If you have room for two appliances, compare separate heat pump and condenser tumble dryers by capacity, energy label, water management and the installation instructions for each model. If two appliances won’t fit, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but check its drying capacity separately: for the Electrolux and Bosch models mentioned here, it’s lower than the washing capacity.
A tumble dryer can free up the space taken by an airer, provided you can install it in line with its instructions. When drying laundry naturally, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) extraction point, because drying produces moisture.
A separate tumble dryer is an option if its dimensions and installation requirements suit your space. For a stacked installation, Bosch and Electrolux advise checking that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to set aside space for a second appliance. However, check its drying capacity separately: Electrolux lists 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying for the EW9W1166RB; Bosch lists 9 kg and 5 kg for the WNA144V0FR.
First, work out whether you can install a separate appliance. Then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry and each model’s specific requirements.
Worth considering: if you can make room for a separate tumble dryer and want to compare its stated energy consumption on the energy label.
Bear in mind: the technology alone won’t tell you how much energy you’ll use; maintenance and installation requirements vary by model.
Worth considering: if a separate appliance will fit in the room and a particular model meets your capacity and installation requirements.
Bear in mind: check how the condensed water is collected or drained, along with the maintenance requirements in the instructions.
Worth considering: when two appliances won’t fit, even if you could stack compatible models.
Bear in mind: if the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, you’ll need to split a full wash load before drying it.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor drying | Check the appliance’s installation and ventilation requirements in the instructions. If you’ll still be drying some laundry on an airer, consider the room’s ventilation too. | I want to reduce the space taken up by damp laundry without assuming a tumble dryer will suit any room. ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) extraction point for drying laundry naturally. |
| Space | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the clearances required in the instructions. If stacking the appliances, confirm that both model numbers and the kit are compatible. | The space is narrow, or I’m planning to stack the appliances: their external dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that they can be installed this way. |
| Capacity | Compare drying capacities in kg. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | I want to dry my laundry without routinely having to split a load across several cycles. The Electrolux EW9W1166RB and Bosch WNA144V0FR are listed at 10/6 kg and 9/5 kg respectively for washing/drying. |
| Water and maintenance | Check whether the appliance has a water tank or can be connected to a compatible drain. Read the instructions for cleaning the filters and any other parts. | If emptying a tank or accessing the filter would be awkward in my home, I need to know what’s involved before choosing where to put the appliance. |
| Energy label | Compare the information on the energy labels, including kWh/100 cycles, for appliances covered by the same rules and used in similar ways. Check the model’s entry in EPREL. | I’d rather compare stated figures than try to predict my future bills based on a technology or a promise of savings. The European Commission describes EPREL as a database of information on models covered by the EU energy label. |
Not needing an external exhaust vent doesn’t remove the need to consider where the appliance will go, the required clearances or how condensed water is managed.
Measure the available space, locate the socket and any planned water drain, then follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
For the Electrolux EW9W1166RB and Bosch WNA144V0FR, the manufacturers list washing/drying capacities of 10/6 kg and 9/5 kg respectively. This means a full washing load exceeds the drying capacity of both models.
Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you need to dry, and be prepared to split a load if necessary.
Bosch and Electrolux state that stacking depends on the models and the kit used; the appliances’ dimensions alone don’t confirm that they can be stacked.
Check both model numbers and follow the kit instructions. For an unfurnished rental in France, ANIL states that written permission from the landlord is required to alter the property or its fixtures and fittings.
A compatible stacking kit may be an additional accessory to budget for, on top of the two appliances.
An energy-label figure is based on a defined measurement; on its own, it can’t predict the energy you’ll use for your loads and cycles.
Compare the energy-label data for similar models and check their entries in EPREL, the database the European Commission provides for products covered by energy labelling in the EU.
These examples from manufacturers illustrate features to compare model by model; they don’t represent every product in each brand’s range.
Bosch France product pages let you compare a heat pump tumble dryer, a condenser model and a washer-dryer.
Electrolux France product pages provide useful figures for comparing a separate tumble dryer with a washer-dryer.
Whirlpool France provides dimensions for a heat pump model and also lists a drain kit for tumble dryers.
This selection includes separate heat pump and condenser tumble dryers, as well as washer-dryers to consider when there isn’t room for two appliances. Before choosing, check each model against its instructions and the space you have available.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance when there isn’t room for two. The product name lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and a D energy rating; a full washing load will need to be split before drying. Check the installation and connection requirements in the instructions.
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A separate appliance to consider if you have enough space. Its name lists an 8 kg capacity and mentions OptiSense and propane refrigerant. Check the product documentation for details of how it works, how it manages water and its installation requirements.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is listed with an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. If you want to connect it to a drain, check the options available for this model and whether they’ll work in your home. Also check the instructions for its dimensions and required clearances.
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This combined model is designed for households looking to reduce the number of appliances. Its name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, along with 27 wash programmes and app control. A full washing load exceeds the drying capacity; check the dimensions and connections before buying too.
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A separate tumble dryer to consider if your home has room for a second appliance. Its name lists an 8 kg capacity, a D energy rating and a refresh programme. Check the product listing and instructions for its dimensions, water management, maintenance and installation requirements.
No: the room must meet the installation requirements for your chosen model. ADEME’s recommendation to use a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) extraction point applies to laundry dried naturally; it doesn’t replace the instructions for a tumble dryer.
It depends on the appliance and how it’s connected. Whirlpool, for example, offers a drain kit for certain condenser and heat pump tumble dryers. Check that it’s compatible with your model and your home’s drainage before relying on this option.
Yes, but only if the two models are compatible for stacking and a suitable kit is fitted according to its instructions. Bosch recommends checking the appliance manuals; Electrolux advises checking that its kit is compatible with the models concerned.
Not if its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Electrolux lists 10/6 kg for the EW9W1166RB and Bosch lists 9/5 kg for the WNA144V0FR: a full washing load will need to be split before drying.
For an unfurnished rental in France, ANIL states that you need your landlord’s written permission to alter the property or its fixtures and fittings. If your installation requires drilling, a fixed connection or any other alteration, get permission before starting work. Also check the technical installation requirements in the instructions.