If you have room for two appliances, pairing a washing machine with good spin efficiency and a heat-pump condenser tumble dryer is ideal for frequent drying without having to hang most of your laundry indoors. A washer-dryer is best suited to situations where only one space is available, provided you are happy with a lower drying capacity than washing capacity and potentially longer cycles.
If a large proportion of your laundry stays on an airer, first compare the washing machine’s spin efficiency class and consider a separate tumble dryer if space allows. ADEME states that drying laundry in the air releases a significant amount of moisture into indoor air.
A washer-dryer can meet the needs of a home with room for only one appliance. Pay particular attention to the difference between washing and drying capacities, as well as the duration of combined programmes.
For frequent drying, prioritise separate heat-pump condenser tumble dryers. Check the capacity, available space, condensate collection system and connection requirements for the model you choose.
Start by choosing the type of appliance that suits your home, then compare the specifications of the exact model rather than relying on a single stated figure.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Spin cycle | Compare the spin efficiency class, spin noise level, programme duration and capacity for the exact model. Revolutions per minute alone do not indicate how much water remains in the laundry. | I still hang my laundry to dry, but I want it to be less wet when it comes out of the washing machine. |
| Washer-dryer | Check the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. Also compare the duration, water consumption and electricity use of the combined cycle for the load concerned. | I only have room for one appliance and want to be able to run washing and drying consecutively for a suitable load. |
| Separate tumble dryer | Check the technology, drum capacity and condensate management: a tank to empty or a connection to a drain, depending on the model. A heat pump may require longer drying times than conventional technology. | I want to dry laundry frequently without relying on an indoor airer, and I have room for an additional appliance. |
| Installation | Check the dimensions, clearance with the doors open, drying type and electrical connection. A vented tumble dryer requires an outlet or duct leading outside. | I want to avoid ordering an appliance that is unsuitable for the room, existing ventilation or my installation. |
Revolutions per minute alone do not allow you to compare residual water, noise, programme duration and consumption. The spin efficiency class applies to the specific model.
Compare the spin class, noise level and programme duration for the exact models, then match the capacity to your usual loads.
The drying load is smaller than the washing load. A washer-dryer advertised as 10/6 kg cannot automatically dry a 10 kg load that has just been washed.
Read both capacities before buying, and plan to remove some laundry or split the drying cycle when the washed load exceeds the drying limit.
A vented appliance must expel hot, damp air outside. Its installation is therefore not interchangeable with that of a condenser model.
Check the location, duct or external opening before ordering. If this is not possible, compare condenser models and their condensate collection systems.
Worth considering for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer. The French range reviewed includes 8 and 9 kg models, among others.
Worth considering for a heat-pump washer-dryer when space requires a single appliance. The LWR98B166X model is advertised with a 10 kg washing capacity and 6 kg drying capacity.
Worth considering for washer-dryers in a range of capacities and depths, including a Slim 9/5 kg model in France.
Joybuy options for drying laundry with a standalone appliance or reducing residual moisture before hanging it out.
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For a household with space for a standalone tumble dryer.
8 kg drying capacity, heat-pump technology and the option of a direct connection to a drain. Declared energy class C; compare the complete energy label and programme durations.
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A standalone option for reducing the amount of laundry drying on an airer.
8 kg capacity and OptiSense humidity sensors stated. Declared energy class E; check condensate management, clearances and installation requirements in the manual.
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For a small home where laundry will still be hung out after washing.
8 kg capacity, 470 mm depth and declared spin efficiency class B. This washing machine does not dry laundry: check the required connections and clearances in the manual.
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For large loads that will be hung out or dried in a separate appliance.
11 kg capacity, spin efficiency class B and declared weighted residual moisture of 53.9%. This model does not replace a tumble dryer if you want to avoid drying laundry indoors.
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For moderate loads intended to be hung out after washing.
7 kg capacity, spin efficiency class B and total depth including the door of 63.2 cm declared. It does not dry laundry and requires a separate appliance to eliminate the need for indoor drying.
No. Que Choisir states that a vented tumble dryer requires an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct to expel hot, damp air. Without this installation, compare condenser tumble dryers instead, including heat-pump models.
Not always: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity. Check both stated figures for the model and reduce the load before the consecutive cycle if it exceeds the drying limit.
At a minimum, compare the spin efficiency class, water and energy consumption, programme duration and spin noise level. ADEME recommends choosing a good spin class when laundry needs to dry quickly indoors or in a tumble dryer.
It depends on the model. Condensed water can be collected in a tank to empty or directed to a drain; check the system provided, accessories included and the requirements in the manual before installation.
For a new or fully renovated installation, the NF C 15-100 standard provides for a dedicated circuit for the washing machine. In an existing home, have the installation’s compatibility checked if necessary and follow the appliance manual’s instructions.