Households where an airer takes up too much room
If you do laundry regularly and hanging clothes get in the way, compare a tumble dryer’s capacity and eco programme duration, then check its dimensions and noise level for the space you have in mind.
Who are these options for?
People who want to avoid buying another appliance
For moderate loads, a suitable spin setting and an airer may be enough if you have a well-ventilated room. ANSES recommends drying laundry in a well-ventilated room when it cannot be hung outside.
Households replacing an old tumble dryer
An installation designed for your old appliance may not suit its replacement. For a new domestic tumble dryer placed on the market since 1 July 2025, the European rules outlined by the European Commission require heat pump technology. Check the installation requirements for the model you choose separately.
What should you compare?
Spin cycle and indoor airer
Consider this: if you do a moderate amount of laundry and can leave the airer in a well-ventilated room without it getting in the way for long periods.
Bear in mind: laundry stays on the airer while it dries and releases moisture into the room. ADEME highlights this as a significant source of indoor humidity.
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this: if frequent loads take up your drying space for too long and you can install an appliance in line with its instructions.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up permanent space, and the eco programme duration needs to fit your routine. For new appliances placed on the market since 1 July 2025, the European Commission requires domestic tumble dryers to use heat pump technology.
A foldable or hanging airer is still an air-drying option: consider how much room it takes up when in use and whether you can ventilate the room. An existing vented tumble dryer, or one bought second-hand, needs a separate assessment of its installation and use.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency and space | Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your usual loads, then measure the space and clearance required in the manual. | When one load follows another, I want to reclaim the space taken up by the airer. Around 36% of consumers may prioritise having this space available. |
| Humidity and ventilation | For an airer, check the room’s ventilation; for a condenser tumble dryer, check how the model handles water. | If laundry has to dry in a living area, I first look for an arrangement that works with the room’s ventilation. This may be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Appliances and electricity | First, consider the washing machine’s spin cycle and load sizes. If you choose a tumble dryer, compare its weighted energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration. | If I do laundry less often, I’d rather check whether an airer is enough before adding another appliance. Around 21% of consumers may put this choice of appliance and electricity use first. |
| Existing installation | Check whether the appliance is new, already owned or second-hand, then review the manual, connections and compatible accessories. | If I’m replacing an old tumble dryer, I need to know what will actually work with the available space and connections. Compatibility may be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
What to avoid before you buy
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Comparing an old A+++ rating directly with a current one
Under the rules that took effect in July 2025, new tumble dryer labels use an A to G scale, as explained by the Institut national de la consommation. An old A+++ rating is therefore not a reliable shortcut for comparing two appliances.
For the models you’re considering, check their current regulatory product fiches and compare weighted energy consumption per cycle, eco programme duration, noise level, capacity and condensation efficiency.
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Choosing an appliance before measuring the space
The stated width is not the only thing to consider: access through doorways, opening the door, the specified clearances and access to the water tank or filter all matter too. The dimensions published by Bosch and Samsung apply to specific models, not every tumble dryer.
Measure the space and access route, then check the manual for the exact model before ordering.
Depending on the installation, you may need a compatible kit or a different furniture layout.
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Assuming an airer is a hassle-free solution
According to ADEME, air-drying laundry adds moisture indoors. A compact airer when folded can also take up a large part of the room when opened out.
Choose a size that suits the space actually available while your laundry dries, and opt for a well-ventilated room, as ANSES recommends.
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Assuming an old vented tumble dryer can be replaced like for like
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented model needs an outlet to the outdoors or access to a suitable duct. An existing installation does not mean another appliance will have the same requirements. In addition, the European rules in force since 1 July 2025 require new domestic tumble dryers placed on the market to use heat pump technology.
For a new purchase, check the model’s technology and manual. If you’re keeping an appliance or considering a second-hand one, assess its condition, installation and energy consumption separately.
Brands to compare by model
Bosch
Bosch Home Appliances lists the Bosch WQG2450SFR heat pump tumble dryer with a 9 kg capacity and dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm.
- The product fiche for this model says it can be fitted with a water drain hose, which is worth checking if you’re interested in a direct connection.
- Check the manual for connection compatibility and installation clearances. These features are not available across the entire Bosch range.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers, with features varying by model.
- The reversible door listed for the EDHF5841EC is worth considering if the opening direction would make it easier to access the drum.
- Don’t assume that other models have the same door or drying features. Also check the dimensions, capacity and noise level of the model you choose.
Samsung
Samsung France product fiches list a 9 kg capacity for both the DV90DG52A0AEEF and DV90DB7845GBU3 heat pump tumble dryers.
- For the DV90DG52A0AEEF, Samsung lists dimensions of 600 × 850 × 600 mm, which can help you check whether it will fit your chosen space.
- The energy ratings listed for these two models differ, so check the product fiche for the exact model rather than assuming a rating applies to the whole range.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool FFTNM228X3BFR and FFTM1182EE are examples of 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers in the range.
- The FFTNM228X3BFR product fiche mentions humidity control, which is worth considering if you want programmes that adapt to your laundry.
- Depth varies by model: Whirlpool lists 64,9 cm for the FFTM1182EE. Measure the space and check the manual for the model you choose.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
These two heat pump models are for households considering a tumble dryer instead of relying on an airer alone. Both have a listed capacity of 8 kg. Before choosing, compare their product fiches and manuals with the space available and how often you do laundry.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, white
Worth considering if you want to dry loads that fit its listed 8 kg capacity.
Listed energy rating: C. Check the dimensions, installation requirements, energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration for the exact model.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, white
Worth considering if a listed capacity of 8 kg suits your usual loads.
Listed energy rating: D. Check the product fiche and manual for this model’s dimensions, noise level, water management, energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still buy a new vented tumble dryer in France?
For a new domestic tumble dryer placed on the market since 1 July 2025, the European rules outlined by the European Commission require heat pump technology. If a listing offers a vented model, check whether it was already placed on the market, is second-hand or has been categorised incorrectly before drawing conclusions about what’s available.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser model does not need the external vent required by a vented tumble dryer. Water can be collected in a tank or, if the model and accessory are compatible, drained away. Check the manual before planning the connection.
What should you compare between two heat pump tumble dryers?
Compare their capacity, weighted energy consumption per cycle, eco programme duration, noise level and condensation efficiency using their current regulatory product fiches. The European EPREL database lists these features by model. Then check that the dimensions and installation instructions suit your home.
How can you dry laundry indoors without buying a tumble dryer?
Use a suitable spin setting and put the airer in a well-ventilated room where it won’t block the way. ADEME links an effective spin cycle with faster drying, while ANSES recommends a well-ventilated room when laundry cannot be hung outside.