If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry in the same machine, provided you’re happy with a lower drying capacity than washing capacity and potentially long cycles. If there’s room for a second appliance, a separate tumble dryer gives you dedicated drying capacity. In that case, compare cycle times and electricity consumption for a conventional condenser model and a heat pump model. Whichever option you choose, measure the space and check the stated drying capacity.
If you can’t fit two machines in your home, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. However, you may need to reduce the load before drying if it exceeds the machine’s drying capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you have room for a separate appliance, compare its drying capacity with that of your washing machine. This will help you work out whether your usual loads will need to be split across several cycles. Also check the appliance dimensions and the cycle times for the types of laundry you wash.
A condenser tumble dryer, whether conventional or heat pump, can be installed without venting to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. You’ll still need to check that the appliance and the clearances specified in its manual are suitable for the room.
The space you have available is the first thing to consider when choosing between a washer-dryer and a separate tumble dryer. The usable drying capacity, followed by cycle times and energy consumption, will help you compare models that fit your space.
Worth considering: when you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and then dry without transferring your laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity, and cycles can be long, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Worth considering: if there’s room for a second appliance in your home and you don’t have external venting.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model, although its cycles are usually quicker.
Worth considering: if you can fit a second appliance and want to keep electricity consumption down when using it regularly.
Bear in mind: cycles can take longer than those of a conventional condenser model, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
| Consideration | What to check before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, height and full depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. | I only have room for one appliance and need to be able to open it without blocking the way; around 36% of consumers prioritise this space constraint. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Compare the drying capacity in kg, which is separate from the washing capacity, with the size of your usual loads. | For regular or large loads, I want to minimise the number of separate drying cycles; this capacity comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| How you use the cycles | Compare electricity consumption, the length of a programme suited to your load and the maintenance required according to the manual. | If I dry laundry often, I need to be able to manage cycle times, energy consumption and appliance maintenance; around 28% of consumers put these considerations at the top of their list. |
A washer-dryer won’t necessarily dry everything it can wash in one go. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for the EW7W4954DS.
Start with the amount you want to dry in each cycle, and check the washing and drying capacities separately for the model you’re considering.
Splitting a load can mean an extra cycle and a longer wait before all your laundry is dry.
Having enough width isn’t the only consideration if the appliance’s depth or the door swing makes installation or everyday use difficult. For example, Bosch lists a depth of 613 mm for the WQA23300FR.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then check the door clearance and the clearances required in the manual for your chosen model.
UFC-Que Choisir says that heat pump tumble dryers can have longer cycles than conventional condenser models. A time listed for a small load won’t tell you how long a full-load programme takes.
Compare the cycle times for the fabrics and load sizes you usually dry, rather than looking only at the quick programme.
A long cycle may mean starting the dryer earlier if you need your laundry ready by a certain time.
In France, ANIL states that alterations to a rented home require the landlord’s written consent, while work affecting the communal areas or structure of a building in a co-ownership requires authorisation from the general meeting.
If your plans involve drilling or making alterations, check what permissions apply before starting work. If you want to avoid external venting, look instead at the installation requirements for a condenser appliance.
Electrolux’s freestanding washer-dryer range can be a useful point of comparison when you only have space for one appliance.
The WQA23300FR is an example of the features to consider in a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
The D3H18C01W is another example of a heat pump tumble dryer whose cycle time, noise level and maintenance are worth comparing for your intended use.
No. A conventional condenser or heat pump tumble dryer can be installed without external venting, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A vented tumble dryer, which is a different type, does need an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct.
If installing an air outlet means altering the property or its equipment, ask your landlord for written consent first. ANIL states that this is required for such alterations. Check what the work involves before drilling.
If the work affects a communal area or the structure of the building, ANIL says that authorisation from the general meeting is required. Check the co-ownership rules and exactly what the work involves before planning this installation.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 9 kg but a drying capacity of 5 kg for the EW7W4954DS. So, if you wash a full load, you’ll need to reduce it before drying it in this appliance.
No. Its duration only applies to the fabrics and load size the programme is designed for. For the Bosch WQA23300FR, Bosch lists a 40-minute programme for small loads of synthetic or delicate fabrics. Instead, check the duration of the programme suited to your usual load.