If you have a well-ventilated space to hang your washing and can wait for it to dry, start by checking the washing machine’s spin efficiency. A separate tumble dryer is better suited to frequent washing if you have room for one. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. In every case, check the appliance’s dimensions, how it handles water and the installation instructions for your chosen model.
If you’re considering a washer-dryer, measure the entire space and compare its drying capacity with the size of your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you have room for a separate tumble dryer, compare its capacity with your usual laundry loads. Remember that you’ll need to transfer the washing after the wash cycle and maintain the appliance as instructed in its manual.
If you continue to dry your washing indoors, spin efficiency and ventilation deserve your attention. ADEME recommends choosing a washing machine with an A-rated spin-drying efficiency class when you need your washing to dry quickly indoors.
Choose this if: you have a well-ventilated space to hang your washing and can wait for it to dry.
Be prepared for: your washing to take up space on the airer while it dries, even after an efficient spin cycle.
Choose this if: you often dry loads in a machine and have room for an extra appliance.
Be prepared for: transferring your washing after the wash cycle and maintaining the appliance as instructed in its manual.
Choose this if: there’s no room for two appliances in your home and your loads fit within the model’s drying capacity.
Be prepared for: the drying capacity to be lower than the washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space, allowing for the clearances specified in the manual. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. | When there’s no room for two machines in my home, I want one appliance to wash and dry my clothes without having to split every load. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this space-saving benefit. |
| How often you do laundry | Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your usual loads and check how long the programmes you plan to use take. | When I do laundry frequently, I need dry clothes without leaving loads waiting. Drying capacity would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare consumption figures using the same reference basis. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a wash-and-dry cycle. | If I regularly dry clothes in a machine, I want to know how much electricity this will use before I choose. Around 21% of consumers would put energy efficiency first. |
| Drying on an airer | Check the washing machine’s spin-drying efficiency class and make sure the airer does not block ventilation in your home. | I want to keep using my airer but have my washing come out less wet. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this. |
UFC-Que Choisir highlights that its drying capacity is lower. This means a full washing load may need to be reduced before drying.
If you want to run both functions without removing any washing, size your usual load according to the drying capacity shown in kg.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct.
Check the room layout and the manual before buying. If there’s no suitable external vent, consider a condenser tumble dryer instead.
Electrolux advises cleaning the filter after every cycle on applicable appliances, so easy access to the parts that need maintaining matters in day-to-day use.
Before choosing a model, find the filter and check its manual for any maintenance required for the condenser, if it has an accessible one.
Bosch’s range includes 8 and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
Electrolux’s range includes the EW9W1166RA heat pump washer-dryer, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Miele’s official range includes 7, 8 and 9 kg tumble dryers.
These appliances cover the three options discussed here: drying in a separate tumble dryer, combining washing and drying in one appliance, or spinning your washing before drying it elsewhere. If you choose a washing machine only, you’ll still need an airer or another way to dry your clothes.
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Worth considering if you have room to dry loads in a machine after washing.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: C. Compare the energy consumption and programme times with your needs, then check the dimensions and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and dry with one appliance because there’s no room for two machines.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. To run both cycles without removing any washing, stick to the drying capacity. Also check the programme times and dimensions before installation.
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Another option for machine-drying your laundry if you have room for a separate appliance.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: D. Check the energy consumption, programme times and installation instructions to see how well it suits your laundry routine.
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Worth considering if you plan to spin your washing before drying it on an airer; this washing machine does not dry clothes.
The model name indicates an 8 kg capacity and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm. If quick drying on an airer is important to you, also compare its spin-drying efficiency class: ADEME recommends choosing class A for this purpose.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and spin your clothes before drying them on an airer or in a separate appliance.
The model name indicates a 9 kg capacity and a maximum spin speed of 1,600 rpm. Spin speed alone is not a substitute for the spin-drying efficiency class. Check the label if this is an important factor in your decision, and consult the manual to make sure it will fit in your chosen space.
No, not if it’s a condenser model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it’s vented tumble dryers that need an opening to the outside or access to a duct. However, check the manual for guidance on handling condensed water, clearance and installation requirements.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. To run both cycles without removing any washing, make sure you don’t exceed the drying capacity of your chosen model.
The filter needs regular attention. For appliances covered by its guidance, Electrolux advises cleaning it after every cycle. Check your model’s manual to find out how to access the filter and whether the condenser needs maintenance.
No. A drying appliance or an efficient spin cycle is no substitute for ventilating your home. Don’t block air inlets or outlets, and if you have a ventilation problem, ask a suitably qualified professional to inspect the system.