Households without space for two appliances
If you can’t fit a separate tumble dryer, a washer-dryer gives you both functions in one appliance. Check its depth and drying capacity, though: this may be lower than its washing capacity.
Which option is right for you?
Households that do laundry frequently
If you have back-to-back loads and your airer takes up living space for a long time, a separate tumble dryer is worth considering, provided you have a suitable spot for it.
People who prefer air-drying
If you plan to keep an indoor airer, your washing machine’s spin performance and noise levels matter, as does whether you can ventilate the room.
How do the options compare?
First, decide whether you have room for a separate drying appliance. Then compare the load size you need to dry and how often you do laundry. If you air-dry indoors, Anses recommends using a well-ventilated room when you can’t hang your washing outside.
Spin cycle and airer
Consider this if: you want to keep air-drying and can set aside a well-ventilated space for your laundry.
Bear in mind: the airer will take up space in your home while the laundry dries.
Separate tumble dryer
Consider this if: you do laundry regularly and have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow space for it and compare its energy use, cycle duration and maintenance requirements, depending on the model.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you want mechanical drying but don’t have room for two appliances.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and cycles can be long.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space taken up by damp laundry | Space for an airer or tumble dryer; room ventilation. | I don’t want to leave damp laundry in a living space for several days, and I need somewhere for it to dry. Around 31 % of consumers put space and dampness concerns first. |
| Load size and how often you do laundry | Drying capacity per load; programme duration. | When I have one load after another, I don’t want the next one waiting while the previous load dries. Capacity and turnaround time are the top priorities for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Space for appliances | Dimensions and door opening; separate washing and drying capacities. | I don’t have room for a second appliance, but I’d sometimes like to dry laundry mechanically. This combination of needs comes first for around 25 % of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | Energy use for the programme in question; noise emissions in dB(A). | If the appliance runs near my living spaces, I want to consider its noise and energy use before choosing. Around 19 % of consumers prioritise these aspects of day-to-day use. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Mixing up washing and drying capacities
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference; for example, the Electrolux product information for model EW9W1165RC lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Choose a drying capacity that suits the load you want to dry in one go, rather than relying on the washing capacity alone.
If your load exceeds the drying capacity, you may need to remove some laundry before drying or keep using an airer.
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Choosing a washer-dryer just to save space
A two-in-one design doesn’t tell you how long a full cycle takes or how much energy it uses. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these separately in its washer-dryer tests.
Compare the wash-and-dry cycle information for the model you’re considering with your usual laundry routine.
During a full cycle, the only drum is occupied until it finishes, so you can’t start another load.
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Choosing a tumble dryer based only on speed or energy rating
According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump models use little energy, while conventional tumble dryers can generally dry more quickly. These are separate factors to consider when comparing models.
Before deciding, also check the capacity, programme duration, noise levels and maintenance requirements.
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Putting your airer in a poorly ventilated room
Drying laundry adds moisture to the room. Anses recommends hanging it outside if possible, or in a well-ventilated room if not.
Choose a spot where you can ventilate the room. If the airer would need to stay in a poorly ventilated living space for a long time, reconsider your drying setup.
Brands to compare
Bosch
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers. Compare both ranges if you’re deciding between a separate appliance and a two-in-one model.
- Bosch’s range includes heat pump tumble dryers with an 8 kg capacity.
- The stated spin speed of 1 400 rpm applies to some washer-dryer models. Check the product information for the one you’re interested in.
Electrolux
Electrolux washer-dryers let you compare the capacity of both functions in a single appliance.
- The product information for model EW9W1165RC lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
- Check the capacities and drying technology for each model. One model’s specifications won’t tell you everything about the range.
Miele
Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, so you can compare both types within its range.
- Miele’s product information lists an 8 kg capacity for the T1 TSA523WP tumble dryer, and an 8 kg washing capacity and 5 kg drying capacity for the WTD160 WCS washer-dryer.
- For the WTD160 WCS, an 8 kg wash load exceeds its stated drying capacity. Size your drying cycle around the 5 kg drying capacity.
Tumble dryers to consider on Joybuy
These heat pump tumble dryers offer a separate drying option that can reduce your reliance on an indoor airer. Before choosing, compare the capacity of the specific variant, its dimensions and programme information with the space you have and how often your household does laundry.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry loads of up to the stated 8 kg capacity.
White model; stated energy rating C. Check its dimensions against the space you have and look at the energy use for the programme you plan to use.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump tumble dryer, stated 8 kg capacity
Worth looking at if you want to dry a load mechanically and have room for a separate appliance.
Stated energy rating D. Confirm the capacity of the variant on sale before sizing your loads, then check its dimensions, noise levels and programme duration.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump tumble dryer, stated 10 kg capacity
Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer for larger loads, but don’t assume the stated 10 kg capacity is confirmed.
The title lists 10 kg, while another description for this model lists 8 kg. Confirm the capacity of the variant on sale before buying. Stated energy rating D; also check the dimensions and noise levels.
Frequently asked questions
Why check washing and drying capacities separately?
A washer-dryer may be able to wash a load that it can’t dry completely in one go. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference; for example, the Electrolux EW9W1165RC product information lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If your load exceeds the drying capacity, plan to remove some of it.
Should you always choose a heat pump tumble dryer?
No. Your choice depends on factors such as energy use, drying time and the space available. UFC-Que Choisir says heat pump models use little energy, while conventional tumble dryers generally dry more quickly. Compare models using programmes and load sizes that suit the way you do laundry.
What should you look for on a washing machine label if you dry laundry indoors?
Check the capacity, spin-drying efficiency class and noise emissions, followed by the energy use for the reference programme. The DGCCRF lists this information on the washing machine’s energy label. It can help you choose an appliance that suits your loads and where you plan to put it.
Where should you put an airer when using it indoors?
If possible, choose a well-ventilated room. Anses recommends drying laundry outside when you can, or in a well-ventilated room if not, to help limit moisture indoors.