If you can safely fit two appliances and regularly dry full loads, compare heat pump tumble dryers, checking their capacity and energy consumption. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer does away with the need for a second machine, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. You can still dry clothes on an airer in a properly ventilated room; a dehumidifier is no substitute for ventilation.
If you want to wash and then dry your clothes without installing a second appliance, consider a washer-dryer. Compare its drying capacity with its washing capacity: the two figures don’t refer to the same load, as Electrolux’s product information shows.
If you have room for two appliances, perhaps stacked using a compatible stacking kit, a separate tumble dryer is worth comparing. First check the usable capacity, dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
If your clothes need to dry indoors, being able to air the room or extract moist air is essential. ADEME highlights the moisture produced by drying clothes indoors; a faster spin cycle doesn’t remove the need to manage the air in the room.
Consider it if: you can set aside space for the appliance or confirm that stacking is compatible.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room for two machines. According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump models use less electricity than conventional condenser models, but you should still compare the appliances you’re considering.
Consider it if: you need one space to do both your washing and drying.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is generally lower than the washing capacity, Boulanger points out; a full wash load may need to be dried in two batches.
Consider it if: you’re keeping your washing machine and have a room you can properly air or ventilate.
Bear in mind: your clothes will take up space in the room and release moisture into it. A dehumidifier can help, but it’s no substitute for ventilation.
For a small home with no balcony, start by considering the space you have, how much laundry you need to dry and whether ventilation is possible. The criteria below can help you work out what matters most for your needs.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Measure the space, the door opening and the clearance needed. For a stacked set-up, check that both appliances and the kit are compatible. | In a studio flat, I want to move around without leaving an airer up, and I may only have room for one machine; around 29% of consumers put space at the top of their list. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity with your usual wash loads; for a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | When you do laundry regularly, having to remove clothes before drying makes things more complicated; drying the load you want in one go is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Indoor humidity | Check the room’s ventilation or extraction, and measure humidity if you regularly dry clothes there. | If my clothes dry in the living room, I want to stop moisture lingering; this is the main concern for around 24% of consumers. |
| Day-to-day practicalities | Compare energy consumption on a like-for-like basis, noise levels and the maintenance tasks set out in the instructions. | With the appliance close to my living space, I need to be comfortable with its cycles and able to maintain it regularly; around 18% of consumers put these practicalities first. |
A washer-dryer listed as 10/6 kg can wash up to 10 kg, but its stated drying capacity is 6 kg. Electrolux’s product information illustrates the difference.
Start with the load you want to dry in one go and check both capacities for the model you’re considering.
If your wash load is bigger than the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some clothes or run an extra drying cycle.
Matching widths alone don’t guarantee that a washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit will make a compatible stack. Electrolux advises checking the specific models compatible with its kit, for example.
Before planning the space, check the exact appliance pairing, their depths, the kit and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Removing moisture from the air won’t fix poor ventilation or a leak. ADEME stresses the need to remove moisture, while Qualitel recommends choosing measures based on the cause identified.
Measure the humidity and check the room’s ventilation and extraction. Then consider a dehumidifier as an additional measure if needed.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a lack of cleaning lengthened cycles and increased energy consumption in some of the appliances tested. The maintenance tasks required vary by model.
Before choosing, check the instructions to find out how to maintain the filters, water tank and, where necessary, the condenser.
The WQG24502FR is an example of Bosch’s heat pump tumble dryer range, for anyone considering a separate appliance.
Its washer-dryers and tumble dryers let you compare both an all-in-one appliance and a stack of two machines.
Two washer-dryers in different sizes show why it’s worth measuring your available space before choosing a capacity.
The D3H18C01W is a heat pump tumble dryer to consider if you have room for a separate appliance.
These washer-dryers and heat pump tumble dryers are options if you’d rather not leave clothes on an airer for long periods. A washer-dryer suits homes with space for only one appliance; a separate tumble dryer needs a suitable space and, for a stacked set-up, compatible appliances and a stacking kit.
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Worth considering if you only have space for one appliance and usually dry loads that fit within its 6 kg capacity.
Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you can’t assume a full wash load can be dried in one go.
Check the dimensions, noise level and energy consumption of the combined cycle to make sure it suits your set-up.
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Worth considering if you dry clothes regularly and can set aside space for a separate tumble dryer.
Its stated capacity is 8 kg; the product name gives its energy rating as C.
Measure the space and compare energy consumption per cycle before choosing. If you plan to stack it, make sure compatibility is confirmed.
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Worth comparing if you have space for a separate appliance and want to dry loads that fit its stated capacity.
The product title gives a capacity of 8 kg and an energy rating of D.
Check the dimensions, noise level and energy consumption per cycle to see how well it would work in your home.
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Only consider this if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and can confirm the usable capacity of this model.
The title lists a capacity of 10 kg, while the description says 8 kg: check which capacity applies before planning your laundry loads.
Also check the dimensions, required clearances and energy consumption per cycle.
Yes, if you can properly air the room or it has suitable extraction. ADEME recommends taking the moisture produced by laundry into account. If condensation or odours linger, measure the humidity and check the ventilation.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, conventional condenser models and heat pump models can work without an external air vent. However, you must still follow the instructions and observe the clearance and connection requirements for the model you choose.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity is generally lower than its washing capacity. For a model listed as 10/6 kg, compare your wash load with its 6 kg drying capacity and be prepared to remove some clothes if necessary.
Have the location and its electrical installation checked before choosing an appliance. Promotelec points out that sockets intended for appliances such as washing machines must comply with electrical safety zones; what’s possible will depend on the exact layout of the room.
No. A commercial warranty is optional and separate from your statutory rights. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years on a new or second-hand product sold by a business. Check what an extended warranty actually adds, including its duration and exclusions.