If you mainly dry your laundry indoors, start by looking at your washing machine’s spin cycle. Then choose between an airer, a washer-dryer and a tumble dryer based on the space you have and how much laundry you need to dry. A washer-dryer takes up the space of one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A separate tumble dryer needs more space, but gives you dedicated drying capacity. You could also consider a dehumidifier to manage moisture in the room, but it isn’t a substitute for a tumble dryer.
If it’s difficult to fit two appliances in your home, measure the available space and check there’s room to open the door. A washer-dryer avoids the need for a separate appliance, provided its drying capacity suits your laundry loads. UFC-Que Choisir notes that it’s lower than the washing capacity.
If your laundry regularly ends up on an airer, the spin cycle and the amount an appliance can dry matter just as much as cycle duration. When comparing tumble dryers, check the capacity and eco programme duration for the specific model, particularly in its EPREL product information sheet.
If you use an airer in an occupied room, consider the options for ventilation or extraction. The ADEME Q-WASH study highlights the moisture released indoors by laundry drying on an airer. A dehumidifier may be worth considering as an additional measure, but it doesn’t replace choosing a drying method.
First decide how your laundry will finish drying, then check the amount you can actually dry, the space available and the conditions in the room. The spin cycle is worth considering whichever method you choose.
Consider this if: you have a suitable place to hang your laundry and let it air.
Bear in mind: drying time depends on the room. The ADEME Q-WASH study highlights the moisture released indoors by laundry drying on an airer.
Consider this if: you don’t have room for two appliances and can tailor your laundry loads to the drying capacity.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and cycles can be long.
Consider this if: you regularly dry laundry and have room to install a dedicated appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow space for it and check the installation requirements. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented model needs an outlet to the outside.
| Your concern | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reducing drying time | Spin speed on the programmes you use; capacity and eco programme duration if you choose a tumble dryer. | When one load follows another, I want to avoid a damp load holding up the next one. Around 31% of consumers prioritise reducing drying time. |
| Making the most of available space | Dimensions and door clearance; separate washing and drying capacities on a two-in-one appliance. | In a home where it’s difficult to fit two appliances, I’m looking for a set-up that lets me get through my laundry without overestimating how much I can dry. Saving space comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Managing moisture from an airer | Ventilation or extraction options in the room; type of tumble dryer if you want to hang less laundry indoors. | If laundry dries in a room I use every day, I want to account for the moisture it adds. Around 25% of consumers put this concern ahead of others. |
| Managing use and maintenance | The model’s energy consumption and eco programme duration; the maintenance set out in its manual and the care labels on your clothes. | If I use a tumble dryer often, I want to compare its cycles and look after the fabrics that are suitable for it. Around 19% of consumers share this priority. |
If you dry clothes on an airer, ADEME recommends considering the spin cycle when choosing a washing machine. If you’re thinking about a tumble dryer instead, the product information sheet lets you compare capacity, eco programme duration and energy consumption per cycle. Don’t try to infer actual drying time from spin speed alone. A dehumidifier addresses a different issue: the humidity in the room. You’ll still need to decide where and how your laundry will dry.
With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry a full washing load in one go. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between washing capacity and the lower drying capacity.
Compare both figures for the exact model. If you want to wash and dry without removing any laundry in between, size your load to the drying capacity.
Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some of the load or run an extra drying cycle.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or an air duct, unlike a condenser model.
Check the location and installation requirements before comparing models. If there’s no suitable outlet, look at condenser tumble dryers.
Stacked appliances need to be stable, the right size and compatible with one another. UFC-Que Choisir says the tumble dryer should go on top of the washing machine, not the other way round.
Before choosing this space-saving option, check the manuals, make sure you have a suitable stacking kit and check the floor.
The ADEME Q-WASH study highlights the moisture released indoors by laundry drying on an airer. Managing the room’s humidity, however, is not the same as choosing drying capacity for your laundry.
First decide on the spin cycle, space for an airer or drying appliance. Then consider the room’s ventilation separately and whether an additional measure could be useful.
These examples of product ranges and models can help you identify features to compare. Always check the product information for the specific appliance.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer and want to compare the model’s condensation and maintenance features.
Worth considering if you’re comparing a washer-dryer with a separate tumble dryer from the same range.
Worth considering if programmes for different fabrics are among your priorities for a heat pump tumble dryer.
These appliances offer three ways to manage your laundry: wash and dry in one combined appliance, use a separate tumble dryer, or consider a washing machine’s spin cycle before drying your laundry separately. Compare each option with the space you have and the amount of laundry you need to dry.
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Worth considering if you’d rather wash and dry with one appliance than install two.
Stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product title lists 27 wash programmes, Zeo-Cycle and app control.
If you want to wash and dry without removing any laundry in between, keep the load within the drying capacity. Also check the dimensions and details of the cycle you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you have room for an appliance dedicated to drying regular laundry loads.
Stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating C, as indicated in the product name.
Before choosing, check that its dimensions suit the space you have and compare the eco programme duration and energy consumption with those of other models you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a dedicated drying capacity of 8 kg.
The product name lists energy rating D, a refresh mode and UV lighting, but makes no claims about their effect on laundry hygiene.
Check the dimensions, condensation efficiency and eco programme details to compare it on criteria relevant to your set-up.
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Worth considering if you plan to spin your laundry before drying it on an airer or in a separate appliance.
Washing capacity of 10 kg, as stated in the product name.
Check the spin speeds available for the fabric programmes you use. A washing machine doesn’t remove the need to plan how you’ll dry your laundry afterwards.
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Worth considering if you use a separate drying method and want to look at the spin cycle before hanging your laundry out.
The product name lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm.
This maximum speed may not apply to every programme. Check the settings suited to your fabrics and make sure you have space for them to dry.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. If there isn’t one where you plan to install it, consider a condenser model and follow the installation instructions in its manual.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare both figures for your chosen model; you may need to remove some laundry from a full washing load before drying it.
Start by comparing the capacity, eco programme duration and energy consumption listed for each model. The EPREL product information sheet may also include noise levels and condensation efficiency. Consider these details alongside the dimensions and installation requirements rather than focusing on just one feature.
Yes, provided the appliances and installation are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends putting the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine. Before you buy, check the manuals, dimensions, stacking kit and floor stability.