If you do laundry frequently, a heat pump tumble dryer could be a good fit if you have the space and can work around longer cycles. Compare capacity, drying times and the energy label. A washer-dryer saves you from needing a second appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and its programmes are generally longer, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A clothes airer is another option if your space, timescales and ability to manage moisture in your home allow for it – an issue also highlighted by ADEME.
If you often dry several loads, you’ll need to consider capacity, how cycles fit together and energy consumption. UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission offer guidance to help you compare these criteria.
If there’s no room for a second appliance, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying. However, its drying capacity may limit how much laundry it can process without you removing some items. UFC-Que Choisir outlines this trade-off.
If you use a clothes airer, allow for the space it takes up and bear in mind the moisture released into your home. ADEME highlights the importance of ventilation to remove moisture.
Worth considering: if you dry clothes often, have room for a separate appliance and can compare capacities and programme times.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir generally finds these use less energy than conventional condenser models, while the latter often dry clothes more quickly.
Worth considering: if shorter cycles matter to you and a suitable model is available.
Check: compare the energy consumption and current A–G label for the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir says these models generally use more energy than heat pump models.
Worth considering: if you can’t install two appliances and are happy to adjust the load for drying.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity and programmes are generally longer.
Worth considering: if your timescales and available space allow you to dry laundry without an additional appliance.
Bear in mind: clothes release moisture into your home. ADEME recommends ventilation that continuously removes moisture.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use when drying frequently | Compare the technology, capacity and kWh per 100 cycles shown on the tumble dryer’s current energy label. | If I dry clothes often, I want to limit electricity use without losing sight of cycle times; around 33% of consumers prioritise electricity consumption. |
| Available space | Check the dimensions, door opening and filter access. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities. | If I can’t set aside space for a second appliance, I’ll see whether a washer-dryer suits my home; around 27% of consumers make space their priority. |
| Fitting laundry loads in one after another | Check the drying capacity and the length of the relevant programme. For a washer-dryer, see whether the load can be dried without any intervention. | When loads follow one another, I want to know whether the clothes will be dry in time for the next load; around 27% of consumers prioritise fitting cycles together. |
| Drying without an appliance | Consider the space needed for a clothes airer, how long you’re happy to wait and the room’s ventilation. | If I’d rather not add another machine, I’ll check that I can dry clothes without the room being taken over for too long, and manage the moisture; around 13% of consumers prioritise this option. |
The energy rating scale for tumble dryers has changed to A–G. Old ratings cannot be compared like for like with those on the new scale.
To compare tumble dryers sold today, check their A–G labels and look in particular at kWh per 100 cycles and stated capacity. The European Commission says this scale has been displayed in shops and online since 1 July 2025.
Drying capacity is generally lower, so a full load of washed laundry may be more than the appliance can dry in one cycle.
Check both capacities separately, as well as the full cycle time for the model you’re considering.
UFC-Que Choisir says these models generally dry clothes more quickly, but use more energy than heat pump models.
Compare the stated cycle times and energy consumption for specific models, as well as their current energy labels.
A clothes airer takes up space, and drying clothes indoors releases moisture into your home. ADEME highlights the role of ventilation in removing it.
Plan where you’ll put the laundry and check that the room is properly ventilated.
The WQG245A0FR is an example of a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
The F964X71WSTA is an example of a washer-dryer for homes with room for only one appliance.
The FFT CM11 8XB FR is an example of a conventional condenser tumble dryer.
The B5T48243W is worth comparing if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
Options for drying laundry regularly at home: condenser or heat pump tumble dryers, as well as a washer-dryer when space is limited.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer for regular loads.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. The description mentions OptiSense, a water tank and dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer for regular laundry loads.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. The description mentions a 2-in-1 Easy Cleaning filter, a delay start and the option of direct connection to a drain.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer for regular loads.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. The title mentions a UV light, a Refresh programme, rapid drying and an LED display.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
The title mentions a UV light, a Refresh programme and rapid drying.
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Worth considering if you need to combine washing and drying in a single appliance.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If the load is heavier than the drying capacity, you may need to remove some items before drying.
To compare current models, check the European A–G label, which has been displayed in shops and online since 1 July 2025, as well as the product information sheet. The European Commission says that a repairability scale will become mandatory on the labels of tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 January 2027.
A vented tumble dryer expels damp air outside and needs an external vent. A condenser model, with or without a heat pump, doesn’t need one: water is collected in a tank or, if the model and its installation allow, drained away. Check the manual for your chosen model for details of the connections and clearances required.
Yes, as long as the load is within the drying capacity too, which is generally lower than the washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some items or plan another way to dry them. Check the appliance’s washing and drying capacities and water consumption information separately.
Follow the model’s manual for guidance on the filters, water tank if used, and access to the condenser. Bosch lists a self-cleaning condenser for the WQG245A0FR. This doesn’t mean the appliance or its other parts are maintenance-free.
Air-drying clothes releases moisture into your home. If you choose this approach, consider the room’s ventilation and the moisture levels you notice. ADEME says mechanical ventilation continuously removes moisture from the home.