If you dry laundry regularly in a dedicated appliance, start by comparing heat pump tumble dryers. According to Que Choisir, they generally use less electricity than conventional condenser models, but their cycles can take longer. If getting dry laundry quickly is your main priority, consider a conventional condenser dryer too. And if there’s no room for two appliances, a washer-dryer could be an option — just bear in mind that its drying capacity is usually lower than its washing capacity.
If you run several drying cycles a week and keep an eye on your energy use, compare the figures on the energy label with programme times. Que Choisir highlights the trade-off between the lower energy use of heat pump models and the faster drying times of conventional condenser dryers.
If you need to turn around towels or children’s clothes quickly, check the programme time for the load you actually dry. According to Que Choisir, conventional condenser dryers are generally faster than heat pump models, but typically use more electricity.
A washer-dryer combines both functions, but check its washing and drying capacities separately. Que Choisir notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. You’ll also need to allow for longer cycles than with a standalone tumble dryer.
Worth considering: if you dry laundry frequently and energy use matters more to you than speed.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, cycles can take longer than with a conventional condenser model.
Worth considering: if you want a dedicated tumble dryer without an external vent and drying time is your priority.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, this technology generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model.
Worth considering: if there isn’t enough space to install a washing machine and tumble dryer separately.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and cycles take longer than with a standalone tumble dryer.
Once you’ve chosen an appliance type, check its drying capacity against your usual loads. Then check the installation space and maintenance requirements in the manual.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare energy use figures from labels for the same type of appliance and comparable cycles. Take into account how often you dry laundry. | When I run cycles every week, I want to limit the electricity I use without assuming a single cycle reflects my overall usage; around 33% of consumers put energy use first. |
| Cycle times | Check the reference programme time and the load conditions for quick programmes. | When I have several loads back to back, I need towels or clothes to be dry in time; speed comes before other factors for around 27% of consumers. |
| Installation and space | Check the dimensions, clearances and ventilation required in the manual, as well as how the condensed water is handled. | Without an external vent or with space for only one appliance, I need to be able to install and use it as specified; around 27% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Maintenance and fabrics | Check access to the filter and condenser, depending on the model, as well as the programmes available for the fabrics you dry. | If I often dry delicate fabrics, I want suitable programmes and maintenance I can carry out regularly; this need takes priority for around 13% of consumers. |
A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, works without an external vent. You still need to follow the ventilation and installation requirements: Electrolux, for example, advises against installing a tumble dryer in an unventilated, closed cupboard.
Before choosing a model, measure the space and check the manual for clearance, ventilation and approved installation options.
According to Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less electricity than conventional condenser dryers, but the latter are often quicker. Longer cycles can make it harder to turn around loads of laundry quickly.
Compare the energy use and cycle times of equivalent programmes, and make sure the capacity suits your usual laundry loads.
Whirlpool explains that whether a condenser tumble dryer can be connected to a drain depends on the model. If a connection isn’t provided, you’ll need to use the water collection tank.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering and see whether the necessary connection accessories are included.
With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry a full washing load in one go. For example, Electrolux states that its EW7IW4966BG model has a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Compare the two capacities separately and consider whether you can remove some of the laundry before drying.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers in France, including 8 and 9 kg models.
Electrolux offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
Whirlpool’s French range includes both conventional condenser and heat pump tumble dryers.
These appliances combine washing and drying. Consider them if your home doesn’t have room for two separate appliances, then compare their drying capacity with your usual loads.
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Worth considering if you can only fit one appliance and a 6 kg drying capacity suits your needs.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. LintClear system and automatic dosing advertised.
Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, clearances and ventilation requirements in the manual. Also compare energy use figures and programme times.
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Consider this when space means you need a combined appliance and a 6 kg drying capacity suits your loads.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. App control and LintClear system advertised.
Check the installation requirements in the manual, then compare programme times and energy use figures with how often you’ll use it.
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Worth considering if you need a combined appliance and your drying loads don’t exceed its stated 5 kg capacity.
Stated capacity: 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
Confirm the exact dimensions and clearances before deciding where to put it. Also check programme times and energy use figures for your regular needs.
No. It’s a condenser tumble dryer designed to work without an external vent. You still need to follow the clearance and ventilation requirements in the manual. Electrolux, for example, advises against putting a tumble dryer in a closed cupboard without ventilation.
Yes, but only if the model supports this type of connection. Whirlpool says this varies by model, so check the manual and included accessories, or plan to empty the water collection tank.
Clean the filter as instructed for your model. Electrolux requires the filter to be cleaned after every cycle for appliances covered by its guidance. If the condenser is accessible, follow the inspection and cleaning instructions for your model too.
Not necessarily: according to Que Choisir, drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. For example, the Electrolux EW7IW4966BG is stated to have a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so you may need to split a full washing load before drying it.