Households that do several loads in quick succession
If you need to free up space quickly between loads, compare the amount of laundry each model can actually dry and whether you can install a separate appliance.
If you do several loads of washing in quick succession and have enough space, compare standalone tumble dryers by capacity, dimensions and energy label. If you only have room for one appliance, check the washing and drying capacities separately on a washer-dryer. When air-drying laundry, spin speed and ventilation matter too. A dehumidifier can complement your setup, but its stated extraction rate won’t guarantee the same results in every home.
If you need to free up space quickly between loads, compare the amount of laundry each model can actually dry and whether you can install a separate appliance.
If you can’t add a second machine, check the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer, or the spin performance of your existing washing machine.
If you can air-dry your laundry, make room for the airer and ensure the room is ventilated. The ADEME notes that air-drying laundry adds moisture to the air indoors.
Start with the biggest constraint in your home: doing several loads in succession, available space, room humidity or appliance energy consumption.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and laundry routine | The exact model’s drying capacity; the duration and load limit of the programme you choose. | When I’m doing several loads in succession, I want to free up the airer quickly, without assuming I can dry a whole washed load at once. Around 33% of consumers prioritise capacity and being able to get through several loads. |
| Space and installation | The appliance’s dimensions and required clearance; how much space the airer takes up when open. | If I only have room for one appliance, I check that the machine or airer will fit where I plan to use it. Around 25% of consumers put available space first. |
| Humidity while air-drying | Whether you can air the room and how its ventilation works; the conditions behind a dehumidifier’s stated extraction rate. | When I dry laundry indoors, I want to plan how to ventilate the room and understand what a dehumidifier can do as an extra. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and how you’ll use it | The current energy label for a tumble dryer; a dehumidifier’s power rating and expected running time. | If the appliance will be used regularly, I compare its energy use based on how I plan to use it. Around 17% of consumers prioritise energy consumption. |
A washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities can differ. The LG F964R35WR is listed as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Before choosing a model, compare its drying capacity with the size of your usual loads.
You may need to split a load, adjust your routine or run extra cycles.
The De’Longhi DEX210SF’s stated rate of 10 l/24 h is measured at 30 °C and 80% relative humidity. Conditions in your room may be different.
Check the test conditions, power rating, tank capacity and drainage options, and make sure the room is properly ventilated.
Running time and how often you need to empty the tank can affect how you use it.
When open, the Leifheit Pegasus Family 18 m measures 87 × 157 × 66 cm. As the ADEME notes, air-drying laundry also adds moisture to the air indoors.
Measure the space the airer takes up when open and make sure the room can be ventilated properly.
The airer takes up space for the entire drying time.
The European Commission says the A to G scale has applied to tumble dryer energy labels since 1 July 2025. The old A+++ to D scale was used until 30 June 2025.
When comparing models, check the applicable labels and compare energy-use figures on the same basis.
Worth considering for a standalone tumble dryer or a washing machine with stated spin performance.
Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
Worth considering for a dehumidifier to use alongside an airer.
Worth considering for a freestanding airer, as long as you have enough room to open it out.
Worth considering among domestic dehumidifiers. Check the installation requirements for the exact model.
This selection includes standalone tumble dryers, a washer-dryer, a dehumidifier to consider alongside an airer, and a non-electric drying solution.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate appliance to dry loads regularly.
Heat pump; stated capacity of 8 kg; white finish.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a standalone tumble dryer and want to compare its programmes with your drying needs.
Heat pump; stated capacity of 8 kg; D energy rating. The appliance contains flammable R290. Follow the installation instructions: use a ventilated room of at least 4 m², a 220–240 V earthed socket and no extension lead. Don’t dry items contaminated with flammable substances.
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Worth considering alongside an airer if you also want to manage the room’s humidity. A dehumidifier doesn’t replace ventilation.
The stated extraction capacity is 16 l/day at 35 °C and 90% relative humidity. Check the tank, drainage and power rating for your intended use: these test conditions don’t guarantee the same extraction rate in your home.
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Worth considering if you only have room for one appliance for washing and drying.
Stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; D energy rating. Bear this difference in mind when planning your loads.
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Worth considering if you prefer to air-dry your laundry and can make room for it.
Dimensions when open: 53 × 158 × 93 cm. Air-drying laundry adds moisture to the air indoors, so make sure the room is ventilated.
No. Make sure you have separate ventilation in place. The ADEME recommends airing rooms regularly and says mechanical ventilation removes moisture continuously. A laundry function on an appliance doesn’t mean it can replace ventilation.
Check the figure alongside its measurement conditions. De’Longhi states that the DEX210SF can extract 10 l/24 h at 30 °C and 80% relative humidity. Also check the tank, drainage and power rating, as the extraction rate can vary depending on how the appliance is used.
Measure the space where you’ll use it and check the instructions for your chosen model. For example, the Leifheit airer mentioned above measures 87 × 157 × 66 cm when open, while the Bosch tumble dryer measures 842 × 598 × 613 mm. These dimensions don’t apply to every model in either range.
Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryers must display the A to G scale in shops and online, according to the European Commission. The old A+++ to D scale applied until 30 June 2025 and is no longer the current label.
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under it. A commercial guarantee doesn’t replace this legal guarantee.