Tenant with space for only one appliance
If you can’t install two appliances, compare the drying capacity of washer-dryers with the size of your usual loads. Also measure the space needed to open the door and load your laundry.
Who are these options for?
Household that regularly dries full loads
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you want to avoid splitting your laundry loads regularly and can set aside a suitable space with the right electrical connection.
Someone who keeps a drying rack
If you mostly air-dry your laundry indoors, the washing machine’s spin efficiency class matters more than its maximum spin speed alone. ADEME recommends choosing class A to speed up indoor drying.
Which factors should you prioritise?
Separate tumble dryer
Consider this if: you regularly dry full loads and can install a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make room for it and follow the care instructions for your chosen model.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity, so you may need to remove some laundry before drying.
Spin cycle and drying rack
Consider this if: you already have space to dry laundry indoors and don’t want to add another appliance.
Bear in mind: an efficient spin cycle doesn’t replace hanging your laundry out to dry or ventilating your home.
To weigh up these options, first check how much space you have, then consider how much laundry you need to dry at a time. The needs below apply to consumers looking for an everyday drying solution in a flat without practical outdoor space.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Load to be dried | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual load, without confusing it with the washing capacity. Also check the duration of the combined cycle. | When my washing machine is often full, I want to avoid removing laundry before drying; around 36% of consumers prioritise full loads. |
| Space required | Measure the space available and the depth with the door open. Check the connections required for your chosen model. | If I only have room for one appliance, being able to fit and use it there matters more than load size; space is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Air-drying | Check the spin efficiency class and choose a washing capacity that suits your laundry loads. | I’m keeping a drying rack, but I’d like my laundry to spend less time on it; around 21% of consumers put spin efficiency at the top of their list. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the manual for information about the power supply, cleaning and handling condensed water, as applicable to the appliance. | I want to use the appliance without discovering later that it has difficult connection or cleaning requirements; this is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the washing capacity is the same as the drying capacity
A washer-dryer may have two different maximum capacities. For example, LG lists 8.5 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the F852SV52IRS. So an 8.5 kg load can’t be dried all at once in this model.
Start with the amount of laundry you want to dry, then compare it with the drying capacity listed for each model.
If a load is too large for drying, you’ll need to split it or hang some of it out to dry, which takes extra time.
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an outdoor outlet
The European Commission states that a vented tumble dryer must expel moist air outdoors. You can’t assume this connection will be possible in a flat.
If you don’t have a suitable outdoor outlet, compare condenser or heat-pump dryers instead, and check how your chosen model collects or drains water.
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Relying only on the washing machine’s rpm
Maximum spin speed doesn’t tell you everything about spin efficiency. For laundry hung indoors, ADEME recommends choosing spin efficiency class A.
Check the class on the energy label, then compare capacity, programme duration, energy consumption and noise levels for the way you plan to use the appliance.
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Planning to use an extension lead for a large appliance
Promotelec recommends connecting washing machines and tumble dryers directly to a dedicated circuit rather than plugging them into an extension lead.
Check the required power supply before choosing where to put the appliance. In a bathroom, also have the electrical arrangements and location checked if you’re unsure whether they meet requirements.
Brands to consider for your needs
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer and comparing features for managing water and the condenser.
- Bosch describes the WRB247C0FR as a 9 kg model with a self-cleaning condenser and a supplied water drainage hose.
- These features apply to the WRB247C0FR. Check the installation and maintenance requirements for the specific model you choose.
LG
A brand to consider when the drying capacity and depth of a washer-dryer are key factors in your choice.
- LG lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg, a drying capacity of 5 kg and an appliance depth of 47.5 cm for the F852SV52IRS.
- Its depth with the door open is 101.5 cm. Check the space needed for loading, and don’t assume these dimensions apply to other LG models.
Miele
An option to compare if you’re looking for a compact washer-dryer and only have room for one appliance.
- Miele lists washing and drying capacities of 8 kg and 5 kg respectively for the smallest compact washer-dryer in its range.
- The drying capacity still needs to be compared with your actual loads; this range information doesn’t describe every Miele washer-dryer.
Beko
A brand to consider if you want to understand what’s involved in using a heat-pump tumble dryer without an external air vent.
- Beko describes its heat-pump tumble dryers as operating on a closed-loop system.
- The brand notes that this technology can mean longer drying times and more frequent maintenance. Check the manual and specifications for the model you’re considering.
Washer-dryers available on Joybuy
These washer-dryers combine washing and drying in one appliance, making them worth comparing if you don’t have room for a separate tumble dryer. For each model, start with the drying capacity rather than the washing capacity, and check the dimensions and installation requirements before ordering.
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Roborock Zeo One White — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying
Worth considering if you want to wash and dry with one appliance and your drying loads don’t exceed the stated 6 kg capacity.
The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle drying, the LintClear system and automatic dosing. A 10 kg wash load would need to be split for drying. Also check the dimensions, cycle duration and installation instructions for this model.
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Roborock Zeo Lite white — 10 kg washing, 6 kg drying
This washer-dryer could suit you if you need one appliance and a 6 kg drying capacity is right for your usual laundry loads.
The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, app control and the LintClear system. Don’t mistake the 10 kg washing capacity for the amount that can be dried at once. Check the dimensions, cycle duration and installation instructions before choosing.
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CHiQ JW85882HG dark grey — 8 kg washing, 5 kg drying
This model combines both functions in one appliance, provided a maximum drying load of 5 kg suits your needs.
The product name lists a 530 mm drum, a 1,400 rpm spin speed and a steam function. An 8 kg wash load can’t be dried all at once, so confirm the overall dimensions and required clearance before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a vented tumble dryer without an outdoor outlet?
No, unless you can connect a vent to the outside in accordance with the manual. The European Commission states that vented appliances expel moist air outdoors. If this connection isn’t possible, compare a condenser or heat-pump dryer and check how it handles water.
Can you dry a full wash load in an 8 kg/5 kg washer-dryer?
Not if the load weighs 8 kg: the stated drying limit is 5 kg. Remove some of the laundry or split it into separate drying loads, following the instructions for your chosen model.
What maintenance does a tumble dryer need?
Follow the instructions for your exact model, particularly for cleaning the filters and collecting water. In its cleaning guidance, LG says to remove fluff from the filters and put them back correctly. A self-cleaning condenser on some models doesn’t mean that all maintenance is unnecessary.
Can you plug a washing machine or tumble dryer into an extension lead?
Promotelec recommends against doing so, advising that these large appliances should be connected directly to a dedicated circuit to reduce the risk of overloading and overheating. Have the available power supply checked if you’re considering a new location.
Is an efficient spin cycle enough to dry laundry indoors?
No. It can reduce the amount of water left in your laundry, but you’ll still need to dry it on a rack or in a suitable appliance. ADEME recommends spin efficiency class A when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors. Also make sure your home is ventilated as required.