Households drying clothes in a living space
You want to find a way to air-dry clothes while managing moisture with the ventilation you already have, before buying another appliance.
Who is this choice for?
People with space for just one appliance
You’re deciding whether to keep using an airer or choose a washer-dryer. The capacity available for drying matters just as much as the washing capacity.
Households that do laundry frequently
You want to weigh up the time spent hanging clothes against the capacity, cycles, energy use and maintenance of a separate tumble dryer.
What to consider before choosing
For drying laundry indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent. Then consider the space you have, how often you do laundry and the resources the appliances you’re considering will use.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Managing moisture while air-drying | Whether there’s room to space out your laundry, and whether there’s working ventilation or an extractor fan. | If I dry laundry in a living space, I want to take moisture into account without assuming an appliance will solve ventilation problems. Around 33% of consumers prioritise room humidity. |
| Finding a solution that fits your home | The space and clearance needed, along with the washing and drying capacities if you’re considering a combined appliance. | If there’s only room for one appliance, I want a solution that fits without overestimating how much laundry it can dry. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Managing energy use and maintenance | The current energy label, kWh per 100 cycles, water used for a combined cycle and the maintenance required. | If I want to limit the resources used for each load of laundry, I compare programmes and maintenance on a like-for-like basis. Around 20% of consumers put running costs first. |
| Getting laundry dry in time | The duration of a programme suited to your load and the drying capacity, especially for a washer-dryer. | If I need a garment back quickly, I check whether the programme and load size will meet my deadline. Around 20% of consumers prioritise drying time. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
Its drying capacity may be lower, so a load that fits in one wash may not be able to dry in the same cycle.
Compare the washing and drying capacities separately, and check the energy and water use for a complete programme.
An oversized load may need to be split, leading to extra handling or additional cycles.
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Assuming “no vent” means “suitable for a room without ventilation”
A condenser or heat-pump tumble dryer doesn’t need a vent to the outside, but a small or poorly ventilated room may still be unsuitable.
Check the existing ventilation and the model’s installation instructions before setting it up.
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Directly comparing an old A+++ rating with an A to G rating
Since 1 July 2025, the energy label for the tumble dryers covered by the change has used the A to G scale in the European Union. An old rating can’t be compared directly with this scale.
Ask for the current energy label for the exact model and compare energy use on the same basis.
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Taking a dehumidifier’s stated capacity as a guarantee of drying speed
A maximum capacity or laundry mode won’t tell you how well it will work in every room or with every load.
Check the operating conditions, noise level, water management and ventilation in your home.
Remember to factor in electricity use and maintenance of the tank or drainage system.
Brands to consider by appliance type
The details below relate to the specific models mentioned, not every product range from each brand.
Bosch
The WQG245A0FR heat-pump tumble dryer is worth considering if you’re looking for a 9 kg capacity, and want to check the dimensions and condenser maintenance requirements.
- Bosch lists a self-cleaning condenser and a water drainage hose for this model.
- These features don’t remove the need to check the installation requirements and other maintenance instructions for the model.
LG
The F964R35WRS washer-dryer is worth considering if you only have space for one appliance; the RH9B13WH is a separate tumble dryer model.
- LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964R35WRS.
- For the RH9B13WH, check the current energy label for the model before comparing it with other appliances.
Electrolux
The EW7H5125SU heat-pump tumble dryer has an 8 kg capacity and is worth considering alongside its programmes and installation requirements.
- Electrolux lists an 8 kg drying capacity for this model.
- Electrolux support notes that a condenser or heat-pump tumble dryer can contribute to condensation in a small or poorly ventilated room. Check the model’s user manual.
Rowenta
The Extrême Dry Compact+ DH5260F0 dehumidifier is worth considering as an accompaniment to air-drying.
- Rowenta lists a laundry mode, a 3 L tank and a drainage hose for this model.
- Its stated maximum capacity of 16 L/day won’t tell you how well it will work in every home, and it can’t replace fresh-air ventilation.
Samsung
The DV90DG52A0THEF heat-pump tumble dryer has a 9 kg capacity and is worth considering based on your available space and installation requirements.
- Samsung lists a reversible door and a 2-in-1 filter for this model.
- Check the details of the exact variant before buying.
Joybuy products for drying laundry
This selection brings together options for air-drying laundry, using a tumble dryer, helping an airer dry clothes or combining washing and drying.
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LG RT10X8B heat-pump tumble dryer, 10 kg, black, C rated
Worth considering if you want to dry loads in a separate appliance and have the space and suitable installation conditions.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. The door is listed as non-reversible, so check that it opens the right way for your chosen location.
The model name includes a C rating; check the current energy label for the variant on offer.
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18M airer with M6 shelf
Worth considering if you’d rather keep air-drying your laundry than use a tumble dryer.
The product name states that it offers 18 m of drying space. When using it indoors, consider the room’s ventilation and ADEME’s recommendations.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat-pump tumble dryer, 8 kg, white, C rated
Worth considering if you want to dry laundry in a separate appliance, provided you have enough space and suitable installation conditions.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. The model name includes a C rating; check the current energy label for the variant on offer.
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TRULIVA 25L/Day dehumidifier with laundry mode
Worth considering as an accompaniment to air-drying if you’re looking for an appliance with a laundry mode; it can’t replace fresh-air ventilation.
The name lists a stated capacity of 25 L/day, a 2.8 L tank and a continuous drainage hose.
Allow at least 10 inches of clearance around the appliance, and place it on a flat, stable surface.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3 washer-dryer, 10/6 kg, D rated
Worth considering if you only have space for one appliance to handle both washing and drying.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The load for a combined cycle must stay within the drying capacity.
The model name includes a D rating; check the current energy label for the variant on offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can a condenser tumble dryer run in a room without ventilation?
Not needing a vent to carry air outside doesn’t mean a room without ventilation is suitable. Follow the model’s instructions and check the room’s ventilation. A closed cupboard may not be suitable.
What should I do if condensation appears around a tumble dryer?
Check the installation requirements and ventilation, then check the filters and door seal as instructed in the manual. Electrolux support advises not using its appliance until the reported issue has been resolved; this guidance isn’t a diagnosis of your home.
Can you wash and then dry a full load in a washer-dryer?
Yes, but only if the load is within the drying capacity for the programme you’ve chosen. For the F964R35WRS, LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the limits for the programme you’re using, too.
What maintenance does a tumble dryer need?
Follow the manual when cleaning the lint filter, emptying the water tank if you use it, and cleaning the condenser when accessible. A self-cleaning condenser doesn’t mean that no other maintenance is needed.
How do you compare the electricity use of two appliances?
Compare the figures on the same basis and for similar programmes. The standard programmes for a tumble dryer and a washer-dryer aren’t interchangeable. To estimate your costs, also consider how many cycles you run and your electricity tariff.