If you can fit a separate appliance, a heat pump tumble dryer lets you dry clothes without venting air outside. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it uses less electricity than a conventional condenser model, but its cycles are generally longer. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you having to fit a second machine. Just check its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, as well as the duration and energy and water consumption of a full cycle.
The space you have available will determine the type of appliance you can choose. The amount of laundry you need to dry will then help you decide whether a two-in-one machine can keep up with your routine.
A washer-dryer combines both functions. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Check that the amount of laundry you need to dry is within the limit specified for the model.
If you have room for two appliances, compare a standalone tumble dryer’s capacity with the amount of laundry you usually wash. This will help you avoid choosing a two-in-one model that often forces you to split loads because of its drying capacity.
A condenser tumble dryer, particularly a heat pump model, does not need an external air vent. A vented model, on the other hand, needs an opening to the outside and a sufficiently large room, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Worth considering: if you have room for an extra appliance and regularly dry large loads, but don’t have an external air vent.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, cycles are generally slower than with conventional technologies.
Worth considering: if you only have space for one appliance and your drying loads are within its specified drying capacity.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity and, according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer.
Measure the space, then compare capacities and the figures for the programme you’ll actually use.
| What to check | Check this | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space available | Measure the width, depth and height of the space. Check whether you can fit a second appliance and whether the technology you’re considering needs an external vent. | I only have space for one appliance to wash and dry, or I can fit a separate tumble dryer without taking up too much living space. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg. For a standalone tumble dryer, compare its capacity on a programme suited to your laundry. | I want to know how much of my laundry can be dried without removing clothes after washing. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. |
| Cycle times | For a two-in-one machine, compare the duration of a full wash-and-dry cycle. For a separate appliance, check the relevant drying programme time, using a similar load size. | When I have several loads to do, I need to know how long the machine will be occupied, not just how long a short programme takes. |
| Water and electricity | For a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing alone and a full cycle: the EU energy label includes figures such as energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and cycle duration. Compare equivalent programmes. | I want to factor in the resources used for drying. UFC-Que Choisir reports that most washer-dryers in its test protocol also use water during this stage. |
| Installation and maintenance | For a vented appliance, check the room and external outlet requirements specified by UFC-Que Choisir. For a condenser model, check how it collects water and how easy it is to access the parts that need maintenance. | I need to be able to install the appliance in my home and access the parts that require regular maintenance. |
A full washing load may be too large for the drying capacity. You may then need to remove some of the laundry or split it across several drying cycles.
Start by comparing the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads, then check the washing capacity separately.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs a sufficiently large room and an opening to the outside for its vent.
Before choosing a model, check that you have a suitable outlet, a route for the vent hose and any permission your home may require.
For a washer-dryer, figures for washing alone don’t tell you what to expect from a full cycle. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that most models in its test protocol use water during drying.
Compare the capacity, duration, water use and electricity use for the same type of programme on each appliance.
The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market. This rule on placing products on the market does not, by itself, tell you the status of an appliance offered for sale.
If a listing is for a conventional condenser or vented tumble dryer, ask for the exact model reference and clarify its status before buying.
These brand examples can help you identify types of appliance and features to check. They’re no substitute for the specifications of the model you choose.
Bosch Electroménager France lists the WQG24502FR, a heat pump tumble dryer with an 8 kg capacity.
Miele France lists the TEH785WP, a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer featuring SilenceDrum and DryCare 40 functions, according to the brand.
LG France lists the F964R71WRST washer-dryer, with a stated capacity of 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
These options offer two ways to dry laundry when you don’t have space to hang it out: a separate heat pump tumble dryer or a washer-dryer for a single space.
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Worth considering if you can fit a separate tumble dryer without an external air vent. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check the appliance’s dimensions and the figures for a programme suited to your laundry before choosing.
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This format combines washing and drying in one appliance if you only have space for a single machine. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a load weighing more than 6 kg after washing will need to be reduced before drying. The stated wash-and-dry cycle takes 7 h 32 min; check whether this fits your routine.
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This is another separate heat pump option, with a stated capacity of 8 kg and a D energy rating. To see whether it suits your home and laundry routine, check its dimensions and the duration and energy use of the programme you plan to use.
Its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir reports that, depending on the model, capacities range from 5 to 12 kg for washing and from 2.5 to 8 kg for drying. So after washing a full load, you may need to remove some of the laundry.
No. It condenses moisture instead of venting damp air through an external hose. However, check how the model collects or drains water and what installation requirements apply.
Check the appliance’s model reference and status. According to the European Commission, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market. This rule alone doesn’t determine the status of a specific appliance offered for sale. A vented model also needs a suitable opening to the outside.
Compare washing alone and a full wash-and-dry cycle separately. The European Commission says the label includes information such as the energy rating, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle, duration and noise level. Choose the figures for the type of use you expect.