Start by checking the spin efficiency class of your current washing machine. ADEME recommends looking at this rating to help speed up indoor drying, although you’ll still need to hang your clothes out to dry. If you regularly need dry clothes without hanging them up, consider a separate tumble dryer if you have the space and the right installation. A washer-dryer is a better fit when space is limited; UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If your main aim is to spend less time waiting for clothes to dry on the line, check your washing machine’s spin performance before considering an extra appliance. ADEME identifies the spin efficiency class as a factor to consider when drying clothes indoors.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you want to dry loads regularly without hanging them out. Check where it will go and what type of ventilation the model requires, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
A washer-dryer combines both functions. However, compare its washing and drying capacities separately: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
First decide whether you want to speed up drying on the line, regularly avoid hanging clothes out altogether, or fit both functions into one space.
| Your priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less time drying clothes indoors | Spin efficiency class on the label and noise during the spin cycle; compare these with your current machine first. | If your clothes will still be drying inside your home, removing more water before hanging them out is the priority. Around 42% of consumers put effective spinning first. |
| Regularly avoid hanging clothes out | Drying capacity, available space and how condensed water is handled; a vented model needs a suitable air outlet. | If you do laundry frequently, you may want clothes to come out of a separate appliance dry, rather than waiting on an airer. This self-contained drying option is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Fit two functions into one space | Separate washing and drying capacities, the length of a complete cycle and dimensions including connections. | When there’s no room for two machines, being able to wash and then dry clothes in the same drum matters more, even if you need to reduce a full load before drying. Around 33% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
A maximum spin speed is no substitute for the spin efficiency class. For clothes dried indoors, ADEME recommends checking this class on the energy label.
Also compare noise levels, capacity and the fabrics you wash. Check what your current machine can already do before replacing it.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct, unlike a condenser model.
Check the layout of the room before choosing a technology. If there’s no suitable outlet, look at condenser models and how they handle water.
UFC-Que Choisir says that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. So a load filled to the washing limit may be too large to dry in one go.
Base your choice on the amount of laundry you need to dry, then check the cycle time and energy and water consumption for the wash-and-dry cycle on the model you’re considering.
Splitting a load may also mean running an extra drying cycle.
Depth alone won’t tell you whether the connections and door will fit in the space. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that a washing machine needs a suitable power supply, a water inlet and a drainage outlet.
Measure the usable space and check the connections before you buy. If the electrical installation needs to be changed, ask a qualified professional for advice.
Bosch’s French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, including models with stated capacities of 8 or 9 kg.
In France, Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers in a range of capacities, including 7, 8 and 9 kg.
LG’s French range includes washer-dryers that combine both functions in one appliance.
These models let you compare a washing machine for indoor drying, a separate tumble dryer or an appliance that combines washing and drying. Start by choosing the option that suits your available space and the amount of laundry you need to dry.
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This washer-dryer is designed for households that want both functions in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full washing load before drying it.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry regular loads without hanging them out. This model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating C. Check its dimensions and how it handles water to make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
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This washing machine is an option if you plan to keep hanging your clothes out to dry after washing. It has a stated capacity of 10 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. To assess how well it could help with indoor drying, compare its spin efficiency class with that of your current machine, rather than looking at revolutions per minute alone.
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Another washing machine to consider if you plan to keep drying clothes indoors. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a maximum spin speed of 1 400 tr/min. Check its spin efficiency class, then make sure the full dimensions, including connections, will fit in the space you have in mind.
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This washer-dryer suits anyone looking for one appliance to handle both jobs. It has a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, as well as automatic dosing. If you fill the drum for a wash, expect to remove some clothes before starting the drying cycle. Check the full cycle time and dimensions before buying, too.
It could be, if your aim is to reduce drying time on the line rather than have dry clothes as soon as the cycle ends. For this use, ADEME recommends checking the spin efficiency class. Compare the rating on your current machine before replacing it, and follow the spin-cycle instructions for your fabrics.
A vented model needs one: UFC-Que Choisir specifies that it requires an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. A condenser model doesn’t need this type of outlet, but you should check how your chosen model collects or drains condensed water.
Not if the load is at the machine’s maximum washing capacity: UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances have a lower drying capacity. Check both figures for the model and make sure it can dry your usual washing load in one go.
Measure the space needed for the appliance, its door to open and its connections. For a washing machine or washer-dryer, check the water inlet, drainage outlet and power supply. For a tumble dryer, also check the requirements for its ventilation or drainage system. Have any uncertain electrical installation checked before making changes.