If you have space for a second appliance and regularly do load after load of washing, compare heat pump tumble dryers. If you only have room for one appliance, look at washer-dryers, comparing their washing capacity with their drying capacity. Drying without an appliance is still an option if you have a genuinely usable space, but bear in mind how much room an airer takes up and the moisture released indoors. In all cases, check the installation instructions for the exact model before you buy.
If your washing and drying need to share one space, compare drying capacity and the length of the combined cycle, not just washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir notes that washer-dryers can have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
If you’re considering a second appliance, compare its usable capacity and programme duration with your laundry routine, then check the space available, stated noise level and maintenance requirements.
If you have a practical space available, you could avoid buying an appliance. However, ADEME points out that drying clothes indoors releases moisture into your home and takes up space.
Worth considering: if you have a separate space and regularly dry loads of washing.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and needs maintenance.
Worth considering: if washing and drying need to fit into one space and your usual loads are within the drying capacity.
Bear in mind: the combined cycle can leave the machine out of action for longer.
Worth considering: if you have a genuinely usable space for an airer that won’t disrupt everyday life at home.
Bear in mind: drying clothes indoors takes up space and releases moisture into the room.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Just one space available | Compare the dimensions and door opening with the space you have. For a two-in-one appliance, check washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. | If I can only fit one appliance, I want to know how much washing can actually be dried without taking some of it out. Around 36% of consumers prioritise having just one appliance space to use. |
| How often you do laundry | Compare the drying capacity and the programme duration for your usual loads; don’t confuse a quick cycle with a full-load cycle. | When I have several loads to get through, I want to avoid having the machine tied up for too long. Around 29% of consumers prioritise being able to get through laundry loads one after another. |
| Electricity, noise and maintenance | For a tumble dryer, check the energy label for the exact model and compare energy use on a like-for-like basis. Also check the stated decibel level and how easy it is to access the filter. | If the appliance will be near the living areas, I want to compare its energy use, noise and maintenance requirements. Around 21% of consumers put these factors first. |
| Managing without an appliance | Assess how much usable space you really have and how often you’ll need to dry washing on an airer. ADEME says that drying clothes indoors releases moisture into your home. | If I can still dry clothes on an airer without cluttering the living areas, I’d rather avoid buying another appliance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this option. |
The two capacities can differ. The manufacturer’s product information for the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
Choose based on the drying capacity in kilograms and the amount of washing you want to dry in one cycle.
If a load is too large for the drying capacity, you may need to split it or run extra cycles.
The European Commission says that, since 1 July 2025, the A to G energy scale must be displayed in shops and online for the tumble dryers it covers. An old A++ rating cannot be compared directly with this scale.
Check the label and product information for the exact model on offer.
Dimensions alone don’t confirm the required clearances, access for maintenance, or how condensate and connections need to be managed.
Check the installation instructions for the exact model and make sure its requirements suit your home before deciding.
The Series 4 WTH83V01FF heat pump tumble dryer is one 8 kg model worth comparing.
The EW7IW2856BG washer-dryer is an example of a two-in-one option when you only have space for one appliance.
The D0H11030 tumble dryer is listed with a capacity of 10 kg, giving you a different capacity to consider.
The RH9V51WH heat pump tumble dryer is listed with a capacity of 9 kg.
The products below include washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers. Compare the type of appliance, stated capacities and the constraints of your available space.
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This two-in-one design may be worth considering if washing and drying need to share one space.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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This washer-dryer is worth comparing if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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This separate tumble dryer is worth comparing if you have a dedicated space for drying.
The product name indicates an 8 kg capacity and a condenser tumble dryer.
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A washer-dryer may be worth considering when both functions need to share one space.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth comparing if you can set aside a dedicated space.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. The product is described as a freestanding appliance.
No, compare its drying capacity too. For the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG, Electrolux France lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying, so a washed load of 8 kg would exceed its maximum drying load.
No, check the instructions for the exact model before confirming where it will go. In particular, check clearances, condensate management, connections and access for maintenance; the dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that a space is suitable.
Not necessarily: according to the European Commission, it can be displayed in advance, but becomes compulsory for tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 January 2027. For the tumble dryers covered by the rules, the A to G energy scale has been displayed in shops and online since 1 July 2025.
No, washer-dryers have their own labelling rules, rather than those that apply to tumble dryers. The European Commission treats these as separate categories; check the information for the type of appliance and the cycle you’ll use.
In France, when an individual buys from a business, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies subject to its conditions; the Ministry of the Economy says you have two years to make a claim. The DGCCRF also says that certain parts for domestic tumble dryers and washer-dryers must be available for ten years. This doesn’t mean every part is covered or that repairs are free.