If you can hang your washing at home, start by choosing a washing machine with a spin performance that suits your needs. However, this still means allowing time and space for an airer. If you regularly dry full loads, compare freestanding tumble dryers if you have room for one. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine, but its drying capacity is usually lower than its washing capacity. Check the figures for the complete cycle too.
If you already have space for an airer, check the spin efficiency class and choose a washing capacity that suits your usual loads before adding another appliance. ADEME recommends paying attention to the spin cycle when drying clothes indoors.
A freestanding tumble dryer lets you choose a dedicated drying capacity. Check that it will fit in the space available and that its water collection or drainage system suits your home.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. If you want to run a wash and dry cycle without removing any clothes, compare its drying capacity with the load you want to wash.
First decide whether you’ll keep using an airer, then weigh up how often you dry clothes against the space available for another appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting drying time on an airer | Spin efficiency class and washing machine capacity compared with your usual loads. | If I’m happy to keep using an airer, I mainly want clothes to spend less time on it without having to install a tumble dryer. Around 40% of consumers say a better spin cycle is their main priority. |
| Regularly drying full loads | Drying capacity in kg, dimensions and condensate water management. Check the noise level too, based on where you plan to put it. | If I dry clothes frequently, I want a dedicated capacity rather than having to reduce the amount of washing after every wash. This is the main need for around 30% of consumers. |
| Combining washing and drying | Separate washing and drying capacities, dimensions and consumption figures for the complete cycle. | If I don’t have room for two machines, I want to wash and dry in the same one, even if that means limiting the load to run both cycles. Saving space is the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
A washer-dryer’s drying capacity is usually lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. So a full drum of washed clothes may not be able to dry in one go.
Compare both capacities in kg. If you want to run a wash and dry cycle without intervening, limit the initial load to the drying capacity.
According to the European Commission, a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside, unlike a condenser model. With a condenser dryer, you’ll need to consider how to manage the collected water.
Measure the space and, for the model you’re considering, check that you can access the water tank or connect a drain hose.
The label on a washer-dryer shows separate figures for washing and for the complete wash-and-dry cycle. The energy use and duration of the wash-only cycle don’t tell you what to expect from the full cycle.
Compare the water and electricity use, and the duration, for the programme you’ll actually use to dry your clothes.
A large capacity won’t necessarily suit your household’s everyday loads. ADEME recommends matching your washing machine’s capacity to your needs rather than running multiple cycles with a drum that’s too empty.
Think about the usual weight of your dry washing loads. With a washer-dryer, check separately how much you want to dry.
Worth comparing if you’re looking at freestanding heat pump tumble dryers, particularly when capacity and available space are key considerations.
Worth considering if you’re looking at washer-dryers because there isn’t room to install two appliances.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding heat pump tumble dryer to fit your available space.
These appliances suit two different needs: drying clothes in a freestanding tumble dryer, or combining washing and drying in one machine. If you’d rather keep using an airer, the spin performance factors outlined above remain key when choosing your washing machine.
Image unavailableA separate drying option if you have room for a second appliance. The product information lists an 8 kg condenser model, measuring 60 × 65 × 85 cm, with a noise level of 66 dB(A). Check that the dimensions and water management suit your home.
Image unavailableWash and dry with one machine if you don’t have room for two appliances. The listed capacities are 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying. The dimensions in the title and description don’t match, so confirm them before planning the installation, and check the figures for the complete cycle too.
Image unavailableA dedicated drying option with a listed capacity of 8 kg and heat pump technology. Before choosing this model for your home, check its dimensions and noise level, and how the condensate water is collected or drained.
Image unavailableCombine both functions in one appliance if you’re happy to limit the load when running a wash-and-dry cycle. The product information lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the dimensions and energy use for the wash-and-dry cycle before choosing.
Image unavailableA freestanding drying appliance to consider, subject to confirming its capacity: the title and one description list 10 kg, while the detailed description says 8 kg. Check the rated capacity of the model being sold, as well as its dimensions, before comparing it with your loads and available space.
Compare the wash-only cycle and the complete wash-and-dry cycle separately. According to the European Commission, the label includes figures such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, duration and noise level. Focus on the figures that match how you plan to use the appliance.
Only if the load is also within the drying capacity of the programme you’ve chosen. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is usually lower than washing capacity. To run both stages without removing any clothes, follow the drying capacity in kg.
No. The European Commission distinguishes between vented models, which need an outlet to the outside, and condenser models, which don’t. With a condenser model, check how the water will be collected or drained in your home.