If you have room for a separate appliance and often dry full loads, a heat pump tumble dryer can do away with a permanent drying rack while generally using less electricity than a conventional condenser model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from adding another, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and its cycles take longer than using a separate tumble dryer. A conventional condenser model is worth considering if drying time matters more to you than electricity use.
Available space isn’t the only deciding factor: the size of your laundry loads and how often you dry clothes also affect whether a separate appliance is right for you.
If you regularly dry full loads of washing, a separate tumble dryer lets you choose its capacity independently of your washing machine’s. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between heat pump models, which generally use less electricity, and conventional condenser models, which are generally quicker.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one place. Before replacing your washing machine, measure the space and check the connections, then compare the washing and drying capacities separately: they’re not the same, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A washer-dryer can be a good choice if you want to wash and dry clothes in one go without transferring the laundry, as long as your usual load fits within its drying capacity. Also check the length of the full cycle: UFC-Que Choisir says drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer.
Consider this if : you have space for a separate appliance and often dry laundry; UFC-Que Choisir reports that these models generally use less electricity than conventional condenser models.
Bear in mind : drying can take longer, and the condensed water must be collected or drained, depending on the installation.
Consider this if : you can install a separate appliance and prefer a generally shorter drying time, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, it generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model.
Consider this if : you only have space for one appliance for washing and drying, and want to run both programmes in one go with a suitable load.
Bear in mind : UFC-Que Choisir highlights a lower drying capacity than washing capacity, longer drying cycles and water use during drying for most of the models in its test.
Once you’ve chosen the type of appliance, compare the load you need to dry, the available space and the cycle information for the programme you’ll actually use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the appliance, its depth with connections and the space needed to open the door. For a washer-dryer, check the water inlet and waste outlet; for a condenser tumble dryer, make sure you can access the water tank or a compatible drain. | I can’t leave a drying rack in the room. Do I have space for a separate tumble dryer, or only for my washing machine? |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity with the largest load you usually wash. For a washer-dryer, don’t confuse it with the washing capacity: Bosch, for example, lists 9 kg for washing alone and 6 kg for the combined cycle on the WNG24402FR model. | I want to dry my washing without taking out some of the wet clothes or running several cycles. |
| Time and resources | Compare models with similar capacities and check the programme duration and kWh per 100 cycles. For a washer-dryer, also look at water use and the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, which differ from those for washing alone. | If I often run a full cycle, its duration and resource use matter just as much as the space it frees up in the room. |
| Condensed water and maintenance | Check where the water tank is, whether a direct connection is compatible and how to access the filters. A drainage kit won’t work with every model: Electrolux, for example, only recommends its E2YH01 kit for models with the tank at the top of the appliance. | I’d rather know before installation whether I’ll need to empty a tank and whether I can clean the filters without moving the appliance. |
| Drying clothes in the room | If you still occasionally air-dry clothes, choose a suitable, well-ventilated space. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan when drying laundry indoors. | I want to free up my living space without having to move damp laundry to another occupied room every time. |
A full washing load may exceed the permitted drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference, which is also clear from the separate capacities listed by Bosch and LG.
Compare both figures in kilograms and base your choice on the largest load you want to dry in one go.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less electricity than conventional condenser models, which generally dry clothes faster. So one feature alone doesn’t tell you everything about the trade-off.
For appliances with similar capacities, compare the kWh per 100 cycles and programme duration shown on the label and product specification.
With a condenser tumble dryer, managing the water and accessing the parts that need cleaning are part of everyday use. A direct connection depends on the model and, where necessary, a compatible kit.
Read the instructions before finalising your installation measurements: check the position of the tank and filter, the door opening and the route a drain could take.
The appliance’s body depth doesn’t necessarily include the space needed for hoses and an open door. LG, for example, lists a depth of 47,5 cm for its Slim F852SV52IRS washer-dryer; that measurement alone doesn’t show everything needed for installation.
Also measure the delivery route, connections and door clearance, then check the installation diagram for the exact model.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify which features to compare; always check the details for the specific appliance you’re considering.
Bosch’s French range includes washer-dryers with separate washing and drying capacities, including 8/5 kg and 9/6 kg configurations.
LG’s French range includes washer-dryers in different depths, including the Slim F852SV52IRS, listed as 47,5 cm deep.
Electrolux offers the EW6HI5829SB heat pump tumble dryer, for example, with a listed maximum capacity of 8 kg.
Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers with different installation options, depending on the model and compatible accessories.
These Joybuy options include a washer-dryer and separate condenser or heat pump tumble dryers. First check which type of installation will work in your home, then compare the features of each model.
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A separate tumble dryer to keep laundry off the drying rack, with a listed capacity of 8 kg. Its description mentions a water collection tank and reversible door. Check the exact condenser technology, required clearances and whether a direct connection is possible if you want to avoid emptying the tank.
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Designed for a single space, this model lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. So a full washing load can’t be dried all at once at its maximum listed capacity. The width given in the title differs from the figure in the description; check the official dimensions, door clearance and wash-and-dry cycle details before choosing.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer has a listed capacity of 8 kg. Its description mentions the option of a direct connection for condensed water and an accessible filter. Check the instructions for connection requirements, dimensions and clearances, then look at the energy label for kWh per 100 cycles and programme duration.
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This model is an option if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer; its description mentions a double-layer lint filter. The capacity details differ between the product listings, so confirm the drying capacity of the exact model before comparing it with your laundry loads. Also check the dimensions, condensed water management and energy figures.
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Another separate heat pump tumble dryer, this model is listed with a double-layer lint filter. The title and descriptions don’t agree on its capacity, so check the capacity of the exact model before planning to dry a full load in one go. Also check its dimensions, condensed water drainage and energy label.
No. A heat pump condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need the outside vent used by a vented tumble dryer. The water is collected in a tank or, if the model and installation allow, sent to a compatible drain. You should still follow the clearance and installation instructions in the manual.
You’ll need a water inlet, a waste outlet and a suitable electrical supply, just as you would for a washing machine. Check the manual for the position of the connections and the space needed to install the appliance and open the door.
Not necessarily: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. Bosch, for example, lists a washing capacity of 9 kg but up to 6 kg for a combined wash-and-dry cycle on the WNG24402FR. Compare both capacities before relying on a cycle that doesn’t require you to remove any laundry.
If you plan to use both functions, look at the wash-and-dry cycle figures, including drying capacity, duration, electricity use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle. Don’t confuse these with the figures for washing alone: the LG F852SV52IRS specifications distinguish between the two.
Set aside a suitable, well-ventilated space for occasional drying rather than leaving laundry up for a long time in an occupied room. For indoor air-drying, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan. This advice doesn’t replace an appliance’s installation instructions.