If you don’t have an external air outlet, choose a condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, rather than a vented model. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer is another option, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. In every case, check the instructions against your room and compare the capacity, cycle times and energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
If you have room for a dedicated appliance but no usable external air outlet, consider a condenser tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir says these models don’t need to be connected to the outside; you’ll still need to check the installation requirements for each model.
If you want to dry your laundry without splitting it into smaller loads, look for a drying capacity that suits the loads you normally wash. On a combined appliance, check this figure separately from its washing capacity.
A washer-dryer lets you wash and dry with a single appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so plan to reduce the load before drying or split it across two cycles.
Worth considering: if you have room for a dedicated tumble dryer and want to compare its energy consumption for regular use.
Bear in mind: compare programme times and care requirements too; the technology alone doesn’t tell you about these.
Worth considering: if you want a dedicated appliance without an external air connection and are comparing different drying technologies.
Bear in mind: check the energy consumption, cycle times and ventilation requirements listed for the model you choose.
Worth considering: when your home only has space for one appliance.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir; compare the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
First check the space available and the type of drying, then compare the load capacities and programmes that suit the way you do your laundry.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Confirm that it’s a condenser dryer, then check the instructions for the appliance’s dimensions, clearances and permitted room temperature. | I don’t have an external opening or usable vent: I need an appliance that doesn’t require an air outlet. |
| Water management | Check whether there’s a tank, how easy it is to access and whether direct drainage is possible. Confirm whether the required hose or kit is included. | Is there a drain where I plan to install the appliance, or will I need to empty the tank? |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare models with a suitable capacity using their energy labels and the duration of the programme you’re considering. For a washer-dryer, also check the complete wash-and-dry cycle details in EPREL, the European Commission’s database. | If I dry laundry often, I want to know how much energy and time the cycles I’ll use require. |
| Capacity | Compare the maximum drying load, in kg, with the loads you usually wash. On a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | I want to be able to dry a typical load without always having to split it in two. |
| Maintenance and access | Check what maintenance is required for the filter, condenser and tank. Also check the stated noise level and whether the door can open fully in the space available. | If it’s near a living area or in a narrow space, noise, access to the door and ease of maintenance matter to me. |
If you don’t have an external opening or usable vent, a vented tumble dryer won’t meet your installation requirements. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type of appliance from condenser models, which don’t need to be connected to the outside.
Check the drying type on the product page and in the instructions instead of relying on the appliance’s appearance or capacity alone.
On a washer-dryer, a load washed at full capacity may be too large to dry. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between these two figures.
Compare the washing and drying capacities separately with the amount of laundry you plan to dry in one go.
The rating doesn’t tell you how long the selected programme takes or, for a washer-dryer, the figures for a complete wash-and-dry cycle. EPREL, the European Commission’s database, lets you check these details for listed models.
Compare the energy consumption and duration of the relevant cycles at a suitable capacity. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a complete cycle.
A tank that needs emptying, a filter that needs cleaning or a drain connection to arrange can all affect day-to-day use. Requirements vary by model.
Check the instructions for maintenance requirements and see whether direct drainage is possible and whether the necessary accessories are included.
These manufacturers’ models are examples of features to compare; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
The WQG2450SFR is an example of a dedicated heat pump tumble dryer.
The EW6HI5829SB is an 8 kg heat pump model whose product information sets out several installation requirements.
The TQ 1000 WP Nova Edition is an example of a heat pump model with two options for managing condensed water.
The FFDD1074489BVFR is a washer-dryer to consider when you only have space for one appliance.
This selection on Joybuy includes dedicated condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, as well as a washer-dryer for homes with space for just one appliance. Compare their capacity and installation requirements with your home.
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A dedicated heat pump tumble dryer for a space without an external air outlet. The product information lists an 8 kg capacity, an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter, the option of direct drainage and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, room requirements, programme times and energy consumption figures before choosing.
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This dedicated heat pump model is an option if you need a tumble dryer without an external vent. Its product information lists an 8 kg capacity, a double-layer filter and a D energy rating. Check the instructions for water management, installation requirements and maintenance, then compare programme times and energy consumption.
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This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is a dedicated option for rooms without an external air outlet. Its description mentions a water tank and a reversible door. Check which way the door needs to open in your home, along with the installation requirements, programme times and energy consumption.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is designed for installation without an air vent. The product title lists a 10 kg capacity, while its description says 8 kg, so ask the seller to confirm the capacity of this variant before comparing it with your usual loads. The description also mentions a double-layer filter; check the instructions for installation and maintenance.
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This condenser washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. The stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load will need to be reduced before drying. Check the dimensions, water and drain connections, then look at the figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle.
Yes. You can choose a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model: UFC-Que Choisir says this type of appliance doesn’t need to be connected to the outside. However, check the instructions for requirements specific to the room and electrical supply. A vented tumble dryer does need a suitable air outlet.
No. Condensed water can be collected in a tank that you empty. Some models also allow direct drainage; check that the connection will work with your installation and whether the required hose or kit is included.
Choose a drying capacity that suits the load you usually wash, rather than relying only on the washing machine’s maximum capacity. On a washer-dryer, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
Check their energy labels and the figures for the cycles you plan to use, taking each model’s capacity into account. The European Commission’s EPREL database provides key information for listed appliances. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between the figures for a wash-only cycle and those for a complete wash-and-dry cycle.