determine the size of your loads.
If two appliances won't fit side by side, stacking them can make use of the available height. You'll need two front-loading models and a stacking kit that suits their model numbers, as well as enough space for the complete setup.
If you can wait for your laundry to air-dry, an airer may suit your needs without the need for a drying appliance. For indoor drying, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction system (VMC).
Start by measuring the space available, then consider your drying load and how often you'll use each option alongside its practical limitations.
Worth considering : if you can only install one appliance and want to wash and dry without transferring your laundry.
Bear in mind : the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity, and you'll need to check the consumption figures for a complete cycle.
Worth considering : if there's enough height for a stacked setup and you want to choose the washing machine and tumble dryer separately.
Bear in mind : you'll need two front-loading appliances and a compatible kit, installed according to their instructions.
Worth considering : if you only need to tumble-dry occasionally and have a suitable room for an airer.
Bear in mind : drying times depend on the conditions in the room, and you'll need to keep an eye on indoor humidity.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider it ? |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height, and check access to the appliance. For a stacked setup, confirm the kit is compatible with both model numbers. | If I only have one floor space available, I need to know whether a combined appliance will fit or whether I can make use of the height. Around 36 % of consumers prioritise this installation constraint. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads; check the washing capacity and combined programmes separately. | If I regularly dry large loads of laundry, having to remove some items before drying or run a second cycle would change how I do things. This is the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Consumption | Check the kWh, water use in litres and cycle duration for your intended use; with a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing-only and wash-and-dry figures. | If I use the drying function often, I want to compare the figures for the cycle I'll actually run, rather than for washing alone. Around 21 % of consumers put tracking consumption first. |
| Drying without an appliance | Consider how often you need to dry laundry and whether you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with VMC extraction. | If I rarely use a tumble dryer, I'd rather be able to use an airer without allowing humidity to build up in a small room. Avoiding an additional drying appliance is the priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer's drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. So you may not always be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
Check both capacities for the exact model and compare its drying capacity with the amount of laundry you want to dry after each wash.
Similar widths don't necessarily mean that a tumble dryer can be installed on top of a washing machine.
Check the manufacturers' instructions for a kit designed for the model numbers you've chosen, then measure the height, depth and clearance needed for installation.
Installation may require a stacking kit compatible with both appliances.
Figures for washing alone don't necessarily reflect the energy use or duration of a wash-and-dry cycle. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends checking the water consumption associated with drying in washer-dryers.
Check the label and product information for the figures that apply to the cycle you plan to use.
Drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air. For air-drying, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with VMC extraction.
Before choosing this option, find a suitable place where your laundry can dry in these conditions.
These examples of ranges and models can help you decide what to check. Their features won't necessarily apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and front-loading washer-dryers to consider, depending on the setup you're looking for.
LG's shallower washer-dryers are worth considering if the depth of your recess limits your options.
A front-loading Samsung washer-dryer can be a useful comparison when you're looking at washing and drying capacities separately.
Miele's separate tumble dryers are worth considering if you're thinking of a stacked setup rather than a washer-dryer.
These combined appliances are designed for installations with space for just one machine. For each model, compare the stated 6 kg drying capacity with your usual laundry loads, and check the dimensions and wash-and-dry cycle figures before choosing.
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Wash and dry with one appliance if your loads for drying don't exceed the stated 6 kg capacity, compared with 10 kg for washing. Check the dimensions, connections and consumption figures for the wash-and-dry cycle to make sure they suit your installation and needs.
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A combined appliance for installations where the stated 6 kg drying capacity suits your laundry loads; the stated washing capacity is 10 kg. The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing. Check the installation dimensions and wash-and-dry cycle figures before choosing this model.
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Combine washing and drying in one space if your loads for drying stay within the stated 6 kg capacity; the washing capacity is 10 kg. The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear. Check the dimensions, connections and wash-and-dry cycle figures.
Yes, but only if the load is within the drying capacity of the programme you're using. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this can be lower than the washing capacity : with a model rated for 8.5 kg of washing and 5 kg of drying, a load weighing more than 5 kg after washing will need to be reduced or dried in batches.
No. A stacked setup requires front-loading appliances and a stacking kit that's compatible with their model numbers. Check the instructions, dimensions and installation requirements before choosing your machines.
It depends on the type of appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or access to a duct, unlike a condenser model. In all cases, follow the instructions and installation requirements for the model you've chosen.
If you plan to use the drying function regularly, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, including electricity, water, duration and maximum load. Don't confuse these with the figures shown for washing alone.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with VMC extraction, as recommended by ADEME. If your only option is a small, poorly ventilated room, consider the moisture this will produce before using an airer there regularly.