If you regularly dry large loads of laundry and have room for two appliances, consider a separate heat pump tumble dryer. Que Choisir says these generally use less energy than conventional condenser models, which often dry clothes faster. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer avoids the need for a second machine, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. Stacking appliances requires enough vertical space and a compatible stacking kit.
If you want to avoid leaving sheets and towels to dry around your flat, compare the drying capacity of a separate appliance with the size of your usual loads. A washer-dryer’s washing capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much laundry it can dry in one go.
If you can’t fit two appliances side by side, a washer-dryer takes up just one space. Stacking appliances can also save floor space, provided you have enough height and have checked that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible.
It’s worth comparing energy use and cycle times across the programmes on the models you’re considering. According to Que Choisir, heat pump tumble dryers generally use less energy than conventional condenser models, but the latter often dry clothes faster.
Start by checking the available space and installation requirements, then consider how much laundry you need to dry in one go. Next, compare energy use and cycle times for the models that are suitable for your home.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Damp laundry in the home | Check the capacity you need to reduce the amount of laundry left on the airer, and make sure the room is ventilated as required. For laundry dried indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated space or a room with mechanical ventilation (VMC). | When laundry takes a long time to dry in my living space, I want to reduce the amount of it without neglecting ventilation. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Available space | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. If stacking appliances, also check that the kit is compatible with both model numbers. | If I only have room for one appliance, I want to fit in both washing and drying without placing two machines side by side. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this lack of space. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Compare drying capacities in kg. For a washer-dryer, check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. | If I do large or frequent loads, I’d rather avoid having to split them before drying. Around 21% of consumers put actual drying capacity first. |
| Energy use and cycle time | For the exact models you’re considering, compare the stated energy use and Eco programme duration, along with the capacity these figures apply to. | When I dry laundry regularly, I need to balance electricity use against waiting time. For around 14% of consumers, this trade-off takes priority over other criteria. |
The LG F964R35WR and Whirlpool BIWDWG961485FR are listed with a 9 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg drying capacity. A full 9 kg wash load may therefore need to be split before drying.
Compare both capacities for the model you choose and consider how much laundry you want to dry in one go.
Stacking kits have specific compatibility requirements. For example, Electrolux’s E4YHMKP2 kit is designed for Electrolux appliances that are 60 cm wide and 54–60 cm deep; this doesn’t mean it’s suitable for other combinations.
Check the model numbers and dimensions of both appliances, then confirm which kit the manufacturer recommends in the product documentation before buying.
Que Choisir says heat pump tumble dryers generally use less energy than conventional condenser models, while the latter often dry clothes faster. However, cycle times depend on the specific models and programmes being compared.
Check the Eco cycle time and stated energy use for the exact model, taking into account how often you dry laundry.
Reducing the amount of laundry drying in a room won’t identify the cause of persistent condensation or mould. ADEME highlights the moisture released into the home when laundry is air-dried indoors, as well as the importance of ventilation.
If damp or mould persists, get the problem investigated separately from your choice of appliance.
The WQG1420DFR is a useful example of the features to compare in a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
The TEA525WP offers another heat pump tumble dryer capacity to consider, along with the requirements for stacking appliances.
The F964R35WR washer-dryer is an example of an all-in-one appliance to consider when you only have room for one machine.
The BIWDWG961485FR is a built-in washer-dryer to consider if you have a suitable cabinet space.
The range of washer-dryers lets you compare different washing capacities with a separate drying capacity.
These models include washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers, including heat pump models. Compare their drying capacities and installation requirements against the space you have available. If you plan to stack appliances, you’ll need to check compatibility separately.
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A single appliance for washing and drying when there isn’t room for a second machine.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check whether you’d need to split your usual loads before drying, and make sure you have the required space and connections for installation.
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A separate tumble dryer to consider if you have a dedicated space and want to dry loads up to the stated capacity.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Measure the space and check the manual for the required clearances. Also compare energy use and programme times for the exact model.
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This all-in-one format is worth considering if a separate tumble dryer would take up too much space.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full wash load may need to be split before drying. Also check the dimensions and programme specifications.
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A separate appliance to consider if you can make room for it and want to compare heat pump tumble dryers.
The stated capacity for this variant differs between 8 and 10 kg. Check the specification sheet to confirm the figure before comparing it with your usual loads. Also check the dimensions and programme times.
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A separate tumble dryer to compare if you have a dedicated space, rather than just one spot for washing and drying.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the model specifications to see whether it uses a heat pump or conventional condenser technology before comparing its energy use and programme times.
No. According to Que Choisir, neither conventional condenser tumble dryers nor heat pump models need to be connected to an external air vent. However, check the manual for the model’s placement, power supply, condensate management and room ventilation requirements.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, LG and Whirlpool list models with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. A 9 kg wash load may therefore need to be split before drying, depending on the programme and the manual.
No. Stacking must be approved for the specific models and stacking kit. For example, the Electrolux E4YHMKP2 kit is listed for Electrolux appliances that are 60 cm wide and 54–60 cm deep. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before choosing a different combination.
Compare the stated energy use and Eco programme duration for specific models, checking their drying capacities too. The tumble dryer’s energy label and product specifications provide a basis for comparison, but they don’t tell you the duration of every other programme.
No. Buying a tumble dryer won’t, by itself, identify or solve the cause of mould. ADEME highlights how much moisture air-drying laundry can add to indoor air. If damp persists, have your home checked separately from your choice of appliance.