If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in the same place, provided your loads fit its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity. If you often dry large loads and have room for a second appliance, a separate tumble dryer lets you start another wash while one load is drying. Of these appliances, heat pump models use less electricity than conventional condenser dryers, according to UFC-Que Choisir, but their cycles are generally longer. Before choosing, check the dimensions, installation instructions and how the condensate will be drained.
If there’s no room for a second appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, if a full wash load exceeds its drying capacity, you’ll need to reduce the load before drying, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
For bedding, towels or frequent loads of washing, two appliances let you start a wash while another load dries. This setup needs space for both appliances, either side by side or stacked if the models are approved for stacking.
If you can install a separate tumble dryer and lower electricity use matters more to you than cycle length, it’s worth comparing heat pump models. UFC-Que Choisir describes them as using less electricity than conventional condenser or vented tumble dryers, although their cycles are generally longer.
First, work out whether your home can accommodate one or two appliances. Then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry, cycle times and the connection requirements of the model you’re considering.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the space, the appliance’s depth and the clearance needed for delivery. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities too. | If I only have room for one appliance, I want to avoid adding another, even if that means drying smaller loads. Around 36% of consumers would make space their top priority. |
| Amount of laundry | Compare drying capacities in kg and check whether the two appliances can be installed side by side or stacked, in line with their instruction manuals. | If I do laundry frequently or have bulky household linens, I want to start another wash while a load is drying. Around 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Electricity use and cycle time | Check the energy label and programme times for the specific model, rather than relying on the name of its technology alone. | If I dry laundry regularly, I’d rather keep electricity use down, even if the cycle takes longer. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the ventilation and maintenance instructions, how the condensate tank is handled, and whether a drain connection is compatible. A vented model needs a suitable outlet to the outside. | If connections are limited in my utility room, I want to be able to use and maintain the appliance without an unsuitable installation. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A washer-dryer’s drying capacity is usually lower than its washing capacity. This means you may need to split a full wash load before drying, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Compare both capacities in kg with the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go.
A condenser tumble dryer may collect water in a tank. Whether it can be connected to a drain depends on the model, the installation and, where required, a compatible accessory.
Check the instruction manual and confirm the correct kit reference for your appliance before planning this connection.
A drain kit may be a separate accessory; Bosch, for example, advises checking compatibility by appliance reference.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a heat pump tumble dryer uses less electricity than a conventional condenser or vented model, but its cycles are generally longer. This is worth bearing in mind if you need to dry several loads quickly.
Compare the stated energy use, programme times and capacity of the model you’re interested in.
This type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check that the room is suitable for this installation. If it isn’t, consider a condenser dryer or a washer-dryer, depending on the space available.
Bosch offers tumble dryers, including heat pump models, as well as drain accessories for some condenser dryers.
Miele’s French range includes heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 7, 8 and 9 kg, depending on the model.
LG offers washer-dryers and sets that combine a washing machine and a tumble dryer.
This selection includes washer-dryers for homes with room for just one appliance, and heat pump tumble dryers for homes that can accommodate a separate appliance. The right choice depends first on the space you can actually use and the amount of laundry you need to dry.
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Combines washing and drying in one appliance when there isn’t room for a separate tumble dryer.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. You may need to reduce a full wash load before drying; also check the dimensions and the length of the programmes that suit your needs.
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Dries your laundry in a separate appliance if you have room for a second one.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Before planning a direct drain connection, check this model’s connection instructions, dimensions and programme times.
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Combines washing and drying in one space, while taking into account the difference between the two capacities.
Stated capacity: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the required clearances and delivery access before choosing this model.
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Dry your laundry at home without setting aside space for a second appliance.
Stated capacity: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Be prepared to reduce the load if needed, and check the installation clearances and wash-and-dry programmes.
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A separate tumble dryer for homes with room for a second appliance.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and condensate handling in the instruction manual before deciding where to put it.
No. A vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If your room doesn’t have either, consider a condenser dryer instead, following the installation and ventilation instructions in its manual.
Yes, if the condensate is collected in its tank. A drain connection can save you this task if the model and installation allow it. Bosch notes in particular that you should check the appliance reference to make sure its drain kits are compatible.
Only if the load doesn’t exceed the model’s drying capacity. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, this is usually lower than the washing capacity. Compare the two figures in kg and remove some laundry before drying if needed.