If you have room for two appliances, a condenser tumble dryer gives you drying capacity separate from your washing machine. Compare standard condenser and heat pump models based on how often you use them and how long their cycles take. If there’s room for just one appliance in your flat, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may not be able to dry a full wash in one cycle.
If you can only install one appliance in your kitchen, bathroom or utility cupboard, a washer-dryer saves you from having to find extra space. However, you’ll need to load it according to its drying capacity if you want to run the wash and dry programmes one after the other.
If you have a separate space available, check how much laundry the tumble dryer can handle at once and how long its programmes take. These factors matter if splitting a load would delay the next one.
If there’s no external opening or ventilation duct available, look at condenser models. Also check the installation instructions, room ventilation and the stated energy consumption for the way you plan to use the appliance.
Start by checking how much space you actually have, then weigh up energy use, maintenance and how much laundry you need to dry.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate tumble dryer but no external vent, and want to compare programme times.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install a second appliance, and compare its electricity use with that of heat pump models.
Consider this if: you can install two appliances and dry laundry regularly, with electricity use a key consideration.
Bear in mind: cycles are generally longer than with a standard condenser tumble dryer, and you’ll need to follow the maintenance instructions in the manual.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and want to run a wash and dry cycle without moving the laundry.
Bear in mind: its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, and you’ll need to check the duration and energy use of combined cycles.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space, door clearance and access needed to install the appliance. | When I can only fit one appliance at home, I want to combine washing and drying without needing to find space for a second one; around 42% of consumers would make saving space their top priority. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the energy use of relevant programmes and the cleaning tasks required for each model. | If I dry laundry often, I want to keep an eye on energy use and maintain the appliance without neglecting its filters; around 33% of consumers would prioritise these factors. |
| Capacity and cycle times | Compare drying capacity in kg and programme duration. With a washer-dryer, distinguish this from washing capacity. | If I do frequent or large loads, having to remove laundry before drying would disrupt my routine; around 25% of consumers would put capacity and cycle times first. |
A washer-dryer can dry a smaller load than it can wash. UFC-Que Choisir points out that you should distinguish between the two figures before planning to run one cycle straight after the other.
Check both capacities in kg. If you don’t want to remove laundry after washing, keep the load within the drying capacity.
A larger load may mean drying the laundry in several batches.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, unlike a condenser tumble dryer.
Before buying, check whether you can use an outlet in your home. If creating one would require building work, also check the rules that apply to your tenancy and building.
The drying system alone doesn’t tell you everything about how a model performs. Programme duration, stated energy use and how often you dry laundry all matter when choosing an appliance.
Compare the energy use and durations stated for similar programmes, then consider them in relation to the amount of laundry you usually dry.
UFC-Que Choisir says that a clogged microfilter or condenser can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some appliances. Self-cleaning systems don’t necessarily cover the same components.
Check the model’s manual to find out which filters need cleaning, how often they need it and exactly what its maintenance system takes care of.
Some heat pump models offer partly automated maintenance.
The RH9V57WH is an example of a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
The EW9W1166RA is an example of the capacities to compare in a washer-dryer.
The TEA525WP 8kg Active is worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
This selection includes separate condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, and washer-dryers that combine both functions in one appliance. Compare their drying capacity with the space you have available.
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For drying laundry in a separate appliance if you have room for a second one, without needing an external ventilation duct.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Energy rating shown in the product name: C. Check the dimensions and programme times to make sure it will suit your home.
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For drying a load in a separate appliance when you have room for a second one.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Energy rating shown in the product name: D. Compare programme times and dimensions with your installation requirements.
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For combining washing and drying in one appliance. If you want to run both programmes one after the other, make sure the load is within the drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the duration of the combined cycle to see if it suits your laundry routine.
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For washing and drying in one appliance when there isn’t enough room for a separate tumble dryer.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. For a continuous wash and dry cycle, stick to the 6 kg limit and check how long the combined programme takes.
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For drying laundry in a separate appliance without an external ventilation duct, if you have space for a second one.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Compare its energy use and programme times with those of other tumble dryers you’re considering.
No. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes condenser tumble dryers from vented models, which need an external opening or a ventilation duct. However, check the appliance’s installation instructions and make sure the room is properly ventilated.
Not necessarily. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. To run one cycle straight after the other without removing any laundry, load the machine according to the drying capacity stated for that model.
Follow the instructions for your model when cleaning the filters and condenser, even if it has a self-cleaning function. UFC-Que Choisir says that poor maintenance of these components can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some appliances.
Not needing an external duct doesn’t mean you can ignore the installation instructions or the need for good ventilation at home. Qualitel recommends airing your home regularly and maintaining its mechanical ventilation system, or VMC, to help prevent damp problems.