In a flat without outdoor space, a separate tumble dryer is a good option if you do laundry frequently and have room to install and maintain it. If you only have space for one appliance, compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer. For smaller loads, your washing machine’s spin performance and the opportunity to ventilate the room are important factors when choosing a drying rack.
The space you have available and the size of your laundry loads will guide your choice before you even start comparing appliances.
If every bit of space matters, compare how much room a second appliance, a washer-dryer and a drying rack would take up. Also measure the space in front of the machine with the door open, and work out where you could dry your laundry without obstructing the way.
A dedicated tumble dryer lets you dry a load separately from the washing machine, provided you have a suitable space for it and can carry out the maintenance set out in the manual.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity: you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
Start by working out where you’ll dry your laundry, then compare each option against your usual load sizes, the space available and the maintenance you can manage.
Consider this if: you do laundry regularly and have room to install a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable space and must clean the filters as instructed in the manual.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to adjust your loads to suit the drying capacity, which may be lower than the washing capacity.
Consider this if: you have smaller loads and room to hang them up.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space while your laundry dries and a way to ventilate your home.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the alcove, the depth with the door open and the space in front of the appliance. Check the manual for clearance and connection requirements for the model you’re considering. | I only have space for one appliance, or I need to be able to load the machine without blocking the way. |
| Capacity and spin performance | Compare washing and drying capacities separately. If you’re considering a drying rack or tumble dryer, also check your washing machine’s spin efficiency on its energy label, as recommended by ADEME. | I need my usual loads to dry without having to take laundry out every time or run several cycles. |
| Energy use, cycle time and noise | Compare energy labels and standard cycles for appliances of the same type; check the duration of a washer-dryer’s combined cycle. If the machine will be near a living area, check its noise level. | The machine would be near a bedroom, or I need to plan my laundry around the duration of a complete cycle. |
| Maintenance and ventilation | Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the filter and condenser. If you’re using a drying rack, make sure you can ventilate the room; ADEME recommends opening the windows wide for 5 to 10 minutes each day to refresh the air. | I want to be able to maintain the appliance, or set aside a room where the air can be refreshed for drying laundry. |
A wash load may be too large for the same appliance to dry in one go. For example, LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V52IRSA.
If you want to run both functions without removing any laundry, size your loads according to the drying capacity of the model you choose.
An open door can block the way or make it difficult to load the machine. LG’s specifications for the F854N51WHSB list a depth of 1 100 mm with the door open.
Measure the space in front of the appliance and check the clearances required in its manual before deciding where to put it.
The filter needs regular attention: Bosch says to clean the fluff filter after every use, while Electrolux provides its own instructions for cleaning and checking the condenser.
Follow the manual for your model, especially for parts that are accessible to the user. Don’t assume that all condensers are maintained in the same way.
Wet laundry dries in the room where it’s hung, so the location and the ability to refresh the air are both important factors.
Use the drying rack with an appropriate spin cycle in a room that can be ventilated. If condensation persists, reconsider the amount of laundry and where you’re drying it.
These specifications apply to the models mentioned, not to each brand’s entire range or their availability on Joybuy.
The WQG2450SFR gives you an idea of the space needed for a 9 kg heat-pump tumble dryer.
Two LG washer-dryers show why it’s important to check washing and drying capacities separately.
Miele France describes the TEA525WP 8kg Active as an 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer.
These three models are separate tumble dryers for drying laundry indoors. They don’t include the washer-dryer and drying rack options discussed above. Compare their stated technologies and check the installation requirements for each model.
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This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is an option if you have room to install a separate appliance for your laundry. Check its clearances and installation requirements in the manual; the product name alone doesn’t confirm that it’s a heat-pump model.
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This 8 kg heat-pump model lets you dry regular loads separately. The product name indicates an energy rating of C; check the product details and manual to make sure its dimensions, clearances and connections suit your space.
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This 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer is worth comparing with your usual loads and the space you have available. The product name indicates an energy rating of D; check the model’s dimensions and noise level, as well as its maintenance instructions, before deciding where to put it.
Check the installation requirements for the model you’ve chosen rather than assuming what connections it needs based on its technology alone. For example, Bosch lists a water drain hose for the WQG2450SFR; its manual explains the options for collecting water and the clearances required.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. LG France lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the F964V52IRSA, and 8 kg and 5 kg respectively for the F854N51WHSB. If your load is too large for the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some of the laundry or run another cycle.
Clean the filter as instructed in the manual for your model. Bosch and Electrolux recommend cleaning the filter after every use or cycle for the relevant appliances. If the condenser is accessible and needs checking, also follow the maintenance schedule set by the manufacturer.
Choose a spot where the rack won’t block the way and where the air can be refreshed, and bear in mind the size of your load and how well it has been spun. ADEME recommends opening the windows wide for 5 to 10 minutes each day to refresh the air in your home.