Homes without an external vent
If your room doesn’t allow for an external air vent, compare condenser tumble dryers and washer-dryers based on the space available, your laundry needs and the installation requirements for each model.
Who are these solutions for?
Households that often dry large loads
A dedicated tumble dryer is worth comparing with a washer-dryer. Check the drying capacity, the space required and the published energy consumption figures, comparing like with like.
Homes with room for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. UFC-Que Choisir notes that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so a full wash load may need to be dried in several batches.
What should you check before choosing?
First, consider whether you have room for a dedicated or combined appliance. Then check the drying capacity and the installation requirements for the specific model.
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you dry laundry regularly and have room for a dedicated appliance.
Compare: the energy consumption and cycle times of models with similar capacities, rather than judging how they’ll perform based on a single feature.
Standard condenser tumble dryer
Consider this if: you want a dedicated tumble dryer without an external vent.
Compare: its stated energy consumption with that of a heat pump model, using equivalent figures.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying load is smaller than the washing load, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Check the appliance’s technology and dimensions, how far the door opens, and the clearances required in its manual. | I don’t have an external vent, and the appliance needs to fit in the room without blocking any openings. |
| Energy consumption and cycle time | Compare the stated energy consumption and duration of equivalent programmes on appliances with similar capacities. | If I dry laundry often, I want to know how much energy the cycles I’ll use consume. If time matters more, I’ll also check how long they take. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. For a dedicated appliance, compare its stated capacity with your usual loads. | I need to be able to dry a full wash load without removing some of the laundry, or be happy to split it into several batches. |
| Water and maintenance | Check how the model collects or drains condensed water and what maintenance the manual recommends. | I want to be able to manage the water extracted from my laundry and easily access the parts that need maintenance. |
| Electrical supply | Check the connection requirements in the manual, and have the installation checked if you have any safety concerns about the location. | The available socket and circuit must be suitable for the appliance, especially in a room where the electrical installation needs particular attention. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “no vent” means “no installation requirements”
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need to be connected to an external vent, but you still need enough room for the appliance, space to open the door and to follow its installation instructions.
Measure the available space and check the manual for the exact model. For the Beko BDS7435WS, the manual says not to block the openings with a rug or remove the adjustable feet.
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
With a washer-dryer, a wash load at the maximum stated capacity may be too large to dry in one go.
Compare both capacities before you buy, and be prepared to split any load that exceeds the drying limit.
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Comparing appliances without considering how you’ll use them
If you run cycles frequently, energy consumption becomes an important factor. Cycle time matters too if you need to get through several loads.
For models with similar capacities, compare the stated energy consumption and cycle times for equivalent programmes.
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Using an airer in a small, poorly ventilated room without considering humidity
ADEME says that drying laundry indoors releases moisture into the air.
If you choose an airer, use a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction. Otherwise, look at appliances that are suitable for the space you have.
A few examples from leading brands
These models illustrate features you can compare; they don’t represent every appliance in each brand’s range.
Bosch
Bosch offers two 8 kg tumble dryers that let you compare the specifications of a heat pump model with those of a standard condenser model.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists the WQG24502FR as an 8 kg heat pump model and the WTN85V08FF as an 8 kg condenser model.
- Check the energy consumption figures, dimensions and manual for the model you’re considering: these two specifications don’t cover the entire range.
LG
The LG France F964X76WSTA is an example of a washer-dryer. You can use it to compare the space taken up by a combined appliance and the loads it can handle.
- LG France lists this model as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
- A wash load of more than 6 kg exceeds this model’s stated drying capacity.
Beko
The Beko BDS7435WS tumble dryer manual gives practical instructions to check before choosing where to install it.
- For this model, Beko says to keep the openings clear and leave the adjustable feet in place.
- Check the manual for the model you choose: the instructions for one appliance don’t confirm that another can be installed in the same way.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These three dedicated tumble dryers are worth considering for a room without an external vent: two heat pump models and one condenser model. Compare their capacities and check each manual before deciding where to install them.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg, class C
A dedicated tumble dryer to consider if you do laundry regularly in a room without an external vent. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg. Before deciding whether it’s right for your room, check the manual for the dimensions, clearances, connection requirements and water management.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg, class D
This dedicated 8 kg model is another heat pump option for drying laundry without an external air vent. Check the manual for the space required, electrical connection, condensed water management and maintenance instructions.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
This dedicated 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is worth considering if your room doesn’t have an external vent. Compare its energy consumption figures with those of other models on an equivalent basis, and check the manual for the required clearances and electrical connection.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tumble dryer work without an external air vent?
Yes, if it’s a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances can be installed without a connection to the outside, unlike vented models. You should still follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full wash load?
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the two capacities. For example, LG France lists the F964X76WSTA as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Check both figures for the model you’re considering before relying on a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
Should you keep the tumble dryer’s openings clear?
Yes. Follow the clearance requirements and instructions in the model’s manual. For the BDS7435WS, Beko specifically says that a rug must not block the openings. This doesn’t mean that a condenser appliance needs an external vent.
Can an indoor airer replace a tumble dryer?
An airer can work well if you have a suitable place to dry your laundry. However, ADEME highlights the moisture released when laundry is dried indoors. Choose a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction.