If you regularly dry full loads and have enough room, start by considering a separate heat pump condenser tumble dryer. A washer-dryer is better suited to situations where you can only install one appliance, provided you’re happy with a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. A vented tumble dryer, meanwhile, needs a suitable opening or duct to the outside.
In a kitchen, shower room or compact utility room, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, check its separate drying capacity and the length of a complete cycle: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
If you can install a separate appliance, choose a capacity that suits your usual loads. Also compare the stated energy use for similar programmes and how each model collects or drains away condensed water.
A vented tumble dryer may be worth considering if the opening or duct is suitable for installation. UFC-Que Choisir notes this requirement and says that vented models use more energy than condenser models.
Start with the space you have and the available connections, then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry and the conditions for using the models you’re considering.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Dimensions, depth and door clearance; separate washing and drying capacities for a combined appliance. | If there’s room for only one appliance, I want to combine washing and drying without assuming I can dry a full wash load in one go. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this space-saving benefit. |
| Energy used for drying | Stated energy use and programme duration for similar programmes; capacity to suit your usual loads. | If I dry laundry regularly, energy use matters every time I run the appliance, although programme length is also a factor. Keeping electricity use under control is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Load size and frequency | Drying capacity in kg compared with your usual laundry loads; space needed for a separate appliance. | When loads come one after another, my main concern is being able to dry my usual amount without routinely splitting it across several cycles. This is the main need for around 25% of consumers. |
| External venting | Whether the opening or duct is compatible with the vented tumble dryer’s installation instructions. | If there’s a suitable external duct, I can consider a vented appliance while taking its energy use into account. Around 13% of consumers prioritise making use of an existing installation. |
With a washer-dryer, a full wash load may exceed the permitted drying capacity. For example, Electrolux lists 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7W4954CA model.
Compare both capacities in kg with your usual load before planning to run a wash-and-dry cycle without stopping.
If a load is too large for drying, you’ll need to reduce it or dry it in more than one go.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a ventilation duct. Having ventilation in the room isn’t enough on its own to confirm that the appliance is compatible.
Check the vent route and the requirements in the manual before choosing a model.
Whether you can connect the condensate drain depends on the tumble dryer and compatible equipment. Bosch offers this option on certain models, but it isn’t available on every condenser dryer.
Check the manual for the model you’ve chosen and make sure any accessories intended for the connection are compatible.
Without a suitable connection, you’ll need to empty the water tank as instructed by the manufacturer.
Energy use isn’t the only factor when you need to dry several loads in one day: the length of the programme you choose matters too.
Compare programme times and energy use for cycles suited to your fabrics and loads, rather than relying on the technology name alone.
Worth considering for a separate heat pump tumble dryer if capacity and condensate management are important for your installation.
Worth considering among heat pump tumble dryers if capacity and stated noise levels are important to you.
Worth considering if limited space means you’re looking at a washer-dryer.
Worth considering for 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers, but check the specifications of the exact model.
These appliances offer two installation options: a separate heat pump tumble dryer if you have the space, or a washer-dryer if you only have room for one appliance. Compare their dimensions and cycles with your home and usual laundry loads.
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For regular drying if you have room for a separate appliance. The title lists a heat pump, an 8 kg capacity and a C rating; the description mentions a direct connection for the drain hose. Check the dimensions, programme times and energy use to make sure they suit the way you’ll use it.
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For a home where you can install a separate tumble dryer. The title lists a heat pump, an 8 kg capacity and a D rating; the description mentions three drying levels. Check the dimensions, and compare the length and energy use of the programme you’ll use.
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For combining washing and drying in one appliance. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a wash load over 6 kg can’t be dried in one go. Check the dimensions, as well as the length and energy use of a complete cycle.
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For a home where fitting two appliances would be difficult. This model lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, as well as automatic dosing. Any load that exceeds the drying capacity will need to be reduced before you run the cycles. Check the dimensions and the specifications for a wash-and-dry cycle.
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For considering a separate appliance, once you’ve confirmed the capacity you need. The capacity listed for this model is inconsistent: 10 kg in the title and 8 kg in one description. Confirm the capacity before comparing it with your usual loads, then check the dimensions, programme times and energy use.
No, it doesn’t need a vent to the outside, unlike a vented tumble dryer. However, follow the model’s instructions for installation and check that it will fit in the room.
If the water collects in a tank, you’ll need to empty it as instructed in the manual. Some models can be connected directly to a drain; check that this is possible and that the equipment is compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
Only if the load is within its drying capacity, which UFC-Que Choisir says is lower than its washing capacity. If the load exceeds that limit, remove some of the laundry or plan to dry it in several cycles.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says it needs an opening to the outside or a ventilation duct. Check that your installation is compatible with the model’s instructions before buying. If installation would mean altering your home or existing ventilation, also check the requirements that apply to this work.