If you don’t have an opening or duct leading outside, rule out vented tumble dryers. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an external air outlet. If you dry clothes frequently, compare heat pump models and their energy consumption figures first. If you only have room for one appliance, consider a washer-dryer, bearing in mind its drying capacity. You can also stack two separate appliances, provided you use a stacking kit compatible with the exact models.
If you have room for a dedicated tumble dryer, compare the capacities and energy consumption of heat pump models. Their cycles can take longer than those of standard condenser models, so check how long the programme you need takes with your usual loads.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. However, check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity: you may need to dry a full wash in several loads, as the separate capacities on Bosch product pages illustrate.
A stacked set-up lets you fit a washing machine and a separate tumble dryer in the space of one appliance. The Bosch manual requires the appliances it covers to be stacked using a suitable manufacturer’s kit. Check the instructions for both exact models before planning to stack them.
First, rule out appliances that need an external air outlet. Then compare standard condenser models, heat pump models, washer-dryers and stacked sets based on the space you have, the loads you need to dry and each model’s cycle information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Air outlet | Check the technology listed in the manual, then see how the appliance handles condensed water: it may use a tank or a drain, depending on the model. | Without an outside opening, I need to be able to dry clothes without an air duct. Around 36% of consumers rank this as their top priority. |
| Energy consumption | Compare energy label figures for similar cycles and capacities. For a washer-dryer, look separately at washing-only and wash-and-dry cycles. | If I dry clothes regularly, the electricity used matters to me. With a combined appliance, I also look at the water used for a complete cycle. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Floor space | Measure the space available and check that the door can open. For a combined appliance, note its washing and drying capacities separately. | If only one appliance will fit in my home, I need to wash and dry in that space, even if I have to adjust the size of my loads. Around 21% of consumers put this need first. |
| Successive loads | Compare drying capacity in kg and programme times. For a stacked set-up, confirm that the kit is compatible with both models. | If I have several loads to get through, I want to keep a dedicated tumble dryer and handle each load separately. Capacity and the ability to run loads one after another are priorities for around 14% of consumers. |
A condenser appliance doesn’t need an external air outlet, but you still need to follow the instructions in its manual, particularly those covering placement, door clearance and condensed water.
Measure the available space and access routes, then check the manual for the exact model before ordering.
Washing and drying capacities can differ: the Bosch WNA144V0FR product page lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a wash-and-dry capacity of 5 kg.
Size your loads according to the drying capacity, even if the drum can take more laundry for washing.
If a wash load is too large to dry in one go, you’ll need to split it across several cycles.
The Bosch manual we checked requires a suitable manufacturer’s kit and, among other things, rules out pairing appliances from different manufacturers or with different widths or depths.
Choose both models, then check their manuals to find out which kit is suitable for that specific combination. Don’t assume a universal kit will do the job.
Loads and programmes affect energy use. For a washer-dryer, you also need to consider water usage over a complete cycle, as UFC-Que Choisir does in its testing protocol.
Compare energy, water and cycle times on a like-for-like basis, taking drying capacity into account. Don’t compare a quick programme with a reference cycle running at full capacity.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, among other options. Compare the two formats based on the space you have available.
The DU10112CX0W is a standard condenser tumble dryer that doesn’t need an external air outlet.
LG offers washer-dryers for homes where washing and drying need to share the same space.
Miele’s T1 range includes dedicated heat pump tumble dryers.
These are dedicated condenser or heat pump tumble dryers for homes without an external air outlet. Compare their stated capacity, energy label and installation instructions. This selection doesn’t include washer-dryers or two-appliance stacked sets.
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Worth considering if you have space for a dedicated tumble dryer that doesn’t need an external air outlet.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; C energy rating. Compare the energy consumption and reference programme duration on the label, then check the dimensions and installation requirements in the manual.
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Consider this model if its stated 10 kg drying capacity suits your loads and it fits in the space you have available.
D energy rating. Check cycle times and energy consumption on the label, along with the dimensions and condensed water information in the manual.
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Compare this dedicated tumble dryer with other models if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 8 kg without an external air duct.
The description mentions a water tank and the OptiSense function. Check the label for this model to compare its energy consumption on a like-for-like basis, and consult the manual for installation clearances.
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Another dedicated tumble dryer to consider if a stated capacity of 8 kg suits your loads.
D energy rating. To compare it with other models, check the cycle information on the label and consult the manual for its dimensions and condensed water requirements.
Yes, if it’s a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. UFC-Que Choisir explains that these appliances can be installed without a connection to the outside. A vented model isn’t suitable for the home described here.
Not necessarily. Check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. For example, the Bosch WNA144V0FR product page lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a wash-and-dry capacity of 5 kg. If your load is larger, you’ll need to adjust it before drying.
No. You need to check that the two models are compatible with each other and with the stacking kit. A Bosch manual requires a suitable manufacturer’s kit and, among other things, rules out pairing appliances from different manufacturers or with different widths or depths. Check the manuals for the exact two models you plan to stack.
Compare energy label figures for similar cycles and capacities, making sure you don’t confuse washing-only with wash-and-dry cycles. ADEME notes that energy, water and duration figures relate to reference cycles, so check the information for each function of the washer-dryer separately.