If you dry laundry regularly without an external air vent, compare conventional condenser tumble dryers with heat pump models. According to UFC-Que Choisir, neither needs a duct leading outside, but you should check each model’s capacity, energy consumption and programme times. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If you have room for a separate appliance but no duct leading outside, a condenser tumble dryer could be a good option, with or without a heat pump. Check its capacity and dimensions, and how it handles collected water. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the importance of cleaning the filters and condenser.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in a single appliance. Before running both programmes one after the other, compare their respective capacities: UFC-Que Choisir notes that the drying capacity is lower than the washing capacity.
If drying time is particularly important to you, compare the times quoted for similar loads and programmes. Also check the energy consumption of the specific model rather than assuming how long a cycle will take based on its technology alone.
Consider this if: you dry laundry regularly and can install a separate appliance without an external vent.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to maintain the filters and condenser as instructed, even if the appliance is advertised as having a self-cleaning system.
Consider this if: you have room for a separate tumble dryer without an external air connection.
Compare: the energy consumption and programme times of each model, rather than making assumptions based on its category.
Consider this if: you need one appliance to handle both washing and drying.
Bear in mind: the drying load is smaller than the maximum washing load, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Check the ventilation requirements in the manual, the appliance’s dimensions and the space needed to open the door. Find out whether condensed water is collected in a tank or drained through a hose that’s suitable for your room. | I don’t have a duct leading outside, and I need to be able to install, load and maintain the appliance in the space available. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy label and consumption figures for specific models. Take into account the programmes and load sizes those figures are based on. | If I dry laundry frequently, I want to be able to assess the energy consumption of the model I choose, rather than relying on its technology name alone. |
| Capacity | Compare the maximum drying load in kg with your usual laundry loads. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately; for example, Electrolux lists 10 kg and 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA. | If I run a wash-and-dry cycle without removing any laundry, my initial load must not exceed the drying limit, rather than the washing limit. |
| Maintenance | Find the filters, condenser and water tank, then check the maintenance tasks listed in the manual. A self-cleaning condenser doesn’t mean that all cleaning is unnecessary. | I want to know what maintenance I’ll still need to do. UFC-Que Choisir has found that, in some appliances, a clogged microfilter and condenser can lengthen cycles and increase energy consumption. |
A vented model needs a connection to the outside, so it won’t meet this installation requirement. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes vented appliances from condenser models on this basis.
Check the technology listed for the model you’re considering before looking at its other features.
A washer-dryer can take a larger load for washing than for drying. Electrolux lists capacities of 10 kg and 6 kg respectively for the EW9W1166RA.
If you want to run a wash and dry cycle without stopping to remove laundry, keep the initial load within the model’s drying capacity.
Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some of the laundry before drying and dry it separately.
UFC-Que Choisir found that, in some heat pump tumble dryers, a clogged microfilter or condenser could lengthen cycles and increase energy consumption.
Check the model’s manual to find out what cleaning is still needed, particularly for the filters.
Bosch’s range includes the WQG24502FR heat pump tumble dryer.
LG describes the RH9V72IXN as a condenser tumble dryer with a heat pump.
The EW9W1166RA heat pump washer-dryer is an example of an appliance that combines both functions.
The DCB816W is an example of a conventional Beko condenser tumble dryer.
These are separate condenser or heat pump tumble dryers for homes without an external air vent. They don’t include the washer-dryer option, which is worth considering if you only have space for one appliance.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is suitable for an installation without an external air duct. Its product name indicates an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check its dimensions, how it handles condensed water and the ventilation requirements for your room.
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This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is an option that doesn’t need an external air connection. If energy consumption is particularly important to you, compare this model’s energy figures with those of other appliances. Also check its dimensions and installation requirements.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer could be suitable for drying laundry without an external air duct. Its product name indicates a D energy rating. Check the drying capacity of this variant before comparing it with your usual loads, along with its dimensions and installation requirements.
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This separate heat pump model is one of the options that doesn’t need an external air duct. Its product name indicates a D energy rating. Check the drying capacity for this specific variant, then confirm its dimensions, how it handles condensed water and its installation requirements before choosing.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a conventional condenser tumble dryer or a heat pump model can be installed without an external air connection. However, check the ventilation and space requirements in the manual, along with how condensed water is collected or drained.
Only if the load doesn’t exceed the stated drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. For the EW9W1166RA, for example, Electrolux lists 10 kg for washing but 6 kg for drying.
No. Follow the maintenance instructions for the filters, condenser and water collection system. UFC-Que Choisir has found that, in some appliances, a clogged microfilter or condenser can lengthen cycles and increase energy consumption.
Compare the energy label and product details for each specific model, taking into account the conditions behind the figures shown. According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, Energy and Territories, tumble dryers and combined domestic washer-dryers are among the appliance categories covered by energy labelling.