If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer could meet your needs, provided its drying capacity suits your laundry loads: it is lower than its washing capacity. If you can install two appliances, either separately or stacked in a compatible set-up, a dedicated tumble dryer avoids this capacity trade-off. UFC-Que Choisir generally describes heat-pump models as less energy-intensive, but slower than conventional condenser tumble dryers.
If you need to wash and dry without adding a second appliance on the floor, the drying capacity of a washer-dryer is an important factor. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you want to keep two appliances despite limited floor space, check that the models are compatible, the installation is stable and the controls are accessible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that the appliances are suitable for stacking.
If you can install a separate tumble dryer and use it regularly, compare energy consumption, cycle times and capacity based on your usual loads. ADEME also recommends taking the energy label of your laundry appliances into account.
First, measure the space available. Then compare the options by energy consumption, cycle times and the amount of laundry you need to dry.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and fit | Measure the space, depth and door clearance. For a stacked set-up, check that the models are compatible and allow for the necessary clearances. | If I only have room for one appliance on the floor, I want to know whether a single appliance or a stacked set-up will actually fit. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare consumption and duration using consistent reference cycles. For a tumble dryer, check the current energy label. | If I dry laundry regularly, I want to keep energy use down without comparing different cycles. Around 29% of consumers prioritise the electricity used during drying. |
| Cycle times | Check the duration of the programme for the load you have in mind, and distinguish between drying-only and complete wash-and-dry cycles. | If I need to do several loads in a row, how long it takes to free up the appliance matters to me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise shorter cycle times. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the stated drying capacity with your usual loads, not just the washing capacity. | If I want to dry a whole load in one go, I check the drying capacity before choosing a single appliance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry that can be dried per load. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. For example, LG’s product information for the F964R35WRS gives a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg.
Before you buy, compare the drying capacity with your usual loads.
An oversized load may need to be split or dried separately.
Compatibility can depend on the exact model numbers of both appliances and the kit. Bosch excludes certain washing machine models from one of its kits; Electrolux requires you to check compatibility using the PNC for the STA8GW4.
Before buying, check the manuals and the exact model numbers of the washing machine, tumble dryer and stacking kit.
UFC-Que Choisir generally describes conventional condenser models as faster, but more electricity-intensive than heat-pump models.
As well as the purchase price, compare the duration and energy consumption of reference cycles suited to your needs.
In use, a conventional condenser dryer may use more electricity; consumption varies by model and cycle.
Worth considering when comparing heat-pump tumble dryers and stacking options.
An option to explore if you’re considering a heat-pump tumble dryer or a stacked set-up.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a washer-dryer to fit in a single space.
A model to consider when comparing conventional condenser dryers with other options.
A range to explore when comparing separate heat-pump tumble dryers.
This selection features separate drying appliances, including several heat-pump models. Check the model dimensions and the space required before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a foldable appliance with a timer.
The description mentions hot-air circulation and four timer settings.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer with a stated capacity of 10 kg.
Capacity: 10 kg. Energy rating given in the product name: C.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate 8 kg heat-pump model.
Capacity: 8 kg. The description specifies a freestanding design. It also mentions a 2-in-1 Easy Cleaning filter and direct connection for the drain hose.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer with several drying settings.
Capacity: 8 kg. Energy rating given in the product name: D. The description mentions three dryness levels and 16 programmes.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate 8 kg model and want to check the installation requirements before buying.
The description specifies flammable R290 refrigerant and requires a well-ventilated room of at least 4 m², an earthed socket and cleaning the fluff filter after every cycle.
For a stacked set-up, place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine on a stable floor. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking the manuals and confirming that the appliances and stacking kit are compatible before installation.
Not necessarily: width alone is not enough to confirm compatibility. Bosch requires you to check the E-Nr. number for one of its kits, while Electrolux requires a PNC check for the STA8GW4. Check the appliance model numbers and installation instructions.
Compare like-for-like reference cycles and take their duration and your frequency of use into account. Since July 2025, tumble dryer energy labels have used an A to G scale. Washer-dryers are subject to separate regulatory information, and the energy consumption for washing alone may not represent that of a complete cycle.
No, not automatically. The European Commission states that the new ecodesign requirements apply to appliances placed on the market from 1 July 2025, but not to appliances already placed on the market and held in stock before that date. Check the energy label and the status of the product on offer.
No: the location and electrical connection must be suitable for the electrical protection requirements for bathrooms. The NF C 15-100 series defines protection zones around showers and baths. Have the installation and proposed location checked before choosing a specific spot.