One space for washing and drying
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. However, according to UFC-Que Choisir, you’ll need to allow for a smaller drying load than washing load, and more time to dry your clothes.
Who are these options for?
You already have a washing machine and room beside it
According to UFC-Que Choisir, you can add a freestanding condenser tumble dryer without an external vent. Check its dimensions and how the condensed water is collected before choosing a spot for it.
Small loads that can be air-dried
If your laundry volume and available time allow, an airer could save you from adding another appliance. When drying clothes indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
What should you check before choosing?
Freestanding condenser tumble dryer
Worth considering: if you already have a washing machine and can fit a second appliance without an external vent.
The trade-off: you’ll need to make room for it and, depending on the model, work out how to manage the condensed water.
Washer-dryer
Worth considering: if you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and drying takes longer than with a freestanding tumble dryer.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| External vent | UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between vented tumble dryers, which need an opening or duct, and condenser models, including heat pump models, which do not need to be connected to the outside. Check the exact type of appliance. | I don’t have a suitable opening or duct, so I need to rule out vented tumble dryers. |
| Available space | Measure the space and compare it with the model’s full dimensions. If you’re getting a freestanding tumble dryer, also make sure you can reach the parts that need maintenance. | If I can’t fit a second machine at home, a washer-dryer lets me make do with one space. |
| Drying load | With a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. For a freestanding appliance, make sure its capacity suits the loads you usually wash. | I want to go straight from washing to drying without taking clothes out, so the drying capacity will determine the size of my load. |
| Cycle times and energy use | Compare cycles designed for the same use, including duration and electricity consumption, as well as water consumption for the relevant washer-dryer cycle. The European Commission says that the label for washer-dryers sold in the EU includes information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. | If I dry clothes often or need them back quickly, I’ll check the figures for the cycle I’ll actually use, not just the energy class shown. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s manual to find out where the filters and water tank are, and whether there’s an option to drain the water. Make sure you’ll be able to reach them once the machine is installed. | I’d rather know in advance what I’ll need to do and whether the room layout will give me enough space to do it. |
| Air-drying on a clothes airer | Consider how much laundry you have and how much time you have to dry it. For indoor drying, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction. | For small loads, I could avoid adding another appliance if my home offers the right conditions for drying clothes. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the washing capacity
With a washer-dryer, a load that fits for washing may be too large to dry. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the two functions.
Check both capacities in kilograms for the exact model and size any load you want to wash and dry in one go according to its drying capacity.
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Choosing a vented model without an external duct
A vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a duct. Condenser models, as described by UFC-Que Choisir, do not.
If your home doesn’t have either option, focus your comparison on condenser tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
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Comparing figures for different cycles
The energy use shown for washing alone doesn’t tell you how much a washer-dryer uses for a wash-and-dry cycle. Compare the duration, water and electricity use for the function you’ll actually be using.
Check the label and product information for each model, and note the figures for the same type of cycle before comparing appliances.
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Forgetting to check access to parts that need maintenance
Filters and the water tank are part of the regular use of a tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir also looks at their maintenance as part of its testing process.
Find these parts in the manual and make sure doors, furniture and walls won’t block access to them.
Brands worth comparing
Bosch
The WQG24502FR is one freestanding heat pump tumble dryer to consider if you have room for a second machine.
- Bosch lists this model with an 8 kg capacity, dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm, a noise level of 61 dB(A), a self-cleaning condenser and a water drain hose.
- These specifications apply to the WQG24502FR. Check the details separately for any other Bosch model you’re considering.
Miele
The range includes freestanding heat pump tumble dryers. The TEA525WP 8kg Active is one example of a configuration worth comparing.
- Miele lists the TEA525WP 8kg Active with an 8 kg capacity, a condensed water container and an integrated kit for draining the water.
- Check the manual for your chosen model to find out where the filters are and what maintenance is needed. Don’t assume that every model in the range has the same features as this one.
Samsung
Samsung washer-dryers are worth considering when you need to fit washing and drying into a single machine.
- The Samsung France catalogue includes models with an 11 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity, as well as models with a 9 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity.
- These capacities aren’t interchangeable. Check the figures for the exact model and use its drying capacity to size a load you want to wash and dry in one go.
Freestanding tumble dryers on Joybuy
These are freestanding condenser or heat pump tumble dryers. They’re worth considering if you already have a washing machine and the space for a second appliance.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE — 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This freestanding model suits a space where you can fit an extra appliance without an external vent. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg. Check its dimensions and whether you can install the drain hose in your room.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare — 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
This freestanding condenser tumble dryer is an option if you have a separate space from your washing machine. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and listed dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm. Check that there’s enough room to access its water tank.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR — 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Its stated capacity of 8 kg is for a freestanding appliance that you’ll install in addition to your washing machine. Before choosing a spot for it, check its dimensions, access to the filters and how the condensed water is collected.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR — heat pump tumble dryer
This freestanding model needs extra space, but no external vent for drying. The capacity information lists both 8 kg and 10 kg, so check the capacity of the exact model before sizing your loads. Then check its dimensions and how the condensed water is managed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Yes, if you choose a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. UFC-Que Choisir says it doesn’t need to be connected to the outside. A vented model, on the other hand, needs an opening or access to a duct.
Why can’t a 9 kg + 6 kg washer-dryer dry 9 kg?
The two figures refer to different functions: 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you want to run both cycles without taking clothes out, keep the load within the model’s stated drying capacity.
Which figures should you compare on a washer-dryer label?
Compare the figures for the cycle you plan to use, including energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels of washer-dryers sold in the EU. Make sure you don’t confuse figures for washing alone with those for washing and drying.
Should you choose a heat pump model over a standard condenser tumble dryer?
According to UFC-Que Choisir, both types of condenser tumble dryer can work without an external connection. To compare two specific models, check the duration and energy use of equivalent cycles, then look at capacity, dimensions and maintenance.