If you can’t easily dry your laundry outdoors, start by considering the space you have and how often you do your washing. A dedicated heat pump tumble dryer lets you wash and dry at the same time, while a washer-dryer takes up just one space. Before choosing either, check the drying capacity, dimensions, and duration and energy-use figures for comparable cycles.
If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. You could also consider stacking a separate washer and dryer, provided the appliances, stacking kit and available space are compatible. With a washer-dryer, base your choice on the amount of laundry it can dry, not just the amount it can wash.
A separate tumble dryer lets you start a wash while another load is drying, provided you have room to install it. Check its drying capacity against the amount of laundry you want to dry at a time.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a vent hose. A condenser model doesn’t need a vent hose; check separately how its condensate is collected or drained.
First, check whether two appliances will fit side by side or in a compatible stacked arrangement. Then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry and the figures for the cycle you’ll actually use.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Dimensions, including the clearances specified in the manual; compatibility of the appliance models and stacking kit. | If I only have room for one appliance, I need to choose between a washer-dryer and a stacked set that will actually fit in my home. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Energy and water use | Electricity use and cycle duration for a comparable programme; water used during a washer-dryer’s complete cycle. | If I dry laundry regularly, repeated running costs matter when I’m choosing. They would be the top consideration for around 45% of consumers. |
| Capacity and cycle time | Drying capacity in kg, which differs from washing capacity; cycle duration and whether two appliances can run independently. | If I want to get through several loads or dry household linens, I need to know how much I can dry without holding up the next load. Around 22% of consumers would prioritise this. |
A separate tumble dryer needs its own space, but leaves the washing machine free while it’s running. A washer-dryer avoids the need for a second appliance; however, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. When comparing energy use, distinguish between a drying-only cycle and a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
The maximum load it can wash may be larger than the load it can dry in one go. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for its EW7IW4966BG model.
Compare both capacities in kg and use the drying capacity to work out the size of loads you can wash and dry without removing any laundry in between.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a vent hose, unlike a condenser model. Not needing a vent hose doesn’t mean you can ignore the condensate: you’ll still need to manage it as specified for the model.
Check separately whether your home has an external air outlet and what the manual says about collecting or draining the water.
Width alone doesn’t confirm that appliances can be stacked. Bosch says its stacking kits must be checked against the appliance model numbers.
Before choosing this arrangement, check the exact model numbers of both appliances, the recommended kit, the depth and the installation instructions.
A complete washer-dryer cycle includes washing and drying, so its energy-use figure doesn’t describe the same service as a drying-only cycle. UFC-Que Choisir also records cycle duration, electricity and water use for the cycles it tests.
Compare equivalent loads and programmes, then consider cycle duration, electricity, water and drying capacity together.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer or planning a stacked installation.
Worth considering if a washer-dryer needs to fit in the only space available.
Worth considering if you’d like to stack a washing machine and tumble dryer whose model numbers are listed as compatible with a stacking kit.
These two heat pump tumble dryers are options if you want a separate appliance for drying laundry at home. Check the space required and how condensate is managed before choosing a model.
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For drying laundry separately from your washing machine, without an external vent hose.
Listed capacity of 8 kg and energy class C. Check the dimensions, cycle information and the condensate collection or drainage set-up that suits your installation.
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For drying loads in a dedicated appliance without an external vent hose.
Listed capacity of 8 kg and energy class D. Check the dimensions, cycle information and how condensate can be managed in your chosen space.
No, it doesn’t need an external vent hose. However, check the manual to see whether condensate is collected in a tank that needs emptying or can be directed to a drain.
No, the appliances need to be suitable for stacking together. Check the appliances, the kit and the manufacturer’s installation instructions; Bosch, for example, recommends checking kit compatibility before you buy.
Because it may be lower than its washing capacity. This means a full washing load might not be suitable for drying in one go. For the EW7IW4966BG, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.