The right choice depends first on the space available and how much laundry you need to dry: a washing machine with an effective spin cycle is suitable if you can still hang laundry to dry in a well-ventilated home, while a separate tumble dryer makes it easier to dry full loads regularly. A washer-dryer is mainly useful when space is limited, provided you adjust each load to its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity.
If your main aim is to reduce the time laundry spends on the airer without adding a second appliance, start by comparing the washing machine’s spin performance, noise levels and energy consumption. ADEME recommends choosing an A spin-drying efficiency class when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you dry laundry regularly and have space for it. Compare energy consumption, programme times, noise levels and maintenance requirements.
A washer-dryer can combine both functions in a single space. However, Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so managing each load is essential.
Choose this if: you can hang laundry to dry and want to reduce drying time without installing a second appliance.
Bear in mind: the airer will still take up space in the room, and your home’s air inlets and outlets must not be blocked.
Choose this if: you regularly dry full loads and have room for an additional appliance.
Bear in mind: a heat-pump tumble dryer can reduce energy consumption, but conventional condenser or vented models generally dry faster, according to Que Choisir.
Choose this if: installing two appliances is impossible and you are happy to adjust the amount of laundry you dry.
Bear in mind: the washing capacity and energy rating for washing alone must be compared separately from those for the wash-and-dry cycle.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle | Compare the spin-drying efficiency class, as well as the water and electricity figures shown on the label. ADEME recommends an A class if laundry needs to dry quickly indoors. | I want the washing machine to remove more water from my laundry, reducing the time it spends on the airer. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth, height, access route and door opening. Also check the installation and connection requirements in the model’s manual. | My home may not have room for two machines, so I need to make sure the appliance fits the actual space available. |
| Load to be dried | With a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the duration of the combined programme. | I want to avoid washing a full load and then having to remove part of it before drying. |
| Noise, energy and maintenance | Compare the noise level and reference consumption figures on the label. For a tumble dryer, check the filter and condenser maintenance required in the manual. | The appliance will be close to living areas, so I want to take everyday noise, energy consumption and maintenance time into account. |
The drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. A full wash load may therefore need to be split before drying.
Always compare both capacities and organise your laundry according to the amount that can actually be dried if you want to run washing and drying consecutively.
According to Que Choisir, heat-pump tumble dryers use less energy, while conventional condenser or vented appliances generally dry faster.
Before prioritising speed, compare the reference programme duration, energy label, noise level and volume of laundry dried.
An unstable appliance or one placed on an unsuitable stand may vibrate, become noisier or move during operation.
Measure the space and consult the installation diagram for your chosen model, particularly regarding water drainage, the electrical socket and the necessary clearances.
AEG states that a condenser blocked with fluff can increase energy consumption and damage the tumble dryer.
Clean the filter after every cycle and follow the inspection frequency for the condenser given in your appliance’s manual.
In France, Bosch offers heat-pump tumble dryers, including 8 and 9 kg models.
Miele offers, among other options, 8 kg T1 heat-pump tumble dryers, with installation possibilities varying by model.
In France, AEG sells heat-pump tumble dryers and heat-pump washer-dryers.
In France, Electrolux offers heat-pump washer-dryers, including a freestanding 10/6 kg model.
These Joybuy options cover the two approaches featured in this selection: separate tumble dryers for regular loads and washer-dryers that combine washing and drying in a single space.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for drying regular loads without relying on an indoor airer.
Advertised capacity of 8 kg, heat-pump technology, C energy rating, advertised noise level of 64 dB and 2-in-1 Easy Cleaning filter.
Allow space for a second appliance and check the dimensions, electrical connection, clearances and energy label before buying.
Image unavailable
This option is suitable if you want dedicated drying capacity and have room for a separate appliance.
Advertised capacity of 8 kg, advertised noise level of 66 dB(A), reversible door and advertised dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm.
An E energy rating is advertised: compare the energy label, the space required around the appliance and the management of condensed water according to the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for dedicated drying loads when you want to reduce your reliance on an indoor airer.
Advertised capacity of 8 kg, heat-pump technology, D energy rating, three drying levels, a double-layer filter and an advertised 30-minute quick cycle.
Check the dimensions, noise level, reference consumption figures and durations of the other programmes; the quick cycle does not indicate the duration of every drying programme.
Image unavailable
This washer-dryer combines both functions in a single space for homes without room for two appliances.
Advertised capacities of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, spin speed of 1 400 rpm, advertised noise level of 72 dB and dimensions of 60 × 85 × 60 cm.
The advertised wash-and-dry cycle lasts 7 h 32, and an 11 kg wash load cannot be dried completely in the same cycle.
Image unavailable
A 2-in-1 option to consider when the available depth is an important factor in a small home.
Advertised capacities of 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, spin speed of 1 400 rpm and advertised dimensions of 600 × 520 × 847 mm.
A full wash load may need to be reduced before drying; check the energy label, noise level, cycle durations and connection requirements in the manual.
No. The decree of 24 March 1982 provides for general, continuous ventilation of the home, at least during periods when windows must remain closed. This rule concerns ventilation in the home; do not block air inlets or extraction vents, as recommended by Agence Qualité Construction together with Institut national de la consommation.
AEG heat-pump tumble dryers are presented by the manufacturer as not requiring a venting system. Even so, check the manual for your chosen model, along with its dimensions, electrical connection, required ventilation space and condensed-water management.
The drying capacity is separate from and lower than the washing capacity. For example, the Electrolux EW9W1166RB is listed as 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying: adjust the load during washing or remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle.
Always follow the model’s manual first. AEG states that the fluff filter should be cleaned after every cycle and the condenser checked according to the specified instructions; a blocked condenser can increase consumption and damage the appliance.
Compare the energy label and the product information sheet for the exact model. ADEME explains that the label includes details such as the noise class, energy in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water per reference cycle; EPREL also lists the declared characteristics of models sold in the European Union.