Without an external vent, rule out vented tumble dryers and choose based on the space available: a separate condenser dryer, a washer-dryer or a drying rack if the room allows. Among separate dryers, heat pump models use less electricity, but their cycles are generally longer than those of conventional condenser models. In every case, check how water is managed, the capacity and the installation requirements.
If you do laundry frequently, a separate heat pump tumble dryer can help you use less electricity without needing an external air vent. However, you’ll generally need to allow for longer cycles and follow the care instructions, as highlighted by Que Choisir and Beko France.
If drying time matters more to you than electricity use, it’s worth comparing a conventional condenser dryer with a heat pump model. Que Choisir notes that conventional condenser dryers generally have shorter cycles; check the programme times for the models you’re considering.
If there isn’t room for two appliances side by side, a washer-dryer combines both functions. Stacking keeps the machines separate, but requires a stacking kit that’s compatible with the exact models, in line with the conditions set out by Bosch Electroménager France.
First, rule out vented models. Then choose between a separate appliance, a washer-dryer and a drying rack based on the space available and how often you do laundry. Finally, compare the requirements of each option.
Consider it: if you want a separate tumble dryer without an external vent and keeping electricity use down is a priority.
Bear in mind: cycles generally take longer, and you’ll need to carry out the maintenance specified in the manual.
Consider it: if you want a separate appliance without an external vent and typical cycle times are more important in your choice.
Bear in mind: it generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model, according to Que Choisir.
Consider it: if there isn’t room for two appliances side by side or a compatible stacked set-up.
Check: the maximum drying load and the figures for a wash-and-dry cycle, which differ from those for washing alone.
Keep it as an option: if you have space to dry laundry and your washing routine allows for it.
Bear in mind: drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air, as ADEME points out.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| No external vent and water management | Type of drying shown on the product page; whether the water is collected in a tank or can be drained through a compatible connection. | Without an external outlet, I need to be able to install the appliance and deal with the collected water every day. Around 33% of consumers would make this compatibility their top priority. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the energy use and duration of a similar programme on the product pages for the models you’re considering. | If I need to get through several loads in a row, I have to weigh up using less electricity against getting my laundry back sooner. This would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and capacity | Dimensions including space for the door to open, drying capacity and, for stacked appliances, compatibility of the kit with both models. | In a narrow room, I need a set-up that will genuinely fit without compromising on the amount of laundry I can dry. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Maintenance or an airer | Access to the filters and water tank; if laundry is air-dried, the available space and ventilation in the room. | I want to be able to carry out routine maintenance, or keep an airer without overlooking indoor humidity. For around 20% of consumers, this would take priority over the other considerations. |
This type of tumble dryer sends moist air outside through a vent hose, so it isn’t suitable for a home without an external air outlet.
Check the product specifications or manual to confirm that the model you’re considering is a condenser or heat pump dryer.
Not needing an air vent doesn’t mean you can ignore the water: depending on the appliance, it collects in a tank or can be directed to a compatible drain.
Check how water is handled on the exact model you’re considering and whether any connection you plan to use is compatible.
You may need to buy a compatible drain kit separately.
Similar dimensions don’t guarantee that appliances can be stacked. Bosch Electroménager France specifies depth and model requirements for its kits, among other conditions.
Check the model numbers of both appliances and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the kit and installation.
Your set-up may require a specific stacking kit.
A heat pump model can use less electricity than a conventional condenser dryer, but generally takes longer to dry clothes. Maintenance requirements also vary from model to model.
Compare energy use, the duration of the programme you’re interested in, capacity and the maintenance steps listed in the product information and manuals.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer and want to explore condensate drainage or a stacked installation, depending on the models.
Worth considering if you check the maintenance instructions for the model you choose, particularly how to access the filters.
A brand to explore when comparing conventional condenser and heat pump dryers that don’t need an external vent.
Worth considering if you’re comparing heat pump tumble dryers that work without an air vent.
These models let you explore three set-ups without an external air vent: a heat pump tumble dryer, a condenser dryer and a washer-dryer. Before choosing, check that each model’s drying capacity and connections are suitable for your home.
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A separate appliance to consider if you want to dry laundry without an external air vent and compare the energy use of heat pump models.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, clearance requirements and water connection requirements before installation.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a condenser tumble dryer without an external vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. If you’d rather drain the water than empty a tank, confirm that this is possible with the exact model; also check the installation instructions.
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A separate model to compare if a heat pump meets your priority of keeping energy use down without an external air vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the manual for the dimensions, cycle times and how to collect or drain the condensed water.
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A machine with a combined wash-and-dry function can be a good fit if you don’t have space for two appliances.
The stated capacities differ: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the space available, water supply and drainage requirements, then compare the figures for wash and wash-and-dry cycles separately.
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This heat pump model is suitable for set-ups without an external air vent.
Check the drying capacity of this model before choosing it for the amount of laundry you have: available information varies between 8 and 10 kg. Also check how water is managed, the dimensions and cycle times.
No. Unlike a vented model, it collects moisture as water. The water goes into a tank or, if the model allows, into a compatible drain. Install the appliance in line with the ventilation requirements in its manual.
Yes, but only if the model and the connection are compatible. Bosch Electroménager France describes a kit that allows this connection on relevant appliances; Whirlpool France recommends checking the manual or asking the retailer to confirm.
No. You need a kit that’s compatible with both models and must follow the installation instructions. Some Bosch Electroménager France kits have specific depth requirements and exclude certain appliances, even if their widths appear suitable.
It’s worth considering if there isn’t room for two appliances or a compatible stacked set-up. However, check its drying capacity, which may differ from its washing capacity, as well as the details for a wash-and-dry cycle.