If you do laundry regularly and have no outdoor vent, first consider a heat-pump tumble dryer if you have room for a separate appliance. A washer-dryer may be a better fit if space is limited, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. An indoor airer avoids using an electric tumble dryer, provided you have space for it and take account of the moisture released by laundry drying indoors, as highlighted by ADEME.
If the room has no window or usable duct to the outside, distinguish between a condenser tumble dryer and a vented model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the former does not need an external connection; however, check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one space. UFC-Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so compare both figures and the duration of a complete cycle.
If you can install a separate tumble dryer, compare the stated energy use of each model with the duration of its programmes. For appliances carrying the new label, the European Commission uses an energy scale from A to G.
In a flat with no usable outdoor space, start by checking the space and connections available. Then compare capacity, cycle times and energy use with your laundry routine. Heat-pump tumble dryers are condenser appliances: not having an external duct does not mean the condensed water drains away automatically.
Consider it: if you do laundry regularly, have room for a separate appliance and have no duct to the outside.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir associates this technology with lower energy use and generally longer cycles than conventional condenser tumble dryers.
Consider it: when washing and drying need to fit into a single space.
The trade-off: you may need to split a full wash load before drying it, as drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Consider it: if you can leave laundry to dry in a dedicated area and want to avoid adding an electric appliance.
The trade-off: an airer takes up space, and ADEME identifies air-drying laundry indoors as a major source of indoor moisture.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and connections | Tumble dryer type and the requirements in the manual; how condensed water is handled, either in a tank or through a compatible connection. | With no usable external duct, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that I can’t install in my room. Around 36% of consumers would put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Energy use and programme duration for comparable models, using the same energy-label scale. | If I do laundry frequently, I’d rather check how much electricity the appliance uses, even if drying takes longer. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and capacity | Available space and the separate washing and drying capacities, in kilograms, of a washer-dryer. | If I don’t have room for a second appliance, I need to know whether my usual load can be dried without splitting it. Around 21% of consumers would make saving space their main priority. |
| Drying without an electric appliance | Space taken up by the airer, how often you do laundry and the ventilation options in your home. | I’d like to use an airer, but it needs to be able to stay up for as long as the laundry takes to dry without getting in the way. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Unlike a condenser tumble dryer, a vented model needs an opening or duct to the outside, UFC-Que Choisir explains. The room you have in mind may therefore not be suitable.
Check the exact type of appliance and compare its manual with the features of the room before you order.
The European Commission says that tumble dryers have used a new A to G scale since 1 July 2025. A rating on the old A+++ to D scale cannot be compared directly with one on the new scale.
Compare labels based on the same scale and check the associated product information in EPREL, if available.
On a washer-dryer, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A full wash load may therefore be too large to dry in one go.
Check both capacities separately in kilograms and compare them with your usual loads.
Splitting a load may mean running several drying cycles.
Whirlpool explains that whether a condenser tumble dryer can be connected to a water drain depends on the model. If no connection is provided, use the water tank as instructed by the manufacturer.
Check the manual for the exact model to see whether a connection is possible and which accessory is compatible.
Depending on the set-up, you’ll need to empty the tank regularly or use a compatible drain kit.
Bosch offers heat-pump tumble dryers and guidance on stacking a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine. The brand also lists a half-load option on the WQG133DTFR.
Electrolux offers ranges of heat-pump tumble dryers with programmes for different fabrics and low-temperature drying.
Whirlpool provides information on condenser and heat-pump tumble dryers, including how condensed water is collected.
These three heat-pump tumble dryers are separate-appliance options for households that usually dry laundry indoors and have no external vent. Before choosing one, check the space required, installation conditions and how condensed water is handled for each model.
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Worth considering if you can install a separate tumble dryer without an external vent.
It has a stated capacity of 8 kg. Check the manual for the dimensions, installation requirements and drain connection options before deciding where to put it.
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Compare it if you’re looking for a separate appliance and want to see how its stated capacity matches your usual loads.
The title states 8 kg. Check the manual for the dimensions, how condensed water is handled and the duration of programmes suited to your laundry.
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Worth considering if you want a separate appliance for drying, provided you confirm its capacity suits your loads.
The title states 10 kg, while one description says 8 kg: check the capacity of the exact model before buying. Also check the manual for the dimensions, installation and how condensed water is handled.
No. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat-pump model, works without an external connection, unlike a vented model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check the manual separately to find out how your chosen model collects or drains condensed water and what its installation requirements are.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Compare both figures in kilograms and be prepared to remove some of the laundry if needed.
Compare models with labels that use the same scale. The European Commission says a new A to G scale has applied to tumble dryers since 1 July 2025. Don’t directly compare an old A+++ to D rating with one on the new scale. The model’s EPREL entry can provide additional information to go with the label.
The statutory guarantee of conformity covers goods that do not conform to the contract. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to make a claim for both new and second-hand goods. Any commercial guarantee is optional and does not replace it.