Homes without an external vent
If there’s no access to an external opening or duct, choose a condenser dryer rather than a vented tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the installation requirements of these two types.
Who are these options for?
Small homes with room for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions when there isn’t room for two appliances. However, you’ll need to plan your laundry loads around its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Households that dry laundry frequently
If you can install a separate appliance, compare heat pump tumble dryers by their energy use per cycle and programme duration. You should also consider the space they take up and the maintenance required, as set out in the instruction manual.
What should you compare?
Start with the space available and the amount of laundry you need to dry. These two factors could rule out one type of appliance before you even compare its programmes.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space, the depth with the door open and the access route. If stacking two appliances, check that the stacking kit is compatible and follow the instruction manuals. | If there’s room for just one appliance, I need to choose between combining both functions and installing a compatible stack. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Amount of laundry | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your usual loads. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | If I regularly dry large loads, I want to avoid having to take clothes out after washing. Capacity would be the main consideration for around 27% of consumers. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy use and corresponding programme duration for the same type of programme, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. | If I dry laundry often, I’m happy to accept a longer cycle if its energy use better suits the way I use the appliance. Around 27% of consumers would put this factor first. |
| Time and maintenance | Check how long the programme that suits your load takes, then consult the instruction manual to see how to access the filters and water tank. | If I need my laundry ready at a set time, the actual programme duration and maintenance tasks are important to my choice. Around 13% of consumers would prioritise these factors. |
Buying mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry a full wash load in one go. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the difference between the two capacities.
Choose based on the amount you want to dry at once, and check both capacity figures in kg on the model’s product page.
Otherwise, you’ll need to remove some of the laundry or dry it in a separate load.
-
Relying on the energy rating alone
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how long a programme takes, its capacity or how much energy the programme you’ll use consumes. The European Commission explains the information shown on washer-dryer energy labels.
Compare figures for the same type of use and check the model’s full energy label.
-
Stacking two appliances without checking they’re compatible
Stacking appliances involves more than simply placing one on top of the other. UFC-Que Choisir notes that they should be front-loading models and the right dimensions, among other requirements.
Check the instruction manuals and make sure the stacking kit is designed for the models in question. Place the tumble dryer on top and ensure the installation is stable.
-
Assuming a heat pump dryer needs no maintenance
Maintenance requirements vary by tumble dryer. Beko, for example, explains how to maintain the water tank, filters, drum, condenser and seals on its relevant appliances.
Before choosing a model, check the instruction manual for the exact product reference and make sure you can access the parts you’ll need to maintain.
Brands to consider for these appliance types
Bosch
A brand to consider for a freestanding heat pump tumble dryer.
- Bosch France lists 8 kg models and provides energy-use information for each one.
- Check the dimensions, programme duration, noise level and instruction manual for the model you choose.
Beko
A brand to consider if maintenance requirements are an important factor in choosing a heat pump tumble dryer.
- Beko describes its heat pump models as operating without an external air duct.
- Check the instruction manual for the model you choose to confirm which parts need cleaning and how the appliance should be used.
Electrolux
A brand to consider if a washer-dryer is a better fit for the space you have available.
- Electrolux France lists separate washing and drying capacities. Its EW7IW2856BG model is listed at 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
- Compare both capacities, as well as the duration and energy use of the programme that suits your needs.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These models offer two ways to dry laundry without an external air duct: a separate heat pump tumble dryer, or a washer-dryer when washing and drying need to share one space.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry laundry without an external air duct. The model name lists a C energy rating; check its dimensions, programme duration and energy use to see if it suits your needs.
Image unavailable
Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, 10 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if your priority is a separate appliance with a stated drying capacity of 10 kg. The product name lists a D energy rating; check the dimensions and load requirements for the short programmes before choosing this model.
Image unavailable
Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This is another freestanding option, with a stated capacity of 8 kg and no need for an external air duct. The product name lists a D energy rating; compare the duration and energy use of the programmes you’ll need, and check the available installation space.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
Worth considering if you need one machine to wash and dry your laundry. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so you’ll need to reduce a full wash load before drying it.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
This two-in-one model is designed for homes with space for just one appliance. Its stated capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Adjust the load if you want to run both functions one after the other, then check the energy label for the duration and energy use of a full wash-and-dry cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Yes. A condenser dryer doesn’t need an external air duct, unlike a vented model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check the instruction manual to see how water is collected or drained, and what installation requirements apply to the model.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full wash load?
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. Compare the two figures and remove some laundry before drying if needed.
What should you compare on the energy label?
Compare energy use and programme duration for the cycle that suits your needs, as well as the stated capacity. For washer-dryers, the European Commission says the label includes information such as energy use, water use, programme duration and noise. Make sure you distinguish between washing figures and those for a full wash-and-dry cycle.
Can you stack a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine to save space?
Yes, provided the models and stacking kit are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking factors such as front-loading design and dimensions. Follow the instruction manuals and place the tumble dryer on top of the washing machine on a stable support.