If you mainly dry your clothes on an airer, start by choosing a washing capacity that suits your needs and comparing spin efficiency. ADEME highlights how spinning can help clothes dry faster indoors. If you do laundry frequently, it may be worth considering a separate tumble dryer, provided you have the space and suitable installation. If space is limited, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity.
If you don’t want to add a large appliance, compare the washing machine’s capacity, spin efficiency and noise level. ADEME recommends considering the spin cycle when you need clothes to dry quickly indoors.
A separate tumble dryer can handle regular laundry loads. Before choosing one, check where it will go, its noise level, maintenance requirements and the electrical installation available. Stacking appliances requires compatible models and a compatible stacking kit.
A washer-dryer takes up the space of a single appliance. However, plan your loads around its drying capacity: the Miele WTW870WPM and Electrolux EW9W1165RB models are each listed by their manufacturers as drying 6 kg, despite washing capacities of 9 and 10 kg respectively.
First decide whether an airer suits your laundry routine, then check the available space and installation before comparing appliance specifications.
Worth considering: if you can leave your loads to dry indoors without adding another appliance.
Bear in mind: according to ADEME, spinning helps shorten drying time, but your clothes still need to stay on the airer until they are dry.
Worth considering: if regular laundry makes using an airer impractical and you can install a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll have another appliance to power and maintain. Stacking appliances requires confirmed compatibility.
Worth considering: if you only have room for one appliance and your loads for drying are within its stated capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to reduce a full washing load before drying it, as shown by the different capacities of the Miele and Electrolux models mentioned above.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drying time on an airer | Compare the spin efficiency class, noise during the spin cycle and a capacity suited to your loads. | If I’m keeping the airer, I want to put my clothes away sooner without installing a tumble dryer. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Available space | Check the dimensions and separate washing and drying capacities. For a stacked setup, confirm that the kit is compatible. | If two appliances won’t fit in my home, I want to wash and dry in a single space. This space-saving benefit is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cycles and energy use | Compare the capacity with your usual loads, as well as the water and energy use and duration listed for the relevant programmes. | With frequent small loads, I’d rather avoid an oversized drum and underfilled cycles. For around 21% of consumers, reducing these cycles and their energy use comes before other criteria. |
| Noise and installation | Check the noise level of each appliance, then check the location, socket and instructions in its manual. | If the appliance is near a living area, I want to use it without disruptive noise or having to improvise the connection. These considerations are a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. For example, Miele lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the WTW870WPM.
Compare both capacities for the exact model you’re considering, and plan your loads around its drying capacity.
ADEME advises choosing a capacity that suits your needs and avoiding underfilled drums. A large capacity won’t prevent underloaded cycles if you usually do small loads.
Start with your usual loads, then compare the capacity and the consumption figures for the programmes you plan to use.
Having enough floor space doesn’t necessarily mean a washing machine or tumble dryer can be installed there. Promotelec draws particular attention to the electrical supply for these appliances and the specific requirements for bathrooms.
Check the model’s manual, dimensions, socket and planned drainage. If electrical work is needed, ask a qualified professional to assess the installation.
A self-cleaning condenser doesn’t necessarily mean you can skip other maintenance. Bosch says the fluff filter on the relevant appliances should be cleaned after every use.
Read the maintenance instructions for the model you’re considering and make sure you can easily reach the parts that need cleaning in its planned location.
A brand to consider when comparing separate heat pump tumble dryers.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a washer-dryer for a small space.
A brand to consider when comparing washer-dryers or planning to stack two appliances.
This selection includes washer-dryers that combine washing and drying in one appliance, as well as separate tumble dryers to consider if your home has a suitable location and installation. Compare their capacities with the loads you actually need to dry.
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Combines washing and drying in one space, provided your loads for drying don’t exceed the stated 6 kg capacity. The product information lists a 10 kg washing capacity and Zeo-Cycle technology. Compare the full-cycle figures, noise level, dimensions and installation instructions before choosing.
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A separate drying appliance to consider if you have enough room for it. The product information lists an 8 kg capacity, energy rating C and a noise level of 64 dB. Check that this noise level is suitable for the planned location, along with the dimensions and installation instructions.
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Wash and dry with one appliance when there isn’t room for two. The product information lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and Zeo-Cycle technology. A full washing load may need to be reduced before drying. Also check the noise level, dimensions and full-cycle information.
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For drying household laundry in a separate appliance, provided you have a suitable location for it. The product information lists an 8 kg capacity and energy rating D. Check the energy use, noise level and cycle times for the programmes you’re interested in.
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A separate tumble dryer to consider if it’s suitable for your home. The title and one description list a 10 kg capacity, while another description states 8 kg. Confirm the capacity of this variant before planning your loads. Energy rating D is listed; also check the noise level, dimensions and energy use figures.
Not necessarily: compare the two capacities for the exact model. Miele lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the WTW870WPM, while Electrolux lists 10 kg and 6 kg for the EW9W1165RB. This means you may need to split a full washing load before drying it.
Before buying, check the power supply required for the appliance and your home’s existing setup. Promotelec lists dedicated circuits among the things to consider for washing machines and tumble dryers. If changes are needed, ask a qualified professional to assess the installation.
It depends on the location and its electrical protection, not just the available space. Promotelec highlights specific requirements for sockets in bathrooms. Have the planned position and installation checked before choosing a model.
This depends on the model and its installation instructions. Bosch lists a water drain hose for the WQG2450SFR. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out where the water needs to be collected or drained, and what connection is required.
Yes. Using an airer doesn’t remove the need to ventilate your home. Make sure ventilation is working properly where you dry your clothes. If damp remains a persistent problem, ask for your home to be assessed.