If there’s no room for a second appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in one machine, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you already have a washing machine and can fit two appliances, perhaps stacked using a compatible kit, a separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering for its dedicated drying capacity. In either case, check the dimensions, connections and cycle times of the model you choose.
If you can’t fit a second appliance or stack two compatible machines, start by comparing washer-dryers. UFC-Que Choisir points out that their drying capacity is lower than their washing capacity, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
If you have enough floor or vertical space, a separate heat pump tumble dryer lets you choose a dedicated drying capacity. Measure the space and, if you plan to stack the appliances, check that both machines and the stacking kit are compatible.
A suitable opening or duct meets the installation requirement for a vented tumble dryer described by UFC-Que Choisir. However, this alone doesn’t establish whether a particular new appliance meets the applicable European requirements, so check its documentation before choosing it.
First, work out whether you can actually install a second machine. Then compare the drying capacity and cycles of models that will fit in your space.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Floor space | Measure the space, access route and door clearance. For a combined appliance, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | If there’s only room for one machine, reducing the space it takes up matters more than the size of the drying load. Around 31% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
| Installation | Check how condensed water is collected or drained. For a stacked setup, confirm that the kit is compatible with both model numbers. | If the room has no external air vent or the appliances need to be stacked, being able to install them as intended is essential. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy consumption and programme duration listed in the energy documentation for the models you’re considering. | If you dry clothes regularly, the energy used for each cycle is an important factor. Around 25% of consumers put it first. |
| Load size and cycle time | Check the drying capacity and cycle times that suit your needs, particularly for a combined wash-and-dry cycle. | If you need to dry several loads, splitting the laundry or waiting for a long cycle to finish can make it harder to plan your day. Load size and drying time are priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir highlights that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. You may therefore need to split a load of washed clothes before starting the drying cycle.
Compare both capacities, the length of the combined cycle and its energy use in the specifications for the model you’re considering.
A duct meets a practical installation requirement, but it doesn’t tell you about the appliance’s features or the requirements that apply to it.
Before buying a new appliance, check the regulatory documentation for the exact model rather than relying on the existing installation alone.
Stacking frees up floor space, but compatibility depends on the models and their dimensions. Bosch and Electrolux restrict the use of their kits to the configurations specified in their documentation.
Check the model numbers of both appliances and follow the instructions to choose the right kit.
You may need to buy the kit separately, so check whether it’s included with the appliances.
If you’ll use an appliance frequently, the programme duration and energy use are just as important as whether it will fit in your home.
Compare the energy figures for models with the same capacity, then factor in how often you dry clothes.
Bosch’s French range includes heat pump tumble dryers. The brand also offers stacking kits for certain configurations.
Siemens’s French range includes heat pump condenser tumble dryers.
Miele says its heat pump tumble dryers can be installed under a worktop or stacked, using a stacking kit where needed.
The Electrolux France product page for the GentleCare 600 8 YW6HI841DC heat pump tumble dryer lists an 8 kg capacity, energy class D and a noise level of 64 dB.
This selection covers the single-appliance option for when there isn’t room for a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
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Worth considering if you need to combine washing and drying in one machine. It has a stated capacity of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so check that the difference suits the loads you want to dry.
No. The European Commission distinguishes between vented tumble dryers, which expel moist air outside, and condenser dryers. For the latter, check the manual to see whether water is collected in a tank, drained away or whether both options are available.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an external opening or duct is needed to install a vented appliance, but that alone doesn’t establish whether a particular new model meets the European requirements that apply to it. Check the model’s specifications and regulatory documentation before buying.
Don’t assume that two appliances can be stacked without a suitable accessory. Bosch specifies depth requirements for one of its kits, while an Electrolux manual limits kit use to the appliances it lists. Check the exact model numbers and follow the instructions.
Only tumble-dry fabrics whose care labels say they’re suitable, as Electrolux advises. Then choose a programme that matches the garment’s care symbols and the appliance manual.