People without a suitable space for drying
If you need to dry laundry in your living space, where you put the airer and how well the room is ventilated matter particularly. ADEME advises keeping ventilation openings clear.
Who are these options for?
Households that do several loads in a row
When you have several loads back to back, compare drying capacity and cycle times, not just washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that washer-dryer cycles can take longer than those of a separate tumble dryer.
People with room for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one space, provided its drying capacity suits the loads you need to handle. For example, LG lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for the F852SV52IRS model.
What should you compare?
Washing machine and airer
Consider this if: you can hang laundry in a suitable space and keep the room well ventilated.
Bear in mind: an airer avoids a mechanical drying cycle, but the laundry stays in the room and moisture needs to be removed.
Separate heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you often dry large loads and have a space that meets the requirements in the appliance instructions.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir generally finds that these use less electricity than older conventional condenser models, but their cycles can take longer.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you have room for only one appliance and the loads you expect to dry fit within the model’s drying capacity.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says the models reviewed have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity, and their cycles can take longer.
Conventional condenser or vented tumble dryer
Consider this: only if the installation and appliance specifications suit your home. A vented model needs a suitable outlet to the outside.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says these technologies generally dry clothes faster than heat pump models, but use more energy.
To choose between air-drying, a separate tumble dryer and a washer-dryer, start with the space you actually have, ventilation and how often you do laundry.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation and humidity | Find a spot that won’t block air inlets or outlets. Compare the spin efficiency listed for washing machines. | If I dry laundry in my living space, I want to be able to ventilate the room without blocking airflow. Around 31% of this group prioritise ventilation and managing humidity. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, door clearance and room needed to use the appliance, as set out in the instructions. If you rent, check whether any alterations require your landlord’s written permission. | When space is limited, I want to know whether an appliance or an open airer will fit without getting in the way. Around 25% of this group prioritise the space taken up and installation. |
| How often you do laundry | Compare drying capacity, the length of your chosen programme and which fabrics it can handle. With a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-and-dry cycle and a wash-only cycle. | If loads follow one another, I want to get the laundry and space free without having to wait too long before the next wash. Around 25% of this group prioritise being able to handle successive loads. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise levels and energy use of models using the same energy-label basis. Check the durability index where it applies to the washing machine you’re considering. | If an appliance is close to my living space, I want to compare its noise and running costs. Around 19% of this group prioritise noise and energy use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities
Drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity, so you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
Compare both capacities and the length of the wash-and-dry cycle with the loads you usually expect to do.
You may need to split a load, adding an extra step and making laundry take longer to organise.
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Assuming a compact airer will also solve the humidity problem
A folding design is easier to store, but it doesn’t replace the ventilation you need while your laundry dries.
Check how much space the airer takes up when opened and choose a spot that won’t block ventilation.
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Directly comparing energy labels from different generations
The European Commission says the revised tumble dryer label, graded from A to G, has applied since 1 July 2025. Older classes with “+” ratings can’t be compared directly with this scale.
Compare labels from the same generation and check energy use on a like-for-like cycle basis.
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Planning for a vented tumble dryer without a suitable outlet
A vented model needs an outlet to the outside. According to ANIL, alterations to a rented property or its equipment require the landlord’s written permission.
Check the requirements in the instructions and what your home can accommodate before choosing this type of installation. If the project involves alterations to a rented property, get the required written permission.
Brands to consider
Brabantia
HangOn tower airers are worth considering if you prefer air-drying and have space to leave your laundry hanging.
- Brabantia describes the HangOn 30-metre model as having four folding levels and folding flat for storage.
- These features don’t guarantee faster drying, and the airer doesn’t replace ventilation.
LG
LG washer-dryers are worth looking at if you need both functions in one space.
- For the F852SV52IRS, LG lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
- The drying capacity and dimensions apply to this specific model. Check the load you need to dry and the space required for installation.
Electrolux
Electrolux PerfectCare heat pump tumble dryers are worth comparing if a separate appliance suits your home.
- For the YW9HI837DC, Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity, a noise level of 60 dB and energy use of 73 kWh per 100 cycles.
- These stated figures apply to this model. Compare appliances on the same basis and check the installation requirements.
Bosch
Bosch Series 6 heat pump tumble dryers are worth considering if maintenance features and automatic drying are important to you.
- Bosch lists a self-cleaning condenser and Auto Dry function for the WQH246CBFR model.
- These features apply to this model and don’t remove the need to follow its installation and maintenance instructions.
Samsung
The range covered in the documentation includes heat pump tumble dryers, which you can compare by capacity and programme selection.
- Samsung documentation lists a 9 kg capacity for the DV90DG6845LK model.
- Check the manuals and drying guidance for this model to confirm how to use and maintain it.
Joybuy products for washing and drying
This selection brings together tumble dryers, air-drying solutions, a washing machine and a washer-dryer to help you organise washing and drying at home.
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LG RT10X8B heat pump tumble dryer, 10 kg, black, C rated
Worth considering if you want to machine-dry large loads at home.
Listed capacity of 10 kg and stated noise level of 62 dB. The TurboDry programme is stated to take 81 minutes, and the delay start can be set from 3 to 19 hours.
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Folding airer, 53 × 158 × 93 cm, white
Worth considering if you air-dry your laundry and can make room for the airer when it’s open.
The stated drying area is 16,6 m², and the stated folded thickness is 7 cm. Allow for its open dimensions and don’t block ventilation openings.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg, white, C rated
Worth comparing if you want a separate tumble dryer and its capacity suits the loads you expect to dry.
Listed capacity of 8 kg and stated noise level of 64 dB. The listed programmes include options for wool, delicate fabrics, sportswear and down-filled clothing; an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter is also specified.
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Comfee CF08EWP05W front-loading washing machine, 8 kg
Worth considering for the washing stage of a regular laundry routine, with drying handled separately.
Listed washing capacity of 8 kg and 16 programmes. The stated depth is 48 cm, and a function for adding laundry mid-cycle is listed.
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Roborock Zeo One washer-dryer, 10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity, grey
Worth considering if you need to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
Listed capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it. The self-cleaning LintClear system and automatic dosing are listed for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Is an airer enough for regularly drying laundry indoors?
It can be, if you have room to hang your laundry and can ventilate your home without blocking ventilation openings. Also compare your washing machine’s spin efficiency: an airer doesn’t remove moisture from the air.
Can you dry a whole load after washing it in a washer-dryer?
Not necessarily: check the model’s washing and drying capacities separately. LG lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for the F852SV52IRS, so you can’t assume that a full wash load can be dried in one go.
What maintenance does a tumble dryer need?
Follow the instructions for your model on cleaning the filters and handling collected water. UFC-Que Choisir’s assessment protocol includes filter and water tank maintenance, among other things. Even if a model is advertised with a self-cleaning condenser, you still need to follow the applicable maintenance instructions.
Which energy label should you look for on a new tumble dryer?
Since 1 July 2025, the European Union has used a revised A-to-G energy label for tumble dryers. Don’t directly compare an older class with “+” ratings against the new scale as though they were the same rating system.
Do you need permission to install a drying solution in a rented home?
According to ANIL, alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written permission. This applies to alterations and doesn’t mean you need permission to use a freestanding airer. For fixtures or changes to ventilation, check what your plans involve and get written permission if needed.