Households without room for two appliances
If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer means you don’t need to install a second machine. Be sure to check its depth, drying capacity and the length of a full cycle.
Who are these options for?
Households with back-to-back loads of laundry
With two appliances, you can start another wash while the previous load is drying. This setup is worth considering if you regularly get through several loads.
Households with an external vent
An existing opening or duct may make a vented tumble dryer an option. Check the model’s manual to confirm that the connection and location are suitable.
How do the appliances compare?
If drying clothes outdoors isn’t a practical option, first work out whether you can install a second appliance. Then compare the amount of laundry you actually need to dry, how the cycles fit together and the energy and water use for your needs.
Heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering: if you have room for a second appliance and want to keep the washing machine free while laundry dries.
Bear in mind: check the specific model’s programme times and maintenance requirements, as well as its energy use.
Conventional condenser tumble dryer
Worth considering: if you can install two appliances but don’t have an external vent for the tumble dryer.
Compare: its energy use and chosen programme time with those of a heat pump model with a suitable capacity.
Washer-dryer
Worth considering: if you only have room for one appliance and want the convenience of an automatic cycle without having to move the laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and a full cycle can tie up your only machine for a long time.
Vented tumble dryer
Worth considering: only if you have a suitable external opening or duct.
Check: that the connection is permitted by the manual and that the model’s energy use suits your needs before choosing this option.
| Factor | What to check before buying | What matters to different shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Overall dimensions, plus the washing and drying capacities listed separately for a washer-dryer. | If I only have room for one appliance, I’d prefer to wash and dry without installing a second machine. Around 31% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
| Handling consecutive loads | Drying capacity and programme times for the loads you regularly wash. | If I have several loads back to back, I want to be able to start the washing machine again while the laundry dries. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this flexibility. |
| Energy and water use | Energy figures based on the same set of cycles and, for a washer-dryer, the water used during a wash-and-dry cycle. | If I often dry clothes at home, electricity use matters to me. For a washer-dryer, I also consider the water used for a full cycle. Around 23% of consumers say keeping running costs down is their main priority. |
| Existing vent | Whether there is an external opening or duct, and the connection requirements set out in the manual. | If my room already has a suitable outlet, I want to know whether I can install a vented tumble dryer there. Around 15% of consumers put this option at the top of their list. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
These capacities are not interchangeable on a washer-dryer. For example, Electrolux lists the EW7W3916DA as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. So a load that fills the drum to its washing capacity may not be dryable in one go.
Check the drying capacity in kilograms before relying on an automatic cycle that needs no intervention.
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without a suitable outlet
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct. So having a spare space next to your washing machine isn’t enough.
Find out what outlet is available, then check the connection and room ventilation requirements against the manual for the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a washer-dryer will cost less to run
UFC-Que Choisir assesses water use, electricity use and cycle times separately for washer-dryers. The number of appliances you install doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much they’ll use.
Check the figures for a wash-and-dry cycle, including water use, and compare them with those for separate appliances using cycles that match your needs.
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Choosing based on just one figure
An energy figure alone won’t tell you about load capacity, programme time, noise or whether the appliance will fit your space.
For each model you shortlist, check the energy information alongside the manual, and confirm the dimensions, cycles and how condensed water is managed.
Brands to consider for these types of appliance
Bosch
For a separate heat pump tumble dryer, Bosch offers the 8 kg WQG24502FR.
- Bosch’s product information lists a self-cleaning condenser, a half-load option and the option to drain the water away.
- These features relate to the WQG24502FR. Check the dimensions and manual for the specific model you’re considering.
Electrolux
If you want to wash and dry in one appliance, Electrolux lists the EW7W3916DA as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
- This model can automatically run both functions in sequence.
- Electrolux lists a time of 7 h 45 for its full-load Eco 40-60 wash-and-dry cycle. Bear this in mind if you do several loads in a row.
Miele
Miele describes the TEA525WP 8kg Active as an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
- Its product information lets you check the energy, noise and condensation figures, as well as the dimensions for this model.
- Miele’s claims about gentle drying and low energy use don’t replace checking the figures for the specific model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s French range includes condenser and heat pump tumble dryers in a variety of capacities.
- This range gives you the option to look for a capacity that suits your available space and the loads you need to dry.
- Sensors and programmes vary by model, so check the product specifications and manual for the specific appliance.
Separate tumble dryers on Joybuy
These models are for drying laundry at home in a separate tumble dryer. If you need an appliance that can wash and dry in the same space, compare washer-dryers instead. The appliances below don’t offer this two-in-one function.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to keep using the washing machine while laundry dries.
The listed capacity is 8 kg. The description mentions an Easy Cleaning filter and the option to connect a drain hose. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and cycle information for your space.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you can install a second appliance to dry loads separately from washing.
The listed capacity is 8 kg. The description mentions several programmes and three drying levels. Check the manual for the load limits, dimensions and installation requirements.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
Worth considering if you can install a separate tumble dryer but don’t have an external vent for a vented model.
The description lists an 8 kg capacity, a water tank, a reversible door and dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm. Check the product information for this model to confirm its exact technology and energy figures before comparing it with heat pump models.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you want to dry laundry in an appliance separate from your washing machine.
The description mentions a heat pump, a double-layer filter and refresh programmes. Before choosing this model for a particular load, confirm the drying capacity of the exact model, as the product information gives conflicting details. Check the dimensions and cycle information too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash and dry a full load without taking any laundry out?
Yes, but only if the load is also within the washer-dryer’s drying capacity. As this is lower than its washing capacity, you may need to take some laundry out before starting the drying cycle if you’ve washed a larger load.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, whether conventional or heat pump, doesn’t need the external connection required by a vented model. However, you still need to follow the manual’s instructions on placement, ventilation and handling condensed water.
How do you compare the energy and water use of a washer-dryer with two separate appliances?
Compare figures for the cycles you’ll actually use, rather than looking only at the washing energy rating. For a washer-dryer, check the wash-and-dry cycle and its water use. For separate appliances, consider the figures for both the washing machine and the tumble dryer.
What should you check before fitting an appliance under a worktop?
Check the dimensions of the exact model and the installation requirements in its manual. Available depth, connections, door clearance and ventilation instructions can all affect whether the space is suitable.