If you regularly dry laundry indoors without a usable air outlet, start by comparing condenser tumble dryers, with or without heat pump technology. According to Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less energy than conventional condenser dryers, but can take longer to dry clothes. A vented model needs an outlet or duct leading outside. If you can only fit one appliance, consider a washer-dryer too, checking its washing and drying capacities separately.
If there’s no suitable opening or duct to vent air outside, focus your comparison on condenser dryers. Que Choisir points out that a vented tumble dryer needs a connection to the outside. Then check the space available, capacity and energy use of the condenser models you’re considering.
If the appliance will be near a bedroom or living area, compare the dimensions and stated noise level of each model. A washer-dryer can save you the space needed for a second appliance, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, as an example published by Miele shows.
If you need to get through several loads, compare the actual drying capacity, the length of the programme you’re interested in and the energy-use figures. A shorter cycle doesn’t necessarily use less energy: compare like-for-like models and programmes.
First check whether an external vent is possible, then weigh up energy use, cycle times and the space available. If you also air-dry laundry at home, ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor fan.
Consider it: if you dry clothes frequently without an external connection and keeping electricity use down is important to you.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir and Beko, the energy savings compared with a conventional condenser dryer can come with longer cycles and more regular maintenance.
Consider it: if you need an installation without an external vent and place more importance on drying time.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir describes these models as generally faster, but they use more electricity than heat pump models.
Consider it: only if an opening or duct leading outside is suitable for your planned installation.
Limitation: this model won’t be suitable without a route for venting the air. Que Choisir also distinguishes it from heat pump models in terms of energy use.
Consider it: if you only have room for one appliance and its drying capacity suits your laundry loads.
Bear in mind: you may need to split a washed load before drying it. Miele lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for one of its compact appliances.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and ventilation | Whether there’s a suitable outlet or duct for a vented model; the installation and water-management instructions for the model you choose. | If there’s no usable air outlet, I need to rule out vented models and choose an appliance that suits my room. Around 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Electricity use | The energy label and energy-use figures for models with similar capacities, using comparable reference programmes. | If I do laundry frequently, I’d rather check how much electricity each drying cycle uses, even if it takes longer. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity and cycle time | The drying capacity in kg and the stated duration of the programme suited to your load; for a combined appliance, check both capacities separately. | If I need to get through several loads or dry household linens, I want to avoid splitting a load across multiple cycles. Around 24% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Space and noise | The dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the stated noise level in dB. | If the appliance is near a room in use or I can’t fit two appliances, its position and noise level will guide my choice. This would be the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
According to Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. Having a window doesn’t, by itself, mean your planned installation is suitable.
Check the route the vent will actually take and compare it with the model’s instructions before choosing.
Que Choisir distinguishes heat pump models from conventional models in terms of energy use, while noting the trade-off with drying time.
Before choosing a shorter cycle, compare the energy label, capacity and figures for the same reference programme.
A washer-dryer may have different capacities for washing and drying. Miele gives the example of one of its compact appliances, with a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
Check both capacities in kg and compare the drying capacity with the size of your usual load.
If a load is too large to dry in one go, you may need to split it across several cycles.
Noise matters more when choosing where to put an appliance if it’s near a bedroom or living area. The stated figure alone won’t tell you how noisy it will seem in your home.
Compare noise levels in dB and the installation conditions in the instructions. If possible, look for independent tests of the models you’re considering too.
Bosch offers several heat pump tumble dryers in France, including models with capacities of 8 kg and 9 kg.
Beko describes its heat pump tumble dryers as condenser appliances.
Miele offers compact washer-dryers for homes where it’s difficult to install two appliances.
These three tumble dryers are options to consider if you need an installation without an external air vent. The Hotpoint and Comfee models are described as heat pump appliances. For the Electrolux, check the exact technology before comparing its energy use with the other two.
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Worth considering if you regularly dry laundry without a dedicated air outlet and need an 8 kg capacity.
The product name indicates an energy rating of C. To check whether it’s suitable for your installation and for use near an occupied room, compare its dimensions, instructions, programme times and stated noise level.
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Worth comparing if you need an installation without an external air vent and want a stated capacity of 8 kg.
The product name alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s a conventional condenser dryer or a heat pump model. Check the technology on the product page before comparing energy use. Also check the dimensions and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you need an 8 kg capacity in a home without a dedicated air outlet.
The product name indicates an energy rating of D. Compare energy use and the length of the programme that suits your loads. Also check the model’s dimensions, noise level and installation instructions.
Not if there’s no suitable opening or duct to vent the air outside: Que Choisir says this connection is essential. In that case, compare condenser dryers and check the installation instructions for the model you choose.
It’s worth comparing if keeping electricity use down is a priority: Que Choisir highlights the difference in energy use compared with conventional tumble dryers. However, Beko says cycles can take longer and maintenance may be more frequent. Compare the figures for specific models with your laundry routine.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. Miele lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg for one of its compact appliances. Check both figures for the model you’re considering to see whether you’ll need to split a load.
Check the energy label and product page for each model, then compare appliances with similar capacities and reference programmes. The European Commission also provides EPREL, its public database of information on products covered by energy labelling.