If you don’t have an external vent, a conventional condenser or heat pump tumble dryer can work without an air connection to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you having to install a second one, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. In every case, check the available space, ventilation in the room and the maintenance required for the model you choose.
If you don’t have a vent duct or an opening to the outside, a conventional condenser or heat pump tumble dryer is designed to meet this installation requirement. You’ll still need to allow enough space for it in a suitably ventilated room.
If you regularly dry sheets, towels or laundry for several people, compare the model’s drying capacity and programme times with your laundry routine. Remember to factor in filter maintenance, too.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one space. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so a full wash load may not fit in a single drying cycle.
Start with the space available, then compare the amount of laundry you need to dry and the practical requirements of each appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Choose a type that doesn’t require an external air vent. Check the dimensions, clearance requirements and ventilation instructions in the model’s manual. | I don’t have a vent duct to the outside, so I need to be able to install the appliance in a suitable room without shutting it away in an unventilated cupboard. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the stated electricity consumption and programme times for similar loads and cycles. For a washer-dryer, also check how much water it uses during drying: UFC-Que Choisir reports that most of the models in its test use water at this stage. | If I dry laundry frequently, I want to know what each cycle uses without choosing a cycle time that doesn’t work with my laundry routine. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads, and measure the space available. With a washer-dryer, check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. | I want to dry my usual loads without having to split them every time, while leaving enough space around the appliance. |
| Maintenance and humidity | Check that the filter is easy to access, read the condenser maintenance instructions, and find out how to collect or drain the condensed water. Make sure the room is adequately ventilated. | I can clean the parts specified in the manual and manage the condensed water without letting moisture build up in the room. |
An appliance that doesn’t vent air outside still needs to be installed in line with its manual. Electrolux Support recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room if excessive moisture builds up around the tumble dryer.
Measure the space and check the required clearances, ventilation and operating temperatures for your model before installing it.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, these appliances have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. A full wash load may therefore need two drying cycles, or you may need to remove some of the laundry first.
Compare the two capacities separately with the amount of laundry you want to wash and dry in one go.
Lint caught in the filter and, depending on the model, the condenser needs to be cleared regularly. Electrolux Support advises cleaning the filter after every cycle on the appliances it covers.
Check your model’s manual to find out how to access the filter and inspect or clean the condenser.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers, with features that are worth checking for each individual model.
Whirlpool offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers for households with space for a separate appliance.
Beko offers condenser tumble dryers as well as a heat pump range: two options to consider if your room has no external vent.
These are separate condenser or heat pump tumble dryers for homes without an external air vent. Check the space you have and read the manual before choosing.
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Heat pump technology lets you dry laundry without an external air vent. This model is listed with an 8 kg capacity and energy rating C. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual to make sure it will fit your space.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is suitable for homes without an external air vent. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating D. Check its dimensions, installation requirements and ventilation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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This 8 kg condenser model can be installed without an external air vent. Check the manual for ventilation and clearance requirements, and for instructions on handling condensed water.
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Heat pump technology is suitable for installation without an external air vent, provided the appliance has a suitable location. The capacity listed for this model varies across the product information, so confirm its exact drying capacity before choosing it. Then check the dimensions and ventilation requirements.
A conventional condenser or heat pump tumble dryer can be installed without an air connection to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A vented model won’t meet this requirement. Next, check the space available, ventilation and specifications of the appliance you’re considering.
Don’t assume a condenser tumble dryer can work in an unventilated cupboard. Electrolux Support recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room to prevent excessive moisture. Follow the clearance and installation requirements in your model’s manual.
Electrolux Support advises cleaning the lint filter after every cycle on the appliances it covers. It also recommends checking the condenser at least once a month when it’s accessible. Follow the instructions and maintenance schedule in your model’s manual.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Compare the two figures for your model. If the wash load is larger than its drying capacity, remove some of the laundry before starting the drying cycle.