If you do several loads of laundry in a row and have room for a second appliance, opt for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer with a capacity suited to the loads you need to dry. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking into account your washing machine’s capacity, energy consumption and where the appliance will be installed. A washer-dryer saves space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and its drying cycles take longer, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
A separate tumble dryer lets you choose a drying capacity that suits the loads you usually wash. Also compare the eco programme’s duration and the maintenance involved, as both matter when you’re running consecutive cycles.
You could place a separate tumble dryer next to your washing machine or stack it on top, but only with a compatible stacking solution. Measure the space, allow room for the door to open and check the ventilation requirements in the manual.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to install a second appliance. It’s a better fit if the loads you need to dry are within its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that drying cycles take longer.
Worth considering: if you regularly need to dry several loads and have a separate space available.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for the appliance, room to open its door and access for maintenance.
Worth considering: if there’s no room for two machines and the loads you need to dry are relatively small.
The trade-off: its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and, according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer.
To narrow down your options, start with the loads you usually wash, then check the energy label and the installation requirements for the room.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the loads you usually wash with the drying capacity, particularly for the eco programme. With a washer-dryer, always check the washing and drying capacities separately. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to avoid having to take some items out of each load before drying. |
| Energy use and cycle duration | Check the A–G rating, stated energy consumption and eco programme duration for the exact model. The European Commission says this scale has been displayed in shops and online since 1 July 2025. | When drying frequently, I want to compare energy use without losing sight of how long each load takes. |
| Installation | Measure the space and allow room for the door to open. Check the ventilation instructions and how the model collects or drains condensed water. | I need to be able to open the door and access the appliance without getting in the way of using the room. |
| Two-in-one format | Compare the washing and drying capacities separately, along with the cycle duration and stated energy consumption for the washer-dryer you’re considering. | If I only have room for one machine, I need to know how much laundry it can actually dry after washing. |
UFC-Que Choisir says conventional models use more electricity than heat-pump models. The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, only heat-pump tumble dryers can be newly placed on the EU market. This rule does not, on its own, determine the status of an appliance you already own or one sold second-hand.
For a new purchase, compare heat-pump models using their current energy labels, capacities and cycle durations. For a second-hand appliance, check the condition and specifications of the specific model separately.
These ratings use different scales. Gifam explains that, since 1 July 2025, the new tumble dryer label has replaced the scale that went up to A+++.
Use the current label for the exact model and also compare its energy consumption, eco programme capacity, noise level and duration.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and that drying takes longer than with a conventional tumble dryer. You may therefore have to wait for another cycle to dry some of your laundry.
If you have room for two appliances, start by comparing the capacity of a separate tumble dryer with the loads you usually wash. Otherwise, choose a washer-dryer based on its drying capacity, not just its washing capacity.
These features affect the tasks you’ll need to do between cycles. Electrolux says that a blocked condenser can increase energy consumption.
Before buying, check how the water is drained and how easy it is to access the parts that need maintenance. Then follow the model’s manual for cleaning instructions.
These specifications apply to the models listed, not to every model in each brand’s range.
The WQH246CAFR is an example of a separate heat-pump tumble dryer whose dimensions and water management are worth comparing.
The EW7HI39R5BC gives you an opportunity to look at the programmes available for different fabrics, without assuming how they’ll perform on your laundry.
The TCA520WP is worth considering if its stated 8 kg capacity suits the loads you usually wash.
The RH9V72IXN provides another point of comparison, with a stated capacity of 9 kg.
These two 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryers offer a separate-appliance option. Compare their capacity with your washing loads, then check the installation requirements and eco programme details for each model.
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This separate tumble dryer is worth comparing with washing loads of around 8 kg. Before deciding where to put it, check the model’s dimensions, door clearance, energy consumption and eco programme duration.
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This separate 8 kg model is another option if its capacity suits the loads you usually wash. Check its dimensions and how it drains water, along with the energy consumption and eco programme duration, so you can compare it in the context of your own use.
Not always: according to UFC-Que Choisir, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. For example, Bosch lists a washing-only capacity of up to 10.5 kg for the WNG25402FR, compared with 6 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle. Check both capacities for the model you’re considering.
Use the A–G scale for the exact model and also compare its energy consumption and eco programme duration. According to the European Commission and Gifam, this scale has replaced the old label, which went up to A+++, since 1 July 2025. The letters on the two scales can’t be compared directly.
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning the filter and condenser. In its care guidance, Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle and checking an accessible condenser at least once a month. A blocked condenser can increase energy consumption.
The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. The seller must supply goods that conform to the contract; any commercial guarantee is separate.