If you regularly dry laundry at home, start by considering the space you have and the amount you actually need to dry. A separate tumble dryer means you’re not limited to the drying capacity of a combined appliance, while a washer-dryer takes up just one space. If you’re buying a new tumble dryer placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025, the rule set out by the European Commission requires heat pump technology. Then compare the dimensions, kWh/100 cycles and Eco programme duration of the model you’re considering.
If you regularly need to dry several loads, compare the drying capacity with the size of your laundry loads, then consider the Eco programme duration and the space the appliance takes up. A separate tumble dryer may be a better fit than a combined appliance when getting through laundry quickly is your priority.
A vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If this type of installation isn’t possible, look at heat pump condenser dryers and check the installation requirements for each model.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Check how much laundry you can dry without removing any items.
If you have space for two appliances, first compare heat pump tumble dryers with the amount of laundry you have and the room they’ll go in. If there’s room for only one appliance, check the drying capacity of a washer-dryer. Older conventional condenser or vented dryers need extra checks to confirm their installation requirements and market status. According to the European Commission, since 1 July 2025, new domestic tumble dryers placed on the EU market may use heat pump technology only.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual; a suitable external vent if you’re considering an older vented model. | If there’s no external vent or the room is a tight fit, I need to know whether the appliance can be installed before comparing its programmes. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Laundry volume | Drying capacity in kg and Eco programme duration for your usual load; check the separate washing capacity of a combined appliance. | When I’m doing several loads back to back, I want to dry my usual load without having to split it every time. This capacity comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use | Energy rating and kWh/100 cycles for the same reference programme; compare the Eco programme duration too. | If I dry laundry often, I want to understand the model’s electricity use without overlooking how long it takes. Around 25% of consumers put running costs first. |
| Space for one appliance | Washer-dryer dimensions and the capacity of the wash-and-dry cycle for the load you have in mind. | If I can only fit one appliance, I may be happy to dry less laundry at a time to save space. A smaller footprint is the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. So a full wash load won’t necessarily be able to go straight into the drying cycle.
Check both capacities on the model’s product information and plan a cycle that can run from start to finish without intervention, based on its drying capacity.
If you exceed that capacity, removing some laundry may mean extra time and additional cycles.
The European Commission states that new domestic tumble dryers placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025 must use heat pump technology. This market rule alone doesn’t establish the status of a second-hand appliance or older stock.
If an appliance is being sold as older stock or second-hand, ask for its model reference and documents that can help you verify its status. Also compare its energy use and cycle duration with those of the models you’re considering.
A vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Having an electrical socket in the room doesn’t mean it’s suitable.
Check the route for the duct in person and read the installation requirements for the model you’re considering before ordering.
Installation requirements vary by model. For example, Electrolux specifies an operating range of 5 to 35 °C for the EDHF5841EC. Check the manual for the appliance you choose before deciding whether a cellar or garage is suitable; don’t assume the same conditions apply to another model.
Measure the space, access route and door clearance, then check the installation diagram and temperature range specified for the exact model.
The French range includes 8 and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
Its heat pump range includes a model listed with a 12 kg capacity.
Its heat pump condenser models make it easy to compare capacity, energy use and installation requirements.
Its heat pump range includes models with different capacities, including the 9 kg TSH783WP.
The French heat pump range offers several capacities to consider based on how much laundry you have.
These appliances offer two options for regular drying: heat pump tumble dryers and a washer-dryer for homes with space for just one appliance. Before choosing, compare the amount each model can actually dry and its installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry loads of up to 8 kg.
This model is listed with a C energy rating. Compare its kWh/100 cycles and Eco programme duration on the energy label, then check the dimensions in the manual.
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Another 8 kg option for regular laundry if you have space for a separate tumble dryer.
This model is listed with a D energy rating. Its description includes a refresh programme; also check the kWh/100 cycles, Eco programme duration and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
It’s listed with a 10 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg drying capacity, so larger loads will need to be reduced before drying. Check the dimensions, as well as the duration and energy use of the wash-and-dry cycle you plan to use.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer, but check the exact variant before relying on its stated capacity.
The title lists a 10 kg capacity, while another piece of product information gives 8 kg. Confirm the drying capacity of the exact model, and check its energy label and manual for energy use, Eco programme duration and dimensions.
Not if it’s a new domestic tumble dryer placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025. According to the European Commission, only heat pump appliances meet the rule that applies from that date. If you’re looking at older stock or a second-hand appliance, ask the seller for the model reference and evidence to establish the appliance’s status; don’t assume based on its technology alone.
Compare the energy rating and kWh/100 cycles given for the same reference programme, then check its Eco programme duration and noise level. Looking at a rating or technology alone won’t tell you about every trade-off with a particular model.
Yes, but only if the manuals allow this installation using a compatible stacking kit. An Electrolux manual specifies that its kit should only be used with the appliances listed in its instructions, so check the exact model references for both appliances and the kit.
Only if the washed load doesn’t exceed the drying capacity of the programme you choose. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity, so check both figures in the model’s product information before relying on a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
It may be suitable if you have a well-ventilated room that’s right for the job, but drying laundry releases moisture into the air indoors. In its study on the subject, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction. Bear this in mind before routinely replacing an appliance with a clothes airer.