If your laundry is taking too long to dry indoors and you don’t have an external air vent, start by looking at condenser tumble dryers, particularly heat-pump models for regular drying. According to UFC-Que Choisir, they generally use less electricity than other main types of tumble dryer, but their cycles can take longer. A washer-dryer is a better fit if you don’t have room for two machines, as long as you’re happy with a smaller drying load than washing load. A vented tumble dryer, meanwhile, needs an opening to the outside or access to a compatible ventilation duct.
If you can’t connect an appliance to the outside, look at condenser tumble dryers, including heat-pump models. UFC-Que Choisir explains that a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct.
If you do laundry often, compare energy use and eco programme duration for appliances with similar capacities. Also check the manual for guidance on cleaning the filters and condenser: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a build-up of dirt can affect cycle times and energy use on some appliances.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space. However, check how much laundry it can dry after washing: UFC-Que Choisir notes that these appliances have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity.
First, rule out appliances that won’t fit the available space or ventilation setup. Then compare cycle times, electricity use and the amount of laundry each appliance can actually dry. These factors don’t necessarily point to the same solution.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare the stated energy use per cycle and the eco programme duration for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. | If I dry laundry several times a week, I want to keep electricity use down without overlooking how long each load takes. Around 30% of consumers put energy use at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Installation without an external vent | Check the dimensions, appliance type and installation instructions. For a condenser model, find out how it handles the collected water. | Without an external opening or suitable duct, I need to choose an appliance I can actually install in the room I have in mind. For around 30% of consumers, this compatibility comes before other criteria. |
| Drying time | Compare the stated durations for the same type of programme and a similar load, along with the corresponding capacity. | When loads of laundry keep coming, I want to get clothes dry sooner, while still comparing energy use. Almost 23% of consumers prioritise getting through their laundry quickly. |
| Available space | Measure the space and check the door clearance. For a washer-dryer, distinguish between washing capacity, drying capacity and the combined cycle capacity. | If I only have room for one appliance, combining washing and drying may matter more than being able to dry a whole washed load at once. Around 17% of consumers prioritise saving space. |
Choosing a different programme won’t remove the need for an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Check the model’s manual to confirm the required setup. If it isn’t possible, consider a condenser appliance or a washer-dryer instead.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg capacity for the wash-and-dry cycle on the WNG24402FR.
Compare washing capacity, drying-only capacity if stated, and combined-cycle capacity separately. This will help you work out whether you’ll need to remove some of the laundry before drying.
A low stated energy use won’t tell you how long the programme takes. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that a build-up of dirt can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some heat-pump appliances.
Check the eco programme duration for a comparable load, then consult the manual for instructions on cleaning the filters and condenser.
Two appliances that look as though they can be stacked won’t necessarily make an installation that follows the manufacturer’s instructions. A Bosch manual requires the manufacturer’s stacking kit to stack the relevant tumble dryer on top of a washing machine.
Check that both model numbers and the required kit are compatible before deciding on this setup.
These brands have models worth comparing, but the features mentioned don’t apply to every model in their ranges.
Worth considering if you’re comparing a heat-pump tumble dryer with a washer-dryer, particularly for smaller loads or when you only have space for one appliance.
Worth a look if you’re comparing the capacities and maintenance requirements of different heat-pump tumble dryers.
Worth considering when comparing heat-pump tumble dryers and checking which maintenance parts apply to a particular series.
Worth considering if you’re looking at condenser tumble dryers and the lack of an external vent, along with how the collected water is handled, affects your choice.
These appliances offer three ways to tackle slow airer drying: heat-pump tumble dryers, a condenser tumble dryer and washer-dryers for homes with space for just one appliance. Check the manual and product details for the model you choose before settling on an installation.
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Worth considering for regular drying if you don’t have an external air vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, eco programme duration and how the model handles condensed water in the product documentation.
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Another heat-pump option for drying laundry without an external air vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Compare the eco programme duration, dimensions and maintenance requirements for this model.
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Worth considering if you don’t have an external air vent and want to compare condenser appliances.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. Check the manual for information on handling condensed water, and compare the cycle duration and energy use with appliances of a similar capacity.
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Combines washing and drying in one space when two separate appliances aren’t suitable.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Allow for a suitable drying load, and check the dimensions, connections and combined cycle duration.
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A two-in-one option if you need to dry laundry without making room for a second appliance.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the space needed, the combined cycle duration and the maintenance requirements in the manual.
First, check the space available, access to the door and the connection instructions in the manual. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or a ventilation duct. For a condenser model, check how it handles the collected water. If you plan to stack your appliances, confirm that they and the manufacturer-required kit are compatible.
Yes, if you only have room for one appliance and can adjust the load to suit the drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. Before choosing this option for frequent laundry, also compare the duration and energy use of the combined cycle.
No, this feature doesn’t necessarily remove the need for other maintenance tasks listed in the manual. Check the instructions for the filters and water tank in particular. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a build-up of dirt can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some heat-pump tumble dryers.
For similar uses, compare the rated capacity, stated energy use per cycle, full-load eco programme duration, noise level and condensation efficiency. These details are among the information listed by the European Commission in EPREL for relevant household tumble dryers. Comparing cycle duration alone won’t tell you how two appliances with different capacities measure up.