If you can only fit one appliance, choose a washer-dryer and base your decision on its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity. If there’s room for a second appliance, a separate tumble dryer lets you wash another load while the first one dries. However, UFC-Que Choisir advises checking the appliance type and installation requirements before buying.
If your kitchen, bathroom or utility cupboard can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from having to find room for a second. Bear in mind that you’ll need to adjust your loads for drying: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
If there’s room for two appliances, or you can safely stack compatible models, a separate tumble dryer can dry one load while your washing machine is free to use. If electricity consumption is a major concern for regular use, compare heat-pump models by checking their energy labels.
If you don’t have a suitable opening or vent, a vented tumble dryer won’t meet the installation requirements described by UFC-Que Choisir. A condenser model, including a heat-pump dryer, is an option to consider if you want a separate appliance without an external air connection and have space for it.
First, work out whether your home can fit one appliance or two. The amount of laundry you need to dry and the connections available will help you narrow down your choice.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and being able to wash and dry in sequence matters more than drying a large load at once.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and combined cycles can be long.
Consider this if: you have room for a second appliance, or can safely stack compatible models, so you can dry a load without tying up the washing machine.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space, and the type of dryer determines whether you need an external vent and how you manage condensed water.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the appliance and the clearance it needs. For a two-in-one model, compare its washing and drying capacities. | If I can only fit one appliance, I want to wash and then dry without having to set aside another corner for laundry; around 42% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
| Volume of laundry | Compare drying capacity with your usual loads and check the requirements for stacking, if applicable. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to be able to start the washing machine again while the laundry dries; around 33% of consumers prioritise getting through their laundry quickly. |
| Installation and electricity | Check whether an external vent is needed, how condensed water is collected and the energy label for the specific model. | Without an external vent, I need an appliance that can be installed in my home while keeping an eye on electricity use; around 25% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash a full load but not dry all of it in the combined cycle. UFC-Que Choisir makes a clear distinction between these two capacities.
Choose based on the largest load you want to dry without taking any laundry out, rather than relying on the washing capacity alone.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a suitable vent, unlike a condenser model.
Check what kind of external vent, if any, is actually available before choosing a dryer, then read the manual for any other installation requirements.
You can’t assume appliances will stack just because they’re the same width: they must be compatible with each other and with the accessories specified by their manufacturers.
Check the dimensions, clearances and stacking instructions for the models you’re considering. If your home can only fit one appliance, go back to comparing the drying capacities of washer-dryers.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer, particularly in terms of capacity and dimensions.
Worth considering if your home can only fit one appliance and you’re looking for a washer-dryer.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding or built-in washer-dryer and the type of installation matters.
This selection includes a washer-dryer for homes with space for one appliance, as well as separate tumble dryers to consider if you have room for a second. Compare their capacities, and check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you need washing and drying in a single appliance.
The title lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and 27 washing programmes. You may therefore need to reduce a full washing load before drying it.
Check the dimensions and clearance needed for the space you have in mind.
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Worth comparing if a separate tumble dryer can fit next to your washing machine or in a compatible stacked setup.
The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating.
Check the dimensions, clearances and condensed-water requirements in the manual.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate appliance but no external vent.
The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating; compare the capacity with your usual loads.
Measure the space and check the clearance requirements for this model.
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Worth considering if there’s room for a separate appliance but no external vent.
The title lists an 8 kg capacity.
Check the dimensions, clearance and water collection instructions for this variant.
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Worth considering if a separate tumble dryer suits the space available and you don’t have an external vent.
The title lists a D energy rating. Check the drying capacity of this variant before comparing it with other models.
Also check its dimensions and installation clearances.
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat-pump model, doesn’t need an external air connection. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a vented model does need a suitable opening or vent, so check the exact type and installation requirements in the manual.
The first figure is the washing capacity and the second is the drying capacity. For a model listed as 9 kg + 6 kg, the load for the combined drying cycle must not exceed 6 kg. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
Compare the energy labels and consumption information for the specific models, taking the stated conditions into account. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes heat-pump tumble dryers from conventional models in terms of electricity consumption, but you’ll also need to consider whether each model suits your laundry loads and installation options.
Follow the manual for cleaning the filter and, depending on the appliance, the condenser and water collection system. If you have a washer-dryer, also check the instructions for its washing function: maintenance requirements vary between machines.