In a studio flat or an apartment without a utility room, first choose a solution that genuinely fits the available space and is compatible with your home’s connections. A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry with a single appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Two separate appliances offer more flexibility if you have room for them. An indoor airer means you don’t need to buy a tumble dryer, provided you can manage the space it takes up and the extra indoor humidity.
If the appliance needs to fit in an alcove, small kitchen or bathroom, measure the delivery route too, as well as the space needed to open the door or lid. There’s no point choosing a large-capacity appliance if it blocks access or can’t be connected in the space available.
A washer-dryer is a good option if you’d rather not rely on the launderette or hang out every load. It works best when the amount of laundry you need to dry in each cycle is within its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you do laundry frequently, two appliances let you wash one load while another dries. However, you’ll need enough space, or you’ll need to check the manuals to confirm that your chosen models and stacking kits are compatible.
Start with the space and connections available. Then decide whether you need clothes to dry automatically and how much laundry you need ready after each cycle.
Consider this if: the machine needs to fit into a narrow space.
Bear in mind: a compact washing machine won’t dry your clothes, so you’ll need a drying solution that works for your home.
Consider this if: you have space for just one connected appliance and also want to dry your clothes automatically.
Bear in mind: you may need to reduce a full wash load before drying it. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that drying cycles can be quite long.
Consider this if: your home can accommodate two appliances and you want to wash one load while another dries.
Bear in mind: the two appliances take up more space. To stack them, you’ll need to confirm that the models and stacking kits are compatible.
Consider this if: you can set aside space for an airer without blocking access.
Bear in mind: your clothes will take up space while they dry and add moisture to the air indoors, as ADEME points out.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, access routes, door clearance and space needed for connections. In a bathroom, also ask someone to check that the proposed location is safe. | “I need to fit the machine into a narrow alcove and still use the room normally.” Around 33 % of consumers put this practical consideration first. |
| Automatic drying | For a washer-dryer, compare its drying capacity with its washing capacity, as well as the length of the combined programme. | “I don’t have space to hang out my washing and want dry clothes at home without going to the launderette.” This independence is the main priority for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Work out how much laundry needs to be dried on the same day. If you’re choosing two appliances, check their dimensions and, where relevant, that they can be stacked together. | “If I’m doing several loads in a row, splitting each load into smaller batches for drying wastes time.” Around 25 % of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry handled and cycle times. |
| Energy use and humidity | Compare energy and water use, cycle times and noise levels for the programmes you’ll use. If you’re using an airer, consider the space available and how well the room can be ventilated. | “I want a drying option that suits both the appliance’s energy use and the humidity levels in my home.” These factors come first for around 17 % of consumers. |
The washer-dryers covered by UFC-Que Choisir have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. So a full wash load may need to be split into two drying cycles.
If you need your clothes dry the same day, start with the drying capacity listed for the model you’re considering and check how long its wash-and-dry cycle takes.
A machine may fit into an alcove on paper, but there may not be enough room for the hoses, to open the door or to get the appliance through the room.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the machine will be used, then check the full dimensions and diagrams in the manual.
Having a socket doesn’t confirm that the location is suitable for a washing machine. Promotelec highlights the need to check the earthing, 30 mA residual-current protection and the appliance’s position in relation to bathroom safety zones.
If you’re unsure about any of these points, have the installation and proposed location checked before ordering or arranging delivery.
Depending on your home, you may need to adapt the electrical installation or call in a professional.
According to ADEME, air-drying clothes is a significant source of moisture in indoor air. In a studio flat, an airer also takes up some of your living space for several hours.
Before making it your regular solution, check where you can dry your clothes without blocking access and how you’ll ventilate the room.
The specifications below apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
Worth considering if you’re deciding between an all-in-one appliance and a separate tumble dryer.
Compare washer-dryers model by model, particularly if depth is an important factor.
Explore the range to compare separate heat pump tumble dryers with other drying solutions.
Consider the range if you’re comparing washer-dryers, separate tumble dryers and stacked installations.
No, having a socket doesn’t mean the location is suitable. Promotelec says you should check the earthing, 30 mA residual-current protection and bathroom safety zones, among other things. If you’re unsure, have the existing installation checked.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply required for the model you’ve chosen, then make sure they line up with the planned location. Use the model’s manual as a guide. In a bathroom, also check the specific requirements for that room.
One figure is for washing and the other is for drying, which generally takes a smaller load. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference. For example, the LG France product information mentioned here lists capacities of 9 kg / 5 kg or 9 kg / 6 kg, depending on the model. If you wash a full load, check how much you can dry in one go.
Compare the figures for the cycle you plan to use. For washing machines, the European Commission lists information including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise. For a washer-dryer, check the separate information for washing and wash-and-dry cycles on the model you’re considering.
Only if your home’s layout allows you to vent it outdoors. UFC-Que Choisir says this type of appliance needs a sufficiently large room and an opening to the outside for its vent hose. Check that these conditions are met before comparing models.