Start by deciding whether you can dry your laundry without a machine, then assess the space you have and how many loads you need to get through. A washing machine on its own is suitable if you can arrange drying separately. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space, but you’ll need to check its washing and drying capacities separately. If you need to run several loads in a row and have enough room, a separate tumble dryer could complement your washing machine.
If you don’t have room for two appliances, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in the same space. Measure the area and compare the capacity for each function: you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
A separate tumble dryer lets you dry one load while another is in the washing machine. You’ll still need to make room for it, check its capacity and noise level, and follow the maintenance guidance in the manual.
If you have enough space and are happy to wait for your clothes to dry, you can focus your search on a washing machine. ADEME recommends matching its capacity to the amount of laundry you wash, and highlights the benefits of an efficient spin cycle when clothes are then dried indoors.
First, decide where your laundry will dry and how long you can wait. Then compare the size of each load with the space the appliances need: a high washing capacity won’t, on its own, solve a drying-space problem.
| Factor | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Washing capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the size of your usual loads. If you air-dry clothes after spinning, also check the spin-drying efficiency class on the label. | If the size of my laundry loads varies, I want a machine that suits the loads I actually wash, rather than choosing a large capacity just in case. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Space for a combined appliance | Measure the space and the clearance around it. For a washer-dryer, compare the capacities in kg and the usage information for washing alone and for the combined cycle. | When I only have room for one appliance, I still want to be able to dry my clothes mechanically, and I’m happy to split a load if needed. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this space-saving option. |
| Drying speed | For a separate tumble dryer, check its capacity, noise level and the space available, as well as how the model handles condensed water. | If I have several loads to get through, I want to be able to start the washing machine again while the previous load is drying, provided I have room for a second appliance. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this approach. |
| Drying without a machine | Consider how much space you need to hang out a load and how long you’re happy to wait before putting your clothes away; check the washing machine’s spin performance. | I can hang out my laundry at home and wait for it to dry, so buying a drying appliance isn’t my first concern. Around 15% of consumers would prioritise this approach. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one cycle. For example, Whirlpool lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg for its FFWDD 1176258 BCV FR model; these figures don’t apply to other models.
Check both capacities for the appliance you’re considering and decide whether splitting a load before drying would work for you.
The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, the new tumble-dryer energy label has used an A to G scale instead of the old A+++ to D scale. A rating letter can’t be compared in isolation across the two scales.
Check which version of the label you’re looking at, then compare the energy use and programme duration for the cycles that suit your needs.
The filter and, depending on the model, the condenser need regular maintenance. Electrolux warns in its guidance that a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance.
Before choosing, check the manual to find out how to access the parts that need maintaining and how often to clean them.
A higher washing capacity won’t give you more room to hang out your laundry or increase your drying capacity. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that meets your actual needs and checking the spin performance if you’ll be drying clothes afterwards.
Work out separately how much laundry you need to wash, where you’ll dry it and how long you’re happy to wait before comparing capacities.
These range examples can help you identify features to compare on specific models; they aren’t a ranking of the brands.
Bosch offers heat-pump tumble dryers. Its WQG133DBFR product information is a useful example of the details to compare with the size of your load and the space you have available.
Whirlpool washer-dryers make it easy to compare the figures for washing alone with those for a combined wash-and-dry cycle.
Miele offers a range of heat-pump tumble dryers, with models listed at 8 kg and 9 kg.
Electrolux’s French range of heat-pump tumble dryers features programmes for different fabrics.
These models cover three ways to manage your laundry: combine washing and drying in a washer-dryer, add a separate tumble dryer, or choose a washing machine if you’ll dry clothes separately. Start by comparing the function you need, then check the capacities and space required.
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Consider this if you want to wash and dry your clothes with a single appliance.
The product name lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so a full wash load can’t be dried in one go at the stated capacity. Also check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual.
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This washer-dryer is for households looking to use a single space for both functions.
Its name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, as well as Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear. Be prepared to split loads that exceed the drying capacity, and check the appliance dimensions.
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Consider this if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance, provided it fits the space you have available.
The product title lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity, Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and automatic dosing. Confirm the capacities on the model’s product page and check the manual for dimensions and installation requirements.
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This separate tumble dryer suits households that already have a washing machine and can make room for a second appliance.
The product name lists an 8 kg drying capacity and heat-pump technology. Check the dimensions, water handling and maintenance requirements for this model.
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Consider this if you can dry your laundry separately and are looking for an appliance dedicated to washing.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity, a 1 400 rpm spin speed and an Inverter motor. This appliance doesn’t offer mechanical drying, so check the space needed for installation and connections.
No. The European Commission states that condenser tumble dryers don’t need an air duct leading outside. Depending on the model, water is collected in a tank or sent to a drain; check the set-up and installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
Compare the information for washing alone with that for the wash-and-dry cycle. The European Commission states that the label includes details such as efficiency classes, energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, programme duration and noise level. Relate these figures to the mode you’ll use.
Yes, for household washing machines covered by the requirement. ADEME states that displaying the durability index has been mandatory for these machines since April 2025. Check the index shown for the specific model you’re considering.
At a minimum, check the instructions for cleaning the filter and, depending on the appliance, the condenser. Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle in its maintenance guide. Access to the condenser and how often to carry out other maintenance tasks depend on the model and its manual.