If you often dry large loads, start by looking at a separate tumble dryer with a capacity suited to your washing. If there’s only room for one appliance on the floor, a washer-dryer can save space, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you have enough height, stacking two appliances is another option, provided you check they’re compatible with a suitable stacking kit.
If there’s only room for one appliance on the floor and an airer takes up too much space, a washer-dryer is worth considering. However, Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may not be able to dry a full wash in one go.
If you regularly dry bedding, towels or large loads of washing, compare a separate tumble dryer’s capacity with that of your washing machine and the size of your usual loads. If you’re short on width, stacking may be an option, provided the two appliances and the kit are compatible.
If you have room for a dedicated tumble dryer, compare heat pump and conventional condenser models by looking at their energy use, cycle times and condensate management. Check these figures for the exact models you’re considering.
Start by checking how much space you actually have, then compare drying capacity with the size of your loads. The cycles and installation requirements will help you narrow down your options.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare washing and drying capacities in kg. For a separate appliance, compare its capacity with that of your washing machine. | If I often dry bedding or a full load, splitting it up makes my routine more complicated. Around 31% of consumers rank this capacity as their top priority. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, access route and door opening. If you’re stacking appliances, check that the kit is compatible. | When an airer already takes up space, I need to know whether a two-in-one appliance or a stacked pair will fit. For around 31% of consumers, reducing the floor space taken up is the main concern. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the energy use and duration of the relevant cycle. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing-only and full cycles, and check water use too. | If I dry clothes several times a week, energy use, water consumption during the cycle and waiting time all affect my choice. These trade-offs are the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check ventilation, access to the filters and how condensate is collected. For a stacked pair, consult the instructions for both appliances and the kit. | I need to be able to install the appliance and access the parts that require regular maintenance in my home. Around 15% of consumers make this their top consideration. |
Que Choisir highlights that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. This means a load the appliance can wash may need to be reduced or dried in more than one go.
Check both figures in kg and plan combined cycles around the drying capacity.
Whether you can stack a washing machine and tumble dryer depends on the models and the kit. Bosch, for example, specifies that the kit must be suitable for the tumble dryer.
Check the model numbers in the instructions, then confirm the required depth, available height, levelling and fixings.
The suitable kit may be sold separately from the two appliances, so check what’s included with the models you choose.
A shorter cycle doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much energy is used. If you’re choosing between a heat pump and conventional condenser technology, compare cycle times and energy consumption for each model using comparable cycles.
Check the information for the appliances you’re considering and think about how often you’ll need to run consecutive drying cycles.
A wash-only cycle doesn’t tell you about the complete cycle. Que Choisir notes that most of the models it tested have long cycles and use water during drying.
Check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle and read the model’s maintenance instructions, particularly for the filters and parts that need cleaning.
Worth considering for a stacked setup if the model numbers of the Bosch washing machine, tumble dryer and kit are compatible.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a stacking kit to suit the dimensions of your installation.
Worth considering if you’re comparing a separate tumble dryer with a heat pump washer-dryer.
This selection includes separate tumble dryers and washer-dryers that can reduce your reliance on an airer. Compare their capacity with your usual loads and check that they can be installed in your home before choosing.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to compare heat pump models.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. The product name specifies a heat pump and C energy rating. Measure the space and compare programme energy use and duration before deciding.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a separate condenser tumble dryer and need to match its capacity to your washing.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Before choosing, check the space required, programme times and how this model handles condensate.
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Worth considering if there’s room for just one appliance on the floor and you can adjust the load to suit the drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. The product name mentions Zeo-Cycle, app control and LintClear. Check the dimensions, as well as water and energy use and the duration of a complete cycle, for your needs.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
The product name states an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. The description also includes instructions unrelated to a tumble dryer, so check the specifications and installation instructions against the manual for the exact CD08EHP05W-HR model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a single appliance and can limit combined cycles to its drying capacity.
Stated capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. If you wash a larger load, expect to remove some laundry before drying. Also check the complete cycle time, connections and clearance required.
No. Unlike a vented model, it doesn’t need a duct leading outside. Water removed from the laundry is collected in a tank or, depending on the model, can be directed to a drain. Check the manual before deciding where to put it.
No. Both models must be suitable for stacking, and the kit must be compatible with them. Bosch and Electrolux specify requirements for their own accessories, so check which models are approved and confirm the dimensions before planning a stacked setup.
Not necessarily: as Que Choisir points out, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. On an appliance listed as 11/6 kg, use the 6 kg figure when planning a cycle that includes drying.
Distinguish the information for washing-only programmes from that for a complete wash-and-dry cycle. For models covered by the European energy labelling shown by the European Commission, check the energy and water use, duration and noise levels for the cycle you’ll use.
No, if the model collects condensate in a tank that you can empty. Some appliances can also be connected to a drain. The manual for the model you choose will explain whether this option is available and how to set it up.