Without an external vent, a standard condenser or heat pump tumble dryer lets you dry your laundry in a separate appliance, provided you follow the model’s installation and ventilation instructions. If you dry clothes frequently, compare the energy use of heat pump models; if shorter cycles are your priority, consider standard condenser dryers too. When you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves room, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity.
If you have room for a separate appliance and want to keep energy use down with regular use, consider heat pump tumble dryers. Check the model’s capacity and dimensions, as well as its maintenance and ventilation requirements.
If you do several loads of laundry in a row, compare the programme times of standard condenser tumble dryers. They work without an external vent, but you’ll still need to consider room ventilation, energy use and how the condensed water is handled.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one machine. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so be prepared to reduce or split the load if needed.
First, check whether you can install a separate tumble dryer. If you can, compare the energy use and programme times for loads like yours. If not, look at the drying capacity of a washer-dryer.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who is this best for? |
|---|---|---|
| Regular energy use | Compare the energy figures for the exact model and the programme that suits your load. | When I often dry large loads, I want to keep electricity use down over time; around 42% of consumers would make energy use their top priority. |
| Drying time | Check the programme times for the fabrics and loads you usually dry, rather than looking at just one quick programme. | If I do several loads in a row, I’d rather get my laundry dry sooner, while still keeping energy use in mind; speed would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the space, allowing for the required clearances, then compare washing and drying capacities separately. | With room for just one appliance, I want to wash and dry without adding a second machine, even if that means splitting the laundry; saving space would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
A condenser tumble dryer can work without a vent to the outside, but you still need to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Whirlpool, for example, recommends a well-ventilated room.
Measure the space and check the manual for the clearances and ventilation requirements of the model you’re considering.
Its maximum drying load is lower. Electrolux says the EW7IW2856BG can wash 8 kg but dry 5 kg, so a full 8 kg wash load cannot be dried in one go.
Choose based on the drying capacity, then check the length and energy use of the combined programme.
Energy use or cycle time only applies to the model and programme it refers to. One figure on its own isn’t enough to compare two technologies.
To compare appliances, look at figures expressed in the same units and for comparable programmes and loads.
Depending on the model, filters, the condenser and the water tank may need regular attention. Whirlpool notes that whether a condenser tumble dryer can be connected to a drain depends on the appliance.
Check the manual to find out what maintenance is required and whether the tank or a drain connection will work with your installation.
Its heat pump tumble dryer range lets you compare separate appliances that don’t need an external vent.
The brand offers both standard condenser tumble dryers and heat pump models.
Its washer-dryers are worth considering if you only have space for one appliance.
These separate appliances include heat pump models and one dryer listed as a condenser model. For the latter, confirm the exact technology before comparing it with standard condenser dryers. If you only have space for one appliance, consider the washer-dryer option described above.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and regularly dry your laundry without an external vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg; energy rating C. Check the dimensions and ventilation instructions in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate condenser tumble dryer for a home without an external vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg; the product description mentions OptiSense. Check whether it uses standard condenser or heat pump technology before comparing energy use and cycle times.
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Worth considering for loads suited to its listed capacity, if you have room for a separate tumble dryer without an external vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg; energy rating D. Check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and programme time for your usual loads. The presence of a quick cycle doesn’t tell you how long a full load will take.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer, but don’t size your loads based solely on the capacity in its title.
Energy rating D. The title lists 10 kg, but another specification says 8 kg: confirm the exact drying capacity before buying. Check the dimensions and ventilation instructions too.
No. As UFC-Que Choisir explains, these tumble dryers don’t need to be connected to the outside to dry laundry. However, follow the model’s installation instructions and check that the room is well ventilated. Depending on the appliance, condensed water must be collected or drained away.
Yes, if the model can be connected to a drain and your installation allows for it. Whirlpool says this depends on the appliance, so check the manual and find out whether you need any additional accessories before buying.
No. The Electrolux EW7IW2856BG is listed with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. If you wash an 8 kg load, you’ll need to remove some of it before starting the drying cycle.
Compare the energy figures for the specific models, checking which programmes, loads and units they refer to. For a washer-dryer, also look at the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle: a figure for a separate tumble dryer doesn’t describe a combined cycle.