If you regularly dry several loads of washing at home and have space for an extra appliance, it’s worth comparing a separate heat pump tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir notes that it generally uses less electricity than a conventional condenser model, although its cycles can take longer. A washer-dryer is a better fit if space is tight, as long as you size each load according to its drying capacity and check the full cycle details. If you stick with an airer, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent.
If you have room for a separate appliance, compare the capacity, electricity use per cycle and eco programme duration of a heat pump tumble dryer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology generally uses less electricity than a conventional condenser dryer, but it can take longer.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Be sure to check its drying capacity separately, though: UFC-Que Choisir notes that this is lower than its washing capacity.
If you’re happy with the drying time, choose the room carefully. For indoor drying, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with an extractor vent.
Start with the space available and the size of your loads, then compare the figures for the cycle you’ll actually use.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the space for the appliance, room for the door to open and any clearances required in the manual. According to the European Commission, a condenser tumble dryer does not need an external air vent; check how the model collects or drains the water. | If I can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer lets me wash and dry in the same space. |
| Capacity | Compare the load you want to dry with the capacity of the relevant programme. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately: the European Commission defines them as two distinct figures. | If I want to run a wash and dry cycle without removing any washing, I need to limit the load from the start to the drying capacity. |
| Energy use and cycle time | For a tumble dryer, compare the kWh per cycle and eco programme duration for the same load size. UFC-Que Choisir describes a common trade-off: a heat pump generally uses less electricity than a conventional condenser model, but can dry more slowly. | If I dry washing frequently, I want to check the energy use per cycle without overlooking how long the appliance will be in use. |
| Combined cycle | For a washer-dryer, check the kWh, litres of water, duration and capacity of the complete wash-and-dry cycle, rather than looking only at the washing figures. The European Commission lists this information separately on the label. | With one appliance, I want to know how long it will take to wash and dry a full load, as well as how much water and electricity it will use. |
| Drying room | For an indoor airer, make sure you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent, as recommended by ADEME. | I can keep using an airer if I’m happy with the drying time and have a suitable room. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. A full wash load may therefore need to be reduced before drying.
Check both capacities on the product details. If you want to run a complete cycle without stopping to remove washing, load the machine according to its drying limit.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a conventional condenser model generally dries faster than a heat pump model, but uses more electricity. Cycle time alone doesn’t tell you about this trade-off.
Compare the kWh per cycle and duration for the stated programme and load, taking your usage frequency into account.
The Q-WASH study published by ADEME describes indoor air-drying as an activity that releases a significant amount of moisture into the air.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent, as ADEME recommends.
The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market. This rule on placing products on the market does not, by itself, determine the status of an appliance that is already being sold or is second-hand.
For an older or second-hand model, check its identity, condition, label and installation requirements before comparing it with a newer appliance.
Bosch offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers. Its product details let you compare the features of the models you’re considering for a separate appliance.
Miele France’s catalogue features 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers, including models in the T1 and T2 ranges.
LG France features the RH8N14SL, a separate 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
Beko France offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers, with features that vary by model.
These models offer two appliance options: a separate heat pump tumble dryer if you have room for an extra appliance, or a washer-dryer if you want both functions in one machine.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and your loads suit its stated 8 kg capacity.
Its title lists an energy rating of C. Before choosing, compare the kWh per cycle, eco programme duration and appliance dimensions.
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This combined model is designed for washing and drying in one appliance. Its title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If you want to run a complete cycle without removing any washing, limit the load to 6 kg.
Check the label for the wash-and-dry cycle to compare its duration and energy use with other models.
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This separate tumble dryer could be worth comparing if you have a dedicated space for it. Its title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating.
Check the kWh per cycle, eco programme duration and dimensions before comparing it with another model.
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For washing and drying in the same space, this model lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Any load intended for a complete cycle must stay within the lower limit.
Check the label for the energy use in kWh, water use in litres and duration of the wash-and-dry cycle for this model.
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This appliance combines washing and drying, with its title listing a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If you want to run both stages in one go, size the load to suit the drying capacity.
Check the dimensions, energy and water use, and duration of the complete cycle before choosing.
No. The European Commission states that a condenser tumble dryer does not need to vent air outside. Depending on the model, condensed water is collected in a tank or can be drained away. Check the manual for installation requirements.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. To run both stages without removing any washing, load the appliance according to the drying capacity of the model and programme you’ve chosen.
For a tumble dryer, compare the electricity used per cycle, the eco programme duration and the capacity. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between the figures for washing alone and those for the complete wash-and-dry cycle, including energy, water, duration and capacity. The European Commission provides separate information for these cycles.
Not necessarily. If you keep using one, ADEME recommends drying washing in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent. Also make sure the drying time fits your laundry routine.
According to the European Commission, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market. This rule applies to placing products on the market; it does not, by itself, determine the status of an older or second-hand appliance you’re considering buying.