If you mainly dry clothes on an airer, start by comparing spin efficiency and noise levels, then make sure you have a well-ventilated room. For frequent washing, a separate tumble dryer offers dedicated drying capacity, but needs space and maintenance. A washer-dryer takes up just one space, although its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity.
If you want to avoid a second appliance, look at spin efficiency and noise levels. ADEME highlights the benefits of spinning clothes to help them dry quickly indoors, while Anses recommends choosing a well-ventilated room.
A separate tumble dryer gives you an appliance dedicated to drying. Compare its capacity with the size of your usual loads, then check programme times, noise levels, space requirements and the maintenance tasks outlined in its manual.
A washer-dryer combines both functions. However, check the washing and drying capacities separately: Miele, for example, lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on its WT1 WTD160 WCS.
Start with your main constraint — drying clothes on an airer, getting through loads of laundry, keeping electricity use down or finding space — before comparing appliance specifications.
| Your concern | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Time on the airer and ventilation | Spin efficiency rating and noise level; whether you can dry clothes in a well-ventilated room. | If clothes mainly dry in a living space, reducing the amount of water left in them after spinning becomes the priority. Around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Getting through loads of laundry | Drying capacity in kg, which is separate from washing capacity; programme duration for the load you plan to dry. | With frequent loads, waiting for a drying cycle to finish before freeing up the space can make laundry harder to organise. This is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Electricity use | Consumption figures for the programme you want to compare; the washing machine's spin efficiency. | If you dry clothes electrically on a regular basis, the cycle's energy use matters just as much as having a suitable programme. Around 21% of consumers put electricity use first. |
| Space and installation | Dimensions and clearances specified in the manual; air outlet or condensate management, depending on the technology. | If there isn't room for two appliances or a large airer, installation requirements will determine which options are suitable. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
If you're drying clothes indoors, Anses recommends using a well-ventilated room. If you're considering a tumble dryer, Que Choisir distinguishes heat pump models, which generally use less electricity, from technologies that generally dry clothes more quickly. Compare the programme specifications and installation requirements for the specific model.
The load an appliance can dry may be smaller. Miele, for example, lists 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on its WT1 WTD160 WCS.
Compare both capacities with your usual loads before you choose.
A full washing load may need to be split before it can be dried.
Electrolux says the lint filter should be cleaned after every cycle on the relevant appliances. The brand also warns that a blocked condenser can increase energy consumption.
Check the model's manual to find the filters, condenser access and how often to carry out checks.
According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside or a duct. A condenser model doesn't need this air outlet, but you still need to manage the condensate.
Identify the technology and check the installation requirements in the manual before deciding where to put the appliance.
Anses recommends drying clothes outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated room. Ventilation is therefore important if you use an airer regularly.
Check the room's ventilation before making it your usual place to dry laundry.
The WQG133DTFR heat pump tumble dryer gives you useful points of comparison if capacity, noise and maintenance are guiding your choice.
The GentleCare range is worth considering if programmes for delicate fabrics matter to you. Check the specifications of the model you're interested in.
The WT1 WTD160 WCS washer-dryer shows the capacities to compare if you want to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
These models suit two different needs: combining washing and drying in one appliance, or adding a heat pump tumble dryer for separate drying. If you plan to stick with an airer, compare your washing machine's spin performance and the room's ventilation instead.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and dry with one appliance. The listed capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load will need to be reduced or split before drying. Also check the dimensions and connections for your intended space.
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This washer-dryer is designed for homes with space for just one appliance. Its name lists a 10 kg washing capacity, a 6 kg drying capacity and 27 washing programmes. Compare the duration and energy use of the full cycle, as well as the dimensions, before choosing.
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Worth comparing if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and regularly have clothes to dry. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and energy class C. Check the dimensions, programme duration and how condensate is managed to make sure it suits your installation.
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This washer-dryer is worth considering when washing and drying need to share one space. Its product name lists 10 kg for washing, 6 kg for drying and a D energy rating. Plan loads around the drying capacity and compare the figures for a full wash-and-dry cycle.
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Worth considering if you'd prefer a washer-dryer to two separate appliances. The product name lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity, so this difference matters when planning your loads. Check the dimensions and full-cycle specifications before choosing this model.
According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an outlet to the outside or a ventilation duct. A condenser model doesn't need this air outlet, but check its manual to see how to manage the condensed water and what installation conditions to follow.
Maintenance tasks vary by model. Electrolux support advises cleaning the lint filter after every cycle on the relevant appliances and checking the accessible condenser as instructed. Consult the manual for the model you've chosen to find out exactly what to do.
It's best to check the ventilation before making an airer your main drying solution in that room. Anses recommends drying clothes outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated room. It also warns that dampness can encourage mould.
As ADEME points out, it lets you check the specifications of the particular model rather than judging its energy use by the brand or technology alone. For a washer-dryer, compare the information for the washing cycle and the full wash-and-dry cycle.