If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, and back-to-back programmes can take a long time. If there’s room for two appliances, a condenser tumble dryer lets you dry clothes separately without an external vent. In that case, compare the space required, energy consumption and maintenance for the model you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir discusses these trade-offs in its guides to tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
A washer-dryer saves you having to make room for a second appliance or transfer laundry between two machines. If you want to run washing and drying back to back, though, size the load according to the drying capacity, which is lower than the washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
A washing machine paired with a condenser tumble dryer lets you keep washing and drying separate. Unlike a vented tumble dryer, this type doesn’t need an opening to the outside, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. You’ll still need to plan for how to deal with the collected water.
A separate tumble dryer means you don’t have to limit each wash to the drying capacity of a combined appliance. Compare usable capacity, programme times and energy consumption, then check what maintenance the model requires.
Consider this if : you can only install one appliance and want to run washing and drying back to back.
The trade-off : the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that programmes can take a long time and that most models it examined use water during drying.
Consider this if : there’s room for two appliances and you regularly have laundry to dry.
The trade-off : this set-up takes up more space, and you’ll need to check access, connections and how the tumble dryer handles water.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the full depth, door clearance and access to the controls. If stacking the appliances, check that the two models are approved for this set-up. | I need to be able to open the appliance and move around in front of it, not just fit it into the space. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer has a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. | If I want to run a wash-and-dry programme without taking any laundry out, my load needs to be within the programme’s drying capacity. |
| Energy consumption and programme times | Compare the energy consumption and programme times for the cycles you’ll use. For a washer-dryer, check the figures for a full wash-and-dry cycle, including water consumption. | Saving space matters to me, but I also want to know how much energy and water the appliance uses and how long it takes to dry a load. |
| Installation and maintenance | If there’s no external vent, rule out a vented tumble dryer, in line with the conditions described by UFC-Que Choisir. For a condenser model, check the water tank or drainage option, as well as how to maintain the filters and condenser. | I don’t have an external vent, and I need easy access to the parts that need emptying or cleaning. |
Its drying capacity is lower, so a full wash load may not be suitable for drying straight afterwards, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Compare both capacities and size back-to-back programmes according to the drying capacity.
If a load is too large to dry, you may need to take some laundry out and dry it in several batches.
This type of appliance needs an opening or duct to vent moist air outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If your home doesn’t have an external outlet, consider a condenser tumble dryer instead and check how the collected water will be drained.
UFC-Que Choisir says that clogged filters or a dirty condenser can affect programme times and energy consumption, depending on the model.
Check the manual for the model you choose to see which parts need cleaning and how easy they are to reach, even if it has an automatic cleaning system.
Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryer energy labels have used an A to G scale, according to Gifam. A rating from the old scale therefore isn’t directly comparable on its own.
Use up-to-date product information and compare energy consumption, capacity and programme times too.
A brand can help guide your search, but you’ll need to check the dimensions, capacity and maintenance requirements for the specific model.
UFC-Que Choisir examined the Bosch WTX87M09FF/01 in its 2020 test on tumble dryer maintenance.
The LG RH9V71WH featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s 2020 test on tumble dryer maintenance.
Miele is a brand worth considering when comparing washing machines for a set-up with a separate tumble dryer.
These Joybuy options include a washer-dryer for a single space, plus separate condenser and heat pump tumble dryers for a set-up with a separate washing machine.
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One appliance washes and dries your laundry. If you’re running both stages back to back, stick to the 6 kg drying capacity. Check the space and connections required too.
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This condenser tumble dryer suits a set-up without an external vent, alongside a separate washing machine. Check its dimensions, how it handles collected water and its installation requirements.
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This separate tumble dryer doesn’t need an external vent. You’ll need a separate washing machine, and should check the dimensions, water management and maintenance instructions in the manual.
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This tumble dryer handles drying in a two-appliance set-up, without an external vent. Before making room for it, check its dimensions, how it handles condensed water and whether the parts that need maintenance are easy to reach.
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This tumble dryer is designed to be used with a separate washing machine and doesn’t need an external vent. The capacity shown for this model varies between 8 and 10 kg, so confirm which figure applies before choosing. Check the dimensions and water management requirements too.
No, not in this set-up. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it needs an opening to the outside or access to a vent. A condenser tumble dryer avoids this connection, but be sure to check the installation instructions for your chosen model.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. For a back-to-back programme, stick to the stated drying capacity for the cycle you’re using.
Compare energy consumption, capacity and programme times for similar cycles, rather than looking only at the energy rating. According to Gifam, tumble dryer energy labels have used an A to G scale since 1 July 2025, so don’t treat a rating from the old scale as directly equivalent.
No. Follow the maintenance instructions in the manual for your model, especially those for the filters. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a build-up of dirt can affect the performance of some tumble dryers; check the instructions for the condenser too.
Before buying, check the manual for your chosen model to find out which parts need cleaning and how easy they are to reach. Also check the warranty terms, how repairs are arranged and what information is available about spare parts for the appliance being sold.