If you do laundry frequently, a heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering if you have a suitable space for it. If you only have room for one appliance, check the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. If using a clothes airer is practical, ADEME recommends considering your washing machine’s spin efficiency and drying laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction. A dehumidifier should not be seen as a guarantee of faster drying.
If your clothes airer takes up space in your living area, compare how much room it needs when open with the space an appliance would require. A study presented by EDF in 2024 cites lack of space as one reason why households in flats are less likely to own appliances, but does not single out any particular drying option.
If you’re considering a separate tumble dryer, check that its capacity suits your loads, that you have a suitable place for it and that you can keep up with the maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of cleaning the parts specified by the manufacturer, not just the fluff filter.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in a single footprint. Whether it suits you depends on the size of your loads: UFC-Que Choisir notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
Start with the space available and the amount of laundry you need to dry, then check the drying requirements and maintenance for each option.
Worth considering: if you regularly dry full loads and have a dedicated space for the appliance.
The trade-off: you’ll need space for a second appliance and will have to maintain its filters and, depending on the model, its condenser.
Worth considering: if you want to wash and dry with one appliance because there’s no room for two.
The trade-off: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum drying load is smaller than the maximum washing load.
Worth considering: if you can dry laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction, as ADEME recommends.
The trade-off: the airer stays in use while the laundry dries, adding moisture to the air indoors.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the space needed for the appliance or airer when in use, including the required clearance. If stacking two appliances, check that the instructions confirm they’re compatible. | I want to be able to move around the room while the laundry is drying, without choosing an appliance that won’t fit in its intended space. |
| Spin efficiency and air-drying | If your laundry will finish drying on an airer, compare spin efficiency: ADEME recommends considering the spin-drying class to reduce drying time. Also check that the room is large and well ventilated, or has mechanical extraction. | A clothes airer could work for me if I can set it up in a suitable room, without having to install a second large appliance. |
| Cycles and energy use | Compare capacities, cycle times and energy use for equivalent cycles. For a washer-dryer, look separately at washing, drying and combined cycles. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to know how much laundry can actually be dried and how long the appliance will be in use. |
| Installation and maintenance | According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside. For other models, check the instructions for water management, installation requirements and how to clean the filters and condenser. | I’m looking for an option that suits the room and that I can maintain regularly. |
UFC-Que Choisir states that this type of dryer needs an outlet to the outside, so it cannot be installed in the same way as a condenser model.
Before choosing this type of appliance, check the room’s ventilation options and the requirements in the instruction manual.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. You may therefore need to split a full washing load before drying it.
Compare the two capacities listed for the model and check the maximum load for the programme you plan to use.
Splitting the laundry may mean running several drying cycles.
UFC-Que Choisir emphasises the importance of regularly cleaning the microfilter and condenser, if your appliance has them, as well as the fluff filter.
Check the instruction manual to find out which parts need cleaning and how often, even if the appliance is advertised as having an automatic cleaning system.
As a study supported by ADEME points out, air-drying laundry adds moisture indoors. An additional appliance does not remove the need to consider the conditions in which you dry your laundry.
First check the spin efficiency and whether you can use a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction. Don’t assume a dehumidifier will guarantee a particular drying time.
These Joybuy products show three ways to organise laundry drying in a flat: a separate tumble dryer, a washer-dryer or a clothes airer. Check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model that suits your home.
Image unavailable
A separate appliance to consider if you regularly dry full loads and have enough space. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and a C rating; check the dimensions, clearance and cycle times for the space you have in mind.
Image unavailable
Another separate tumble dryer to consider, depending on the space available. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and a D rating; check the dimensions, installation requirements and cycles before choosing.
Image unavailable
This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load to suit the cycle you choose. Check the dimensions, cycle times and energy use too.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if washing and drying need to fit into a single space. The product name lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity; check the load limit for the combined cycle, the dimensions and the details of the cycles you plan to use.
Image unavailable
An option for air-drying laundry without an electric drying appliance. Check how much space it takes up when open and folded, as well as its maximum load. ADEME recommends drying laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extraction.
No, not in that situation: UFC-Que Choisir states that a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside. A condenser model does not need the same connection, but you should still check the installation requirements and water management instructions in the manual.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this is lower than the washing capacity. Compare the two figures for your model and remove some of the laundry if the drying programme requires it.
Check the manuals for appliance compatibility, dimensions and any accessories required. UFC-Que Choisir recommends putting the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, never the other way round, on a flat, rigid and sturdy floor.