Without an external air outlet, choose a condenser dryer rather than a vented tumble dryer. Heat-pump models are also designed to work without an external vent, as Que Choisir explains. A separate tumble dryer is a good choice if you have the space and want a dedicated appliance for regular drying. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. In either case, check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and water management for the model you choose.
If you have room for a separate appliance, compare its drying capacity with the size of your usual laundry loads. This helps you avoid choosing a washer-dryer based on its washing capacity alone, only to find that you need to remove some of the load before drying.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. Be sure to measure the space available, especially its depth, and check that the load you want to dry is within the appliance’s drying capacity.
Compare the energy and water use for the cycle you’ll actually run, along with the maintenance instructions in the manual. For a washer-dryer, figures for washing alone don’t describe the combined cycle. With a tumble dryer, everyday considerations also include access to the filters and how water is collected or drained.
For drying without an external air outlet, first check the space available and the load you can actually dry. Then compare each model’s installation and usage requirements.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | The drying capacity in kg; for a washer-dryer, check this separately from the washing capacity. | If you do frequent or large loads, being able to dry your usual load in one go becomes a priority. Around 31% of consumers would put this capacity first. |
| Available space | The height, width and depth; if stacking two appliances, check that they’re compatible and use the fixing kit specified by the manufacturer. | In a compact home, saving floor space may matter more than having a separate tumble dryer. This space-saving benefit would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Running costs | The figures for the drying cycle you’ll use; for a washer-dryer, check the combined cycle figures, including water consumption. | If you regularly dry clothes straight after washing, the resources used by the full cycle will influence your decision. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this factor. |
| Installation and maintenance | The ventilation and temperature requirements in the manual; whether water is collected in a tank or drained away, and access to the filters. | If your room has limitations or emptying a tank would be difficult, ease of installation and maintenance may take priority over other factors. This would be a deciding factor for around 19% of consumers. |
Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. This means a load that fits in the wash may be too large to wash and dry in one go.
Choose your appliance based on its drying capacity. If you want to run a wash and dry cycle without removing any laundry in between, keep the load within that capacity.
A condenser dryer doesn’t need an external air outlet, but that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a closed cupboard. Electrolux France recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room for the appliances concerned.
Measure the space and check the model’s manual for the required clearances, ventilation and operating temperature.
Figures for washing alone won’t necessarily reflect the energy and water used by the wash-and-dry cycle you plan to run.
Check the figures for the combined cycle separately, including electricity and water use, before comparing appliances based on how often you’ll use the dryer.
Que Choisir highlights the importance of cleaning the filters and condenser, depending on the tumble dryer’s design. A self-cleaning function doesn’t replace all the maintenance instructions for that model.
Before buying, find out which parts need cleaning and check whether water is collected in a tank or can be drained directly, and whether this is compatible with your installation.
A brand to consider if you’re comparing the capacity and maintenance of a heat-pump tumble dryer with those of a washer-dryer.
A brand to consider when comparing water collection in a tumble dryer with the separate capacities of a washer-dryer.
This selection includes separate heat-pump or condenser tumble dryers, as well as a washer-dryer. Compare their drying capacity and manual requirements with the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you can make room for a separate tumble dryer for regular loads. The listed capacity is 8 kg. Check the dimensions, ventilation and water drainage requirements in the manual before planning its installation.
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Compare this model if you want a dedicated drying capacity without an external air vent. It’s listed as an 8 kg condenser tumble dryer. Check the space required, ventilation instructions and water management options.
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Worth considering if you need one appliance to handle both washing and drying. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. To run both cycles without removing any laundry in between, don’t exceed the drying capacity. Also check the dimensions and connections required for your chosen location.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate heat-pump tumble dryer without an external air outlet. The capacity information for this model is inconsistent, with figures of 8 kg and 10 kg both shown. Confirm the drying capacity on the listing and in the manual for the exact model before choosing it. Also check its dimensions and how it handles condensate.
Yes, if you choose a condenser dryer, including a heat-pump model. Que Choisir explains that these appliances don’t need to be connected to an external outlet, unlike vented models. However, you must still follow the ventilation, temperature and clearance requirements in the manual.
It depends on how the model handles condensed water. For example, Electrolux France lists a 5,56 L water tank for its EW9HI783FC. If you’d rather not empty a tank, check whether the model and your installation support direct drainage, and whether the required accessories are included.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. For example, Electrolux France lists capacities of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying for the EW9W1166RB. Any load over 6 kg must be reduced before drying in this model.
Compare the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle if that’s the one you’ll use. Figures for washing alone relate to a different type of use. Also check the electricity and water consumption for the combined cycle in the model’s product information.
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning the filters, accessing the condenser and collecting or draining water. Que Choisir points out that cleaning the filters and condenser remains important for the tumble dryers concerned, even when a self-cleaning function is advertised.