If there’s room for two appliances, a separate tumble dryer keeps washing and drying in different machines. Stacking them saves floor space, provided the front-loading appliances and stacking kit are compatible. If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer means you don’t need to add another machine. However, as UFC-Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you’ll need to adjust your loads.
If drying clothes indoors takes up your living space, start by working out where you could put an appliance and how well that spot can be ventilated. A vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside, unlike a condenser model, according to UFC-Que Choisir’s guide.
Stacking lets you fit two appliances into the floor space taken up by one. UFC-Que Choisir explains that this requires compatible front-loading appliances. Also check that you have the right stacking kit and that the installation will be stable.
A washer-dryer combines both functions. Before choosing one, compare its washing and drying capacities: UFC-Que Choisir notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
First, measure the space and check your options for venting. Then consider how much laundry you need to dry and how much time you can spend doing the washing.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Venting and ventilation | Look for an outlet to the outside that you can use: UFC-Que Choisir says one is needed for a vented tumble dryer. For a condenser model, check how it handles water and follow the clearance and ventilation requirements in its instructions. | I want to get the clothes airer out of my living space without choosing an appliance that needs an outlet my home doesn’t have. |
| Space and stacking | Measure the width, depth and height, and check that the doors can open. If you’re stacking appliances, UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the dimensions and compatibility of the front-loading models. Make sure you have the right stacking kit and a stable floor. | I’m short on floor space, but could fit two appliances if there’s enough height and they can be stacked safely. |
| Load to be dried | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the drying capacity is lower, so compare it with the size of your usual loads. | If I run a full wash load, I want to know whether I’ll need to take some clothes out before drying. |
| Cycle time and energy use | Compare the duration and energy use of the relevant programme using product information based on the same criteria. If you often do several loads in a row, also check the time needed for a complete wash-and-dry cycle. | I do laundry regularly and need a drying routine that fits into my day. I don’t want to judge how an appliance will work for me by its category alone. |
This type of tumble dryer needs to vent moist air outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If there’s no usable opening or duct, the space you had in mind won’t meet this requirement.
Check for an outlet before choosing an appliance. If there isn’t one, look at condenser models and their installation requirements.
Lack of space alone doesn’t mean you can stack any two machines. UFC-Que Choisir describes stacking compatible front-loading appliances, with the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine.
Read the instructions for both models, check their dimensions and use a compatible stacking kit on a stable floor.
UFC-Que Choisir says that a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. You may therefore need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Before planning to run a cycle without stopping, compare the two capacities listed for the model with your usual loads.
An appliance you use frequently also needs to fit your laundry routine. Programme duration and energy use are two separate things to consider.
To compare models, look at the same type of programme on their energy labels and product pages, then check how long the programme you’d use takes.
This selection includes washer-dryers for spaces that can only fit one appliance, as well as separate tumble dryers for homes with room for a second machine. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model before choosing.
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One appliance takes care of washing and drying when there isn’t room for a separate tumble dryer. The product title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Compare the latter with the size of your usual loads.
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This model combines washing and drying in one appliance. Its listed capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
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This separate condenser tumble dryer may suit you if you’re looking for an installation that doesn’t need to vent air outside. Its listed capacity is 8 kg. Measure the space and check the clearance requirements in the instructions.
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A washer-dryer means you don’t need to install a second machine. The product title lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check that the drying capacity, dimensions and clearance requirements suit your home.
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This separate model has a listed drying capacity of 8 kg. If you’re thinking of placing it on top of a washing machine, confirm that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible. Also check that you have enough space and clearance.
Yes, if it’s a vented tumble dryer, which needs to release moist air outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A condenser model, including a heat-pump model, doesn’t need this connection. However, you should still follow the clearance and ventilation requirements in its instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir describes stacking compatible front-loading appliances, with the tumble dryer on top. Check the instructions to confirm they’re compatible, use a kit designed for the appliances and make sure the floor is stable.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare the two figures for the model. After a full wash load, you may need to take some of the laundry out before drying.
Check their energy labels and product information, comparing the same type of programme and the same units. The European Commission says new measures for household tumble dryers came into force on 1 July 2025. When comparing information from different periods, check that it’s based on the same criteria.