If you regularly dry large loads and have room for a second appliance, consider a separate heat pump tumble dryer: it doesn’t need an external vent. If there’s only room for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. In either case, check the dimensions, the energy and water use of the cycle you’ll use, and the installation requirements for the specific model.
If you regularly need to get through several loads of washing, a separate tumble dryer lets you start drying while the washing machine is running, provided you have room for a second appliance. Compare its capacity with the amount of laundry you usually dry.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. This space-saving option is particularly useful if there’s no room for a second appliance. However, check the depth, the clearance needed to open the door and the stated drying capacity.
Compare the figures for the exact model rather than relying on its technology alone. For washer-dryers, the European Commission’s energy label gives separate information for washing-only and wash-and-dry cycles, so choose the figures that match how you’ll use the machine.
Consider this if: you have a dedicated space and want to be able to dry one load while another is being washed.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install a second appliance and check the instructions for how condensate is collected or drained.
Consider this if: there’s room for only one appliance in your utility room and you want to wash and dry your laundry without transferring it between machines.
Bear in mind: you may sometimes need to remove some of the washing before drying to stay within the stated capacity.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads. For a washer-dryer, don’t confuse it with the washing capacity. | I often dry full loads and want to avoid splitting them before every drying cycle. Around 46 % of shoppers rank this capacity as their top priority. |
| Available space | Measure the overall depth and allow enough room to open the door. If you’re stacking two appliances, check that the stacking kit is compatible. | I have room for just one appliance, and the walkway needs to stay clear when the door is open. For around 36 % of shoppers, minimising the space taken up is the main priority. |
| Energy and water use, and maintenance | Check the energy label and product information for the exact model. For a washer-dryer, look at the wash-and-dry cycle figures, including water and electricity use. | I’ll use the drying function often and want to factor in its running costs and maintenance requirements. This is the top priority for around 18 % of shoppers. |
Its drying capacity can be significantly lower. For example, LG France lists 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying on its F164R78BSTA model. Any load exceeding the latter limit needs to be reduced before drying.
Always compare both capacities with the amount of laundry you plan to wash and then dry.
A heat pump tumble dryer also collects water through condensation, but the term alone doesn’t tell you which technology it uses. According to the European Commission, new domestic tumble dryers placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025 must use heat pump technology. Older conventional condenser dryers are a different case.
When buying new in France, check the technology and the A to G energy label for the specific model. If you’re considering a second-hand appliance, don’t apply the criteria for a new model indiscriminately.
Stacking kits aren’t universal. Electrolux describes a kit for certain front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm and advises checking their PNC reference numbers.
Measure both appliances and only use a fixing solution that the manufacturer confirms is compatible with their model references.
UFC-Que Choisir’s tests report that most of the models examined use water during drying. So a comparison based on electricity alone won’t give you the full picture of a wash-and-dry cycle.
Check the water and energy use, as well as the duration of the complete cycle, on the energy label and product information for the model you’re considering.
These brands offer ranges worth considering across both types of appliance, but the capacities and features mentioned apply to specific models.
Bosch France offers separate heat pump tumble dryers, including models with capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
LG France offers both washer-dryers and separate heat pump tumble dryers.
Electrolux France offers washer-dryers and a stacking kit to consider if you’re planning to install two appliances in a column.
These two appliances are separate tumble dryer options for drying laundry without an external vent. Before choosing, compare their stated capacities with your usual loads and check that the dimensions and condensate management suit your space.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry loads of up to its stated capacity of 8 kg.
The product name lists an energy rating of C and a white finish. Check the dimensions, required clearances and energy use for the exact model before installation.
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A good option for regular household drying if you have room to install a separate appliance that suits your loads.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity, an energy rating of D and a white finish. Confirm the dimensions, how condensate is collected or drained, and the energy use for the exact model.
No. A condenser tumble dryer collects the water removed from your laundry in a tank, or can send it to a drain, depending on the model. A vented tumble dryer, on the other hand, expels moist air outside. UFC-Que Choisir says it needs a suitable opening or vent hose.
Yes, as long as the load doesn’t exceed the model’s stated drying capacity. This may be lower than its washing capacity: LG France, for example, lists 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying on the F164R78BSTA. If your load exceeds the drying limit, remove some of the laundry.
Compare the figures for the cycle you’ll use, particularly those for wash-and-dry if you’ll be using both functions in one go. The European Commission says washer-dryer energy labels include information such as energy use, water use and cycle duration. The washing-only rating doesn’t describe a complete cycle.
Yes, provided the fixing solution is confirmed as compatible with both appliances. The kit described by Electrolux is intended for certain front-loading models with a depth of 47 to 60 cm, and compatibility must be checked using the PNC reference numbers. Measure your space and follow the manufacturers’ requirements rather than assuming one kit will fit every appliance.