Households with room for one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in the space taken up by one appliance. However, check how much laundry you can dry: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity.
Who are these options for?
Households with back-to-back loads
If you regularly dry several loads and have room for two appliances, separate machines let you start a wash while the tumble dryer is running.
Shoppers mindful of energy use and maintenance
If the tumble dryer's electricity use is an important factor in your choice, compare the figures for the models you're considering with their cycle times. Remember to factor in the maintenance recommended in the manual, particularly cleaning the filter.
How do the appliances compare?
If there’s no opening or duct to the outside, rule out a vented tumble dryer: UFC-Que Choisir says it needs an external connection, unlike a condenser dryer. Next, consider how much space you have and how much laundry you regularly need to dry.
Washer-dryer
Consider it : if you can only install one appliance and mainly dry small loads.
The trade-off : the wash load may be larger than the amount the same appliance can wash and dry in one continuous cycle.
Two separate appliances
Consider them : if you have room for a washing machine and a condenser tumble dryer, either conventional or heat pump.
The trade-off : you’ll need space for both, but you can wash one load while another is drying.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the space and clearance required, as set out in the manual. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and wash-and-dry capacities. | When I only have room for one appliance, combining washing and drying without exceeding the available space matters more than how much I can dry in one go. Around 38% of shoppers prioritise space. |
| Capacity and running loads back-to-back | Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads and check whether you can install two appliances. | If I have several loads to get through, I want to dry one while starting the next. This is a priority for around 31% of shoppers. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Check water and electricity use, as well as the length of the cycle you’ll use. Then look at the instructions for maintaining the filter and condenser. | If I dry laundry regularly, I want to know how much energy the appliance uses and what maintenance it needs before I choose. This is the main consideration for around 31% of shoppers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a washer-dryer based on its washing capacity alone
A full wash load may exceed the capacity of the wash-and-dry cycle, meaning you’ll need to split it before drying. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the two capacities.
Compare both figures in the product specifications, and choose a model based on how much laundry you actually want to dry.
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Comparing cycles that don’t do the same job
For a washer-dryer, figures for a wash-only cycle don’t tell you how a cycle that washes and then dries will perform. UFC-Que Choisir measures water use, electricity use and cycle time separately for the relevant programmes.
Compare wash-and-dry cycle figures for models with similar capacities, taking into account how often you dry laundry.
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an external vent
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or a ventilation duct, so it isn’t suitable for the situation described here.
Instead, consider a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, or a washer-dryer.
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Overlooking access to parts that need cleaning
A clogged filter or condenser can affect how well a tumble dryer works. The cleaning steps and how often you need to do them depend on the model. For the appliances covered by its guidance, Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle.
Check the manual before buying to find out where the filter is, whether the condenser is accessible and how condensed water is handled.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Washer-dryers to consider if you want to combine both functions in one appliance.
- Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNA144V0FR. Compare both figures with the size of your usual loads.
- The short programmes listed for some models are designed for small loads; they don’t reflect drying at maximum capacity.
Miele
Washer-dryers to consider if space is limited and your loads are suitable for the model’s drying capacity.
- Miele lists an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity for the WTD160 WCS.
- This model can’t dry its maximum washing load in one go.
Electrolux
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers to consider alongside a separate washing machine, if you have room for two appliances.
- Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity and an EasyClean filter for its EDHF2812WE heat pump tumble dryer.
- The brand recommends regular filter cleaning and, depending on how the model is designed, checking the condenser. Follow the manual for the model you choose.
Samsung
Washer-dryers to compare if you’re looking for a combined appliance with a choice of drying capacities.
- Samsung offers models with capacities of 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, as well as 9 kg and 6 kg.
- Capacity combinations vary by model, so check the figures for the appliance you’re considering before you choose.
Tumble dryers to consider on Joybuy
These models handle drying with a separate appliance, so you’ll need a separate washing machine and enough room to install both. Before choosing, check the dimensions, connections and cycle information for your chosen model.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have room for two appliances and want a heat pump tumble dryer. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Before buying, compare the cycle time and energy use with the programme you expect to use.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Designed for use alongside a separate washing machine, this model lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Check the model’s energy label and manual for details on cycle times, energy use and the maintenance required.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
Consider this model if you’re installing a condenser tumble dryer alongside a washing machine. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and OptiSense sensors. Check the dimensions, programme times and energy label details for the model you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an opening to the outside?
Yes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, whether conventional or heat pump, doesn’t need an external vent, unlike a vented model. Check the manual, too, for installation requirements and details on handling condensed water.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load of laundry?
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNA144V0FR. Compare both capacities with your usual loads before choosing a model.
Which energy-use figures should you compare for a washer-dryer?
If you plan to use both functions, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, not just the wash cycle. UFC-Que Choisir measures water use, electricity use and programme duration separately in its tests. Compare models with capacities suited to your needs.
What maintenance does a condenser tumble dryer need?
Follow your model’s manual for looking after the filter and condenser and handling condensed water. For example, Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle in its maintenance guidance and checking the condenser when it’s accessible.
Why should you consider drying laundry in the room?
Air-drying laundry indoors adds moisture to your home, as ADEME points out. If you plan to air-dry some loads instead of using an appliance, factor the room’s ventilation into your routine.