If you’ll continue to dry your washing on an airer indoors, start by comparing the spin efficiency of washing machines. If you regularly need to dry clothes without taking up room with an airer, consider a separate tumble dryer if you have the space. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer could be a good fit, provided its drying capacity suits the size of your usual loads.
If an airer is your usual solution, it’s worth checking the spin performance before focusing on drum capacity. The ADEME recommends looking at the spin efficiency class in particular if you need your washing to dry quickly indoors.
A separate tumble dryer frees up the space taken by an airer, as long as you have a suitable spot for it. For a condenser model, also check the room’s ventilation, along with the appliance’s stated capacity and energy consumption, as advised by UFC-Que Choisir.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, compare its washing and drying capacities separately: for example, the Electrolux EW7IW4176DG product specifications list 11 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying.
First decide whether you’ll dry clothes on an airer, use a tumble dryer regularly, or need one appliance to wash and dry them. Then check what your available space and usual loads will realistically allow.
Consider this if: you’re keeping your airer and don’t want to install a second appliance. The ADEME highlights the importance of spin efficiency for drying clothes indoors.
Bear in mind: your washing will still take up space while it dries.
Consider this if: you regularly dry loads and have a dedicated space for an appliance.
Bear in mind: alongside your washing machine, it adds requirements for space, ventilation and maintenance.
Consider this if: you can only install one appliance and don’t need to dry every large load completely.
Bear in mind: a load may exceed the appliance’s drying capacity, as shown by the separate capacities of the Electrolux EW7IW4176DG.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Spin performance | Check the washing machine’s spin efficiency class on its energy label. The ADEME recommends choosing class A if you need clothes to dry quickly indoors. Check that the programmes suit your fabrics. | I dry my washing indoors and want to choose a washing machine with the drying stage in mind. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space available, including the clearance needed. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities in kg. For a stacked set-up, check that the stacking kit is compatible with both model numbers. | I only have room for one appliance, or I’d like to stack two appliances without exceeding the space available. |
| Installation | Identify the tumble dryer’s technology and read its instructions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes condenser models, which don’t need an external vent, from vented models, which require a suitable outlet. Also consider the room’s ventilation. | There’s no provision for an external vent in my home, so the appliance type and installation requirements matter as much as its dimensions. |
| Energy label | Compare tumble dryers using the same generation of energy label, taking into account the programme and capacity shown. The Gifam explains that the label in force since 1 July 2025 uses an A to G scale and includes information such as the noise class and water recovery. | I want to compare energy use and noise without relying solely on a letter from an older rating scale. |
| Maintenance | Check the model-specific instructions for filters, the condenser and water management. For washing machines covered by the scheme in France, the durability index presented by the ADEME also provides information about reliability and repairability. | I want to know what regular maintenance the appliance needs and check how repairable it is before choosing. |
Its drying capacity may be lower: the Electrolux EW7IW4176DG is listed as 11 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying. Any load exceeding the latter will need to be split or dried another way.
Compare both capacities in kg with the amount of washing you want to dry in one go.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs to be vented outdoors, unlike a condenser model.
Check the exact technology and installation requirements in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
Installing a suitable outlet may add an extra requirement.
The Gifam says that tumble dryers have used an A to G label since 1 July 2025. An old A++ rating isn’t comparable with a rating on the new scale.
When comparing two appliances, check the label that applies to each one and the data for the stated programme, rather than looking at the letters alone.
Compatibility depends on the model numbers and the kit. For the stacking kit mentioned, Electrolux requires front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm and asks you to check compatibility using the PNC number.
Check that the kit is suitable for both appliances and measure the space, allowing for the necessary clearance.
You may need to buy a compatible kit as well as the appliances.
In France, Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8 and 9 kg. Check the specifications of the model you’re considering rather than relying on information about the range as a whole.
Electrolux models highlight two different things to check: the drying capacity of a washer-dryer and whether a stacking kit is compatible.
Miele offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers, including models with capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
These models include washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers for drying clothes at home. The capacities and technologies listed for each one don’t replace the need to check that it will fit your space and to read its instructions.
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This model combines washing and drying in one appliance, making it worth considering if you only have space for one. Its product title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so a load over 6 kg won’t dry completely in one go. Check the dimensions, clearance and connections required for your space.
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This separate tumble dryer is for households with space for a dedicated appliance, rather than a washer-dryer. Before comparing it with other models, check its capacity, dimensions, ventilation requirements and the information for its eco programme.
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This washer-dryer is worth considering if you only have room for one appliance. Its product title lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and 27 washing programmes. A load over 6 kg will need to be reduced before it can be dried completely in the appliance. Check the dimensions and installation requirements.
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This 8 kg model offers separate drying from your washing machine. Its product title lists an energy rating of D. To see how it might suit your home, also compare the model’s energy consumption, noise level and dimensions.
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This separate tumble dryer is described as an 8 kg condenser model with OptiSense. Don’t assume it uses heat pump technology: check the exact type, as well as the ventilation and water management instructions, in the manual.
Not for a condenser model, including a heat pump tumble dryer: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it can be installed without an external vent. A vented model, however, needs a suitable outlet. In both cases, check the instructions and make sure the room is properly ventilated.
Only if the load is within its drying capacity, which you should check separately from its washing capacity. The Electrolux specifications for the EW7IW4176DG list 11 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying. For loads over 7 kg, you’ll need to remove some clothes before starting the drying cycle.
Yes, if a stacking kit is explicitly compatible with both models and your available space. For the kit mentioned, Electrolux specifies a depth of 47 to 60 cm for front-loading appliances and asks you to check compatibility using the PNC number. These requirements don’t apply to every kit.
Check the label that applies to the model rather than looking at its rating letter alone. The Gifam says the A to G scale has applied since 1 July 2025, and the label includes information such as the maximum capacity for the eco programme, the noise class and water recovery. Don’t compare this scale directly with the old A++ or A+++ ratings.