If you regularly dry full loads and have a suitable space, consider a separate tumble dryer. If there’s no room for a second appliance in your flat, a washer-dryer combines both functions, although its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. A dehumidifier can be used alongside an indoor airer from time to time; it doesn’t replace airing your home or having suitable ventilation.
If you want to free up the room instead of leaving an airer up between washes, consider a separate tumble dryer. Check its capacity, the space needed to open the door and the installation requirements before choosing a model.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes with just one floor-standing appliance. However, compare its two capacities: the drying load may be smaller than the washing load.
If you can continue to air-dry your laundry, a dehumidifier can help when you do. ADEME points out that airing and ventilation help remove moisture from your home; a supplementary appliance alone won’t solve persistent damp.
Consider it: if you regularly dry full loads without having an airer taking up space in a living area.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set aside space for a dedicated appliance and arrange its installation.
Consider it: if you need one appliance to fit in your available floor space and handle both washing and drying.
Bear in mind: you may need to remove some of the washed laundry before drying it.
Consider it: if using an airer is still practical and you want to manage moisture in the room from time to time.
Bear in mind: your laundry will still take up space while it dries, and your home needs to be properly aired.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone drying | Compare the drying capacity, dimensions with the door open and energy label of the tumble dryer you’re considering. | When I do laundry often, I want to dry a load without leaving an airer in the living room. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise standalone drying. |
| Floor space | Measure the available space and check the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. | If I can’t fit a second appliance, I’d rather plan my loads around a single machine. Saving space would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Occasional air-drying | Check the dehumidifier’s tank or drainage system, and make sure your home is properly aired. | I can air-dry my laundry, but I’d like to remove moisture from the room from time to time without confusing this with ventilation. Around 25% of consumers would share this priority. |
For a washer-dryer with a stated capacity of 9/6 kg, such as the LG F964R71WRST, 9 kg refers to washing and 6 kg to drying. A full washing load won’t necessarily fit into a single drying cycle.
Compare both figures for the exact model and plan your loads according to its drying capacity.
Bosch says you should check that the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit are compatible. For its 00576101 kit, the washing machine must be more than 55 cm deep, and some models are excluded.
Note down the model numbers and check the manuals and the kit’s compatibility list before planning a stacked installation.
A dehumidifier can help when you’re drying laundry on an airer, but ADEME says mechanical ventilation continuously removes moisture. Simply leaving a window slightly open is less effective for airing a room.
Make sure your home is properly aired. If damp, mould or a ventilation problem persists, have your home assessed rather than treating a new appliance as the solution.
If you use a dehumidifier with its tank, you’ll need to empty it. Some models alert you when the tank is full, while others offer continuous drainage.
Choose the drainage option to suit where you’ll put the airer, and check the manual for instructions on connecting a hose, if applicable.
A brand to look at if you’re considering a separate tumble dryer, particularly if you’re thinking of stacking your appliances.
A brand to consider if you want one floor-standing appliance for both washing and drying.
A brand to look at for a supplementary dehumidifier to use near an indoor airer.
A brand to consider if keeping an eye on the tank is important when using a supplementary dehumidifier.
These appliances cover the three options we’ve looked at: a washer-dryer to save floor space, a separate tumble dryer for standalone drying, or a dehumidifier to use alongside an airer. Before choosing, compare the installation requirements and the capacity that will actually suit your laundry.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and dry with one machine. Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you may need to split a washed load. The product title mentions Zeo-Cycle, 27 programmes and app control; check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements.
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An option to compare if there isn’t room for a separate tumble dryer. The product title lists a washing capacity of 10 kg, a drying capacity of 6 kg and a D energy rating. Check the load capacity for the cycle you plan to use, as well as the noise level if the machine will be near a living area.
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Worth considering if you have space for an appliance that dries laundry separately from the washing machine. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, energy label and water drainage requirements for this model.
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Another dedicated appliance to consider if you do laundry regularly. The product title lists a D energy rating; compare the energy label for the exact model and check its size, noise level and installation requirements before buying.
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Use alongside an indoor airer when needed, but don’t treat it as a standalone tumble dryer. The product title lists a 2.8 L tank and a hose for continuous drainage. Its stated rate of 25 L/day is based on 95 °F and 90% relative humidity; also check how much space you’ll need around the appliance and make sure your home is properly aired.
Consider a separate tumble dryer if you can set aside a suitable space for it. Compare the drying capacity, dimensions, noise level and energy label for the exact model, and check its installation manual too.
No. You need to confirm that both appliances are compatible with the kit you’ve chosen. Bosch says its 00576101 kit requires a washing machine that is more than 55 cm deep, among other conditions, and excludes some models. Check the manuals before planning to stack your appliances.
No. A dehumidifier used near drying laundry doesn’t replace suitable ventilation. ADEME says mechanical ventilation continuously removes moisture. If the problem persists, have your home assessed rather than relying solely on a supplementary appliance.