If you regularly dry large loads and have a suitable space, a separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir reports that this technology uses less energy than a conventional condenser or vented tumble dryer. A washer-dryer is better suited to homes where space is limited, provided you adjust the load to its drying capacity. An airer is another option if your home can cope with the moisture released by drying clothes indoors.
If your airers are still full when it’s time for the next wash, a separate tumble dryer can make it easier to dry clothes regularly. Check that its capacity suits your usual loads and that you have a suitable place to install it.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. However, its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. This means you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
This option depends on the space available and how well the room is ventilated. ADEME highlights that air-drying clothes releases a lot of moisture indoors, so avoid leaving damp laundry for long periods in a poorly ventilated space.
Start with the amount of laundry you have and the space available, then check the installation requirements and usage information for the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you regularly dry large loads and have a suitable space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install and maintain a second appliance. Stacking is only suitable if compatibility is confirmed for the exact model numbers.
Worth considering: if there isn’t room for two appliances and you can adjust your loads to suit the drying capacity.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is often lower than washing capacity, and full wash-and-dry programmes can take a while, so check that their duration suits your routine, as UFC-Que Choisir advises.
Worth considering: if your usual loads and available space allow you to air-dry your laundry.
Keep an eye on: the moisture released into the room, as highlighted by ADEME, particularly if ventilation is limited.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture and installation | For an airer, consider the space and ventilation in the room: ADEME highlights the moisture released by laundry. For a tumble dryer, distinguish between condenser and vented models. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a vented model needs a suitable outlet to the outside. | I want to dry clothes indoors without leaving a loaded airer for long periods in a poorly ventilated room. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the available space and compare the drying capacity with your loads. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately: Electrolux lists 9 kg and 6 kg for its EW7IW4966BG model. A stacked setup requires a kit that’s compatible with the appliances in question. | I need a solution that fits in my home and can dry an amount of laundry that suits my washing routine. |
| Energy use and cycle duration | Compare figures for the same type of cycle and appliance category. UFC-Que Choisir reports that heat pump tumble dryers use less energy than conventional models. Its washer-dryer testing protocol measures cycle duration, water and electricity separately. | A wash-and-dry cycle needs to fit into my day. I also want to compare energy and water use before choosing a combined appliance. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for information on filters, any water tank and regular maintenance. Electrolux, for example, describes how to clean the filter, pump and detergent drawer on its washer-dryers; the exact steps depend on the appliance. | I’d like to know what maintenance tasks come with an appliance I’ll use regularly. |
With a washer-dryer, the wash load may exceed the permitted drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference, as shown by the Electrolux EW7IW4966BG, which is listed as 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
Compare both capacities in kilograms and be prepared to remove some clothes if the load is larger than the drying capacity.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside or a suitable duct, unlike a condenser model.
Check the exact type of appliance and read its installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
A stacking kit won’t necessarily fit every washing machine and tumble dryer. For its 00576101 kit, Bosch requires a washing machine depth of more than 55 cm and advises checking compatibility.
Note down the exact model numbers of both appliances, then check the kit details and any exclusions in the manufacturer’s documentation.
ADEME identifies air-drying laundry as a major source of indoor moisture. This is particularly important when clothes are left for a long time in a poorly ventilated space.
Choose a well-ventilated place to dry your clothes. If you’re concerned about damp or ventilation in your home, get the situation assessed separately.
If you’re looking at a separate heat pump tumble dryer, Whirlpool’s product information for the C WD 86M WBR FR offers a specific example: 8 kg capacity, energy class A and a stated noise level of 60 dB.
Electrolux France’s EW7IW4966BG washer-dryer is a useful example of the difference between its 9 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity.
Bosch offers an example of a stacking kit to consider if you’re planning to stack a washing machine and tumble dryer.
LG France lists the F964R76WSTA washer-dryer with a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
These appliances show two options for drying clothes indoors: a separate tumble dryer or a washer-dryer. Compare their capacity with your usual loads and check the installation requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and regularly dry loads close to 8 kg. The product title lists class C. Check cycle durations, dimensions and the installation instructions to make sure it’s suitable for your space.
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One appliance for washing and drying when there isn’t room for two machines. The product title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Adjust the load before running consecutive cycles, and check the cycle duration, dimensions and connections for this model.
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Another separate appliance to consider for regular loads: the product title lists an 8 kg capacity and energy class D. Check the dimensions, noise level and cycle information for this model before choosing a spot for it.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. The product title lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. If you’ve washed more than 6 kg, you’ll need to remove some laundry before drying. Also check the dimensions and full cycle duration.
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A separate drying option listed with an 8 kg capacity. The product title mentions condenser drying and an OptiSense sensor, but doesn’t confirm whether it’s a heat pump model. Check the exact technology, energy label and installation instructions before comparing it with other tumble dryers.
A condenser model with a heat pump doesn’t need an air outlet to the outside. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these appliances from vented tumble dryers, which need a suitable outlet or duct. Always check the manual for the model you choose.
Only if it doesn’t exceed the stated drying capacity. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW7IW4966BG. If your load is over 6 kg, remove some laundry before starting the drying cycle.
Start with the exact model number, capacity and energy-use information relevant to how you’ll use the appliance. According to the summary published on EUR-Lex, household tumble dryers sold in the European Union carry an energy label; washer-dryers are not included in this category.
The European Commission’s public database lets you check energy-efficiency information for models covered by energy labelling. Search for the exact model number to compare the listed specifications and, where available, documents relating to repair.
No, provided you have enough space and ventilation to air-dry your usual loads. However, ADEME highlights that air-drying clothes releases a lot of moisture indoors. Consider the room you’ll use, and get any ongoing ventilation concerns assessed separately.