If you regularly dry full loads and have room for an extra appliance, consider a separate tumble dryer. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer is a better fit, provided you stick to its drying capacity. A washing machine with a suitable spin cycle and an indoor airer is another option for loads that fit the space available, but you’ll still need to keep your home properly ventilated. In every case, check the dimensions, how water is managed and the figures for the cycles you’ll use.
If you mainly dry laundry indoors, your choice will depend on how much space you have, how much laundry you need to dry and how the appliance deals with condensed water. If you use an airer, make sure it doesn’t block your home’s ventilation either.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Be sure to check its depth and its separate capacities: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
Compare drying capacity and cycle arrangements before choosing between a separate appliance and a washer-dryer. Saving space doesn’t, by itself, solve the question of how much laundry needs drying.
Start with the space you have and the loads you typically wash, then compare installation requirements and the figures for the cycle you plan to use.
Consider this if: you regularly dry full loads and can install a second appliance.
The trade-off: you’ll need to make room for it and plan how to deal with the water, depending on the model.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and dry in the same machine.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, so you won’t always be able to dry a full wash load in one go.
Consider this if: your loads fit on an airer and there’s no room for an extra drying appliance.
The trade-off: this option doesn’t dry laundry automatically, and you’ll need to keep your ventilation clear.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the space and the appliance’s depth. Check how much room is needed for the door to open and for installation. | I only have space for one appliance: a washer-dryer is worth considering, but it needs to fit properly. |
| Load to be dried | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. For a tumble dryer, check the stated capacity against your usual loads. | If I want to go straight from washing to drying without removing any laundry, I need to size the load according to the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. |
| Cycles and energy use | Compare the energy label information for the same type of use, such as washing only or washing and drying. Also check the time, water and electricity used for the programmes in question. | I want to compare the cycles I’ll actually use, rather than figures for two different types of use. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol records cycle duration, water and electricity use for each cycle tested. |
| Water and installation | Check whether the tumble dryer uses a water tank or allows direct drainage, then confirm that the hose or kit is compatible. Consult the manual for installation and electrical connection requirements. | I’d rather know before buying whether I’ll need to empty a tank and whether my home allows for the planned connection. |
| Spin cycle and ventilation | If you use an airer, compare the washing machine’s spin performance and keep your home’s air inlets and outlets clear. | I dry my laundry on an airer: a suitable spin cycle matters, but I don’t want to block the room’s ventilation. |
With a washer-dryer, a full wash load may exceed the drying capacity. For example, Whirlpool France lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg for the FFWDD 1176258 BCV FR model.
Compare both capacities for your chosen model and plan consecutive cycles around the drying capacity.
Unless a compatible direct drainage connection is available, you’ll need to empty the collected water from the tank. Electrolux France lists a 5.32 L tank for the EDHF5841EC model.
Check the tank, whether any drainage kit is compatible with the exact appliance model and whether you have a suitable connection.
A compatible kit may be sold separately from the appliance.
Washing alone and a combined wash-and-dry cycle aren’t the same type of use. Comparing washing figures alone won’t answer your questions about drying.
Check the label and product information for figures that match the cycle you plan to use.
An airer or drying appliance doesn’t replace the need for fresh air in your home. The Association QUALITEL points out that ventilation helps to reduce humidity.
Keep air inlets and outlets clear. If the ventilation seems faulty or a damp problem persists, have your home checked rather than relying on your choice of drying equipment alone.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t necessarily apply across an entire range.
If you’re considering a high-capacity separate tumble dryer, the WRB247C0FR heat-pump model is a useful comparison point: Bosch Electroménager France lists a maximum capacity of 9 kg.
Water management is worth checking on the EDHF5841EC heat-pump tumble dryer: Electrolux France lists a capacity of 8 kg and a 5.32 L collection tank.
The FFWDD 1176258 BCV FR washer-dryer is an example of an appliance that combines both functions. Whirlpool France lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg.
These two heat-pump tumble dryers are worth considering if you have room for a separate appliance. For each one, compare the stated capacity with your usual loads and check the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you want to dry laundry regularly in a separate appliance and have enough space for it. The product title states a capacity of 8 kg and energy rating C. Check the dimensions and the figures for the cycles you’re interested in. If you’re considering direct drainage, make sure the connection is compatible with this model.
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Worth considering for loads within the stated 8 kg capacity. The product title states energy rating D. Before choosing where to put it, check its dimensions, installation requirements and how condensed water is collected or drained.
Not necessarily. According to Electrolux France, the EDHF5841EC has a 5.32 L collection tank. For direct drainage, check that the kit is compatible with the exact tumble dryer model and that your home has a suitable connection.
Not always: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. For example, Whirlpool France lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg for the FFWDD 1176258 BCV FR. To run both cycles consecutively on this model, stick to the 7 kg drying limit.
Compare the figures that match how you’ll use it: washing alone or a wash-and-dry cycle. Check the label and product information for the capacities and energy use associated with the relevant cycle. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol also records the duration, water and electricity used in the cycles tested.
No. An airer dries your laundry, while ventilation brings fresh air into your home; the Association QUALITEL points out that this helps to reduce humidity. Don’t block air inlets or outlets with laundry or the way you arrange the room.