If you don’t have an external vent, a washer-dryer could be right for you if you only have space for one appliance and its drying capacity suits your loads. If you have room for a separate appliance and dry laundry regularly, compare heat pump tumble dryers. According to UFC-Que Choisir, these generally use less energy but take longer than conventional condenser models. A washer-dryer may also have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. The European Commission says that a condenser tumble dryer does not need an external exhaust duct. However, check the installation and ventilation requirements for the model you choose.
If washing and drying need to fit into the same space, compare the appliance dimensions and the capacity of the wash-and-dry cycle, which may differ from the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the space-saving benefit of a combined appliance.
If you want to dry your usual loads without splitting them, check each model’s drying capacity and whether you have room for a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you have room for a separate appliance, compare energy use and cycle times across specific models. UFC-Que Choisir describes the trade-off between heat pump models, which generally use less energy, and conventional condenser models, which are generally quicker.
First, work out whether you can install a separate appliance or whether washing and drying need to share the same space. Then compare the drying capacity with the size of your usual loads.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for one appliance | Appliance dimensions; wash-and-dry cycle capacity. | If I only have space for one appliance, I want to combine washing and drying without overlooking how much laundry can actually be dried. Around 31% of consumers prioritise having just one appliance. |
| Drying capacity | Weight of a typical load; stated drying or combined-cycle capacity. | When I have large laundry loads, I want to avoid taking some of the washing out before drying. Around 31% of consumers prioritise being able to dry a typical load without splitting it. |
| Frequent use | Energy use and programme duration for the model, compared on a like-for-like basis. | If I dry laundry often, I compare electricity use and cycle times before choosing a technology. Around 23% of consumers put energy use first. |
| Room ventilation | Instructions in the manual; airflow and space around the appliance. | If the room has no external vent, I want to check that the planned location is suitable for the model. Around 15% of consumers make ventilation their top priority. |
Drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. If your load exceeds the drying programme limit, you’ll need to take some laundry out or run several cycles.
Compare the weight of your usual laundry loads with the stated drying capacity, not just the washing capacity.
An oversized load may mean you need to run extra drying cycles.
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external exhaust duct, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions when choosing where to put it. For the appliances covered by its support advice, Electrolux advises against installing them in a closed cupboard without ventilation.
Read the manual for your model and check that there will be enough airflow before deciding where to put it.
If the location isn’t suitable, you may need to change the appliance’s installation.
UFC-Que Choisir describes conventional condenser tumble dryers as generally quicker, but more energy-intensive than heat pump models.
Compare programme times and energy data for the models you’re considering, taking into account how often you dry laundry.
Documented models include a heat pump tumble dryer, a condenser model and a washer-dryer.
The F964R35WR washer-dryer is a documented example of a combined appliance.
The documented FFT CM11 8XB FR model lets you explore the option of a conventional condenser tumble dryer.
Documented models include an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, alongside support advice on humidity in the room.
This selection brings together washer-dryers and dedicated tumble dryers, so you can compare their formats, stated capacities and installation requirements against the space you have available.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance when space is limited.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Stay within the drying cycle limit.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for one appliance to wash and then dry your laundry.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 590 mm. Check the connections and available space.
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Worth considering for drying small loads at home.
Stated capacity: 3 kg per cycle. Check that this suits your usual needs and that the planned installation location is suitable for the appliance.
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Compare this dedicated heat pump appliance if you have a separate space for it.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Stated dimensions: 600 × 850 × 660 mm. Allow enough clearance around the appliance and for the door to open.
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Compare this dedicated condenser tumble dryer if you don’t have an external vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the room’s ventilation and the installation instructions in the manual for this model.
No. According to the European Commission, a condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external exhaust duct. You still need to follow the model’s instructions and its installation and ventilation requirements.
Only if the load is within the drying programme’s capacity. For example, Bosch Électroménager France lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNG24402FR. Compare both capacities with the size of your usual loads.
Check the ventilation and installation requirements in the model’s manual. Electrolux Assistance France recommends, for the appliances covered by its advice, avoiding a closed cupboard without ventilation.
If you dry laundry often and can install a separate appliance, compare energy use and programme times. UFC-Que Choisir describes heat pump models as generally using less energy and taking longer than conventional condenser models.
No. Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryer labels have used a scale from A to G, according to the European Commission. Compare labels and energy-use figures based on the system that applies to each model.