Households without room for two appliances
If you only have space for one appliance in your kitchen, bathroom or utility cupboard, compare the footprint of a washer-dryer with its drying capacity, which may be lower than its washing capacity.
Who are these options suitable for?
Households that often dry full loads
If you dry laundry regularly, it’s worth considering a dedicated appliance for its drying capacity, stated energy consumption and installation requirements when there’s no external vent.
Households that occasionally use an indoor airer
If you only air-dry clothes indoors from time to time, your washing machine’s spin performance may be a good first thing to consider, without immediately needing a dedicated drying appliance.
How do the options compare?
First, work out whether you have room for a dedicated appliance. Then compare drying capacity and the figures for the cycle that suits your needs. If an airer is still your main option, focus instead on spin performance.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, including room to open the door, and check the manual. A vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | If I only have room for one appliance, it needs to fit and still be easy to use. Around 42% of consumers would put this installation constraint first. |
| Capacity and energy use | Compare drying capacity, then energy use and cycle duration on a like-for-like basis. For a washer-dryer, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle. | I often dry full loads and want to know how much laundry I can actually dry. Capacity and energy use would be priorities for around 33% of consumers. |
| Occasional drying | Check the spin efficiency class and programmes suited to your fabrics before relying on an indoor airer. | If I only air-dry clothes occasionally, I mainly want to reduce how much water they retain after washing. Spin performance would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
What to avoid before you buy
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Choosing a vented model without confirming there’s an outlet
A vented tumble dryer sends moist air outside. Without a suitable opening or access to a duct, you won’t be able to install it as intended.
Make sure there’s an outlet before choosing this type of dryer. Otherwise, consider a condenser model whose installation requirements suit your room.
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Comparing an old energy rating directly with the new label
A product listing showing an old rating such as A++ isn’t, by itself, a reliable basis for comparison with the A to G scale that has applied to new tumble dryers since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission.
When comparing models, use their applicable energy labels and compare energy use, capacity, cycle duration and noise on a like-for-like basis.
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Assuming the washing capacity is the same as the drying capacity
With a washer-dryer, the maximum washing load may be greater than the load it can wash and dry in one go. Bosch, for example, states a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle on the WNG24402FR.
If you want to run both functions in one go, choose a model based on the capacity of its combined cycle and check that cycle’s energy figures too.
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Planning to stack appliances based on their dimensions alone
Two appliances that look as though they’ll stack may not be compatible. Bosch and Electrolux advise checking the appliance model numbers and the stacking kit designed for them.
Check the manuals for both models and make sure the kit is compatible before planning this installation.
You may need to buy a compatible kit separately.
Brands to consider when comparing models
These examples show how capacity and installation requirements can vary between models; they don’t represent every product in these brands’ ranges.
Bosch
Bosch offers both heat-pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
- Bosch states that the WTH83V01FF tumble dryer has an 8 kg capacity and measures 842 × 598 × 613 mm. The WNG24402FR washer-dryer takes 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for wash-and-dry cycles.
- To stack two Bosch appliances, check that the models and stacking kit are compatible; dimensions alone aren’t enough.
Electrolux
The range includes heat-pump tumble dryers, with water collection and drainage options that vary by model.
- Electrolux states that the EW6HI6284BN has an 8 kg capacity, uses 97 kWh per 100 cycles and has a 5.32 L water tank.
- Direct drainage requires an optional kit for this model. Check that it’s compatible and follow the installation instructions in the manual.
LG
LG offers both dedicated appliances and washer-dryers, which you should compare separately based on the space available and the load you need to dry.
- According to LG, the F164R78BSTA washer-dryer takes 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; its stated depth is 565 mm.
- The stated depth of this washer-dryer reaches 1,100 mm with the door open, so measure the space you’ll need to access the drum too.
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Frequently asked questions
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No, it doesn’t need the external duct required by a vented tumble dryer. Depending on the model and installation, water is collected in a tank or sent to a drain. Check the manual to see which option applies.
What does the EU rule mean when buying a new tumble dryer?
According to the European Commission, only household heat-pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market from 1 July 2025. This rule applies to placing new appliances on the market, not to using an appliance you already own.
Can a 9/6 kg washer-dryer dry a 9 kg load of laundry?
Not in a single full-load wash-and-dry cycle on the Bosch WNG24402FR: Bosch states a 9 kg washing capacity, but a 6 kg capacity for the combined cycle. If your load is over 6 kg, you’ll need to remove some of it before drying.
Does a heat-pump tumble dryer need a water drain?
Not necessarily: a condenser model can collect water in a tank. Electrolux states that the EW6HI6284BN has a 5.32 L tank and offers an optional direct-drain kit. Check what’s available for the model you choose.
Can you put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine to save space?
Only if both appliances can be stacked using a compatible kit. Check their model numbers and manuals before installation rather than relying on their dimensions alone.