Without a vent to the outside, a separate tumble dryer makes it easier to get through several loads of laundry if you have space to install one. Of the separate models, heat-pump dryers generally use less electricity than conventional condenser dryers, but their cycles are often longer. If your home can only accommodate one machine, a washer-dryer saves space. Check its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity, as well as the length of the combined cycle.
If you regularly have several loads to get through, a separate tumble dryer lets you start another wash while the previous load is drying. Then compare the cycle times and energy consumption of the models you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the trade-offs between conventional condenser and heat-pump dryers.
If there’s only room for one machine, a washer-dryer combines both functions. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so a full wash load may need to be dried in two batches.
If you dry laundry often, consider the stated energy consumption, programme times and recommended maintenance together. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that cleaning the filters and, depending on the appliance, the condenser is part of using a tumble dryer.
To dry laundry without an external vent, first choose between a washer-dryer and a separate tumble dryer, based on the space available and how often you do laundry. If there’s room for a separate appliance, compare cycle times and energy consumption next.
Worth considering : if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and shorter drying times are important to you.
The trade-off : according to UFC-Que Choisir, these appliances generally dry faster, but use more electricity than heat-pump models.
Worth considering : if you use a separate tumble dryer frequently and want to use less electricity.
The trade-off : cycles are generally longer than with conventional condenser dryers, and the maintenance specified for the model is still required, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Worth considering : if the available space means you need one machine to wash and dry your laundry.
The trade-off : drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, and the machine remains in use while drying, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space, including the room needed to open the door. For a washer-dryer, compare its washing and drying capacities. | If there’s only room for one machine in my home, I’d prioritise saving space, even if I have to dry less laundry at a time. Around 31 % of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Loads and laundry routine | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads, and check the length of the programme you’ll use. | If I have several loads to get through, I want to avoid having my only machine tied up drying. This comes before other factors for around 31 % of consumers. |
| Energy and water consumption | Compare the figures for the cycle you’ll use. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing only and wash-and-dry, including the stated water consumption. | When I dry laundry regularly, electricity use matters to me, as does the water needed for a washer-dryer cycle. Around 23 % of consumers prioritise these consumption figures. |
| Fabrics, room and maintenance | Check clothing care labels, the installation requirements in the manual and the maintenance tasks specified for the appliance. | I want to be able to dry suitable fabrics while taking the room’s requirements and the machine’s maintenance needs into account. For around 15 % of consumers, this is their main concern. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a washer-dryer can dry less laundry than it can wash. So if you wash a full load, you may need to split it before drying.
Compare both capacities in kg with the amount of laundry you want to wash and dry without removing anything.
UFC-Que Choisir says conventional condenser dryers are generally faster than heat-pump models, but use more electricity. How often you use the dryer affects how important this trade-off is.
Check the cycle times and energy consumption for the programmes that match your laundry needs, rather than choosing based on the technology alone.
A condenser dryer can operate without a connection to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir, but the room is still an important installation consideration. ADEME also highlights the need for ventilation when drying laundry indoors.
Check the clearance requirements and ventilation instructions in the manual. If you also air-dry laundry indoors, choose a well-ventilated room.
Maintenance requirements vary by model. UFC-Que Choisir found that, on some appliances tested after cycles without cleaning, drying times increased and energy consumption rose.
Before buying, find out which filters and condenser need maintenance, then check the cleaning frequency in the model’s manual.
Bosch’s range in France includes heat-pump tumble dryers, including 8 kg models. It’s worth exploring if you want to keep your dryer separate from your washing machine.
Miele France offers separate heat-pump tumble dryers, including a T1 model listed with a 9 kg capacity.
Electrolux’s French range of heat-pump tumble dryers includes programmes designed for different fabrics.
LG France offers washer-dryers for homes where one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying.
These appliances offer three ways to dry laundry without an external vent: a heat-pump tumble dryer, a condenser tumble dryer or a machine that washes and dries. Compare their dimensions and drying capacities before choosing one to suit your laundry routine.
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This separate tumble dryer is a good fit if you want to be able to start another load while one is drying.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, clearance, ventilation instructions and cycle times to make sure it suits your space and routine.
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This washer-dryer is designed for anyone who needs one machine to handle both washing and drying.
Listed capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying. Check whether the stated 7 h 32 min for the wash-and-dry programme fits your routine, and make sure there’s enough space to open the door.
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This separate model lets you dry a load without tying up your washing machine.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Compare the programme times and energy consumption, then check the dimensions and installation instructions in the manual.
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This separate tumble dryer is suited to households with enough space to dry laundry without tying up the washing machine.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Before choosing it for consecutive loads, compare its programme times and check the clearance and installation instructions.
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This separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you want to keep washing and drying as separate tasks.
Before choosing a load size, confirm the capacity of this variant: the listed figures of 10 kg and 8 kg don’t match. Also check the dimensions, cycle times and installation instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says that condenser tumble dryers, whether conventional or heat-pump models, can be installed without a connection to the outside, unlike vented dryers. However, you should still follow the installation and ventilation instructions in the manual.
Not if the load is larger than its drying capacity. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, this is lower than the washing capacity. Compare the two figures and, if necessary, remove some of the laundry before drying.
Yes, but you’ll need to wait for the machine to finish drying before starting the next wash. If you often do several loads, compare the combined cycle time with the routine you could follow using two separate appliances.
Clean the parts specified in your model’s manual, particularly the filters and, where it’s your responsibility, the condenser. UFC-Que Choisir found that neglecting cleaning on some appliances could lengthen cycles and increase energy consumption. Even if the dryer has a self-cleaning condenser, check what other maintenance is required.
In France, an appliance sold by a business to an individual is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity, particularly if it doesn’t match the seller’s description, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. Keep the product listing and order documents so you can describe the problem clearly to the seller.