If you regularly dry large loads and have room for two appliances, a separate heat pump tumble dryer means you no longer have to rely on an indoor airer. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. If you plan to keep drying clothes indoors, check your washing machine’s spin-drying performance and the room’s ventilation.
If you want to wash and dry clothes consecutively without installing two appliances, check the washer-dryer’s drying capacity, not just its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the two capacities differ, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you have enough room and want to avoid drying clothes indoors. Compare the capacity, programme duration, noise level, energy consumption and how the condensed water is collected or drained.
If you plan to keep drying clothes on an airer, check your washing machine’s spin-drying performance and the space available. For laundry dried indoors, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical extract ventilation outlet.
Without outdoor drying space, your choice depends first on how much room you have and how much laundry you need to dry. Then consider the compromises you’re prepared to make, such as cycle times, energy and water consumption, humidity in the room and maintenance.
Consider this if: you dry laundry often and have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make space for it and take care of maintenance and condensed water, depending on the model.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to run a wash followed by a drying cycle without moving the laundry.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the permitted drying load is lower than the washing load, so adjust the load if you want to run a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
Consider this if: you plan to keep air-drying your laundry and have a suitable room for it.
Bear in mind: spin-drying doesn’t remove the moisture released as clothes dry, so good ventilation is still essential.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and running consecutive cycles | Measure the space, including the door; for a washer-dryer, compare washing and drying capacities separately. | I only have space for one laundry appliance and want to run both stages without moving the clothes. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise having a space-saving appliance that can run consecutive cycles. |
| Humidity and energy consumption | For a tumble dryer, check the energy use per cycle and condensation efficiency; for air-drying, check how well the room is ventilated. | I dry clothes indoors and want to account for humidity without overlooking the electricity used for machine drying. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise managing humidity and energy consumption. |
| Capacity and cycle duration | Compare the permitted drying loads and programme durations for the laundry you typically wash. | I do laundry frequently, so a small drying load or a long cycle could delay the next wash. Around 27% of consumers would put capacity and having their laundry ready when they need it first. |
| Fabrics, noise and maintenance | Check the care labels on your clothes, the available programmes, the stated noise level and how easy it is to access the parts that need maintenance. | I dry clothes that need special care, or the appliance would be near a living area. Around 13% of consumers would prioritise fabric care, noise or maintenance. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. This means a load washed in one go may need to be split into two drying cycles.
Compare both capacities in kg. If you want to run a wash-and-dry cycle without any intervention, keep the load within the stated drying capacity.
As laundry dries, it releases moisture into the air. A more effective spin cycle is no substitute for a room that’s suitable for drying clothes.
Follow ADEME’s advice: choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical extract ventilation outlet. If that isn’t possible, reconsider how much laundry you plan to dry there.
Depending on the tumble dryer, water may be collected in a tank or sent to a suitable drain. The parts that need cleaning also vary from model to model.
Check the manual for the model you’re considering to see how easy it is to access the filter, what maintenance is required and whether it can be connected to a drain.
Bosch France offers heat pump tumble dryers, including models with 8 and 9 kg capacities. Its range is a useful starting point if you’re considering a separate appliance.
Electrolux France offers heat pump tumble dryers with programmes designed for different fabrics.
Samsung France offers both heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, so you can compare both types within its range.
These Joybuy appliances cover two of the options discussed here: a separate heat pump tumble dryer or a washer-dryer that combines both functions. Compare their capacities with your usual loads and check the installation requirements for each model.
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For drying clothes in a separate appliance instead of on an indoor airer. Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy rating: C. Check the dimensions and programme durations to make sure they suit your needs.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance. The stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so limit the load to 6 kg if you want to run both stages without removing any laundry. Check the dimensions against the space available.
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For a single space for both washing and drying. The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so adjust the load for the drying cycle. The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle and LintClear; check the manual for details of their functions and the maintenance required.
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For washing and drying in one appliance, with a stated drying capacity of 6 kg compared with 10 kg for washing. The product is listed with Zeo-Cycle, LintClear and app control; check the programmes and dimensions to make sure they suit your needs.
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For a dedicated drying capacity, without regularly having to dry clothes indoors. Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy rating: D. Check cycle durations, dimensions and how condensed water is managed before deciding where to install it.
No. This type of condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external air vent. You’ll still need to manage the collected water, either by emptying the tank or connecting the appliance to a drain if the model and installation allow it.
Yes, provided the load doesn’t exceed the permitted drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity, so you may need to reduce a full wash load before drying it.
Compare equivalent programmes and loads, then look at capacity, energy use per cycle, duration, noise and condensation efficiency. The European Commission lists these specifications in EPREL. Also check the dimensions and water management arrangements for your planned installation.
ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical extract ventilation outlet. This advice about air-drying clothes does not mean you can connect a vented tumble dryer to a ventilation duct.