If you have room to hang your laundry, start by comparing the spin efficiency of washing machines. ADEME recommends class A if you need your laundry to dry quickly indoors. To avoid regularly hanging out your washing, a separate tumble dryer needs a second space. If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you run consecutive cycles, provided you adjust the load to its drying capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Before choosing one, compare its washing capacity with its drying capacity: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the latter is lower, so you may need to remove some laundry between cycles. Also measure the space needed to open the door.
If you can install two appliances, a separate tumble dryer means you won't need to set aside space for a drying rack for every load. Check its capacity, dimensions and installation instructions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer doesn't need the external opening or duct required for a vented model.
If you plan to keep air-drying your laundry indoors, your washing machine's spin efficiency becomes an important factor. ADEME recommends checking its efficiency class and choosing class A for faster indoor drying. You'll still need to allow enough room and time to hang your laundry.
Worth considering: if you can continue to air-dry your laundry indoors.
The trade-off: even with an efficient spin cycle, your laundry still takes up space while it dries.
Worth considering: if you want to dry laundry regularly without using a clothes airer and have room for a second appliance.
The trade-off: the appliance takes up extra space alongside your washing machine and needs the maintenance set out in its instructions.
Worth considering: if you need one space to serve for both washing and drying.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
Once you've chosen your set-up, compare the figures that reflect how you'll actually use the appliance. If you're considering a washer-dryer, pay particular attention to the full wash-and-dry cycle.
| Feature | What to check | For my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle | Spin efficiency class on the label, programmes suited to different fabrics and noise level; don't judge performance by revolutions per minute alone. ADEME recommends class A if you need your laundry to dry quickly indoors. | I dry my laundry indoors and want to reduce the time it spends on the clothes airer. |
| Space and capacity | The dimensions of each appliance, clearance needed to open the door and capacity in drying mode. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer's drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. | I only have room for one appliance, or I want to dry a full load without having to remove some of it after washing. |
| Energy use | Energy label figures for comparable cycles; for a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing-only and full wash-and-dry cycles. Also check the duration of the programmes you're considering. | Drying cycles will be part of my routine, so I want to compare figures for that kind of use, not just washing. |
| Installation | Type of venting, available space and instructions in the manual. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or duct, unlike a condenser model. | There isn't an air outlet in my room for a vented tumble dryer. |
| Maintenance and ventilation | Access to the filter, tank or condenser, depending on the model; follow the maintenance instructions. ADEME distinguishes between daily airing and ventilation that renews the air in your home. | I want to be able to maintain the appliance without neglecting ventilation in the room where my laundry dries. |
A washer-dryer may hold less laundry for drying than for washing. To run both cycles one after the other, UFC-Que Choisir recommends adjusting the load to suit the drying capacity.
Compare the two capacities separately and plan your loads around the lower one if you don't want to remove laundry between cycles.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a duct, unlike a condenser model.
Check what outlet is available where you plan to put it and consult the manual before making your choice.
Maximum spin speed is no substitute for the spin efficiency class. ADEME recommends choosing class A when you need your laundry to dry quickly indoors.
Check the class on the energy label, then compare the washing machine's capacity and noise level for the room where it will go.
A drying appliance and air circulation serve different purposes. ADEME says that mechanical ventilation continuously removes moisture from your home and also recommends airing it daily.
Keep up these airing habits and follow the appliance's specific installation and maintenance instructions.
These examples highlight features to compare across specific models; they don't indicate whether an appliance is currently available.
Bosch's French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, such as the 8 kg Série 6 WQG24502FR featured by the brand.
Miele France lists the TCA520WP Active as an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
LG France's product details for the F854N51WHSB list an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity, illustrating the two figures to check on a washer-dryer.
These Joybuy options include separate tumble dryers and a washer-dryer for homes without outdoor space. If you plan to air-dry your laundry instead, compare the spin efficiency of washing machines too.
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For drying laundry in a separate appliance: it has a stated capacity of 8 kg and is listed as class C in the product title. Check its dimensions, energy label figures and installation instructions for your chosen space.
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For washing and drying in one appliance: stated capacity of 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, with a stated maximum spin speed of 1,400 tr/min. Adjust the load if you're running consecutive cycles. The dimensions listed for this model are inconsistent, so confirm them before planning where to put it, and check the energy use for a full cycle too.
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For drying laundry in an appliance separate from your washing machine: it has a stated capacity of 8 kg and is listed as class D in the product title. Check the dimensions, energy label figures and maintenance requirements before deciding where to put it.
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A separate drying option if you have room for a second appliance. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity; check the model's manual for installation requirements and maintenance instructions.
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A separate appliance for drying laundry without a clothes airer. The product information gives inconsistent figures for this model's capacity, so confirm it before planning your loads. Also check the dimensions and energy label figures.
It depends on the type of appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or duct, unlike a condenser model. Also check the installation requirements in the manual for your chosen model.
Not if it exceeds the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. To run both cycles one after the other, adjust the load or remove some laundry before drying.
Start by checking the spin efficiency class on the energy label. ADEME recommends choosing class A if you need your laundry to dry quickly indoors. Also choose a capacity and noise level to suit your household and the room.
No. Drying laundry doesn't replace air circulation. ADEME recommends airing your home daily and says that mechanical ventilation continuously removes moisture from your home.