Start with a washing machine offering good spin efficiency if you have space to hang laundry and your main aim is to shorten drying times. ADEME recommends choosing spin class A, particularly when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors or will subsequently go in the tumble dryer. A washer-dryer is suitable when only one appliance space is available, while a separate heat-pump tumble dryer may be a better fit for frequent washing if your home allows you to install a second appliance.
Reducing humidity and the clutter caused by wet laundry does not automatically require a drying appliance. Start by comparing spin efficiency and choosing a washing capacity suited to your household. ADEME recommends checking the energy label for these criteria.
A washer-dryer may be worth considering if its integrated drying function meets your usual loads. Check the washing and drying capacities separately: they are not necessarily the same. Electrolux’s French range includes 8/4 kg, 10.5/6 kg and 11/7 kg formats, for example.
A separate heat-pump tumble dryer is worth comparing if you can install a second appliance. It allows washing and drying to be organised as two separate loads; according to the European Commission, a vented model requires an outlet to the outside.
Start with your laundry routine, the space available and the process you will actually use: washing only, washing and drying, or separate drying.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce time spent hanging laundry | Compare the spin-efficiency class on the label, the capacity and the noise level. Do not rely solely on the maximum spin speed in revolutions per minute. | I want my laundry to spend less time on the clothes airer. ADEME recommends spin class A when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors. |
| Match the equipment to the available space | Measure the space and check the washing capacity. For a washer-dryer, check both capacities in kg; for a vented model, confirm that an external outlet is available. | I want to avoid an unnecessarily large drum or an appliance that cannot be installed in my home. |
| Compare useful cycles | Compare appliances in the same category using the label: energy class, consumption, water usage, duration and noise. Check the wash-dry cycle if that is the one you will use. | I want to understand the resources and time required for my actual process, rather than comparing only an energy class. |
| Keep your routine flexible | Check the drying capacity, the programmes approved for your fabrics and the installation requirements. Two separate appliances allow you to wash one load while another is drying. | I want to process dry laundry regularly without holding up my entire laundry routine. |
Revolutions per minute do not replace standardised spin efficiency. For indoor drying, ADEME refers to the energy label and recommends choosing spin class A when the aim is to dry laundry quickly.
Compare the spin-efficiency class with the capacity, noise level and consumption, rather than treating the maximum speed as sufficient proof.
The drying capacity may be considerably lower than the washing capacity, which can mean splitting a large wash load before drying it.
Note both capacities in kg and choose according to the amount you actually need to wash and dry at once.
According to the European Commission, a vented tumble dryer must expel humid air outside. It is therefore unsuitable for a location without a suitable outlet.
Identify the type of tumble dryer, check the location and review the connections specified in the instructions before ordering.
Two appliances in the same class may still differ in capacity, duration, noise, water usage or consumption, depending on the cycle in question. Tumble dryers have used the A to G scale since 1 July 2025.
Compare like-for-like categories and consult the label and the EPREL information sheet for the cycle that matches your usage.
In France, Bosch offers 8 and 9 kg heat-pump tumble dryers.
In France, Electrolux offers freestanding and built-in washer-dryers, with separate washing and drying capacities.
In France, Miele sells heat-pump tumble dryers, including models with 8 and 9 kg capacities.
In France, Beko offers heat-pump tumble dryers, including 10 and 12 kg models.
These Joybuy options include washer-dryers for homes with space for one appliance and separate heat-pump tumble dryers for households able to install a second appliance.
Image unavailable
A combined option for a home with space for one appliance, offering 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
The product information states class A for washing, class D for wash-dry, 308 kWh/100 cycles, 90 L/cycle, a wash-dry duration of 7 h 32 and spin efficiency B. A full washing load may need to be split before drying.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for frequent washing if you have space for a freestanding tumble dryer.
Stated drying capacity: 8 kg. The product information lists class C, a noise level of 64 dB and programmes for cotton, wool, synthetics, delicates and sportswear. Check the dimensions, label and installation instructions.
Image unavailable
This all-in-one model is designed for households that want to wash and then dry with a single appliance.
The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, with 27 washing programmes and app control. Plan to split some larger loads before drying and check the label, dimensions and instructions.
Image unavailable
A combined solution for a single appliance space, with separate capacities for washing and drying.
The product information states 10 kg washing capacity, 6 kg drying capacity, class D and dimensions of 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Check that the depth, connections and drying load suit your installation.
Image unavailable
A separate tumble dryer to consider when you want to avoid prolonged hanging and have space for a second appliance.
The stated capacity is 8 kg, with class D, three drying levels, several programmes and a stated 30-minute quick cycle. Check the dimensions, noise level, label and condensate drainage arrangements.
No. The European Commission states that a vented tumble dryer expels humid air outside and therefore requires an external vent. A condenser tumble dryer does not need this duct, but its connection requirements should still be checked in the instructions.
At a minimum, compare the energy class, energy consumption, water consumption, cycle duration and noise level. For a washer-dryer, pay particular attention to the wash-dry cycle values if that is the cycle you will normally use.
The drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. For example, Electrolux’s French range includes 8/4 kg, 10.5/6 kg and 11/7 kg configurations, so a full-capacity wash load may need to be dried in several batches.
No. For tumble dryers, the A to G label has been required in shops and online since 1 July 2025. Compare models using this current scale and consult the associated information sheet, particularly via EPREL when available.
No. If the space available for hanging laundry and the drying time suit you, a suitable washing machine with effective spinning may be enough. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that matches your needs and using the label to compare spin efficiency, water, energy and noise.