Households with no room for a clothes airer
If you can fit a dedicated appliance, first check the available space and whether you can vent the air outside. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a condenser tumble dryer does not need an external connection.
Who are these options for?
People with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Check its drying capacity, which is separate from its washing capacity, as well as the duration and energy and water use of a complete cycle.
Households that often dry large loads
Choose an appliance to suit the amount of laundry you need to dry at once, particularly bedding and towels. With a washer-dryer, the washing capacity alone won’t tell you how much laundry you can dry.
What should you compare before choosing?
First, check what your space can accommodate. Then compare the amount of laundry each model can actually dry and the conditions for using it.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the appliance, access routes and clearance for the door. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser models don’t need an external connection, unlike vented models, which require an opening or duct. | I need to dry my laundry without fitting an appliance that sticks out of its space or needs an unavailable air outlet. |
| Drying capacity | Compare capacities in kg. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying limits separately. Adjust the initial load if you want to run both stages one after the other. | I need to be able to dry a full wash in one go, or I can split the laundry across several cycles. |
| Water and electricity | Compare the stated energy and water use for the same types of cycle. For a 2-in-1 model, check the wash-and-dry cycle: UFC-Que Choisir reports that most of the models covered by its testing protocol use water during drying. | If I dry laundry often, I want to know how much energy and water this uses, not just what washing uses. |
| Cycle times | Check the duration for the programme, fabric type and load you’ll be using. Don’t use a quick programme designed for a small load as a guide to how long a full wash will take. | I need to know when my laundry will be dry, especially if I have several loads to get through. |
| Everyday maintenance | Check the manual for instructions on cleaning the filters and handling condensed water: emptying the tank, connecting the appliance to a drain if the model allows it, or using another specified method. | I’m looking for a maintenance routine that suits how often I dry my laundry. |
What should you look out for?
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Looking only at the washing capacity of a 2-in-1 appliance
UFC-Que Choisir says washer-dryers have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. For example, Electrolux lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7IW2856BG.
Choose a model based on the amount of laundry you want to dry without taking any items out after washing.
If the wash load exceeds the drying limit, you may need to run several drying cycles.
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Choosing a vented model without checking for an air outlet
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a suitable ventilation duct.
Check the room layout and the model’s installation instructions before choosing it. If there’s no suitable outlet, consider a condenser appliance instead.
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Assuming a 2-in-1 appliance also saves time and energy
Saving space doesn’t tell you how the complete cycle performs. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights the water used during drying by most of the washer-dryers covered by its testing protocol.
If you dry laundry regularly, compare the capacity, cycle time, and water and electricity use of the specific models you’re considering.
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Comparing quick programmes designed for different load sizes
The time shown for a programme won’t necessarily reflect how long it takes to dry your usual load. UFC-Que Choisir reports the cycle times and energy use from its tumble dryer tests per kilogram of laundry dried.
Before comparing two appliances, check the fabric type and load size each cycle time applies to.
Which brands are worth considering?
These examples show different capacities and formats to compare. The specifications listed apply to the named models, not every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
One brand to consider for dedicated heat pump tumble dryers.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 8 kg, dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm and a noise level of 62 dB(A) for the WQA23300FR.
- Check how the model you choose handles condensed water and how much clearance it needs.
Miele
Miele’s French range includes 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
- The TEA525WP 8kg Active is one example of an 8 kg heat pump model, according to Miele.
- Compare the dimensions and how each model collects condensed water.
Samsung
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a washer-dryer that combines both functions.
- Samsung’s French range includes models with washing and drying capacities of 9 kg and 6 kg, as well as 11 kg and 6 kg.
- For these configurations, base your drying load on the stated 6 kg capacity, not the washing capacity.
Electrolux
Another option to compare for washer-dryer capacity and cycle time.
- Electrolux lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7IW2856BG.
- For this model, the brand gives a time of 5 h 55 for a full-load Eco 40-60 wash-and-dry cycle. Check whether that suits your routine.
Haier
The X5 HWD120-BP14357U1 is an example of a washer-dryer with a stated drying capacity of 8 kg.
- Haier lists 12 kg for washing and 8 kg for drying on this model.
- Its stated depth of 666 mm needs to fit through your access route and into the space available.
Which appliances should you look at on Joybuy?
These options include dedicated condenser tumble dryers and washer-dryers. First choose the format that fits your home, then compare drying capacities.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
A dedicated appliance to consider if you have space for a tumble dryer but no external air outlet. The product title gives a capacity of 8 kg and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions and programme times to make sure they suit your needs.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This dedicated tumble dryer is another condenser option if an external connection isn’t possible. The product title gives a capacity of 8 kg and a D energy rating. Check its dimensions, cycles and energy use before comparing it with another model.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
This 2-in-1 appliance is a practical choice if you need to wash and dry in one space. The product title gives a washing capacity of 11 kg but a drying capacity of 6 kg. Limit the initial load to the drying capacity if you want to run both stages one after the other without removing any laundry.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
A dedicated tumble dryer to consider if your home has no external outlet. The product title gives a capacity of 8 kg and mentions the OptiSense function. Check the dimensions, cycle times and exact drying technology before comparing it with heat pump models.
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Roborock Zeo Lite, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
This model combines washing and drying in one appliance. The product title gives a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, along with Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear features. Measure your available space and compare the cycles that suit your laundry.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a vented tumble dryer without an external outlet?
No. It needs an opening to the outside or a suitable ventilation duct: UFC-Que Choisir says the appliance must vent moist air through it. If your room has no such outlet, consider a condenser tumble dryer or a washer-dryer, depending on the space available.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need to be connected to the outside?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, conventional condenser and heat pump models can work without an external connection. However, check the dimensions and how your chosen model collects or drains condensed water.
Can I dry the whole wash load in a washer-dryer?
Only if it doesn’t exceed the stated drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG is listed as 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
What energy and water use should I compare for a washer-dryer?
Compare the figures for the wash cycle and the wash-and-dry cycle for the specific models you’re interested in. Check electricity use, water use and cycle time for the same load size and programme: a figure for washing alone won’t tell you how the complete cycle performs.
Does a washer-dryer use water while drying?
It depends on the model. UFC-Que Choisir reports that most of the models covered by its testing protocol use water during this stage. Check the wash-and-dry cycle figures for the appliance you’re considering.