If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in the same machine, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. If a separate tumble dryer will fit, a heat pump model is a better choice if keeping electricity use down is your priority, while a conventional condenser dryer is generally quicker, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Either way, check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model you choose.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in the space taken up by one appliance. However, you’ll need to size your loads according to its drying capacity: UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than its washing capacity.
If there’s room for a separate appliance, compare its drying capacity with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go. This helps you avoid choosing a washer-dryer based on its washing capacity alone.
For freestanding tumble dryers, UFC-Que Choisir highlights the lower electricity use of heat pump models and the generally quicker drying times of conventional condenser models.
First, work out whether you can install a second appliance, then compare the drying capacity you’ll actually have and the cycle features. The trade-offs between the technologies described below are outlined by UFC-Que Choisir, among others; the instructions for your chosen model set out its installation requirements.
Worth considering : if you have room for a second appliance and lower electricity use for regular drying matters more to you than speed.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, conventional condenser models generally dry clothes more quickly.
Worth considering : if you can install a separate appliance and prioritise drying time.
The trade-off : UFC-Que Choisir says these models generally use more electricity than heat pump models.
Worth considering : if your home can only accommodate one appliance for washing and drying.
The trade-off : drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the appliance, the clearances specified in its instructions and the space needed to open the door. For a washer-dryer, also check the water supply and drainage. | I only have room for one machine and need to install it without getting in the way of using the room ; around 42 % of consumers would put this space constraint first. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacities in kg for the programmes you’re considering ; with a washer-dryer, don’t confuse this with its washing capacity. | I want my usual load to fit in one cycle, so I don’t have to take laundry out before drying ; this capacity would be the top priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Time and energy use | Check the programme duration and energy use on a like-for-like basis, as well as the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. | If I dry laundry regularly, I need to decide whether speed or electricity use matters more to me ; around 25 % of consumers would put this trade-off first. |
Its drying capacity may be lower. For example, the Electrolux EW9W1166RB is listed as having a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
If you want to run both cycles without taking any laundry out, check the drying capacity for the model and programme you’ll be using.
If the load is too large, you may need to split it across several drying cycles.
Whirlpool says that a direct connection depends on the model; the fact that a different model has a hose doesn’t mean yours will be compatible.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out how it collects water, whether a connection is permitted and which accessories you’ll need.
Without a compatible connection, you may need to empty the tank regularly.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, conventional condenser dryers are generally quicker, but use more electricity than heat pump models.
Compare the duration and energy use of programmes suited to your needs, using the same basis for measurement.
Stability, opening the door, airflow and connections can all make a space unsuitable, even if the appliance seems to be the right size.
Check the clearances and instructions for the exact model. For appliances covered by its guidance, Electrolux specifies a flat, hard floor and an earthed socket, among other requirements.
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers. Compare individual models based on the space you have and the drying capacity you need.
The range includes conventional condenser tumble dryers, heat pump models and washer-dryers.
Its washer-dryers are worth considering if you need one appliance because space is limited.
These appliances are for homes where there’s space to install a separate tumble dryer. The first three are described as heat pump models; for the fourth, check its exact technology before comparing it with a conventional condenser or heat pump model. If you only have room for one appliance, consider the drying capacity of a washer-dryer instead.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and need a listed capacity of 8 kg.
Energy rating C. Check the dimensions, installation clearances and requirements for any direct water connection before choosing where to put it.
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Worth a look if you want to dry large loads and can set aside space for a separate appliance.
Listed capacity of 10 kg and energy rating D. Measure the space and check the clearances and how the model handles condensation water.
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An 8 kg option to consider if there’s room for a separate tumble dryer in your flat.
Energy rating D. Before buying, check the dimensions, clearances and how the water is collected or drained.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and need a listed capacity of 8 kg.
The name describes it as a condenser model with OptiSense and propane refrigerant. Check whether it uses a heat pump before drawing conclusions about drying time or energy use based on its technology.
No. Neither conventional condenser nor heat pump tumble dryers need an air vent to the outside. You’ll still need to follow the room ventilation and clearance requirements in the instructions; Whirlpool, for example, says the room needs to be well ventilated.
Yes, if the model supports this connection and the necessary accessories are available. Whirlpool says this depends on the model; Bosch, for example, lists a water drain hose for the WQG2450SFR. Check the instructions for the appliance you’re thinking of buying.
Not necessarily : its drying capacity should be checked separately from its washing capacity. The Electrolux EW9W1166RB is listed as having a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity ; to run both cycles without taking any laundry out, keep the load within the programme’s drying limit.
Check the dimensions, the stability of the space, the water supply, drainage and electrical supply, following the instructions for the exact model. Electrolux guidance includes requirements such as a flat, hard floor, airflow beneath the appliance, an earthed socket and, for applicable models, a drain 60 to 100 cm above the floor.