If you have room for a separate appliance, start by considering a heat pump condenser tumble dryer: it doesn’t need an air duct to the outside. If your home can only accommodate one appliance, a washer-dryer may be a better option, provided its drying capacity suits your laundry loads. A clothes airer is another possibility if you can put it in a well-ventilated room. In every case, check the space it will take up and how long the cycles run before you decide.
A vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside, as Que Choisir points out. If you don’t have one, consider a condenser model and check where you can place the appliance, how to deal with the condensed water and what clearance the manual requires.
Compare the drying capacity with the size of your laundry loads, then check cycle times and noise levels. With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry a full load of washing in a single cycle.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Still, check its two capacity figures: for example, the Electrolux EW9W1166RA washer-dryer is listed as having a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Start with the physical constraints of your home, as these determine which options are possible. Then compare the usable capacity, cycle times and energy consumption figures for models that can be installed in your home.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate tumble dryer but no air duct to the outside.
Bear in mind: cycles may be longer than those of a standard condenser dryer, depending on the model and programme. Beko highlights this, in particular, for its heat pump range.
Consider this if: you already own this type of appliance and want to decide whether it still suits your laundry routine.
Compare: its energy consumption and cycle times with those of the models you’re considering, using comparable programmes.
Consider this only if: a suitable external air vent can be installed in your home and meets the requirements in the appliance manual.
Limitation: moist air must be expelled outdoors; opening a window now and then is no substitute for the required outlet.
Consider this if: your home can only accommodate one appliance for washing and drying.
Bear in mind: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity, so you may need to remove some items or split the load for drying.
Keep this option in mind: if you have room to hang your washing in a well-ventilated space and can wait for it to dry.
Keep in mind: ADEME points out that air-drying clothes releases a lot of moisture into the indoor air.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and moisture management | Measure the space and check the clearances specified in the manual. Check whether a vented model needs an air outlet, or how to manage the water from a condenser model. | If the room is small or has no external vent, I want to use my chosen option without letting laundry moisture build up in the room. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise how well the appliance suits the room. |
| Energy consumption and cycles | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, the Eco programme duration and noise in dB on a like-for-like basis. Also check which programmes are designed for your fabrics. | If I dry clothes regularly, I want to keep energy use under control without choosing a cycle that’s too long for my routine. This would be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the capacity in kg with the loads you dry. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | When one load follows another, I’d rather not split every load because the drying capacity is too small. Around 23% of consumers would put this need first. |
| One appliance only | Check the appliance dimensions, door opening and both capacity figures before choosing a washer-dryer. | I only have room for one appliance to wash and dry, and I’m happy to take some items out before drying. Saving space would be the priority for around 15% of consumers. |
According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside. A fast cycle doesn’t solve this installation requirement.
Before choosing this type of dryer, confirm that an outlet can be fitted and check the requirements in the manual. Don’t assume that opening a window occasionally will be enough.
Energy rating isn’t the only way to compare two appliances: the stated consumption, capacity, programme duration and noise level also matter if you’ll use the dryer regularly.
For each model, note the kWh per 100 cycles and compare programme durations on a like-for-like basis. The French administration states that new appliances sold online also come with an energy label.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. For example, the Electrolux EW9W1166RA is listed with a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Choose based on the loads you need to dry, and check both capacity figures for the exact model.
If a washed load is too large for the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some items or run another cycle.
ADEME states that air-drying clothes adds a lot of moisture to indoor air. The space taken up by the airer isn’t the only thing to consider.
Choose a sufficiently well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction. Otherwise, consider a condenser model that suits your available space.
In France, Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers, including models with capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
Electrolux product specifications let you compare both separate heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers and, depending on the model, details different installation options.
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers, with specifications detailing the features of each model.
These models illustrate two ways to dry your laundry without needing an external air duct: a washer-dryer if you can only fit one appliance, or a separate heat pump tumble dryer if you have a dedicated space. Before deciding, check the dimensions and cycle information for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you want to combine washing and drying in a single appliance. The stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so check that your drying loads fit within this limit.
Before choosing a space for it, check the dimensions and required clearances, as well as cycle times, noise levels and the energy label information.
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This washer-dryer may suit you if you only have room for one appliance. Its stated drying capacity of 5 kg, compared with a washing capacity of 8 kg, may mean you need to split a washed load.
Confirm its exact dimensions and required clearances before checking that it will fit in your room. Also compare cycle and noise information.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer but no external air outlet. This model is listed with an 8 kg capacity, and its specification gives a noise level of 64 dB.
A direct water connection is listed as an option. Check the conditions and accessories required, along with the dimensions, energy consumption and Eco programme duration.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is listed with an 8 kg capacity. Compare this with the amount of laundry you usually dry.
Check its dimensions and how it handles condensed water in your chosen space, then consult the model’s energy label and specifications for energy consumption, Eco cycle duration and noise levels.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer. The capacity for this model is listed as 10 kg in one place and 8 kg elsewhere, so confirm its drying capacity before comparing it with your laundry loads.
Also check the exact model’s dimensions, noise level, energy consumption and Eco programme duration.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that new tumble dryers must have an energy label, including those sold online. When comparing models, check the rating on the A to G scale and the energy consumption figures for the exact model rather than looking at the letter alone.
No, not as intended for this type of appliance: according to Que Choisir, it needs an opening to the outside. If you don’t have a suitable outlet, consider a condenser model instead and check its manual and the installation options in your home.
Yes, provided the load doesn’t exceed its drying capacity, which may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, the Electrolux EW9W1166RA specification lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. If your load exceeds the drying capacity of your chosen model, you’ll need to remove some items or split the load.
No. It avoids using electricity for tumble drying, but it still takes up space and time, and needs suitable ventilation. ADEME points out that air-drying laundry releases a lot of moisture into the indoor air.
Check the appliance dimensions, door opening, clearances and ventilation requirements in the manual. Also check how water or air is handled, depending on the technology, along with the required socket and accessories. If you’re unsure, ask a qualified professional to confirm that the space is suitable.