Households that often dry full loads
A separate tumble dryer lets you choose a drying capacity that suits your usual loads. To compare technologies, check the electricity consumption and programme length of the models you’re considering.
Who are these solutions for?
People living in smaller homes
A washer-dryer combines two functions in one appliance. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Check both figures before planning to dry a full wash load.
Households without an outside vent but with an accessible drain
An appliance that collects condensation can use a tank or, if the model and installation allow it, connect to a drain. The manual and the compatibility of any optional kit will determine what’s possible in your home.
How do you compare the appliances?
Conventional condenser tumble dryer
Consider this if: you have room for a separate drying appliance but no outside vent.
Bear in mind: the water needs to be collected in a tank or directed to a drain, if the model and installation are compatible.
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you often dry laundry in a separate appliance and care about electricity consumption.
Bear in mind: programme length still varies between models, so compare it alongside how condensation is handled.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. You may need to split a full wash load before drying it, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and condensation | Check how the water is collected, then see whether a direct drain connection is possible if you’d rather not empty a tank. | Without an outside vent, I want to know where the water extracted from my laundry will go and whether I’ll have to empty a tank. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers in this situation. |
| Loads and energy consumption | Compare drying capacity in kg, stated energy consumption and the length of a programme suited to your loads. | When I regularly dry large loads, I look for a suitable capacity without overlooking electricity consumption. Around 42% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Available space | Check the appliance’s dimensions, along with the separate washing and drying capacities of a two-in-one model. | If I can only install one appliance, saving space matters more than drying a large wash load all at once. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer listed as 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying may not be able to dry its maximum wash load in one go. AEG product specifications include models with capacities of 10/6 kg and 9/5 kg.
Choose based on how much laundry you plan to dry, and check the two capacities separately.
If a load is too large for drying, you may need to remove some laundry or run another cycle.
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Choosing a heat pump without checking cycle times
UFC-Que Choisir highlights the low electricity consumption of heat pump tumble dryers. However, this alone doesn’t tell you how long your laundry will take to dry.
If you need your clothes quickly, also compare the stated programme times for the models and loads you’re interested in.
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Assuming every model can drain water directly
Whether condensation can be drained away depends on the tumble dryer and, sometimes, on having a compatible accessory. Bosch, for example, offers a connection kit for compatible appliances.
Before planning a direct drain connection, check the manual for your chosen model and make sure the connection is possible in your home.
If you need a compatible kit, you’ll also need to factor in its installation.
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Stacking two appliances without checking they’re compatible
Whether you can stack a tumble dryer on a washing machine depends on the appliances and the kit used. Electrolux advises following the instructions for the kit and the models concerned.
Measure the available space, then check compatible model numbers and manuals before planning to stack your appliances.
This set-up may require a suitable stacking kit.
Brands to know
Bosch
Bosch offers separate heat pump tumble dryers and condensation management accessories for some models.
- Bosch’s product details for the WQG1420DFR state a 9 kg capacity and a noise level of 62 dB(A).
- For another model or a drain connection, check the exact model number, dimensions, manual and kit compatibility.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s range includes separate heat pump tumble dryers, including models listed with an 8 or 9 kg capacity.
- Electrolux’s product details for the EW9HI783FC state a drying capacity of 8 kg.
- If you’re thinking of placing the appliance on top of a washing machine, follow the manuals and use only a kit designed for the models concerned.
AEG
AEG offers washer-dryers, including heat pump models, for homes where a two-in-one appliance is an option.
- AEG’s product details clearly distinguish between washing and drying capacity: 10/6 kg for the LWR98B166X and 9/5 kg for the LWR7G944B.
- Check the drying capacity, cycle length and installation requirements for the model you choose.
Appliances for different needs
These Joybuy appliances offer three ways to dry laundry without a vented tumble dryer: a condenser tumble dryer, heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers. Focus on the space required and the drying capacity your household actually needs.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, white heat pump tumble dryer
If you want a separate appliance without an outside vent, compare its programmes with your usual loads.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: C. Check the dimensions and condensation management requirements in the manual before deciding where to place it.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, white condenser tumble dryer
This separate appliance could be a good option if you have room for a tumble dryer without an outside vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the manual for details on condensation collection and possible drain connections.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, white heat pump tumble dryer
If you want to dry loads in a separate appliance, check that its capacity suits the amount of laundry you usually wash.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: D. Check the manual for dimensions, installation and condensation management details.
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Roborock Zeo Lite, grey washer-dryer
This two-in-one model is designed for homes where you want to use just one space for washing and drying.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full wash load will therefore need to be reduced before drying. Also check the dimensions and the length of the full cycle.
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Roborock Marshmallow Zeo Mini, white mini washer-dryer
Only consider this if you plan to wash and dry very small loads, rather than regular laundry loads.
Stated capacities: 1 kg for washing and 0.5 kg for drying. Check the dimensions, connections and programme lengths for the way you plan to use it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a vented tumble dryer without an outside opening or vent?
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside to vent moist air. For the home described, consider an appliance that collects condensation or a washer-dryer instead.
Do you always have to empty the tank in a condenser tumble dryer?
Not if the model allows a direct connection to a drain and you can set one up in your home. Bosch, for example, offers a kit for compatible appliances. Otherwise, you’ll need to empty the water collected in the tank.
Can a washer-dryer dry the full load it has just washed?
Yes, but only if the load doesn’t exceed its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir explains that this is lower than the washing capacity. For example, AEG’s product details for the LWR98B166X state a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
How can you compare the energy consumption of two appliances?
Compare energy information for models with capacities and uses that suit your needs, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. The European Commission says that energy labels and the EPREL database provide details about models. For a washer-dryer, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, not just the washing cycle.
Can you put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine to save space?
Only if the manuals for both appliances and a compatible stacking kit allow this set-up. Electrolux says its kits must be used with the appliances listed in their documentation. Check the available space too before choosing this arrangement.