Without an outdoor air vent, rule out vented tumble dryers: according to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser dryers, whether standard or heat-pump models, don’t need to be connected to an outdoor vent. If you have room for a freestanding appliance, compare its capacity, cycle time and energy use. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from installing two, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. An indoor airer is another option if you can dry laundry in a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation, as recommended by ADEME.
If there’s no way to run a duct outside, a condenser dryer meets your installation needs, unlike a vented model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. You’ll still need to check the ventilation and clearance requirements in the appliance manual.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. It’s a good choice if space is your priority, as long as your laundry load stays within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If you have a dedicated space, a freestanding tumble dryer lets you choose a drying capacity to suit your usual loads. Also compare cycle times and energy use for similar-sized loads.
Consider this if: you have space for a dedicated appliance but no duct to the outside; heat-pump models are also part of this category.
Keep in mind: you’ll need a ventilated room, the specified clearances, and a way to collect or drain the condensate, depending on the model.
Consider this if: you need one appliance to handle both washing and drying.
Be prepared for: a drying load that’s smaller than the washing load. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that most washer-dryers in its tests use water during the drying cycle.
Consider this if: you can leave your laundry to dry gradually in a suitable room.
Watch out for: indoor humidity. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Air vent and condensate | Check that the model is a condenser dryer, either standard or heat-pump. Read the manual to find out whether water collects in a tank or the appliance can be connected to a drain. | I don’t have a duct to the outside, and I need to be able to manage the water extracted from my laundry at home. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare energy use and cycle times for similar-sized loads. Don’t estimate running costs from the energy rating alone. | If I dry laundry often, I want to factor in electricity use without finding out later that the cycles don’t fit my routine. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space available and check the clearances required in the manual. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately: they’re not the same, according to UFC-Que Choisir. | With space for just one appliance, I can choose a washer-dryer, but I want to know how much laundry it can dry without me having to remove part of the load. |
| Water used by a combined cycle | For a washer-dryer, compare the water and electricity use and cycle time for the wash-and-dry programme on the energy label and product information, rather than looking only at washing figures. | I plan to run washing and drying one after the other, so the full cycle’s energy use matters more to me than washing alone. |
| Room ventilation | Follow the tumble dryer’s installation requirements. For an indoor airer, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation. | Without a balcony or utility room, I need to choose a spot where laundry can dry without leaving the room damp for a long time. |
A condenser dryer doesn’t need an air duct to the outside, but its location must meet the requirements in the manual. Drying laundry on an airer also adds moisture to the room.
Check the clearances and ventilation required for the appliance. If you’re using an airer, choose a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation, as ADEME recommends.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. If you wash a full load, you may need to remove some items before drying.
Check both capacities in kg and choose based on the amount of laundry you want to dry without having to intervene.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that most washer-dryers in its tests use water during drying. Washing figures alone therefore don’t show what to expect from a combined cycle.
On the energy label and product information, compare water and electricity use, as well as the wash-and-dry cycle time, for similar-sized loads.
Electrolux support warns against installing a condenser dryer in an unventilated, closed cupboard and highlights the importance of maintaining the filters and seals.
Only plan to put the appliance in an enclosed space if the manual for your model allows it, and follow the maintenance instructions.
These ranges can help you identify the features to compare. Check the capacity and installation requirements for the specific model you choose.
In France, Bosch offers heat-pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
Electrolux offers tumble dryers and washer-dryers. Compare the specifications of each model individually.
Samsung’s French range includes heat-pump tumble dryers.
In France, Whirlpool offers heat-pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
LG offers heat-pump tumble dryers, and its product information can help you check the dimensions and maintenance requirements.
These four freestanding condenser dryers, three of which are heat-pump models, are options to consider if you need an appliance without an outdoor air duct. Compare their capacities and check the manual for the space and ventilation required. This selection doesn’t include washer-dryers or indoor airers.
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This heat-pump tumble dryer is worth considering if you want a freestanding appliance without an outdoor air duct. The product information lists an 8 kg capacity and the option to connect a drain hose. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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This condenser model lets you have a freestanding tumble dryer without an outdoor air duct. Its description lists an 8 kg capacity, dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm, a reversible door and a water collection tank. Check the required clearances and ventilation in the manual.
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Its heat-pump technology makes this a suitable option if you need a tumble dryer without an outdoor air duct. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D energy rating. Before choosing a location, check the manual for the dimensions, ventilation requirements and how to manage the condensate.
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This heat-pump model is worth considering if you have room for a freestanding tumble dryer without an outdoor air duct. The product information gives conflicting capacities of 10 kg and 8 kg, so confirm the drying capacity of this model before choosing it for your laundry. Also check the dimensions and installation requirements in the manual.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser dryer, whether standard or heat-pump, can be installed without an air duct to the outside. However, follow the manual’s instructions on positioning, clearances and ventilation.
Not necessarily: the water extracted from the laundry can collect in a tank. Some models can be connected to a drain if the appliance and the required fittings allow it, as shown by the kit featured by Electrolux France. Check the manual for your model.
Only if the load is within the drying capacity of the selected programme. UFC-Que Choisir says that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. For example, Electrolux France lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the EW9W1165RC.
For combined use, compare figures for the wash-and-dry cycle, not washing alone. The labelling rules set out by EUR-Lex distinguish between these two uses. Check water and electricity consumption, as well as cycle time, for similar-sized loads.
Effective ventilation is essential. For drying laundry indoors, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical extract vent. If the room isn’t properly ventilated, choose another location.