If you can make room for a separate appliance, consider a heat pump tumble dryer after checking its dimensions and how it handles condensed water. If there’s only room for one appliance on the floor, a washer-dryer avoids the need to install a second machine, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. A clothes airer is still an option if you have a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room where you can manage the moisture from drying laundry.
If you can only fit one machine and don’t want to leave a clothes airer up, a washer-dryer combines both functions. Check that its drying capacity suits your usual loads, though: UFC-Que Choisir points out that it is lower than its washing capacity.
If you regularly need to dry several loads and can fit a separate appliance or a compatible stacked set, compare the capacity, programmes and installation requirements of heat pump tumble dryers. Space is still a deciding factor, even if you can stack two appliances.
If you can set aside a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room for laundry, a clothes airer can be an option without a powered drying appliance. However, ADEME reminds us that drying laundry indoors adds moisture to your home.
Consider it if: you dry laundry often and have room for a separate appliance, either on its own or in a compatible stacked set.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install and maintain a second appliance, and either empty its condensate tank or use a water drainage connection, depending on the model.
Consider it if: you can only fit one machine and want to wash and dry a load without transferring it between appliances.
Bear in mind: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, so you might have to remove some of the laundry.
Consider it if: you can use a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room for drying, or one with an extractor fan.
Bear in mind: the space it takes up while in use and the moisture it adds to the air indoors, as highlighted by ADEME.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable space | Measure the depth, door clearance and access route. For a stacked set, check that the stacking kit is compatible with both appliances. | If a permanent clothes airer would get in the way, I need to be able to load the machine and open its door in the space available. Around 42% of consumers in this situation would put saving space at the top of their list. |
| Loads and regular use | Compare the drying capacity, which differs from the washing capacity on a combined appliance, then check the stated energy use, cycle duration and noise levels for comparable programmes. | If I do laundry often, I want to know how much can dry in each cycle and how much time this routine will take out of my day. Capacity and regular use would be the priority for around 33% of consumers in this situation. |
| Drying without an extra appliance | Look for a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan, as well as space to put up and store the airer. | If I prefer to air-dry my laundry, I need somewhere to leave it to dry without permanently cluttering my home or overlooking the moisture it creates. This option would come first for around 25% of consumers in this situation. |
With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry the entire load in the cycle straight after washing. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the two capacities. For example, the Bosch WNG24402FR has a washing capacity of 9 kg and a capacity of 6 kg for a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
Compare both figures for the model you’re considering with your usual loads, and be prepared to remove some laundry if the load exceeds the drying capacity.
An appliance might fit into an alcove without leaving enough room to open its door, access parts that need maintaining or move around in front of it.
Measure the space and access route, then compare them with the exact model’s dimensions, including with the door open. For example, Bosch states that its WQG2451SFR tumble dryer has a depth of 109,6 cm with the door open.
Similar widths don’t guarantee that a washing machine and tumble dryer are compatible. Electrolux and LG provide stacking instructions that depend on the appliances and the kit used.
Check which models are compatible with the manufacturer and follow the instructions for the kit designed for your installation.
In a small, poorly ventilated room, damp laundry can make a clothes airer difficult to use day to day. ADEME highlights the moisture created by drying clothes indoors.
Before deciding against a machine, make sure you can dry your laundry in a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan.
Options to consider if you’re comparing a freestanding tumble dryer with a front-loading washer-dryer.
A brand to consider for a heat pump tumble dryer or a stacked installation.
A brand to consider if you’re looking into stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer.
These models include washer-dryers, which are worth considering if you can only fit one machine, and heat pump tumble dryers, which need a separate space. Compare their drying capacity with your usual loads and check each model’s installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you need to wash and dry with one appliance. Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load before running both functions in succession.
The model name mentions Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and app control. Check the model’s dimensions and energy consumption figures before choosing where to put it.
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This freestanding model combines washing and drying in one machine. It is listed as having a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so a maximum washing load can’t be dried at full capacity in one go.
Check the duration of the programme you’re interested in, as well as the clearance needed around the appliance before installation.
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Consider this model if one machine needs to do both jobs. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so check that the latter suits your usual loads.
The title mentions a D rating; check the model’s label to find out which cycle it applies to. Also check the water supply and drainage connections required for installation.
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For drying laundry in a separate appliance if you have a suitable space. The title states a capacity of 8 kg and a C rating; compare the full energy label with those of other models you’re considering.
Check its dimensions, access for maintenance and how the condensed water will be handled in your installation.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer. The title states a capacity of 8 kg and a D rating; use the model’s energy label to compare its consumption on a like-for-like basis.
Measure the space you have in mind and check the instructions for clearance, maintenance and condensate handling.
A heat pump condenser dryer generally doesn’t need an exhaust hose to the outside, unlike a vented tumble dryer, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Still, check the instructions for guidance on where to put it and how to empty the tank or connect a drain for the condensed water, if available.
No. Stacking requires a kit that’s compatible with the appliances involved, and you must follow its instructions. For example, Electrolux sets out depth and compatibility requirements for one of its kits; these don’t automatically apply to other kits or brands.
Its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, Bosch states that the WNG24402FR can wash 9 kg but can handle only 6 kg in a continuous wash-and-dry cycle. Compare both figures for your model and reduce the load before drying if needed.
It can be enough if you have somewhere to hang your laundry and manage the moisture while it dries. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. If your home doesn’t have a suitable space, consider this before relying on air-drying as your only option.