Homes with limited space for drying clothes
If your washing takes up living space for a long time, or there isn't room for two appliances, compare their dimensions with a washer-dryer's drying capacity. This may be lower than its washing capacity.
Who is it for?
Households that do several loads of washing
If you often dry large loads at home, a separate tumble dryer is worth considering, provided you have a suitable space and can meet its installation requirements.
Those mindful of noise and energy use
If the appliance will run near your living areas, compare noise levels as well as energy use and the duration of the cycle you plan to use. If you're buying a new washing machine in France, also check its sustainability index.
Which features should you prioritise?
If you mostly dry your washing at home, first choose an option that suits your space and how much washing you do. Then compare the figures that relate to how you plan to use it: washing, drying or a complete cycle on a washer-dryer.
Washing machine and indoor drying
Worth considering: if you have space to hang your washing and want to organise drying without a second appliance.
Bear in mind: spinning won't eliminate the need to hang your washing or manage moisture in your home.
Separate tumble dryer
Worth considering: if you regularly machine-dry loads and have room to install two appliances.
Bear in mind: you'll need to set aside a separate space and carry out the maintenance specified for your chosen model.
Washer-dryer
Worth considering: if you don't have room for two appliances and want to machine-wash and dry your clothes.
Bear in mind: you may not be able to dry a full washing load in one go.
| Factor | What to check | Who it's relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and the clearance required for installation. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities. | If two appliances or a permanent drying rack take up too much room, I prioritise a compact set-up, even if I need to adjust my load sizes. Around 31% of consumers put this need for space first. |
| Washing to hang out | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads, and check that your home's ventilation suits the way you plan to dry your clothes. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to reduce the amount of washing left to dry in the living areas. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and cycle duration | Check the energy use and duration of the cycle you'll use. For a washer-dryer, compare washing-only and wash-and-dry figures separately. | I need to know when my washing will be ready, rather than choosing based on the energy rating alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise managing energy use and cycle times. |
| Noise and durability | Compare the noise level for the mode shown on the product information. For eligible new washing machines in France, also check the sustainability index alongside the energy label. | In a small home or near living areas, I want to limit noise and be able to assess how durable the appliance is. Around 19% of consumers prioritise these aspects. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming washing and drying capacities are the same
With a washer-dryer, a full washing load may be larger than the amount it can dry in one cycle. For example, Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its EW9W1166RA model.
Size your washing loads according to how much you intend to machine-dry, or plan to remove some of the washing before drying.
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Choosing based on the energy rating alone
A letter on its own won't tell you how long a cycle takes, how much energy it uses or how noisy it is. According to the European Commission, tumble dryers have had to display the new A to G scale since 1 July 2025.
Compare the detailed figures for appliances in the same category, using the programme and settings you're interested in.
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Overlooking space and ventilation
An appliance that's suitable for your laundry load must also fit and work in the space available. Drying clothes indoors also means you need to consider how moisture will be removed.
Measure the space, check the installation requirements for your chosen model and make sure your home's ventilation is working properly.
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Overlooking the sustainability index for a new washing machine
Separate from the energy label, this index provides information on factors including reliability and repairability. According to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, displaying it has been mandatory for eligible washing machines sold in France since 8 April 2025.
Check the index for the model you're considering, as well as its maintenance information and spare parts availability.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer useful points of comparison. The capacities and features mentioned apply to the models specified, not every appliance made by each brand.
Bosch
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, with models offering capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
- Bosch lists the capacity and energy-use information for the models shown.
- Check the noise level, cycle duration and installation requirements for the specific model.
Electrolux
One option to compare if you're looking for a heat pump washer-dryer and space is limited.
- Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA model.
- Check the figures for washing and wash-and-dry cycles separately. These capacities don't apply to the whole range.
Miele
The product information for the 8 kg TSA523WP heat pump tumble dryer lets you compare several drying-related figures.
- Miele lists details including the Eco programme duration, noise level and energy use.
- When comparing models, use the figures in their product information rather than the benefits claimed by the manufacturer.
Indesit
The French range of freestanding heat pump tumble dryers includes models listed at 8, 9 and 10 kg.
- These capacities make it easier to identify models to consider based on how much washing you need to dry.
- Check the noise level, cycle duration, energy use and installation requirements in the detailed information for each model.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These models are separate tumble dryers, so consider them if you want to reduce the amount of washing you need to hang out and have a suitable space for an appliance. Their inclusion here doesn't replace comparing them with a washing machine alone or a washer-dryer, depending on your home.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg
Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry loads that suit its capacity.
8 kg condenser tumble dryer with propane refrigerant and OptiSense function, according to the product title. Check the model's product information for cycle duration, energy-use figures and the dimensions required for installation.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg
An option to compare if you'd rather dry your clothes in a separate appliance than hang them in your living areas.
8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, listed with a C energy rating. Check the model's energy label for energy use and Eco programme duration, then make sure its dimensions suit the space you have in mind.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg
Consider this model if its listed 8 kg capacity suits your loads and you have room for a separate tumble dryer.
Heat pump tumble dryer listed with a D energy rating. Compare its energy use, cycle duration and noise level on the energy label and in the model's product information. Check the dimensions before buying, too.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for on a washing machine's energy label if I dry my clothes indoors?
As well as the energy rating, check energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise level. The European Commission lists these figures for washing machines. Compare them with how often you do your washing, and check the spin performance stated for the model, too.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full washing load?
Not necessarily: compare the two capacities before planning a complete cycle without any intervention. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA, so a full washing load may need to be split before drying.
Which energy rating scale should I use to compare tumble dryers?
Compare labels using the same A to G scale, which the European Commission made mandatory for tumble dryers from 1 July 2025. Then look at weighted energy use, Eco programme duration, noise level and capacity, rather than the letter alone.
Does the sustainability index apply to new washing machines?
Yes, for eligible washing machines sold in France since 8 April 2025, according to the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition. This score out of 10 supplements the energy label with information on factors including reliability and repairability.
Does drying clothes in a rented home mean you have to choose a particular type of tumble dryer?
No: ventilation requirements for rented homes don't specify a particular type of tumble dryer. For a rented main residence, ANIL advises that openings and any ventilation systems must be in good condition. Check that they're working properly when arranging to dry your clothes indoors.