If you have room for two appliances and dry washing frequently, a heat pump condenser tumble dryer is worth comparing first. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it uses less energy than a conventional condenser model, although its cycles may take longer. If you can only fit one appliance in your home, a washer-dryer may be the better choice. Check its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, as well as the length of a combined cycle. Whichever option you choose, check the dimensions, ventilation, electrical supply and water drainage requirements in the manual for your chosen model.
If you can install two appliances, a heat pump tumble dryer lets you prioritise energy consumption over the time each cycle takes. However, check that you have enough space and ventilation, and find out what maintenance the model requires.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine, so there’s no need to transfer washing between appliances. Make sure you load it according to its maximum drying capacity, not just its washing capacity.
If getting through your washing quickly is a priority and you have room for a separate appliance, compare conventional condenser tumble dryers too. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the trade-off between drying time and energy consumption across different technologies, so compare the programmes on the models you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you dry washing regularly and can fit a second appliance without needing a vent to the outside.
Bear in mind: cycles may take longer, and the model will require maintenance.
Worth considering: if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and shorter cycles are a priority.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model.
Worth considering: if you only have room for one appliance for washing and drying.
Bear in mind: its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, and you’ll need to check how long combined cycles take.
| Criteria | What to check | Best for which consumers? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy use and cycle times listed for similar programmes, then check the maintenance instructions. | If you dry washing frequently, using less electricity may matter more than finishing every cycle as quickly as possible; around 42% of consumers would put energy consumption first. |
| Available space | Measure the space and, for a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities in kg. | If there’s no room for a second appliance in your flat, being able to wash and dry in the same machine becomes the deciding factor; around 33% of consumers would prioritise having just one appliance footprint. |
| How often you do laundry | Check the programme duration for your expected load, especially the time needed for a washer-dryer’s complete wash-and-dry cycle. | If you want to get another load started quickly, a complete cycle’s duration may matter more than space or energy use; around 25% of consumers would prioritise getting through their washing quickly. |
With a washer-dryer, a full wash load may be larger than the load the appliance can dry in one go. You may need to take some washing out or run another cycle.
Compare both capacities in kg and check the wash-and-dry cycle time for the stated load, rather than choosing based on washing capacity alone.
The lower energy use highlighted by UFC-Que Choisir doesn’t mean a shorter cycle. Beko also notes that heat pump drying can take longer.
If you need to get through several loads, compare cycle times for similar programmes and load sizes in the product specifications.
Condensed water can be collected in a tank or drained away using compatible equipment. A kinked or incorrectly fitted hose can disrupt the cycle, as Electrolux points out.
Check the appliance’s model number, compatible hose or kit, drainage point and installation instructions.
Direct drainage may require a compatible kit, which could need to be purchased separately.
The stability of a stacked set-up depends on the appliances and stacking kit. A kit designed for certain dimensions won’t necessarily fit other models.
Check the model numbers and dimensions of both appliances, then use a stacking kit that’s compatible with that combination.
In France, Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers: compare the two types against the space you have available.
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, with capacities that vary from model to model.
Beko’s heat pump tumble dryer range includes models with different installation requirements and comfort features.
Miele offers tumble dryers that you can compare by capacity and by how the water is collected or drained away.
These appliances suit two different situations: choosing a washer-dryer when you only have room for one appliance, or installing a heat pump tumble dryer if you have space for a second. Compare load capacities and installation requirements before you decide.
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This washer-dryer is a practical choice if you want one machine to handle both jobs. It has a listed capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Adjust the load if you want to run both cycles back to back without removing any washing. Check the space, connections and full cycle time before installation.
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This washer-dryer suits anyone looking for one machine instead of two separate appliances. Its name indicates a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, along with 27 wash programmes and the LintClear system. Check that the full cycle time and dimensions suit your needs and available space.
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This washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one appliance. Its listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying it. Check the combined cycle time and the model’s installation requirements.
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This model combines washing and drying when there’s no room for a second appliance. It has a listed capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, and its name features Zeo-Cycle and LintClear. Check that the drying capacity, cycle time and installation requirements suit your laundry routine.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering if you have room for a second appliance and dry washing regularly. It has a listed capacity of 8 kg. Compare programme times and energy use, then check the dimensions and condensed water drainage requirements in the manual.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump, don’t need a connection to the outside, unlike vented models. You should still check the room’s ventilation and the clearances specified in the appliance manual.
Depending on the model, water is collected in a tank that you’ll need to empty, or can be drained away using compatible equipment. Check that the hose or kit is suitable for your chosen model and follow the installation instructions. Electrolux warns that a kinked or incorrectly fitted hose can stop a cycle.
Check the manual for the model’s power supply requirements and make sure your home’s electrical installation can meet them. A Beko manual specifies an earthed socket and advises against using extension leads, multi-socket adaptors or plug adaptors; an Electrolux manual says to check the permitted electrical load. If you’re unsure about the available circuit, ask a qualified professional to inspect it.
Only if the wash load doesn’t exceed its drying capacity. For example, Bosch lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a wash-and-dry capacity of 6 kg for the WDU8H500FF; Electrolux lists 9 kg and 5 kg for the EW7W4954CA. If your load exceeds the model’s drying capacity, take some washing out before starting the drying cycle.