If you can only fit one appliance, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying, but you’ll need to size each load according to its drying capacity, which is often lower than its washing capacity. If you have the space and regularly dry large loads, compare separate tumble dryers, particularly heat pump models. Check the room’s ventilation, programme times and energy use across comparable cycles. UFC-Que Choisir and ADEME also point out that drying clothes indoors depends on how well your home is ventilated.
If you need to wash and dry your clothes without installing a second appliance, check the washer-dryer’s actual dimensions and its drying capacity, not just its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference as one of the things to check when choosing a washer-dryer.
If you’re considering a separate appliance, compare its drying capacity with the amount of laundry you usually wash, and take cycle times into account. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between tumble dryer technologies, including their speed and energy use.
To weigh up water and electricity use against drying clothes indoors, compare figures for the cycle you’ll actually use and check whether the room can be properly ventilated. UFC-Que Choisir measures some washer-dryer energy use separately, while ADEME explains the ventilation needed when drying clothes indoors.
Consider it if: you need both functions but can only fit one appliance.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity; check the capacity for a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
Consider it if: there’s room for a second appliance and drying time is an important factor for you.
Compare: UFC-Que Choisir says this technology generally dries clothes faster than a heat pump model, but uses more electricity.
Consider it if: you can install a separate appliance and want to compare technologies in terms of electricity use.
Bear in mind: drying generally takes longer than with a conventional condenser model. Also check the installation instructions and room ventilation requirements.
Consider it if: you have a large, well-ventilated room, or one with a mechanical ventilation extract vent.
Bear in mind: ADEME points out that drying clothes adds moisture to the air indoors.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the alcove, depth, height and clearance in front of the door; check the dimensions of the appliance you choose. | If I only have room for one appliance and need it to wash and dry, I’ll choose one that genuinely fits. Around 28% of consumers put the constraint of having just one space at the top of their list. |
| Amount of laundry dried per load | Compare the drying capacity with the amount of laundry you usually wash, without confusing it with the washing capacity. | When I have large loads, I want to know how much laundry can be dried without taking some of it out. Around 22% of consumers prioritise drying capacity. |
| Water and electricity use | Compare figures for the same type of cycle and the same basis; distinguish between washing only, a complete cycle and drying only. | If I’m keeping an eye on resource use, I compare figures for the programme I plan to use. Around 22% of consumers make energy and water use their top priority. |
| Ventilation and installation | Read the instructions, check the room’s ventilation and distinguish between condenser and vented models. | If ventilation or connections are limited in my room, I’ll check the installation requirements before choosing an option. Around 17% of consumers prioritise how well the appliance will suit their space. |
| Programme times | Compare the cycle time for your load and fabric type; a quick programme for a small load is not representative of a full drum. | If I need dry clothes quickly, I’ll compare the times for programmes that are actually suitable for my load. Around 11% of consumers prioritise how long it takes to get dry clothes. |
Its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference as one of the features to check on washer-dryers.
Size your load according to the wash-and-dry capacity specified for the model.
A condenser tumble dryer may not need a vent to the outside, but you still need to consider moisture in the room. ADEME recommends drying clothes indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor vent.
Check the model’s instructions, the ventilation and what the room can realistically accommodate before choosing an appliance or clothes airer.
Figures for washing alone don’t tell you how much energy a complete washer-dryer cycle uses. The testing protocol published by UFC-Que Choisir in January 2026 distinguishes between measurements for drying and complete wash-and-dry cycles.
For each figure, check the model, programme, load and unit, and whether it was declared by the manufacturer or measured in a test.
The fact that a product listing is still available to view doesn’t mean that the model is currently on sale or that its specifications apply to a newer appliance.
Compare the exact model currently on offer and its applicable energy label; don’t assume the figures for an older model apply.
Documented models include a Series 4 washer-dryer and a separate Series 6 heat pump tumble dryer.
The French model F964R76WRST is a washer-dryer listed with separate washing and drying capacities.
Documented French models include a washer-dryer listed at 8/5 kg and a separate 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
Documented French models include the CWD84MWWSFR heat pump tumble dryer, listed at 8 kg, and a separate conventional condenser model.
This selection includes separate condenser and heat pump tumble dryers, as well as a washer-dryer that combines both functions in one appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate condenser tumble dryer with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
The product title lists propane refrigerant.
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Worth a look if you’re after a separate heat pump tumble dryer for loads that match its stated capacity.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Energy rating shown in the title: C.
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Worth considering if you’d like to compare a separate heat pump tumble dryer listed with a 10 kg capacity.
Stated capacity: 10 kg. Energy rating shown in the title: D.
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Compare this model if your usual load matches its stated capacity and you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Energy rating shown in the title: D.
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Worth considering if you need one appliance to wash and dry your clothes and can adjust your loads to match its stated drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product title also lists an A rating; check which label and cycle it applies to.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser models, both conventional and heat pump, don’t need an external vent; vented models do. However, always check the instructions and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Only if the load is within the capacity for a complete wash-and-dry cycle. For example, Bosch lists the WNA13401FR at 8 kg for washing alone and 5 kg for a complete cycle; keep your load within that lower limit.
Compare figures for equivalent cycles and on the same basis. A washer-dryer lists washing alone separately from a complete cycle, while the label for a separate tumble dryer relates to its drying programme. Don’t use the washing-only rating as an indication of drying performance.
For household tumble dryers, the revised European A to G energy label has applied since 1st July 2025, according to the European Commission. For washer-dryers, the A to G scale has applied since 1st March 2021. Check the appliance category and the relevant cycle before comparing ratings.
Follow the model’s instructions for cleaning the filter and, if accessible, the condenser, as well as emptying the water tank or managing the drain. Features vary by model; the Electrolux EW9HI783FC product information lists indicators for the filter, condenser and full water tank.