Households with frequent loads
You get through several loads and compare energy use, capacity and cycle times across specific models. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of these factors when choosing a tumble dryer.
Who is this choice for ?
Households short on space
You need to check where the appliance will go, how the door opens and how water is managed, or whether an airer will fit in a suitable room. ADEME recommends drying laundry indoors in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation.
Households short on time between cycles
You prioritise the time needed between loads and weigh this against electricity use. UFC-Que Choisir lists drying time and energy consumption among the factors to consider.
What should you compare before buying ?
Condenser dryer with heat pump
Choose this if : you use the appliance regularly and prioritise lower electricity use.
Bear in mind : cycles are generally longer than with conventional models; features vary from model to model.
Conventional condenser dryer, without a heat pump
Consider this if : you place more importance on getting through successive loads quickly and can find a model that suits your needs.
Bear in mind : this technology generally uses more electricity than a heat pump.
Air-drying and making space for laundry
Consider this if : you have a suitable spot, such as a well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation.
Bear in mind : drying laundry indoors takes up space and releases moisture into your home, ADEME points out.
When comparing appliances, UFC-Que Choisir focuses on energy use and cycle times. ADEME notes that drying laundry indoors requires a suitable, well-ventilated space.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and programme conditions on the new energy label. Don’t mix these figures with an old energy rating or annual consumption figures. | If I run several loads, I want to keep electricity use under control. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise this above all else. |
| Load capacity | Compare the stated capacity in kilograms with your usual loads, and check any capacity limits for different programmes and fabrics. | To avoid splitting my usual loads, I’m looking for a capacity that suits the amount of laundry I have. Around 23 % of consumers put load size first. |
| Space and moisture | Measure the appliance, the route it needs to fit through and the space required to open the door. Check access to the water tank or a possible drain. If you plan to air-dry laundry, check the room’s ventilation. | When space is limited, I need to be able to install the appliance or dry laundry without getting in the way. Around 18 % of consumers prioritise the space an appliance takes up and how moisture is managed. |
| Cycle time and noise | Compare the duration of the same type of programme and load, as well as the stated noise level in dB(A). A quick programme for a small load won’t tell you how long a full load takes. | If I run loads back to back, I want to know how long I’ll actually need to wait before starting the next one. Around 18 % of consumers put cycle speed first. |
| Maintenance and water management | Check the manual for information on the filter, condenser and tank. See whether the model allows water to be drained away and whether the necessary accessories are included. | To make regular maintenance easier, I check what needs doing and how to manage condensate. Around 12 % of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Mistakes to avoid when choosing
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Confusing a conventional condenser dryer with a heat pump model
A heat pump dryer is also a type of condenser dryer. Treating them as opposites without checking the exact technology could mean comparing appliances that work in different ways.
Check the model information, then compare energy use and cycle times for similar programmes and loads.
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Comparing old and new energy ratings directly
Tumble dryer energy labels have used the A to G scale since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission. Some product information still shows the old rating, such as A+++.
Check the label and product information for the exact version, and compare energy-use figures calculated on the same basis.
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Assuming an appliance without an external vent can go anywhere
The route into your home, the available space, the door opening and access to the tank or a drain all need to work for your home.
Measure the delivery route and the space you have in mind, then check the installation and water-management instructions for the version you’ve chosen.
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Automatically replacing an airer with a tumble dryer
Drying laundry indoors releases moisture, but ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation if this setup is suitable for your home.
Assess the ventilation and available space, and keep air-drying as an option or a back-up if it works for your home.
Brands and models to consider
These examples cover specific ranges and models; their inclusion here doesn’t mean every model from each brand has the same features.
Bosch
The WQG245DSFR is an example of a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer with a self-cleaning condenser, water drain hose and half-load option.
- Bosch states a noise level of 61 dB(A) re 1 pW and dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm.
- The 40-minute quick programme is for small loads of synthetic and fine fabrics, not a full load. Automatic condenser cleaning doesn’t necessarily remove the need for all maintenance.
LG
The RH9B13WH is an example of a 9 kg heat pump model with sensor drying, a dual filter and a self-cleaning condenser.
- LG’s French product information lists these features for this specific model.
- The product information still shows an A+++ rating, which can’t be compared directly with the new A to G energy label. The door on this model isn’t reversible.
Beko
The D5H284930W is an example of a heat pump model with a dual lint filter and a quiet programme.
- Beko states a noise level of 64 dB(A) and an energy rating of C for this model.
- Annual energy use can’t be compared directly with figures in kWh per 100 cycles without a consistent basis for conversion. Maintenance benefits described by the brand aren’t an independent comparison.
Whirlpool
The FFTBCM118XBFR is an example of a conventional 8 kg condenser dryer to include when comparing technologies.
- Whirlpool states that this model uses 4,72 kWh per cycle.
- The B rating shown shouldn’t be treated as a B rating on the new energy label. Check the conditions for the cycle associated with the stated energy use, too.
Samsung
The DV90DB7845GBU3 is an example of a 9 kg heat pump model shown with an A rating on the manufacturer’s French product page.
- Samsung’s product information describes a black version of this model.
- A Joybuy listing with the same reference describes a white version. Check the exact variant before comparing features.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
The models featured are heat pump tumble dryers designed for regular use. Compare their capacities and installation requirements with your loads and the space available.
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LG RT10X8B, 10 kg, black, C rating
Its stated 10 kg capacity may suit a household that runs several loads. Check that it matches the size of your usual loads.
Heat pump; energy rating C shown in the product name.
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LG RT90X8, 9 kg
Compare its stated 9 kg capacity with the amount of laundry you dry regularly.
Technology stated in the product name: heat pump.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg, white, C rating
Its stated 8 kg capacity may suit smaller loads. Check programme limits for different fabrics.
Heat pump; energy rating C shown in the product name.
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Comfee CFP01EH80W-JD, 8 kg
The stated 8 kg capacity makes it easy to compare this model with the size of your usual loads.
The product information specifies installation in a ventilated room of at least 4 m² and direct connection to an earthed 220–240 V socket, without an extension lead. Check these requirements before installation.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, 10 kg, white, D rating
Check its stated 10 kg capacity against the amount of laundry you have and the programmes you use most.
Heat pump; energy rating D shown in the product name. The product information specifies installation in a ventilated room of at least 4 m² and direct connection to an earthed 220–240 V socket, without an extension lead.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heat pump dryer need an external vent hose ?
No, not to vent moist air: condenser dryers collect water in a tank or, depending on the model, can drain it away. Check the manual for placement, room ventilation and condensate management. Not needing a vent hose doesn’t mean there are no installation requirements.
What maintenance is needed after each cycle ?
Follow the model’s manual for the filter, tank and condenser. Whirlpool’s general guidance recommends removing lint from the filter after every cycle. A self-cleaning condenser doesn’t mean you can skip all other maintenance.
How can I compare the electricity use of two models ?
Compare energy-use figures calculated on the same basis, such as the kWh per 100 cycles on the new energy label, and use comparable programmes. An old A+++ rating, annual consumption and per-cycle consumption can’t be compared directly. Your household’s energy use will also depend on how many cycles you run and your electricity tariff.
What statutory guarantee applies to a tumble dryer bought from a professional seller in France ?
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to France’s Ministry of the Economy and Finance. For a new item, you have two years to claim under it; any commercial warranty does not replace it.
Has the sale of conventional condenser dryers been banned since 2025 ?
The new rule doesn’t mean that all appliances already on the market have disappeared from sale. The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, new tumble dryers placed on the EU market have been heat pump models. Check the product identity, the applicable energy label and whether the model you’re considering is available.