If you regularly dry full loads and have space for a separate appliance, consider a heat pump tumble dryer. It doesn’t need a vent to the outside, but you should still check its cycle time, noise level and maintenance requirements. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer could be a good fit, provided you bear in mind that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. For smaller loads, indoor air-drying is still an option in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation, as recommended by ADEME.
If you have room for a separate appliance, consider heat pump tumble dryers and choose a capacity that suits your usual loads. Eco programme duration, noise and maintenance are also important if you use it regularly.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may need to dry a full wash in several batches.
For smaller loads, you can continue drying clothes indoors if the room is suitable. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with a mechanical ventilation (VMC) extract vent.
Start with the space available and the amount of laundry you need to dry, then compare how each option will work in your home.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and clearances required in the instruction manual. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an external vent; a vented model does. Also check the power supply and how condensed water is handled. | I have room for a separate appliance, or I need to combine washing and drying in one space. |
| Laundry load size | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately: UFC-Que Choisir says the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. | I want to dry my washing without routinely having to take some of it out after the wash cycle. |
| Energy use and cycle time | For tumble dryers, compare models with a suitable capacity using the weighted energy consumption per cycle and Eco programme duration listed in EPREL, the European product database for energy-labelled appliances. Don’t choose a standard condenser model based on its technology alone: check the data and energy label for the specific product. | I do laundry frequently, or I need to know how long my clothes will be in the appliance. |
| Noise | Check the declared noise level in dB for the exact model and consider where it will be used. EPREL lists this information for household tumble dryers. | The appliance will be near a living area, especially when it’s in use. |
| Humidity and maintenance | For indoor drying, use the large, well-ventilated room or extraction recommended by ADEME. For a tumble dryer, check how easy it is to access the filter and follow the condenser maintenance instructions in the manual. | I want to keep air-drying clothes without leaving them in a small, enclosed room, or choose an appliance whose maintenance fits into my routine. |
With a washer-dryer, a load washed at the maximum capacity may exceed the drying limit. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the two capacities.
If you want to wash and dry in one go without removing any clothes, size your initial load according to the stated drying capacity.
The European Commission says the energy label for household tumble dryers was rescaled on 1 July 2025. A rating from an old product fiche therefore isn’t directly comparable with one on the new A to G scale.
Check the energy label and EPREL data for the exact model, including weighted energy consumption per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, unlike a condenser model.
Check the technology before ordering, measure the space and review the installation requirements in the manual.
Maintenance is part of everyday tumble dryer use. Electrolux advises cleaning the filter after every cycle; access to the condenser and its maintenance requirements vary by appliance.
Check the manual for your chosen model to find out what needs doing and how often.
Bosch France’s range includes 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
Electrolux France lists the GentleCare 600 EW6HI5118SA heat pump tumble dryer, with an 8 kg capacity, a D energy rating and a noise level of 64 dB.
LG France lists the F964R35WR washer-dryer with a stated washing capacity of 9 kg and drying capacity of 6 kg.
These two 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers are worth considering if you’re looking for a separate appliance and have a dedicated space for it.
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A separate appliance to consider if you regularly dry laundry and have enough space. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a C energy rating. Before choosing, check the dimensions, clearances, Eco programme duration, noise level and maintenance instructions for this model.
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Another separate appliance option, with a stated drying capacity of 8 kg and a D energy rating. Before deciding, check the model information for the dimensions, clearances, Eco programme duration, noise level and maintenance instructions.
Not if it’s a condenser model, including a heat pump dryer. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these from vented tumble dryers, which need an opening to the outside or a ventilation duct. Still, check the power supply, dimensions, clearances and water-handling requirements in the manual for your model.
No, not as a single 9 kg drying load. On the LG F964R35WR listed by LG France, 9 kg is the washing capacity and 6 kg is the drying capacity. To run both cycles without removing any clothes, keep the initial load within the drying capacity.
Compare the capacity, weighted energy consumption per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level for the exact model, rather than looking at its rating alone. The European Commission says the energy label was rescaled on 1 July 2025; EPREL lets you check the declared product data.
Yes, if you can dry them in a suitable room. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with a VMC extract vent, rather than a small, enclosed space where moisture from the laundry can build up.
This includes cleaning the fluff filter after every cycle, in line with Electrolux’s support guidance. Check your model’s manual for condenser maintenance, as access and cleaning requirements can vary.