Households with frequent loads of washing
If you can install a dedicated appliance without an external vent, compare heat pump tumble dryers by capacity, programme duration, dimensions and maintenance requirements.
Who are these options for?
People with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, though, which matters if you want to dry a whole load straight after washing.
Households keeping an eye on consumption
Compare figures for the programme you’ll actually use. For a washer-dryer, the figures for washing alone don’t tell you how much a complete wash-and-dry cycle uses.
What should you compare before buying?
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you can install a dedicated appliance without connecting it to an external vent.
Bear in mind: it needs its own space and must be maintained as directed in the user manual. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that conventional models generally dry clothes faster.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your clothes.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir found that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity and noted that most models tested use water during drying.
| Factor | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation | Check the drying method and the model’s installation instructions. According to the European Commission, a vented tumble dryer expels moist air outside, while a condenser model collects the moisture. | I don’t have a usable external outlet for a vent hose, so the appliance I choose must work without one. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the space, including access and door clearance. Check the user manual for required clearances, ventilation, permitted room temperature and any instructions for stacking. | The appliance needs to fit in my room and be installed in line with its user manual, even without an external vent. |
| Capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare washing and drying capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the latter is generally lower. | If I run a complete cycle after a large load, I want to know whether I’ll need to remove some of the washing before drying. |
| Consumption and cycle duration | Compare kWh and cycle duration for equivalent programmes and load sizes. For a washer-dryer, also check water use in litres and figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle, rather than confusing them with figures for washing alone. | When I need to run several loads one after another, I need to consider how long the appliance will be in use, as well as how much water and electricity it uses. |
| Maintenance | Check the user manual for instructions on maintaining the filters, water tank and condenser, depending on the model’s design. | I’d rather know what regular maintenance is needed before choosing an appliance for frequent drying. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming that no vent means no installation requirements
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external vent, but the room and its ventilation still matter. Electrolux highlights the risk of excessive humidity in rooms without a window or ventilation.
Measure the appliance and check there’s enough access space, then consult the user manual for the required clearances and room conditions for the model you’re considering.
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Looking only at the washing capacity
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. For example, LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the F964V50WRS.
Check both capacities and be prepared to reduce the load if you want to run a wash-and-dry cycle without stopping to remove some items.
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Comparing figures for washing alone with those for a complete cycle
Figures for washing alone don’t show how much the programme that washes and then dries will use. For the LG F964V50WRS, the manufacturer lists 90 L of water per wash-and-dry cycle.
Check the product specifications for water consumption, kWh and duration of the combined cycle separately.
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Assuming a heat pump always means a shorter cycle
UFC-Que Choisir notes that heat pump tumble dryers use less electricity, while conventional condenser models are generally faster.
If you need your washing ready by a particular time, compare the stated duration for the load size and programme you plan to use, as well as the energy consumption.
A closer look at some brands
Bosch
The WQG24502FR is a useful model to consider when comparing the dimensions and maintenance requirements of a dedicated heat pump tumble dryer.
- Bosch lists an 8 kg capacity, dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm, a noise level of 61 dB(A) and a self-cleaning condenser for this model.
- For stacking, a Bosch manual specifies that you need an appropriate connection kit supplied by the manufacturer. Check the instructions for both appliances you plan to use.
Electrolux
The EW9HI783FC product information gives you a useful basis for comparing a heat pump tumble dryer and the conditions in the room where it will be installed.
- Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity, an A energy rating and 73 kWh per 100 cycles for this model.
- The stated operating temperature range for the EW9HI783FC is 5 °C to 35 °C. Electrolux also warns that humidity can become excessive in rooms without a window or ventilation. Check the user manual for the model you choose.
LG
The F964V50WRS shows which figures to compare when limited space leads you to consider a washer-dryer.
- LG lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for this model.
- LG lists water consumption of 90 L per wash-and-dry cycle and a duration of 7 h 50 at full load. These figures apply to this model, not all LG washer-dryers.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
These three dedicated heat pump tumble dryers are options if you have space for a separate appliance and don’t have an external vent. If you only have room for one appliance, compare the features of a washer-dryer before choosing.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
This dedicated tumble dryer is a suitable option if you want to avoid an external vent and have space for a separate appliance. Listed capacity: 8 kg; listed energy rating: C. Check its dimensions, installation requirements and programme durations to make sure they suit your needs.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
A dedicated appliance for drying clothes without an external vent. Listed capacity: 8 kg; listed energy rating: D. Before installation, check the space required, ventilation instructions and programme durations.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump
This dedicated model is an option if you need to dry clothes without an external vent; its listed energy rating is D. Confirm its drying capacity before buying: the product information gives both 8 kg and 10 kg. Also check its dimensions and installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No. According to the European Commission, it condenses moisture instead of expelling moist air outside like a vented tumble dryer. However, you should still follow the room and ventilation requirements in the model’s user manual.
Why should you check the drying capacity of a washer-dryer?
Because it may be lower than the washing capacity: LG lists 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying on the F964V50WRS. If you wash a load that’s larger than its drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some items before starting the drying programme.
Does a washer-dryer use water while drying?
It can do. UFC-Que Choisir reports that most of the models it tested use water during drying. When comparing models, check the water consumption in litres for the wash-and-dry cycle, separately from the figures for washing alone.