Without an external vent or duct, rule out vented tumble dryers, as UFC-Que Choisir advises. If you have room for a separate appliance, compare standard condenser and heat pump models based on how often you’ll use them, cycle times and each model’s stated energy consumption. If you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes, consider a washer-dryer instead, checking its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity.
If you have room for a separate appliance but no external opening or duct, look for a condenser model, either standard or heat pump. UFC-Que Choisir explains that vented tumble dryers need an air outlet to the outside.
If you use your tumble dryer regularly, compare energy labels from the same generation. Also consider programme lengths and the maintenance required, as set out in the manual.
If you can’t install two appliances, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your clothes in the same space. Check its drying capacity separately from its washing capacity, as well as its dimensions: Electrolux product specifications include washer-dryers with capacities of 11/7 kg and 10/6 kg for washing and drying respectively.
First, check the space you actually have and the model’s installation requirements. Then compare energy consumption, drying capacity and how much time you can allow for cycles and maintenance.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate appliance but no external duct, and drying time matters to you.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these models generally use more electricity than heat pump tumble dryers.
Consider this if: you dry laundry regularly and can install a separate appliance without an external air outlet.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, cycles are generally longer than those of standard condenser models.
Consider this if: your washing and drying appliances need to share the same space.
Bear in mind: the amount you can wash may be greater than the amount the appliance can dry in one go. Compare both capacities in the product specifications.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and space | Measure the appliance, access route and space needed with the door open. Check the manual for clearance and ventilation requirements. | In a home without a duct, my first priority is finding an appliance that fits the space and whose door can still be used easily. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this installation compatibility. |
| Energy consumption | Compare energy labels from the same generation and the stated consumption for a similar programme. | If I dry laundry several times a week, the electricity used in each cycle is an important factor in my choice. This would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, in kg, and confirm the installation dimensions. | With space for just one appliance, I want to be able to wash and dry without adding a second machine, even if that means adjusting the load before drying. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this space-saving benefit. |
| Cycle time and maintenance | Check how long the programme suited to your load takes, and what cleaning the manual recommends. | If I need my laundry dry quickly, or have little time to spend on maintenance, these practical considerations guide my choice. They would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external air outlet, but its location must meet the manufacturer’s requirements, including those for ventilation and clearance.
Measure the space and read the installation instructions for your chosen model before you order.
The open door can take up more space: LG gives the RH9V76WH a depth of 660 mm, increasing to 1 115 mm with the door open at 90°.
Check the delivery access route, how far the door swings open and how much room you need in front of the machine.
A washer-dryer may not be able to dry the entire load in one go. For example, Electrolux gives the EW7IW4176DG a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg.
Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry you need to dry per cycle, rather than looking at the washing capacity alone.
This feature applies to the condenser. Cleaning requirements for the filters and water circuit vary by model.
Check the maintenance instructions before buying and make sure you can follow them during use.
Freestanding heat pump tumble dryers to consider if you have a dedicated space.
Washer-dryers to consider when washing and drying need to share one space.
Heat pump models to compare based on their programmes and maintenance requirements.
Freestanding tumble dryers and washer-dryers to consider, depending on the space available.
These condenser and heat pump models are worth considering if you have space for a freestanding tumble dryer. Check the dimensions and manual for each model before deciding whether it’s right for your flat.
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A freestanding tumble dryer to consider for a space without an external duct. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg, and its product details mention an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter that’s accessible from the door. Check the dimensions, clearance with the door open and installation requirements before buying.
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This freestanding heat pump model is worth considering if you have a dedicated space without an external air outlet. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a double-layer filter. Check the dimensions and clearances required in the manual.
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This condenser tumble dryer is worth considering if you have room for a separate appliance without an external duct. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and listed dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm. Also measure the space with the door open and check the clearances required in the manual.
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This freestanding heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering if you have space without an external air outlet. The stated capacity for this model varies between 8 and 10 kg in the available information, so confirm the exact capacity before deciding on your load size. Also check the dimensions and clearances in the manual.
No. Unlike vented tumble dryers, these technologies don’t need a duct to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, you should still follow the location and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
No. The European Commission states that the energy label for tumble dryers was rescaled from 1 July 2025. Compare labels that use the same scale and check the associated energy consumption figures.
Not necessarily: you need to check the two capacities separately. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 11 kg and a drying capacity of 7 kg for the EW7IW4176DG. If the washed load is larger than the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some of it before starting the drying cycle.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. It is separate from any additional commercial guarantee offered with the appliance.