If you have room for a dedicated appliance, a heat pump tumble dryer can dry your laundry without an external vent. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A stacked pair of appliances is another option if you have enough height and the models and stacking kit are compatible.
Without an external air outlet, a vented tumble dryer, as described by UFC-Que Choisir, is not an option. The space available and the amount of laundry you need to dry will help you decide what to choose instead.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer avoids the need for the vent required by a vented model. You’ll still need to manage the condensed water and check that you have a suitable place for the appliance.
If you can install a dedicated appliance, compare the capacity and cycle times of heat pump tumble dryers with your laundry routine. Stacking two appliances also requires confirmed compatibility between the models.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so check how much laundry you can dry in one cycle.
First, choose a configuration that fits your home. Then compare the drying capacity and the figures for the cycle that best matches how you’ll use it.
Worth considering: if you have room for a dedicated tumble dryer without an external vent.
Bear in mind: condensed water needs to be collected in a tank or drained directly if the model allows it, as Whirlpool explains in its guidance on connections.
Worth considering: if you already own one or are looking at a model whose label and specifications you can check.
Compare: its energy use and cycle time with those of the other appliances you’re considering, using like-for-like figures.
Worth considering: if you can only fit one appliance on the floor and can keep the wash-and-dry load within its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Also check water and energy use, as well as the length of the full cycle.
Worth considering: if floor space is limited but you have enough height for two separate appliances.
Condition: Bosch recommends checking that the models can be stacked and that a suitable stacking kit is available.
| Priority | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Air outlet and condensate | If there’s no external opening or vent, rule out a vented appliance, according to UFC-Que Choisir. For a condenser model, check the water tank, whether direct drainage is possible and which accessories are compatible. Whirlpool notes that the connection depends on the model. | I can’t install an external vent and want to know whether I’ll need to empty a tank. |
| Space and stacking | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow enough clearance to open the door. For a stacked setup, check both model numbers and the kit: for example, Bosch stacking kit 00717524 requires a washing machine that is more than 55 cm deep. | If floor space is limited, I’m interested in a single appliance. If there’s enough height, I can also consider a compatible stacked setup. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity in kg, which is separate from the washing capacity on a washer-dryer. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this difference; check the limit for the cycle you plan to use. | I want to dry a full load without having to take some of the laundry out after washing. |
| Cycle time and consumption | Compare equivalent cycles and loads. For washer-dryers, the European Commission says the energy label includes information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. Check the figures for the exact model. | Because I do laundry frequently, the length of the full cycle and its water and electricity use are important factors in my choice. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one cycle. If you load it according to its washing capacity alone, you may have to take some items out before drying.
Compare both capacities in kg and stick to the stated drying capacity for a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external air outlet. A condenser appliance doesn’t, but whether its condensed water can be drained directly depends on the model, as Whirlpool explains.
Check the instructions to see where the collected water goes, whether a hose can be connected and which accessories are suitable for the model you’ve chosen.
The required depth and compatible models vary depending on the kit. Bosch advises checking that the washing machine and tumble dryer can be stacked.
Make a note of the exact model numbers, measure the space and use a kit designed for that combination, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
An energy rating doesn’t tell you everything about the programme duration, the load used or, for a washer-dryer, the water consumed during the cycle being compared.
Check the label values and the specifications for the exact model, distinguishing between wash-only and wash-and-dry cycles. UFC-Que Choisir records cycle time, water and electricity separately in its test protocol.
These examples highlight features and checks for specific models. They don’t necessarily indicate whether other models from the same brand are compatible.
The brand offers stacking and condensate drainage accessories for some appliances.
The EW9W1166RA heat pump washer-dryer illustrates why it’s important to distinguish between washing and drying capacity.
The brand explains the difference between collecting condensate in a tank and draining it directly.
This selection includes heat pump tumble dryers for dedicated drying and a washer-dryer for homes with room for only one appliance. If you’re considering a stacked setup, check the compatibility of the washing machine, tumble dryer and kit separately.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is suited to an installation without an external air vent. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C rating. Before planning to drain the water directly, check the instructions for the connection and suitable accessories. Also measure the available space.
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This washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, making it a good fit where there’s room for just one. Its title lists an 11 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Keep the load within the drying capacity if you want to run both cycles consecutively. Check the available space, as well as the water supply and drainage needed for the washing function.
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This heat pump model offers the option of dedicated drying without an external air vent. The title lists an 8 kg capacity and a D rating. Check the instructions for how to manage condensate, and check the dimensions, cycle time and energy use for the programme you’re interested in.
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This heat pump tumble dryer is an option if you don’t have an external air vent. The title lists a 10 kg capacity, while another description of the model says 8 kg. Confirm the capacity of the exact model before choosing it to suit your usual load size. Also check the dimensions and the instructions for managing condensate.
Not in the setup described: UFC-Que Choisir says it needs an opening to the outside or an air vent. A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need this type of outlet.
Not necessarily: the water can be collected in a tank. Whirlpool says that direct connection to a water drain depends on the model, so check the instructions and accessories for the one you’ve chosen.
No. Bosch advises checking that the appliances can be stacked and that the kit is suitable for their model numbers. Check the height and depth too: for example, its 00717524 kit requires a washing machine more than 55 cm deep.
Not if it exceeds the stated drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes drying capacity from washing capacity. For a continuous wash-and-dry cycle, load the machine according to its drying limit or take some laundry out after washing.
Compare the drying capacity, cycle time, water and energy use for the same type of cycle. The European Commission says washer-dryer labels include information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. The model specifications put these figures into context.