If you can hang laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extraction fan, a washing machine with good spin efficiency will reduce residual water without relying on electric drying. A heat-pump tumble dryer is more suitable when indoor drying is frequent and there is room for a second appliance. A washer-dryer is mainly the answer when you have space for just one appliance, provided you compare its drying capacity, cycle duration and consumption for the complete cycle.
To speed up drying without allowing humidity to build up, first consider where to place your airer, as well as ventilation or extraction. Then look at spin efficiency. ADEME recommends using a large room that is well ventilated or fitted with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet.
A washer-dryer can be suitable when there is only space for one appliance. However, compare the complete cycle and the separate washing and drying capacities, as the latter is often lower.
A separate heat-pump tumble dryer may be more convenient if you have enough space. Compare its capacity with that of the washing machine, as well as the information on the energy label.
Consider it: if your laundry can dry in a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet.
Keep in mind: air-drying does not use electricity, but it remains a significant source of humidity in the home.
Consider it: if indoor drying is frequent and there is space for a dedicated appliance.
Keep in mind: you will need to allow for the space required, filter maintenance and condensate water management, depending on the installation.
Consider it: when one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying.
Keep in mind: the drying load is often smaller than the washing load, and the complete cycle should be compared separately.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor humidity | Use a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet. Check the spin-efficiency class; ADEME recommends choosing class A when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors. | I want to avoid an airer adding too much humidity to a small room. |
| Consumption | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the reference programme and the energy class. Use a load suited to the drum when the fabric type and hygiene requirements allow it. | I want to compare consumption using standardised data, rather than relying solely on the energy-class letter. |
| Time and organisation | Compare the duration of a tumble dryer's Eco programme with that of a complete wash-and-dry cycle. Also check the spin cycle before air-drying or using the tumble dryer. | I want to avoid an airer remaining full for a long time or a single appliance being unavailable throughout a complete cycle. |
| Capacity and space | With a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. Measure the recess, access routes and door clearance before installation. | I want the appliance to suit the available space and the amount of laundry that actually needs drying. |
A washing load may exceed the drying capacity and need to be split, which means the appliance is occupied for longer. For example, the LG F164R78WSTA states 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Compare both capacities in the product details and plan drying around the lower capacity.
The class alone does not tell you the capacity, water consumption, noise level or duration. With a washer-dryer, the data for washing alone and for the wash-and-dry cycle are separate.
For comparable capacities, check kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the reference cycle, noise levels and both washing and drying capacities.
ADEME identifies air-drying as an activity that releases a very high amount of humidity indoors. Avoiding a tumble dryer therefore does not remove the need for air circulation.
Use an airer in a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet. If this is not possible and drying is frequent, consider an electrical solution suited to your space.
According to ADEME, a half-load uses less water but just as much electricity, which can reduce efficiency in everyday use.
When the fabrics and hygiene requirements allow it, wait until you have a suitable load while leaving enough room in the drum for the laundry to move freely.
An example of a range of separate heat-pump tumble dryers for households able to install a dedicated appliance.
An example of an 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer for shoppers looking for a dedicated appliance.
An example of a washer-dryer suited to households with space for just one appliance, with separate washing and drying capacities.
These Joybuy options cover the three approaches discussed: a washer-dryer when you have room for only one appliance, a separate tumble dryer, and a washing machine that prepares laundry for organised air-drying.
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An all-in-one option for households without room for two appliances, with stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Low-temperature Zeo-Cycle drying and the LintClear system are stated. Check the energy label, dimensions and complete cycle duration before buying; a full load may need to be split before drying.
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This washer-dryer combines both stages in one appliance, with stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Zeo-Cycle technology, LintClear and automatic dosing are stated. The drying capacity remains lower than the washing capacity; check the dimensions, energy class and complete cycle duration.
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An 8 kg separate tumble dryer to reduce the need for air-drying at home when space allows.
It states class C, a declared noise level of 64 dB, an Eco programme and optional direct connection to a drain outlet. Measure the available space and compare the energy label before buying.
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An option for spinning laundry before air-drying it in a well-ventilated room, with a stated depth of 470 mm.
It states an 8 kg capacity, a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm, 33 kWh per 100 cycles, 38 L per cycle and an Eco programme lasting 3 hours 38 minutes. This model does not dry laundry and has a spin-efficiency class of B.
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A 9 kg washing machine for preparing laundry to be hung out when you can arrange drying in a ventilated space.
It states a maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm, 44 kWh per 100 cycles, 50 L per cycle and an Eco programme lasting 3 hours 48 minutes. Its spin-efficiency class is B; check the depth of 55 cm, or 63 cm including the door.
No, but ADEME identifies air-drying laundry as an activity that releases a very high amount of humidity indoors. Ideally, hang laundry in a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction outlet.
Check the spin-efficiency class on the label, as well as the speed in rpm. ADEME recommends choosing class A when a fast spin needs to prepare laundry for indoor drying or a tumble dryer.
No. According to the European Commission, a condenser tumble dryer does not require an air duct leading outside. However, check the manual, electrical requirements and the condensate water management system provided for your chosen model.
The label data is different for these two uses, and the capacities may differ too. For example, the LG F164R78WSTA states 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full load may need to be split before drying.
For washing machines and washer-dryers sold in the European Union, the label includes information such as energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle, duration and airborne noise emissions. Compare these details for similar capacities and usage patterns.