If you have space for two appliances, a separate tumble dryer lets you choose its drying capacity independently of your washing machine’s. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from transferring your washing, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Consider a vented tumble dryer only if you can direct the moist air outside.
If you can only fit one machine, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying without you having to transfer your laundry. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you have room for an extra appliance, compare the capacity of a separate tumble dryer with the amount of laundry you regularly want to dry. This is especially important for bulky loads.
If you don’t have an external opening or a suitable duct, rule out a vented tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir says a condenser dryer does not need to vent moist air outside.
Start with the space you actually have, then compare the load you need to dry and the full-cycle figures for each model.
Consider it if: you can fit a separate appliance and don’t have an external vent.
Keep in mind: check the cycle times and energy consumption figures for the model you choose.
Consider it if: you have room for a dedicated appliance but no duct to the outside.
Keep in mind: depending on the model, condensed water needs to be collected or drained away.
Consider it if: you only have room for one appliance and want to run both functions in sequence.
Keep in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum drying load is lower than the maximum washing load.
Consider it if: only if an external opening or suitable duct can carry the moist air outside.
Keep in mind: this connection requirement rules out the appliance in many locations.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the depth, check the connections and allow for the door to open, especially if the appliance will go under a worktop. | If there’s no room for a second appliance, keeping to a single space becomes the priority; around 36% of consumers put this space requirement first when choosing. |
| Drying capacity | Compare washing and drying capacities in kg, then check the capacity of a separate tumble dryer if you’re considering that option. | For frequent or bulky loads, being able to dry the amount of laundry you want matters more than the appliance format. Capacity comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Consumption | Check the label for the exact model. For a washer-dryer, look at the wash-and-dry cycle separately from the wash-only cycle. | If you run cycles regularly, you’ll want to know how much electricity they use and, for a washer-dryer, how much water the full cycle uses. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these figures. |
| Installation | Check whether a vented model needs an air outlet, and have the power supply or any connections that need adapting assessed. | If you’re unsure about venting or connections in the room, find out which appliance can be installed before choosing one. For around 14% of consumers, installation feasibility is the main concern. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash a load that it can’t dry in one go, UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Note down both capacities in kg separately, and choose based on the laundry you actually plan to dry.
If a load is too large for drying, you may need to run a second cycle.
This type of tumble dryer needs to direct moist air to an external opening or duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Check the route for the duct in the room before settling on this option.
A two-in-one design alone doesn’t tell you how much water or electricity the wash-and-dry cycle uses, or how long it takes.
Compare the full-cycle figures on the label and product information for each washer-dryer you’re considering.
The depth, door clearance, power supply and connections can all determine whether the appliance will fit and work in the intended location.
Measure the space and check the model’s manual. Ask a professional to assess any electrical changes that may be needed.
You may need to modify the installation before using the appliance.
Bosch’s range in France includes heat pump tumble dryers worth considering if you’re looking for a separate appliance.
LG’s range in France includes both heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
Miele’s range in France includes heat pump tumble dryers, with models available in 8 and 9 kg capacities.
These Joybuy models include separate tumble dryers for an extra space and a washer-dryer for a single space. Compare their capacities with your laundry needs and their dimensions with the room you have in mind.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and are looking for a stated capacity of 8 kg.
The product name indicates an energy rating of D. Before buying, check the dimensions, how condensate is handled and the model’s energy consumption figures.
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Compare it with other dedicated appliances if you want to dry regular loads of laundry in a separate space.
The product name indicates a capacity of 8 kg and an energy rating of C. Check the dimensions and energy consumption on the product information for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you only have space for one appliance and want to wash and then dry your laundry in the same machine.
Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing but 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying it. Check the full-cycle duration and consumption, as well as the dimensions and connections.
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Consider it if you can fit a separate tumble dryer but don’t have an air vent leading outside.
The product name indicates a capacity of 8 kg and OptiSense sensors. Compare its size, maintenance requirements and energy figures for the exact model.
Not for the uses described by UFC-Que Choisir: the moist air must be able to reach an external opening or a suitable ventilation duct. If there’s no route for the air, consider a condenser dryer or a washer-dryer instead.
Not if the load is at the maximum washing capacity: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the maximum drying capacity is lower. Before expecting to run a cycle without removing any laundry, compare both figures in kg for the model you’ve chosen.
Check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, not just the washing cycle. The energy label and product information let you compare energy use, water consumption and cycle duration for the way you plan to use it.
Before ordering, have the intended location and power supply checked for the specific appliance. Follow its manual, and ask a qualified electrician to assess the plans if the installation needs adapting.
First, check the power supply and, depending on the model, how condensate is collected or drained away. If a circuit needs to be installed or modified, ask a professional to determine the right setup; Legrand describes a dedicated circuit for this installation.