If you regularly dry laundry in a small flat, first choose a solution that fits the available space and keeps ventilation clear. A separate tumble dryer suits regular loads if you can install and maintain it; a washer-dryer takes up just one space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you use an airer, spin speed and choosing a suitable room are particularly important. A dehumidifier can complement this setup, but it does not replace ventilation.
If your laundry stays indoors while it dries, check which room you use and keep air inlets and vents clear. ADEME highlights how air-drying adds moisture to a room and recommends paying attention to your washing machine’s spin efficiency when drying laundry indoors. A dehumidifier should only be used as an addition to a suitable setup.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Before choosing this option, compare its washing and drying capacities separately: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. Also check that there’s enough room to open the door.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you have a permanent space for it. Compare its capacity with your usual loads, then check its noise level, installation requirements and access to the parts that need maintaining.
In a flat with limited space or ventilation, first rule out any installation that would obstruct airflow. Then choose based on the space available and how much laundry you need to dry.
Consider it: for regular laundry if you have a permanent space for installation and easy access to the appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and needs the maintenance specified for the model you choose.
Consider it: if having washing and drying in one space matters more than being able to dry a full washed load.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a load.
Consider it: if you have a suitable room for drying and want to keep using an airer.
Bear in mind: your laundry will add moisture to the room. A dehumidifier can complement an airer, but it does not replace a suitable drying room or ventilation.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture from laundry drying on an airer | Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extract vent, and don’t block the airflow. ADEME also recommends considering your washing machine’s spin efficiency rating. | If I dry laundry on an airer, I want to avoid leaving damp clothes in an unsuitable room; around 36% of consumers with this need would put it first. |
| Available space | Measure the depth and available clearance, and remember to allow room for the door to open. For a washer-dryer, compare washing and drying capacities separately. | If there’s no room for a second appliance in my home, combining washing and drying becomes a priority; this would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers concerned. |
| Size and frequency of laundry loads | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual load, then check the programme duration and the specific model’s noise level. | If I do laundry frequently, I mainly want to dry my loads without having to split them too often; nearly 21% of consumers concerned would prioritise this capacity. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check the energy figures and, for a washer-dryer, those for the wash-and-dry cycle. Consult the manual to see how to access the filters and, depending on the model, the condenser. | If I plan to use the drying function often, I want to know how much energy it uses and what maintenance is required; around 14% of consumers concerned would put this first. |
With a washer-dryer, a full-capacity wash load may not be able to dry in one go. UFC-Que Choisir makes a clear distinction between the two capacities.
Check both figures in kg and choose based on the load you expect to dry, not just the load you can wash.
Air-drying adds moisture to the room. Blocking ventilation makes choosing where to put your airer particularly important.
Keep air inlets and vents clear. If you don’t have a suitable room for drying, reconsider how much laundry you dry at once or whether an appliance would be a better option.
Maintenance requirements vary between tumble dryers. Electrolux says that a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out how often it needs cleaning and make sure you can reach the relevant parts once the appliance is installed.
A dehumidifier reduces moisture in the room, but your laundry still needs a suitable space to dry. Usage guidance varies depending on the appliance and the conditions in the room.
Consider it an addition to an airer in a suitable room. Check the stated room size, the water tank or drainage option, and keep the ventilation clear.
Bosch offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers, including 8 kg and 9 kg models.
Electrolux offers tumble dryers with product information and maintenance guidance that can help you assess whether they’ll suit your flat.
Miele offers the TEA525WP 8kg Active heat pump tumble dryer, among others. It’s worth considering if you’re planning to install your appliances side by side or stacked.
Rowenta offers dehumidifiers with a laundry mode. These are worth considering alongside an airer if moisture in the room is your main concern.
This washer-dryer is an option if you want one appliance because there’s no room for a separate tumble dryer. Before choosing it, compare its drying capacity with your usual laundry loads.
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If you only have room for one appliance in your flat, this model combines washing and drying. It’s rated for 10 kg when washing and 6 kg when drying, so adjust the load if you’re running both cycles one after the other.
Before choosing it, check the dimensions, the clearance needed for the door and the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions.
Not necessarily: as UFC-Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Check the capacity in kg for drying and remove some laundry if the washed load is larger than this figure.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Then, depending on the model, check access to the power supply, the condensate tank or drain and the parts that need maintaining.
Follow the manual for the model you choose. For example, Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle and, on applicable appliances, checking the condenser at least once a month. Make sure these parts are easy to access.
No. It can complement air-drying, but it doesn’t remove the need for a suitable room or for keeping the ventilation running. For laundry dried indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extract vent.