If you dry laundry frequently and have a suitable space, a heat pump tumble dryer means you won’t need to install an exhaust duct to the outside. However, check its dimensions, cycle times and maintenance requirements. If you only have room for one appliance, compare washer-dryers by their drying capacity. If you’re happy to wait and have a well-ventilated room or extractor fan, an airer may be enough, but bear in mind the moisture released into your home.
If an airer regularly takes up space in your flat, it may be worth comparing dedicated tumble dryers. Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads, then check the energy label, noise level, dimensions and maintenance requirements.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. To see if it suits your laundry needs, check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity: UFC-Que Choisir points out that the former is lower than the latter.
If you can wait for your laundry to dry and use a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan, an airer could save you from buying an appliance. However, ADEME highlights the moisture released by laundry drying indoors.
First, decide whether an airer still meets your needs. If you do need an appliance, the space available, the size of your laundry load and how quickly you need it dry will help you choose.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Regular use and electricity | Compare the energy label’s consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and the maintenance required for each model. | When laundry builds up every week, I want to rely less on an airer without overlooking electricity use. Around 33% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Available space | Measure the space and the room needed to open the door. For a washer-dryer, compare its drying capacity in kg with your usual load. | If I don’t have room for two appliances, being able to wash and dry in the same space matters more than anything else. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Drying time | Compare programme times for the specified loads and fabrics, rather than relying on the name of a quick programme alone. | When I need my laundry ready without waiting for it to dry on an airer, the stated drying time for my load comes first; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Keeping an airer | Check whether the amount of laundry, the time you have and the room’s ventilation or extraction make indoor drying practical. | If my laundry can dry in a suitable room and I can wait, I’d rather avoid buying another appliance. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
A load that fits in the drum for washing may be too large for the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir reminds shoppers that the two capacities differ.
Compare both figures on the model’s product information with your usual loads, and be prepared to remove some laundry before drying if needed.
Filters and, depending on the appliance, the condenser need to be maintained as set out in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir and Electrolux warn that a clogged condenser can affect performance and increase energy consumption.
Before buying, check that the parts you need to clean are easy to access and that you can follow the instructions for your chosen model.
An appliance may fit into its allocated space but still not leave enough room to open the door or access it properly.
Also measure the depth, the delivery route and the clearances required in the manual for the exact model. Don’t confirm connections or electrical installation based on dimensions alone.
A dehumidifier may be worth considering as an addition to a drying room, but its usefulness depends on the room and how you plan to use it. ADEME highlights the moisture released by laundry drying indoors; this doesn’t tell you how long a particular dehumidifier will take to dry your laundry.
First check the room’s existing ventilation or extraction, then compare the appliance’s instructions with the room size and your drying needs.
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers in a choice of capacities.
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers with layouts that vary by model.
The T1 and T2 series include heat pump tumble dryers with different capacities and features.
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers with features that vary by model.
These models let you compare two ways to use the space available in your flat: a dedicated heat pump tumble dryer, or a washer-dryer if washing and drying need to fit into one appliance. In either case, check the dimensions and manual against your home before you choose.
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An option to consider if you have space for a dedicated tumble dryer and want to cut down on regular air-drying.
Stated capacity of 8 kg; energy class C. Check the model’s dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions.
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Worth comparing if you need one appliance to handle both washing and drying.
Stated capacities of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying: a wash load over 6 kg will need to be reduced before drying. Also check the combined cycle time and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you regularly dry laundry in a dedicated appliance without venting moist air outside.
Stated capacity of 8 kg; energy class D. Check the energy label for consumption per cycle and the manual for dimensions and maintenance requirements.
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A combined appliance to compare if you can only allocate one space to washing and drying.
Stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Make sure your usual load is within the drying capacity and check the connections specified in the manual.
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This other washer-dryer also combines both functions in one appliance. Make sure you distinguish the Zeo Lite model from the Zeo One.
Stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Compare the combined cycle time and energy consumption in the model’s product information, and check the space needed for installation.
No, not if there’s no suitable outlet: this type of appliance vents moist air outside. UFC-Que Choisir says that a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an external vent. However, check the other installation requirements in its manual.
The European Commission says the energy label for tumble dryers switched to the A to G scale on 1 July 2025. When comparing two appliances, also check their consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and their capacity, rather than comparing an old A+++ rating directly with a new class.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir explains that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare both figures for the model and remove some laundry if the wash load exceeds the drying limit.
Follow the instructions for your model. For appliances covered by its guidance, Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter at the end of every cycle. Check separately what maintenance is required for the condenser, as access and care instructions vary by appliance.
Yes, if the amount of laundry and drying time work for you, and you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. ADEME’s study of indoor drying highlights the moisture released by laundry, so consider the room available and don’t assume a dehumidifier can automatically replace suitable ventilation.