If you want to avoid drying laundry on an airer in a poorly ventilated room, first choose between a separate tumble dryer and a washer-dryer, depending on the space available. For separate appliances, compare programme times and the energy label before deciding between a standard condenser dryer and a heat pump model. A dehumidifier can be used alongside an airer, but it cannot replace the fresh air provided by ventilation.
If you have room for a separate appliance, a tumble dryer means you don’t have to leave a load to dry on an airer in your home. The ADEME and CSTB’s Q-WASH project identifies air-drying laundry as an activity that releases a particularly large amount of moisture indoors.
When there isn’t room for two appliances, a washer-dryer combines both functions. Be sure to check its drying capacity separately: Electrolux, for example, lists a 8 kg wash capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity for its built-in EW8W3816BI model.
If you need to keep hanging laundry out to dry, a dehumidifier can help by collecting some of the moisture in the air. You’ll also need to empty its tank or check whether it can be connected to a drain, without overlooking the need for your existing ventilation to work properly.
First decide whether you can do without an airer, then consider how much space you have, the drying capacity you need and how the appliance handles water.
| Your concern | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture from using an airer | Tumble dryer type and capacity; space needed for installation. | When laundry dries in my living space, my main priority is to avoid leaving the water in the load to evaporate indoors. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Space for the appliance | Drying capacity compared with washing capacity; dimensions, including the clearance required. | If I only have space for one machine, combining washing and drying matters more than drying a full load without having to intervene. This would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Cycle times | Duration of the programme suited to your load; the model’s energy label. | When I need to use my laundry again quickly, I check the programme time before choosing a technology. Around 21% of consumers would put drying speed at the heart of their decision. |
| Keeping an airer | Tank management; whether continuous drainage is possible and how the hose can be routed, depending on the model. | If I continue to air-dry my laundry, I look for an appliance that can collect some of the moisture, without relying on it to refresh the air. Keeping an airer would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
When comparing the two types of separate tumble dryer, UFC-Que Choisir says standard condenser models generally dry clothes faster than heat pump models. However, compare the programmes that suit your loads and the energy information for the specific models you’re considering. With a washer-dryer, the washing capacity may be greater than the drying capacity, so you might need to remove some laundry between cycles.
Collecting water in a tank doesn’t refresh the air. ADEME and France Rénov’ describe ventilation as the way to remove moisture and refresh the air in your home.
If you keep using an airer, check that air inlets and extractor vents aren’t blocked. If damp persists, have your existing ventilation checked.
The appliance uses electricity while running and may need its tank emptied regularly.
The maximum load for drying may be lower. Electrolux lists a 8 kg wash capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity for its built-in EW8W3816BI washer-dryer.
Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads before relying on a wash-and-dry cycle that doesn’t require you to remove any laundry.
If the washed load is over this capacity, you’ll need to handle the laundry and may have to run an additional drying cycle.
UFC-Que Choisir says standard condenser tumble dryers generally dry clothes faster than heat pump models. However, cycle time alone isn’t enough to compare two appliances for your usual loads.
Also check the energy label and the duration of the programmes you’ll actually use.
A condenser tumble dryer or dehumidifier can collect water in a tank; whether it can be connected to a drain depends on the model and installation.
Check the manual to see whether drainage is supported, whether a hose is included and how it can be routed to the drain.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers in France, including 8 and 9 kg models. These capacities apply to the models listed, not the entire range.
The brand offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers: two types of appliance to consider in light of the space available.
De’Longhi offers dehumidifiers that may be worth considering as an extra measure when you still use an airer.
These appliances offer three ways to avoid leaving an entire load to dry on an airer: a separate standard condenser tumble dryer, a separate heat pump tumble dryer or a washer-dryer when space is limited. Check the manual and dimensions for each model before planning its installation.
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A separate condenser tumble dryer to consider if you have a dedicated space for an appliance and want to avoid using an airer indoors. Its stated capacity is 8 kg; check its dimensions and how water is collected or drained before installation.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer lets you compare the technology with standard condenser models, without needing to keep an airer for the load you dry. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating; compare its dimensions, noise level and water management with your available space.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions when there isn’t room for two appliances. Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load can’t be dried all at once at the stated capacity. Also check the dimensions and required connections.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is another option for drying a load without using an airer indoors. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Check its dimensions and how condensed water is collected or drained.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is for households that can fit a separate appliance rather than use an airer. Check the exact drying capacity of this variant before comparing it with other models: the product information is inconsistent on this point. Also check the dimensions and how condensed water is managed.
No. It collects water from the air, but doesn’t refresh it. ADEME and France Rénov’ say this is the role of ventilation. If you keep using an airer and damp persists, check the air inlets, extractor vents and operation of your existing system.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the appliance collects water removed from the laundry in a tank or, depending on the model, drains it away. Check the manual for installation requirements, how water is handled and whether any connection accessories are needed.
Only if the load is within the model’s drying capacity, which may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, Electrolux lists a 8 kg wash capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity for the EW8W3816BI; compare both figures with your usual loads.
First compare their capacity, the duration of programmes suited to your laundry and their energy labels, then check how much space they take up and how they drain water. UFC-Que Choisir says standard condenser models generally dry clothes faster, but this trend doesn’t replace comparing the specific models you’re considering.