If you regularly dry full loads and have space for a separate appliance, start by comparing heat pump tumble dryers. According to UFC-Que Choisir, they use less electricity than conventional condenser or vented models. If space is limited, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Keeping a drying rack means having a large, well-ventilated room or suitable extraction, as recommended by ADEME.
If your drying rack regularly takes over a poorly ventilated room, compare the drying capacity, stated energy consumption and programme duration of a separate appliance. UFC-Que Choisir highlights, in particular, the difference in energy consumption between heat pump models and conventional condenser tumble dryers.
A washer-dryer means you don’t need to add another appliance. Alternatively, you could stack two machines if both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. Either way, measure the space needed to open the doors and access the appliances.
Before choosing a model, check its dimensions, access to a power socket, condensate management and installation instructions against the space you have in mind. If stacking, make sure the kit is compatible with both models.
Start with the space you actually have and the amount of laundry you need to dry. Then compare programmes and energy consumption on a like-for-like basis.
Consider it if: you often dry laundry and can install a separate appliance without a vent to the outside.
Bear in mind: check programme duration, as well as the model-specific maintenance and condensate management requirements.
Consider it if: you’re comparing a separate appliance that doesn’t need an outside vent with a heat pump model.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology uses more electricity than a heat pump model. Compare the energy labels and programmes of the models you’re considering.
Consider it if: you can’t add a tumble dryer and your drying loads fit the stated capacity.
Bear in mind: the maximum drying load is lower than the washing capacity, as shown on the Bosch and LG product information cited for their respective models.
Keep it if: you genuinely have a large, well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction.
Bear in mind: air-drying adds moisture indoors. ADEME recommends taking the room and its ventilation into account.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce indoor air-drying | Drying capacity suited to your usual loads; condensate collection or drainage as described in the instructions. | If the drying rack is often in a poorly ventilated room, my main aim is to rely on it less. Around 33% of consumers put this need at the top of their list. |
| Save space | Overall dimensions and door clearance; compatibility of the appliances and stacking kit if stacking. | When two machines won’t fit side by side, I need to choose between a combined appliance and a compatible stacked set-up. Saving space is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Keep an eye on energy use | The current energy label and stated energy consumption, compared on a like-for-like basis. | For frequent drying, I want to be able to compare the energy consumption of the models I’m considering. This is the top concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Plan your loads | Maximum drying capacity and the duration of the programme suited to your laundry. | If I have several loads to get through, I need to know how much laundry can be dried per cycle and how long to allow. Around 13% of consumers prioritise drying capacity per cycle. |
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need a vent to the outside, but its location and the way it handles condensed water still need to suit the model.
Measure the space, including room for the door to open; check the socket location and read the instructions to find out how to empty the water tank or connect a drain, if supported.
The European Commission states that the energy label for household tumble dryers was updated to an A to G scale from 1 July 2025. Older A++ or A+++ ratings use a different scale.
When comparing models, check the applicable energy label, stated energy consumption and the duration of the relevant programme.
A full washing load may exceed the appliance’s drying capacity. For example, Bosch lists the WNG25402FR as having a 10.5 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity.
Choose a model that suits the loads you need to dry and check the full cycle time. If your wash load exceeds the drying limit, you’ll need to remove some laundry before drying.
Compatible appliance depths and models vary depending on the stacking kit. Whirlpool says the washing machine must remain on the floor, while Electrolux specifies a depth range for one of its kits.
Check that the kit suits both appliances and follow their stacking instructions rather than simply placing one machine on top of the other.
A brand to consider if you’re thinking about stacking a separate tumble dryer.
Its range includes heat pump tumble dryers and stacking accessories to consider.
A range of heat pump tumble dryers to compare model by model.
Worth considering if a washer-dryer is a better fit for your available space.
A brand to consider for a washer-dryer when available depth is a key factor.
This selection includes washer-dryers for avoiding a second floor-standing appliance, as well as separate condenser and heat pump tumble dryers. Compare their drying capacity and installation requirements with the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you want to wash and dry with one appliance and your drying loads don’t exceed 6 kg.
The title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the dimensions, connections and full programme before planning to dry a whole wash load.
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Compare this model if you have space for a separate appliance to dry loads of up to 8 kg without a vent to the outside.
Check the programme duration, applicable energy label and instructions for handling condensate for this model.
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This set-up avoids adding a separate tumble dryer when floor space is limited.
The title lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check the wash-and-dry cycle time, dimensions and clearance needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you need a separate heat pump appliance to dry loads of up to 8 kg.
The title lists a C rating. Compare its energy consumption and programme times using the applicable energy label, then check the dimensions and condensate management instructions.
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Consider this model if one appliance needs to do both jobs and a 5 kg drying load suits your needs.
The title lists an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. Its stated width is inconsistent, so confirm the overall dimensions of this model before checking whether it will fit in your chosen space.
No. Unlike a vented model, it doesn’t need a duct to the outside. However, check the instructions for the required location and how to collect or drain the condensed water.
Yes, if both appliances and a stacking kit are compatible. Whirlpool says the washing machine must remain on the floor. Check the model numbers, depths and fixing instructions before installation.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. For example, Bosch lists the WNG25402FR as having a 10.5 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity, so a full-capacity wash load will need to be reduced before drying.
Compare labels that use the same scale, and check the stated energy consumption too. According to the European Commission, household tumble dryer labels moved to an A to G scale from 1 July 2025. Older A++ and A+++ ratings can’t be compared directly with these letters.