If you have space for a separate appliance, a heat-pump tumble dryer gives you a dedicated drying capacity. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer means you won’t need a separate tumble dryer. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, and its cycles can take longer, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. In either case, first check that the dimensions, ventilation and connections are suitable for the room.
If you have space for a separate tumble dryer, or can safely stack one on top of your washing machine, compare drying capacity, programme duration and energy use. Check that the appliances are compatible for stacking rather than assuming that any two models can be stacked.
A washer-dryer combines both functions without taking up space for a second appliance. However, you’ll need to keep loads within its drying capacity, which is generally lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Before choosing a programme or capacity, make sure the appliance will fit through your doorways and in its intended space, with enough clearance around it. You can then check the manual for ventilation and water requirements.
Consider this if: you can install a separate appliance and want a dedicated drying capacity.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space. Compare its programme duration separately from its energy consumption.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance and can size your loads to suit its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to remove some clothes before drying a full washing load. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that drying cycles can take longer.
Worth considering: mainly if you’re assessing an appliance you already own or a second-hand model. Check its condition and installation requirements.
Know the difference: “condenser” can also describe heat-pump models, so the term alone doesn’t tell you which technology an appliance uses.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Appliance dimensions, door clearance and drying capacity compared with washing capacity. | If a second appliance won’t fit in my home, I want one machine to wash and dry my clothes, even if that means reducing the drying load. Around 42% of consumers would make saving space their priority. |
| Energy use in everyday operation | Energy use for the programme in question, its corresponding capacity and cycle duration. Compare figures based on the same criteria. | If I dry clothes often, I want to know how much energy the cycles I’ll use consume before choosing an appliance. This would be the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Load size and drying time | Drying capacity in kg and programme duration for the load in question. | If I do large or frequent loads of washing, I need to know how much laundry can be dried at once and how long the cycle will take. Around 25% of consumers would put their drying routine first. |
With a washer-dryer, a full washing load may exceed the appliance’s drying capacity. You’ll then need to remove some clothes before starting the drying stage.
Compare both capacities in kg. If you want to run a wash and dry cycle without removing clothes in between, load the machine according to its drying capacity.
Cycle duration and energy use are two different things. UFC-Que Choisir says that standard tumble dryers generally dried clothes faster than heat-pump models, but used more energy.
Before comparing two models, check the eco programme duration, the energy use stated for that programme and its capacity.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a duct. Other types don’t need this duct, but they still need to be suitable for the room and its connections.
Measure the space, doorways and clearance needed in front of the door, then check these measurements and the room’s ventilation against the model’s manual.
These ranges offer useful points of comparison. The right choice depends on the features and installation requirements of each model.
The French range includes heat-pump tumble dryers. Depending on the model, you can compare capacity and drying-sensor features.
The French catalogue includes heat-pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, which you can compare model by model.
The French range of heat-pump tumble dryers is worth exploring for the programmes, maintenance and installation requirements of each model.
The French catalogue includes both heat-pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, making it useful for exploring the requirements of both set-ups.
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat-pump model, doesn’t need a duct to the outside. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these models from vented tumble dryers, which need an opening or a duct. However, check the room’s ventilation and the installation instructions in the manual.
Its drying capacity is generally lower than its washing capacity. To run both stages without removing clothes in between, stick to the drying capacity stated for your chosen model and programme.
Compare the energy use and duration for the same type of cycle, and don’t forget to check the capacity. The European Commission says that the label for washer-dryers distinguishes, among other things, energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, duration and noise. The European product information sheet for a tumble dryer also shows its capacity and eco programme duration.
No. A heat-pump tumble dryer can also collect water by condensation. If a listing only uses the word “condenser”, check the product details to find out exactly which technology the model uses. For new tumble dryers placed on the market in the European Union since 1 July 2025, the rules announced by the European Commission require heat-pump technology. This requirement doesn’t, by itself, describe an appliance that’s already in use or being sold second-hand.