If you do several loads of washing in a row and have a suitable space, a separate tumble dryer lets you wash one load while another dries. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If you prefer to air-dry your clothes, ADEME says a fast spin helps them dry more quickly indoors. You’ll need to allow enough space and time to hang them up.
If you only have room for one appliance at home, compare a washer-dryer with using the spin cycle and then a clothes airer. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a combined appliance has a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. Stacking appliances can save floor space, but you’ll need to check that the stacking kit and dimensions are compatible with both appliances.
A separate tumble dryer lets you start a wash while another load is drying. You’ll need a suitable space, and should check the connection, ventilation and how condensed water is handled, depending on the type of appliance.
If the appliance will be used near your living space, compare the noise levels and cycle times listed for the models you’re considering. Also check which programmes are suitable for your fabrics and what maintenance the manual recommends, particularly for the filters.
Worth considering: if you don’t want to add a drying appliance and can make room for clothes to air-dry.
Bear in mind: spinning removes some of the moisture from your load, but your clothes will still need to air-dry.
Worth considering: if you only have room for one appliance and want to run a wash and dry cycle in the same drum.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the permitted drying load is smaller than the washing load, and drying takes longer than in a conventional tumble dryer.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable space and want to wash one load while another dries.
Bear in mind: an extra appliance means checking the available space and power supply, plus air venting or condensate collection, depending on the type.
| Priority | What to check | How it fits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Load to be dried | Compare the washing and drying capacities in kg separately, then check the permitted load for a continuous cycle. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. | I want to know whether all my washing can stay in the drum or whether I’ll need to remove some of it before drying. |
| Cycle time and energy use | On a washer-dryer’s energy label, compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration for the same function. The European Commission distinguishes between information for washing only and for a wash-and-dry cycle. | If I often run a complete cycle, its duration and consumption matter more to me than the figures for washing alone. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and clearances required in the manual, and check the power supply. According to the European Commission, a vented tumble dryer needs an external air outlet, while a condenser model collects water in a tank or drains it away. | I need to be able to install and use the appliance in the space I have, without assuming that a cupboard or connection will be suitable. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the model’s noise level, the programmes suitable for your fabrics, and the cleaning instructions for the filters and condenser. | If it’s near a living space, noise matters to me. I also want to know what maintenance I’ll need to carry out. |
| Spin cycle and air-drying | Compare spin efficiency and the programmes suitable for your fabrics. ADEME says a fast spin helps clothes dry more quickly indoors. | Without a tumble dryer, I can air-dry my clothes if I have enough space and the drying time fits my routine. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that a load which fits for washing may exceed the drying capacity of a washer-dryer.
Compare the kg figures for each function and check the permitted load for a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
The European Commission distinguishes between vented tumble dryers, which need an external air outlet, and condenser models, which collect water or drain it away.
Identify the type of appliance before ordering. If you want to connect the condensate drain, check the manual to make sure a hose or kit is compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
A drain connection may require a compatible accessory and an accessible drainage point.
A space that’s too enclosed may not meet the manufacturer’s ventilation requirements. Having enough room doesn’t necessarily mean the power supply is suitable or that the appliances can be stacked.
Measure the space and clearances specified in the manual. If you’re unsure, have the electrical installation checked, and only use a stacking kit that’s compatible with the appliance models.
Load limits, suitable fabrics and cycle times can vary by programme. A function advertised for one model won’t necessarily be suitable for every garment.
Check the instructions for the programme you’re considering and the care symbols on your clothes before choosing a cycle.
These specifications apply to the models listed, not to every product in each brand’s range.
The French product page for the WQG24502FR heat pump tumble dryer gives you a chance to check its capacity, noise level and options for draining condensed water.
The YW6HI841DC heat pump tumble dryer provides model-specific figures for comparing load capacity, noise and electricity consumption.
The product page for the TEA525WP 8kg Active describes a heat pump tumble dryer and its features for handling condensed water and maintenance.
This selection includes separate tumble dryers and washer-dryers to help you dry clothes indoors. Compare each appliance based on the space available, the load to be dried and the installation requirements. Clothes airers aren’t included.
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For drying clothes in a separate appliance: the title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, ventilation requirements, cycle times and drainage options.
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This separate 8 kg model is listed with the OptiSense system and a propane refrigerant. Before installing it, check the dimensions, ventilation and how condensed water is handled in the manual for this model.
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The title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. For a continuous cycle, make sure your load fits the drying capacity. The technical description also uses the model number WD11DG6B85BE; check the exact model number and its energy label before comparing the specifications.
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With a listed washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, you’ll need to adjust the load if you want to run both stages back-to-back. Check the full cycle time, noise level, connections and space required for installation.
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This separate tumble dryer is listed with an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Before choosing it for your home, compare cycle times and energy use, then check the dimensions, ventilation and condensate collection details in the manual.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. For a continuous cycle, stick to the permitted drying load. If your wash load is larger, you may need to remove some clothes after washing.
Yes. According to the European Commission, this type of appliance vents damp air outside. Before buying, check the manual for the required connection and make sure it’s feasible in your home.
Not necessarily: according to the European Commission, condensed water can be collected in a tank or directed to a drain. If you’d prefer to drain it away, check that the connection or accessory is suitable for the model you’ve chosen.
First check the model’s manual and the clearances it requires. Bosch recommends placing its tumble dryers in a well-ventilated, non-enclosed space. If the appliance is behind a door or under a worktop, the brand says to allow hot air to escape.
The European Commission lists figures including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, cycle duration and noise emissions. Compare figures for the same function: a washing-only figure doesn’t describe the complete wash-and-dry cycle.