Renters with space for one appliance
If there’s only room for one machine in your home, consider a washer-dryer. Compare its drying capacity with the size of your usual loads, then check how long the combined programme takes.
Who are these options for?
Households drying several loads
If you can install a separate appliance, consider heat pump tumble dryers. Compare each model’s energy label, capacity, noise level, cycle duration and installation requirements.
People with a small utility room
In a kitchen, bathroom or compact utility room, check the existing ventilation, the clearances specified in the manual and the noise level before choosing a spot.
What sets the appliances apart?
Heat pump
Consider it if: you dry clothes frequently and have a separate space that meets the requirements in the manual.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up space and still needs a sufficiently well-ventilated room.
Conventional condenser
Consider it if: you want a separate tumble dryer without an external vent and can manage the condensate.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to empty the tank unless direct drainage is compatible with the model and your installation.
Washer-dryer
Consider it if: you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes.
Bear in mind: you may need to split a washed load before drying. Check how long the full cycle takes, too.
If your flat has no external vent, start with the space you have, then compare each appliance with your laundry routine and the installation requirements.
| What matters | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Dimensions with the door open; drying capacity and whether the appliance can be stacked, if needed. | If I only have space for one appliance, I need a machine that fits without compromising on a drying load I can’t do without. Around 30% of consumers put space at the top of their list. |
| Energy use | Energy label and kWh per 100 cycles, comparing similar appliances and programmes. | If I dry clothes often, I want to compare energy use for that regular routine. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Room conditions | Ventilation, clearances and the temperature range allowed in the manual; noise level in dB. | In a small room close to the living area, I want to avoid an unsuitable installation adding heat, moisture or noise. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these conditions. |
| Laundry routine | Drying capacity in kg and programme duration for the load you plan to dry. | When I have several loads to get through, I need to dry them without regularly splitting them up. Around 20% of consumers put this ahead of other factors. |
Mistakes to avoid before installation
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Assuming no external vent means no ventilation is needed
An appliance without an external vent can still give off heat. Electrolux warns that poor ventilation in a small room can encourage condensation on cold surfaces.
Don’t block the ventilation in your home. Check the clearances and installation requirements in the model’s manual. In France, the decree of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, sets out requirements for general, permanent ventilation in homes, including when outdoor temperatures mean windows need to stay closed.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
LG says that drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. A full load of washing may therefore need to be dried in two batches.
Compare the two capacities separately, and check how long the combined cycle takes against your usual laundry routine.
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Assuming an accessory fits every model
A drainage or stacking kit must be compatible with the specific appliance models. The brand name alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.
Before planning a connection or stacking your appliances, check the exact kit reference, which appliances it’s approved for and its dimensions.
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Looking at the energy rating alone
The energy rating doesn’t tell you how long a programme takes, how noisy the appliance is or how much laundry it can dry. For example, LG lists a full-load wash-and-dry cycle of 7 h 50 for its F964V50WRS model. This duration applies to this model only.
Compare the figures on the label and the product information for the exact model, along with its drying capacity and installation requirements.
Brands to consider, model by model
Electrolux
Worth considering for a separate tumble dryer if managing collected water and room conditions are important to your choice.
- For the EDHF5841EC model only, Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity and a 5.32 L tank. A compatible direct drainage kit is available as an optional extra.
- Electrolux support recommends using a sufficiently well-ventilated room and cleaning the filters. Check the requirements for the specific model you choose.
Bosch
Worth considering for a separate tumble dryer, particularly if you’re thinking of installing it above a washing machine.
- Bosch describes some models in its range as using a closed-loop heat pump system.
- For stacking, check which models are compatible with the kit. Bosch recommends using a suitable stacking kit for safety.
LG
Worth considering if a washer-dryer is a better fit for a space where only one appliance will fit.
- LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for its F964V50WRS model, making the difference between the two capacities clear for this model.
- For this model, LG lists a full-load combined cycle of 7 h 50. Consider whether that fits your laundry routine.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes separate heat pump and condenser tumble dryers, as well as a washer-dryer. First choose based on the space you have, then check the specifications and manual for the model you’re interested in.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth considering for regular drying if you have space for a separate appliance. The title lists a C energy class. Before choosing this model, check the manual for its dimensions, clearances and installation requirements.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg washing, 6 kg drying
Worth considering if you need one machine to wash and dry your clothes. Its listed capacities differ: an 11 kg washing load doesn’t mean it can dry an 11 kg load. Check the connections, space needed and combined cycle duration to make sure it suits your needs.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
Worth considering if you want a separate tumble dryer without an external vent. Check the manual for the clearances, ventilation requirements and options for managing collected water for this model.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth considering as a separate appliance if its listed capacity suits your loads. The title lists a D energy class. Before choosing a spot, check the dimensions, noise level and temperature requirements for this version.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump
Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer. The capacity details for this version conflict, giving both 8 kg and 10 kg. Confirm the correct capacity before planning your loads. Also check the dimensions, noise level and installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external vent in a room with no window?
Not having a window doesn’t, by itself, determine whether the space is suitable. Check how well the room is ventilated and what the manual requires. In France, the decree of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, sets out requirements for general, permanent ventilation in homes, including when windows need to stay closed because of the outdoor temperature. Electrolux warns that poor ventilation can encourage condensation.
Does a tumble dryer need to be connected to a water drain?
Not always. According to Electrolux, the EDHF5841EC model has a collection tank and can take a compatible direct drainage kit as an optional extra. For any other model, check its manual to see how condensate is collected and whether direct drainage is possible.
Which capacity should you look at on a washer-dryer?
Start with the drying capacity to see what size load can go straight from washing to drying. LG says this is generally lower than the washing capacity. Its F964V50WRS model is listed with a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.