If you regularly dry large loads and have space for a second appliance, start by considering a heat pump tumble dryer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it uses less electricity than the other tumble dryer technologies compared, although its cycles can take longer. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from installing two machines. Its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, and the length of the combined cycle then become key considerations.
If you regularly wash large loads, a separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering for its capacity and energy use per cycle. However, you’ll need to make room for it and check how long the programmes take.
If there’s only room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Be sure to measure the space needed for the connections and to open the door, too.
If you only need to dry a few loads now and then and can’t dry laundry outdoors, compare how much you want to dry at once, the cycle length and the space available. A washer-dryer avoids the need for a second space, provided its drying capacity suits your laundry loads.
Worth considering: for regular loads if you have space for a separate tumble dryer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology uses less electricity than the other types of tumble dryer it compares.
The trade-off: some programmes can take longer than those on conventional technologies.
Worth considering: if you’re comparing an appliance placed on the market before 1 July 2025 or a second-hand model, and have a separate space for it.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir reports that it uses more electricity than a heat pump tumble dryer. According to the European Commission, only heat pump tumble dryers can be newly placed on the EU market from this date; appliances already placed on the market may still be offered for sale.
Worth considering: when you only have space for one appliance and your usual loads are within its drying capacity.
The trade-off: you may need to split a full washing load before drying it, and the combined cycle ties up your only appliance for its entire duration.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | Compare the stated energy use for the same programme and a suitable capacity, as well as its duration. For tumble dryers with the new label, use the A to G scale that has applied since 1 July 2025. | If I dry several loads every week, I want to keep an eye on the electricity used over time; around 42% of consumers would prioritise these running costs. |
| Space available | Measure the depth, allowing for connections and door clearance. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | When I only have room for one appliance, combining washing and drying matters more than the maximum load size; nearly 33% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Laundry routine | Check the drying capacity and the length of the programme that suits your loads. For a washer-dryer, look at the length of the wash-and-dry cycle. | If I need to dry a large load without splitting it too much or tying up my only appliance, I prioritise capacity and uninterrupted cycles; around 25% of consumers would make this their top consideration. |
The two capacities aren’t interchangeable. For example, Electrolux lists a 9 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg drying capacity for its EW7W3916DA model. This means a full washing load cannot be dried as it is in a continuous cycle.
Before choosing a model, compare its drying capacity in kilograms with the size of your usual laundry loads.
A vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside. According to UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need this ducting.
If you don’t have a usable outlet to the outside, rule out vented models and check how your chosen model collects or drains the condensed water.
The European Commission says that household tumble dryers have used a new A to G label scale since 1 July 2025. A letter from the old scale therefore isn’t directly comparable.
Check the applicable label for each appliance, then compare the energy use and duration of the programme you’re interested in.
A fluff filter or water tank that’s difficult to reach can make everyday use more awkward, especially under a worktop or in a tight space.
Check the model’s manual to find the filter, tank and any drain connection, then make sure there’s enough room to reach them.
Bosch offers separate heat pump tumble dryers, including models with 8 and 9 kg capacities.
Miele positions its washer-dryers as an option for smaller laundry loads and homes where space is limited.
Electrolux’s washer-dryer range includes the EW7W3916DA and EW9W1166RB models.
These Joybuy models include separate heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers. First compare the space available and drying capacity, then check the energy-use and cycle-time figures for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and regularly dry loads that suit its 8 kg capacity.
Direct connection to a drain is listed as an option; check which water-collection method your installation allows. Also check the dimensions, programme lengths and stated energy use for this model.
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Worth considering when you need one appliance to handle both washing and drying.
Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load will need to be reduced before continuous drying. Check the dimensions, the length of the combined cycle and its water and energy use.
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Its stated 10 kg capacity may suit a household that dries large loads and has space for a separate appliance.
To assess its running costs and how it will fit in your home, compare the energy use per cycle, programme lengths and dimensions for this model.
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This separate tumble dryer is worth comparing if its stated 8 kg capacity suits your usual loads.
Check its dimensions and energy use per cycle. If a quick programme is important to you, confirm its duration on the product page, as the available information is inconsistent.
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Worth considering if you want one appliance for washing and drying, and a 5 kg drying capacity is enough for your loads.
Its stated capacity is 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. Before planning where to install it, confirm its dimensions, including the connections, as the stated width figures are inconsistent. Also check the length and energy and water use of the combined cycle.
Yes, if you choose a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances don’t need to be connected to an external outlet. Check whether your chosen model collects the water in a tank or can drain it away. A vented model, on the other hand, needs an outlet to the outside.
Only if its weight is also within the appliance’s drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If the load is too large, remove some of the laundry before starting the drying cycle.
Compare appliances using the label that applied when they were placed on sale. Don’t compare old ratings directly with the new A to G scale, which has been in use since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission. For capacities that suit your needs, also check the stated energy use and the length of the programme you’re considering.
Follow the model’s manual for guidance on the fluff filter, water tank and, where relevant, the parts around the heat exchanger. Whirlpool recommends removing fluff from the filter after every cycle, for example. Check that you’ll still be able to reach these parts once the appliance is installed.