If you don’t have an external vent, choose a condenser tumble dryer, either a standard model or a heat pump one, rather than a vented model. If you dry laundry regularly and have room for a separate appliance, a heat pump model is a good choice if keeping electricity use down is a priority. If you only have space for one appliance, consider a washer-dryer, comparing its drying capacity with its washing capacity and checking the figures for the full cycle.
If you have room for a separate tumble dryer and keep an eye on electricity use when drying regularly, consider heat pump models. UFC-Que Choisir says they use less energy than standard condenser tumble dryers.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Just be sure to check how much laundry you can dry after washing: for example, Whirlpool lists a 10 kg wash capacity and a 7 kg drying capacity for the FFDD1074489BVFR.
If your priority is drying loads without slowing down your washing routine, compare the capacity and programme duration of a separate tumble dryer. Make sure you have room for a second appliance and check its care requirements in the manual.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between condenser tumble dryers, which don’t need to vent outside, and vented models, which do. When choosing between a standard condenser model, a heat pump dryer and a washer-dryer, start with the consideration that matters most to your household.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use | Compare the energy labels of models with a similar capacity, and check which programme the figures refer to. | If I dry laundry frequently, I want to limit the electricity used for each load; around 40% of consumers put energy use at the top of their list. |
| Space for just one appliance | Measure the space available and compare the washer-dryer’s washing and drying capacities separately. | If I can only install one appliance, it needs to dry my laundry too, even if I have to split a load that’s too large; having both functions in one place is the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Getting through successive loads | Check the drying capacity and programme duration for the loads you usually handle. | When I have several loads to get through, I want to dry a load without having to split the laundry every time; this ability to handle successive loads comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. It’s therefore not suitable if your home doesn’t have this kind of connection.
Look for a condenser tumble dryer, either a standard model or a heat pump one, then check the installation instructions for your chosen model.
Washer-dryers have separate figures for each. Whirlpool lists a 10 kg wash capacity but a 7 kg drying capacity for the FFDD1074489BVFR.
Compare both capacities with the size of your usual loads: you may need to split a full washing load before drying it.
In its washer-dryer testing, UFC-Que Choisir highlights how long drying takes and how much water many models use during this stage.
For a washer-dryer, check the energy, water and duration figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle on the label and product information, rather than looking at the washing figures alone.
Installation and maintenance requirements vary by model. For example, the manual for the Bosch WQH246CAFR tumble dryer specifies a properly installed, earthed wall socket.
Check the manual for the exact model to confirm the electrical supply, required clearances, access to filters and how to manage condensed water.
The WQH246CAFR is an example of Bosch’s range of freestanding heat pump tumble dryers.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in washer-dryers, combining washing and drying in one appliance.
The EW7H5125SU is a freestanding heat pump tumble dryer from Electrolux.
The EWY 496B8B-S is an example of Candy’s freestanding washer-dryers.
These freestanding tumble dryers are condenser models, either standard or heat pump. They’re worth considering if your home doesn’t have an external vent and you have room for an appliance separate from your washing machine.
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A freestanding tumble dryer to consider if you regularly dry laundry and want to compare heat pump models. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and a C rating; check the programme duration, dimensions and installation instructions to make sure it suits your space.
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A freestanding condenser tumble dryer to consider if you don’t have an external vent. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity; check the manual for details on water collection, maintenance and programme duration.
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A freestanding heat pump model to consider if you want to dry laundry without an external air vent. The product name lists a D rating, but the drying capacity information is inconsistent. Confirm the capacity for the exact model before comparing it with your usual loads, and check its dimensions and installation instructions too.
Yes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, standard condenser and heat pump tumble dryers don’t need an external air connection. A vented model, however, requires an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. Always check the manual for any other installation requirements.
Yes, you’ll need a water supply and drain that are compatible with the instructions for your chosen washer-dryer. The Whirlpool FFDD1074489BVFR manual, for example, says to check the water inlet hose. Check the required connections before you buy.
Check the rating plate and manual for your chosen model rather than assuming it has the same requirements as another appliance. The Bosch WQH246CAFR manual specifies a properly installed, earthed wall socket.
Look at the figures for the full wash-and-dry cycle, not just the washing figures. The European Commission says the label includes information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, duration and noise. Also compare the drying capacity, which is separate from the washing capacity.