If you often dry large loads and have room for a dedicated appliance, consider a heat pump tumble dryer, checking its installation requirements and capacity first. A washer-dryer is a better fit if you don’t have space for two appliances, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For occasional laundry, an airer may be enough if you have a suitable, well-ventilated room.
If clothes, towels and bedding regularly pile up on the airer, it’s worth considering a dedicated tumble dryer. First, check the space available, the installation requirements and the maintenance involved for the model you’re considering.
A washer-dryer can save space, provided you choose one based on its wash-and-dry capacity. For example, Bosch lists a 6 kg capacity for the combined cycle of the WNG24400FR, compared with 9 kg for washing alone.
If you only do laundry occasionally, improving the position of your airer may be enough. Ventilation is still essential: ADEME highlights that air-drying laundry releases a lot of moisture into the air indoors.
Start with the room where you’ll dry your laundry, then compare the size of your loads with the actual drying capacity. These factors will help you decide whether an extra appliance suits your needs or whether a better-positioned airer is still practical.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room and drainage | Check the space and ventilation; for a vented appliance, check that there’s an outlet to the outside. For a condenser model, check how the water is collected or drained. | Without an external outlet, I need to find an option that works in my room rather than choosing based on floor space alone. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Load size and frequency | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads; for a tumble dryer, also check the eco programme duration and the energy consumption shown on its label. | When large loads come one after another, I want to dry them without running multiple cycles, while keeping an eye on energy use. This is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Space available | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and wash-and-dry capacities separately, as well as the space needed for installation. | If I can’t fit a second appliance at home, I can accept drying less laundry at a time to save space. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this space-saving benefit. |
| Existing airer | Consider how often you do laundry and whether you can place the airer in a suitably large, well-ventilated room or one with extractor ventilation. | If I have little laundry to dry and a suitable room, I’d rather improve my current set-up before adding an appliance. This is a priority for around 15% of consumers. |
This type of appliance needs to vent moist air outside. UFC-Que Choisir explains that it requires an opening to the outside or access to a suitable duct, so having a spare spot in the room isn’t enough.
Check the vent route before ordering. If there’s no usable outlet, look at the installation requirements for a condenser model instead.
A full wash load won’t necessarily fit in a drying cycle straight afterwards. Bosch lists a 9 kg capacity for washing alone and 6 kg for washing and drying on its WNG24400FR.
Compare both capacities in the washer-dryer’s specifications and plan to remove some laundry if your load exceeds the combined cycle’s limit.
On a condenser tumble dryer, the option to connect it to a water drain depends on the model. Whirlpool advises checking the manual to see if this is possible; otherwise, the water is collected in a tank that needs emptying.
Check that the connection is compatible and what’s included in the box before buying.
If you need a compatible kit and it isn’t included, you’ll also need to budget for the accessory and its installation.
The European Commission says that a new energy label applies to household tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 July 2025. An old A+++ rating and a class on the new A to G scale can’t be compared like for like.
Check the label for the exact model and compare figures measured on the same basis, including energy use per cycle and the eco programme duration.
Worth considering if lack of space makes a washer-dryer the right choice for you.
A range worth exploring when comparing condenser tumble dryers, particularly heat pump models.
Worth exploring if you’re comparing programmes and features on heat pump tumble dryers.
Worth considering when comparing heat pump tumble dryers by capacity.
No, not without a suitable route for venting the moist air outside. UFC-Que Choisir says a vented model needs an opening to the outside or access to a duct. If your home doesn’t have one, check the installation requirements for a condenser appliance.
No: the water can be collected in a tank. Some models also allow a direct connection, but Whirlpool says this depends on the appliance. Check its manual and the accessories included.
If you want to dry a load without removing any clothes between the two stages, check the wash-and-dry cycle capacity. Bosch lists a 6 kg capacity for this cycle on the WNG24400FR, compared with 9 kg for washing alone. Any wash load over 6 kg will need to be reduced before drying.
Follow the manual for your model to clean its filters and, where applicable, its condenser or filtration system. Electrolux support highlights filter and condenser maintenance, in particular; the exact steps vary by appliance.
Compare appliances with labels based on the same scale, then look at their energy consumption and cycle duration figures. The European Commission says that a new label applies to household tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 July 2025. An old A+++ rating can’t be compared directly with a class on the new A to G scale.