If you have room for two appliances, a conventional condenser tumble dryer or a heat-pump model lets you dry clothes without an external vent, according to Que Choisir. Compare models by programme duration, energy consumption and installation requirements. If your home can only accommodate one appliance, a washer-dryer means you won't need to transfer your laundry, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. In either case, check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the model's manual.
If you can't connect a vent hose to the outside, look at condenser tumble dryers, including heat-pump models. Que Choisir says these can be installed without an external connection, but you should still check the appliance's ventilation requirements.
Stacking your appliances can free up floor space. Que Choisir specifies that they should be front-loading and similar in size. You should also check they are compatible, use the right stacking kit and ensure the tumble dryer will still be accessible once installed.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space. It's a good fit if the amount of laundry you want to dry is within its drying capacity, which Que Choisir says is generally lower than its washing capacity.
Start with the available space and the load you need to dry, then compare the programmes and maintenance requirements of the appliances that fit.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and ventilation | Check the drying type, clearances and ventilation requirements in the manual. Not needing an external vent doesn't mean you can overlook the room itself. | I don't have a usable external vent, and I need to install the appliance in a room that meets its operating requirements. |
| Duration and consumption | Compare the duration and energy consumption for the same type of programme across the models you're considering. For a washer-dryer, also check the figures for a wash-and-dry cycle and how much water it uses while drying. | If I dry laundry often, I want to know how long it takes and how much it uses for the way I use it. In its report published in January 2026, Que Choisir found that most washer-dryers in its test used water during the drying phase. |
| Drying load | Compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. Check whether your usual load can go through both functions without you needing to take any laundry out. | I want to be able to dry a full wash load without routinely setting some of it aside. |
| Space and access | Measure the space and check the door opening. If stacking two appliances, check their dimensions, compatibility and the required kit. Make sure you can access the filters and water tank. | I want to save floor space without making loading or maintenance difficult. |
A condenser tumble dryer doesn't need an external vent hose, but its location must still meet the manufacturer's requirements. Electrolux recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room for the appliances concerned.
Before buying, check the manual for clearance, ventilation and permitted temperature requirements for your chosen model, especially if you plan to put it in an alcove or a small room.
According to Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. So a load that's suitable for washing may be too large to wash and dry in one go.
Plan around the stated drying capacity, then check the duration of the programme you intend to use.
If the wash load exceeds this capacity, you'll need to take some of the laundry out or run another drying cycle.
Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances of a similar size. The manual for an Electrolux tumble dryer designed to be stacked specifies that a stacking kit must be used.
Check the manuals for both appliances, confirm which kit is compatible and measure access to the controls, filters and water tank.
You may need a compatible kit for your planned installation.
The type of appliance alone won't tell you how long your chosen programme takes or how much it uses. You need to compare figures for a specific model and cycle.
Compare the specifications of the models you're considering, including capacity, duration and electricity use. For a washer-dryer, check how much water it uses during the relevant cycle too.
Bosch France offers a range of heat-pump tumble dryers.
Electrolux France offers heat-pump tumble dryers, with installation and maintenance instructions specific to each appliance.
LG France offers washer-dryers with separate stated capacities for washing and drying.
This washer-dryer is suited to homes with space for just one appliance. Before deciding between a combined appliance and two separate ones, check how much room you have and how much laundry you need to dry.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions when you only have room for one appliance. Its stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so an 11 kg wash load can't be dried all at once. Check the manual for the space required, connections and ventilation requirements.
The lack of a window isn't enough to determine whether a room is suitable. According to Que Choisir, a condenser or heat-pump tumble dryer doesn't need an external vent, but the room must meet the model's ventilation requirements. Electrolux advises against using an unventilated, closed cupboard. Check the manual and required clearances before choosing where to put it.
The two figures refer to different functions. For the LG F964R35WR, LG France states a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. To run a wash and dry cycle without taking any laundry out, the initial load must be within the 6 kg drying limit for this model.
No. Que Choisir recommends checking that both appliances are front-loading and similar in size. Their manuals should also confirm that the installation is compatible. Place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine, and use a compatible kit if the manufacturer's instructions require one.
Make sure the filters and water tank are easy to access, then follow the maintenance steps and schedule in the model's manual. For some compatible appliances, Electrolux offers a drain kit so you don't have to empty the tank after every cycle.