If you don’t have a vent to the outside, choose a condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump: Que Choisir says neither type needs to be connected to the outside. If you only have room for one appliance, consider a washer-dryer too, and compare its drying capacity with the size of your usual loads. In every case, check the room’s ventilation and the installation requirements for your chosen model.
According to Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need a connection to the outside. You’ll still need to check that the room can be ventilated sufficiently for the model you have in mind.
Compare drying capacity, stated energy consumption and the length of programmes suited to your laundry. If your usual load is too large for the appliance, you’ll need to split it across several cycles.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in a single appliance. Check its two capacities separately: for example, Electrolux’s 10/6 kg and Whirlpool’s 11/7 kg models can dry less laundry than they can wash.
Start with the installation requirements, then compare the loads you want to dry and the programmes you’ll use.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Choose condenser technology if there’s no vent to the outside. Check the manual for clearance, operating temperature and room ventilation requirements. Also check how the condensed water is collected or drained. | I need to dry my laundry without connecting the appliance to the outside, while making sure the room is suitable for it to operate. |
| Energy use and programme duration | Compare stated energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles and the duration of programmes designed for similar loads and fabrics. For a washer-dryer, check the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle separately from those for washing alone. | If I dry laundry often, I want to compare energy use without assuming that a more economical cycle will also be quicker. |
| Capacity and space | Check the drying capacity in kg, not just the washing capacity. Measure the space and compare it with the model’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual. | If I only have space for one appliance, I want to know whether a washer-dryer can handle my usual loads without me having to split them every time. |
| Maintenance | Check that the filter is easy to access, read the condenser care instructions and find out how to empty the water tank, if there is one. Electrolux says to clean the filter on its tumble dryers after every cycle. | I want to be able to carry out the recommended maintenance without the installation making the parts that need cleaning difficult to reach. |
A condenser appliance doesn’t need an air vent to the outside, but Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small or poorly ventilated may develop condensation.
Measure the room and check the clearances and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
Electrolux, for example, lists a model with a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity; Whirlpool gives figures of 11/7 kg for one of its models. A full wash load may therefore exceed the same appliance’s drying capacity.
Choose based on the amount of laundry you expect to dry in one cycle, and be prepared to split loads if needed.
Electrolux recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle as part of using its appliances.
Before buying, check the manual to find out how to access the filter and maintain the condenser on your chosen model.
The product information for the Whirlpool FFWDD 1176258 BCV FR washer-dryer gives it a B rating for washing alone, but an E rating for washing and drying. These ratings relate to different types of use.
Compare the figures for the cycle you’ll use, along with its capacity and duration.
Electrolux France’s product information lets you compare specific heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, without assuming that the same features apply across the entire range.
The WQG133DTFR heat pump model gives you an example of the dimensions and capacity to compare with the space available.
The Whirlpool washer-dryers mentioned here show how a single appliance can work when there isn’t room for two.
These are condenser tumble dryers, three of which use heat pump technology. They’re options if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer for a room without external venting. Check the installation requirements for each model before choosing.
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Its condenser technology means it can be installed without an external vent. The product listing gives it an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions and programmes, and make sure your room meets the ventilation requirements in the manual.
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This condenser model doesn’t need to be connected to an external vent. It has a 10 kg capacity and a D energy rating. If you’re looking to dry large loads, also check its dimensions, programme duration and the ventilation requirements in the manual.
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This condenser tumble dryer is an option if you don’t have external venting and need to dry loads of up to its stated 8 kg capacity. The product listing gives it a D energy rating. Compare energy use and programme duration for the cycles that suit your laundry, then check the installation requirements.
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This 8 kg condenser model is designed for drying laundry without an external vent. Check the manual for the room’s ventilation and temperature requirements, as well as maintenance instructions and how to manage the condensed water.
Yes, if you choose a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model: Que Choisir says these appliances don’t need to be connected to the outside. However, check the manual to make sure your room meets the model’s installation requirements.
The lack of a window alone isn’t enough to determine whether it’s suitable. Check the actual ventilation and consult the manual: Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small or poorly ventilated may encourage condensation on surfaces.
Not necessarily. Some models collect the water in a tank, such as the EW9HI783FC and EW6HI6284BN tumble dryers featured by Electrolux. If you’d prefer direct drainage, check that it’s compatible with the model, find out which accessories you’ll need and make sure there’s a drain in the room.
Clean the filter as directed in the manual; Electrolux recommends cleaning it after every cycle for the appliances covered by its support information. Also check the care instructions for the condenser and make sure it’ll be easy to access once the appliance is installed.
Only if the load doesn’t exceed its drying capacity. For example, Electrolux lists the EW9W1166RB as having a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. On this model, a wash load weighing more than 6 kg must be reduced before drying.