Homes without an external vent
You want to dry your laundry without an exhaust duct. With a condenser tumble dryer, you’ll need to decide whether to empty the water container or connect a drain, if the model and your installation allow it.
Who are these solutions for?
People short on space
If there isn’t room for two separate appliances, a washer-dryer is worth considering. Measure the available space and check its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity.
Households that do laundry often
If you’ll be running regular cycles, check the capacity, electricity consumption, programme duration, noise level and water management before choosing a separate appliance.
How do the solutions compare?
First, decide whether you can install a separate tumble dryer and whether you want to use one. Then compare the capacity and installation requirements of the options that work for you.
| Priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use for frequent drying | Compare the energy used per cycle and the stated programme duration for appliances with similar capacities. | If I dry laundry often, I want to factor in the electricity used without overlooking how long each cycle takes; around 36% of consumers would put running costs first. |
| Available space | Measure the space and clearances specified in the manual. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | If I don’t have room for two machines, I’m looking for one appliance that can wash and dry, even if I need to adjust the size of my loads; around 29% of consumers would prioritise saving space. |
| Separate appliance without an exhaust duct | Check whether it has a water container or drain connection, and follow the model’s placement instructions. | I want a tumble dryer separate from my washing machine, but I don’t have an external vent; around 14% of consumers would put this option first. |
| No additional tumble dryer | Check the washing machine’s spin performance and make sure you have somewhere to put an airer. | If I can let my laundry air-dry, I’d rather plan for spinning and hanging it out than install another appliance; around 21% of consumers would choose this option first. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Assuming ‘no external vent’ means ‘no water to deal with’
In a condenser tumble dryer, water from the laundry needs to be collected in a container or sent to a drain, if the model allows it. The European Commission explains that this type of appliance doesn’t need an external vent, but you’ll still need to manage the water.
Before you buy, check the manual to see whether you’ll need to empty a container or whether a compatible hose can be connected to an accessible drain.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
A full washing load may be larger than the appliance’s drying capacity. For example, Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its EW9W1166RB model.
Compare your usual load with the drying capacity of the model you’re considering. You may need to remove some items or run smaller loads.
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Choosing based only on the technology name
Two tumble dryers using condenser technology can differ in capacity, energy consumption, programme duration and maintenance requirements.
Compare the specifications of the models you’re considering on a like-for-like basis, then check their dimensions and the instructions in their manuals.
Brands to compare
Bosch
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, including WQG models, which are worth considering if you want a separate appliance.
- Bosch lists a half-load option and Auto Dry on the WQG24502FR.
- These features aren’t available across the whole range. Check the capacity, dimensions and water management for each model.
Electrolux
In France, the brand offers washer-dryers and heat pump tumble dryers, so you can compare a combined appliance with a separate one.
- Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RB.
- This difference applies to this model; check both capacities for any other model you’re considering.
Miele
Miele offers tumble dryers with maximum capacities of 7, 8 and 9 kg. Match these to the size of your laundry loads and the space available.
- The range shown includes several capacities, so you can compare different load sizes.
- Features such as DryCare 40 and connectivity vary by model; check its product details before taking them into account.
Siemens
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, including models that can drain condensed water through a hose.
- Siemens lists an 8 kg capacity and a drain hose for the WT43H00DFR.
- For this model, as with any other, check that the connection and location are suitable for your installation.
Joybuy products for each solution
These products offer three ways to handle drying: use a separate tumble dryer, combine washing and drying in one machine, or spin your laundry before hanging it out. A washing machine on its own won’t dry your laundry. For a washer-dryer, check the manual to confirm the installation requirements when there’s no external vent.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer without an external exhaust duct.
Stated capacity of 8 kg; energy rating C. Check the model’s dimensions, water management and cycle information before deciding where to put it.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
A separate appliance to consider if you don’t have an external vent.
Stated capacity of 8 kg. If you’d prefer to drain the water rather than empty a container, check the manual to see whether this model can be connected to a drain and what dimensions you’ll need to allow for.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Compare it with other separate appliances if its stated drying capacity of 8 kg suits your loads.
Energy rating D. Check the manual for water collection and dimensions, and the energy label for consumption, cycle duration and noise levels.
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Roborock Zeo Lite grey, 10 kg/6 kg washer-dryer
Consider this if you want to wash and dry your laundry in one appliance rather than install two.
Stated capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. A full washing load is larger than the stated drying capacity. Before buying, check the manual for drying drainage requirements and the appliance dimensions.
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CHiQ JW105883G, 10 kg washing machine, 1,400 rpm
If you plan to spin your laundry and then dry it on an airer, remember that this washing machine won’t replace the space or time needed for air-drying.
Stated capacity of 10 kg and maximum spin speed of 1,400 rpm. Also compare the spin efficiency figures and check the dimensions before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No. The European Commission explains that condenser tumble dryers don’t need an external vent. However, check how the model collects or drains condensed water, and follow its installation instructions.
Can you connect a tumble dryer to a drain?
Yes, if the model supports this connection and your installation allows it. Siemens, for example, lists a drain hose for the WT43H00DFR. For any other model, check the manual, the accessories you’ll need and whether the drain is accessible.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full wash load in one go?
Not necessarily: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RB. Compare both figures for your model with the size of your loads.
What should you compare beyond the type of tumble dryer?
Compare capacity, energy consumption and programme duration on a like-for-like basis, then check the noise level, dimensions and installation instructions for the models you’re considering. If you plan to use a washing machine before drying your laundry on an airer, check its spin performance too.
What maintenance does a tumble dryer need?
Follow the maintenance instructions in the manual for the model you choose. Electrolux support covers tasks such as cleaning the filters and condenser. Before buying, check what needs to be done and how easy it is to access the parts that need maintenance.