If you don’t have a vent to the outside, a condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, can meet an installation requirement that a vented model cannot, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If there’s no room for two appliances, check the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. If you want to keep using a drying rack, a study supported by ADEME recommends placing it in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation.
If there’s no suitable duct or opening, distinguish between condenser tumble dryers and vented models. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the former don’t need to be connected to the outside; always follow the instructions for your chosen model when installing it.
A washer-dryer combines both functions, but may dry less laundry than it can wash. Before ruling out separate appliances, check whether its drying capacity will suit your usual loads.
If you dry laundry regularly, compare the energy use stated for the programmes you’ll actually use. A delay start lets you choose when a cycle begins, but it won’t reduce the energy used by the cycle itself.
Consider this if: you have room for a separate appliance, no external vent and want to compare models’ energy use closely.
Bear in mind: check how long the programme suited to your load takes, as well as the maintenance requirements and how condensation water is handled.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate tumble dryer but no external air connection.
Bear in mind: compare its energy use and programmes with those of a heat pump model before deciding.
Consider this if: there’s no room for a second appliance and having washing and drying run one after the other suits your routine.
Bear in mind: depending on the two stated capacities, you may need to split a wash load before drying it.
Consider this if: you can move your laundry to a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical extract ventilation.
Bear in mind: this option takes up space while your laundry dries and isn’t suitable for a small, enclosed room.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room ventilation | Whether there’s an external duct for a vented appliance; if you’re keeping a drying rack, check for a well-ventilated location or mechanical extract ventilation. | If laundry can only dry in a small, poorly ventilated room, avoiding a drying rack there becomes the priority: around 31% of consumers put this need first. |
| Energy use | Energy label, stated energy use and the duration of a programme that suits your needs. | If you dry laundry regularly, you may be particularly keen to manage the electricity used per cycle; this is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and capacity | Dimensions, including clearance and door opening space; for a washer-dryer, check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. | If there’s no room for a second appliance, being able to dry loads that suit the available space takes priority: around 25% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Drying time | How long the programme takes for your intended load, and the limitations of any quick programme. | If you need to use your laundry again soon, waiting through several cycles or splitting a load can be difficult; around 19% of consumers put speed first. |
This type of tumble dryer needs to expel humid air outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A room without a suitable opening or duct therefore won’t meet this requirement.
First, work out whether there’s a possible route for the vent. If not, look at condenser models and follow the installation instructions for the one you choose.
A washer-dryer may take a larger load for washing than it can handle for drying. For example, Electrolux gives the EW7W4954CA a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
Compare the two capacities separately and consider whether you’ll need to split your usual wash into several drying loads.
Splitting a wash load can add to the time you spend drying your laundry.
A short programme may be designed for only a small load or certain fabrics. For example, Bosch’s Express 40 min programme on the WQG24502FR is for small loads of synthetic and delicate fabrics.
Also check the duration of the programme you’d use for a regular load, and compare the stated energy use under equivalent conditions.
The WQG24502FR is an example of a separate heat pump tumble dryer to consider if you can set aside space for one.
The TEA525WP 8kg Active is a separate heat pump tumble dryer to consider if condensation water drainage and the positioning of your appliances are important to your plans.
The D3H18D01W is worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer with accessible maintenance components and a delay timer.
The EW7W4954CA lets you explore the compromises of a washer-dryer if there’s no room for two separate appliances.
These separate models are described as condenser or heat pump tumble dryers. They’re suited to homes where there’s space for a tumble dryer. Before choosing between them—or opting for a washer-dryer or drying rack—compare their capacity, dimensions and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want a stated capacity of 8 kg without needing an external air duct. Check the dimensions, the duration of the programme you plan to use and how water is handled before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this if you want to dry up to 8 kg of laundry in a condenser tumble dryer without an external air outlet. The model description mentions OptiSense; check the exact heating technology, dimensions and programme durations before comparing energy use with a heat pump model.
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This separate model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating D. If energy use or available space will determine your choice, check the energy label, dimensions, the duration of the programme you plan to use and how condensation water is handled for this variant.
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This separate model is described as a heat pump tumble dryer. Be sure to confirm the drying capacity for this variant before deciding whether it suits your laundry loads: the available information is contradictory. Also check its dimensions and the duration of the programme you plan to use.
A vented tumble dryer needs a suitable route to expel humid air outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If that isn’t possible, consider a condenser model instead and check its installation instructions.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, Electrolux lists the EW7W4954CA as having a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. Compare both figures for the model you’re considering.
Follow your model’s instructions for cleaning the filters and accessible components. Electrolux recommends switching off and unplugging the appliance before cleaning it; the exact steps and how often to do them vary by model.
If your model has this feature, it lets you schedule the appliance to run at a later time. It doesn’t tell you how much electricity the cycle uses, so check the information for the programme you’re using.