If you can fit a second appliance and want to free up the room where your laundry usually dries, compare condenser tumble dryers, particularly heat pump models. If you only have space for one machine, a washer-dryer means you won’t need a second appliance, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. If you’re keeping an airer, look for an effective spin cycle and measure how much space it takes up when fully open.
If most of your laundry dries on an airer, your washing machine’s capacity and spin efficiency matter just as much as the space you have to put the airer up and then store it away. ADEME recommends choosing a capacity that suits your usual loads and checking the spin performance on the energy label.
If you have space for an additional appliance, a separate tumble dryer can handle fabrics suitable for machine drying. You’ll also need to plan for its installation, condensate management and maintenance.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one place. However, check its washing and drying capacities separately: a full wash load may not be able to dry in one go.
In a flat with no outdoor space, start by considering where your appliance can go and how you’d like to get your clothes dry. Spin performance, capacity and the appliance’s dimensions will help you narrow down your choice.
Worth considering: if you can temporarily set aside space for your laundry and don’t want to install a second large appliance.
Bear in mind: the airer will take up that space while your clothes dry, even after an effective spin cycle.
Worth considering: if you have the space and suitable installation to regularly dry machine-safe fabrics without using an airer.
Bear in mind: you’ll have another appliance to install and maintain. According to Beko, heat pump models can have longer cycles than other technologies.
Worth considering: if you only have space for one machine and your drying loads are within its stated capacity.
Bear in mind: you may need to split a full wash load before drying it. For example, LG lists one model with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Air-drying after the spin cycle | Spin efficiency rating on the label and a capacity suited to your usual loads. ADEME links an effective spin cycle with faster indoor drying. | I can air-dry my laundry, but want to limit how long it takes up space in the room without installing a second appliance. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Drying with a separate appliance | Available space, capacity, noise and how condensate is collected or drained. For a vented model, check that there is a suitable route to the outside. | When I do laundry frequently, I’d rather have machine-safe fabrics dry without leaving an airer up. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space for just one machine | Separate washing and drying capacities, dimensions with the door open and the connections required. | I only have room for one machine and need to plan my loads around what it can dry. This is the main constraint for around 21% of consumers. |
| An airer that’s easy to store | Floor space when fully open, total drying line and dimensions when folded. | I need an option for fabrics that shouldn’t go in the tumble dryer, without permanently blocking the way. Around 14% of consumers prioritise an airer that’s easy to put away. |
A vented model needs access to the outside, UFC-Que Choisir points out. So simply having a free space in your flat isn’t enough to confirm it can be installed.
Check that there’s a suitable vent before choosing this technology. If not, compare condenser models and how they handle water.
The two capacities can differ: for example, LG lists a washer-dryer with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. A full wash load may not be able to dry in one go.
Check both figures for the model you’re considering and, if necessary, plan to split the laundry before drying.
If you dry laundry indoors, spin performance and programme duration also affect how you organise your washing. ADEME recommends checking the label to compare factors including energy consumption, spin performance and noise.
Compare the same label details for each appliance you’re considering, taking your usual loads into account.
A long drying line doesn’t necessarily mean a small footprint: Leifheit lists 23 m of drying line and dimensions of 98 × 193 × 56 cm for its Classic Extentable 230 Solid.
Measure the space it takes up when open, the room left to walk through and where you’ll store it before choosing a size.
Bosch’s French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, whose specifications can help you compare options for a separate appliance.
LG washer-dryers are worth comparing if you only have space for one machine.
Miele tumble dryer product pages let you compare the capacity and condensate management of a separate appliance.
Beko heat pump tumble dryers are another option to consider for condenser drying without an external vent.
Leifheit folding or extendable airers are worth considering if you can temporarily use a room for drying laundry.
These models are separate tumble dryers, suited to households that can make space for one. Before choosing, check that the capacity suits your laundry loads and confirm the installation and condensate management requirements for the specific model.
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Worth considering if you’d rather machine-dry suitable loads than leave an airer up. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, condensate management and cycle information for this model.
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Worth comparing if you have room for a separate appliance to dry your laundry. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Check the dimensions, condensate management and energy label for the model.
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Worth considering if you have room to machine-dry suitable fabrics. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity. Check the dimensions, required clearances and condensate management instructions before installation.
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Worth looking at if you have space for a separate tumble dryer. The capacity is listed as either 8 kg or 10 kg, depending on the product information. Check the listing or manual for the CD10EHP05W-HR before sizing your loads. Also check the dimensions and condensate management.
It depends on the location and the electrical set-up. In France, Promotelec says that a washing machine must be installed outside zones 0, 1 and 2, as well as the hidden zone of the bathroom. If you’re unsure, ask a professional to assess the location and installation.
No, not without a usable vent to the outside: UFC-Que Choisir points out that vented models require one. A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need this type of vent, but you’ll still need to check there’s room for it and how it handles condensate.
Before adding a second appliance, check that the planned installation is suitable for both the washing machine and the tumble dryer. Promotelec describes dedicated circuits for these appliances in the relevant installations. In an existing home, the presence of a socket alone doesn’t prove that the installation is suitable.
Compare the energy labels for the models you’re considering, looking at energy consumption, programme duration and noise, as well as spin performance for a washing machine. ADEME presents these details as criteria to consider. For a tumble dryer, also check the model’s maintenance and condensate management instructions.
Yes, for fabrics whose care label says they can’t be tumble dried. Electrolux recommends using a tumble dryer only for suitable fabrics, so choose an airer you can put up and store in the space you have available.