Tenants with no external vent
You have room to dry your laundry, but no external opening or vent. In that case, start by considering a condenser dryer, either a conventional or heat pump model, rather than a vented one.
Who are these options for ?
Households that dry laundry often
If you run several drying cycles a week, compare energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and the duration of the standard programme on the labels of the models you’re considering, as recommended by ADEME.
Small spaces with room for just one appliance
If you can’t fit two appliances side by side, check the drying capacity of a washer-dryer. If there’s enough headroom for a stacked setup, check that a stacking kit is compatible with the exact models of both appliances.
Which criteria should you prioritise ?
First consider what the room can accommodate, then compare drying capacity with how often you do laundry and the features of the specific model.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without an external vent | Appliance type and dimensions, including the door when open ; installation requirements in the instruction manual. | When the room has no external opening or vent, I want to choose an appliance that will fit there first. Around 36 % of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Energy use in operation | Energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and the duration of the standard programme on the model’s label. | If I dry laundry frequently, I want to know how much energy it uses before potentially accepting longer cycles. Electricity costs come first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Capacity and laundry routine | Drying capacity in kg, separate from washing capacity for a washer-dryer ; cycle duration for the load size. | If I do several loads in a row, I want to avoid splitting a washed load across multiple drying cycles. The amount of laundry an appliance can actually dry is the main concern for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Floor space and stacking | Width, depth, height and door clearance ; stacking kit compatibility if you’re stacking two appliances. | With room for just one appliance on the floor, I have to choose between a washer-dryer and two stackable appliances. Saving space is the priority for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing condenser and vented dryers
According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or vent, unlike a condenser model. This distinction is crucial in a room with no suitable air outlet.
Check the appliance’s stated technology before comparing its other features.
-
Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in one go. LG France’s product information for the F84400WHR and F964R71WRST models lists capacities of 8/4 kg and 9/6 kg respectively for washing and drying.
Choose based on the drying capacity in kilograms and the loads you want to dry without splitting them.
-
Stacking two appliances without checking compatibility
A stacking kit won’t necessarily fit every model. For example, Bosch Home Appliances France states that its WTZ27410 kit is intended for certain washing machines with a depth of more than 55 cm, and that some models are excluded.
Note down the model numbers and dimensions of both appliances, then check the kit’s compatibility before planning a stacked setup.
-
Comparing energy label letters alone
According to the European Commission Representation in France, a revised A to G energy label has applied to tumble dryers in the EU since 1 July 2025. The letter doesn’t replace the model’s energy use, cycle duration and noise figures.
Compare labels based on the same scale, and check the kWh per 100 cycles along with any other figures relevant to how you’ll use the appliance.
Brands to consider for different needs
Bosch
Heat pump tumble dryers and stacking accessories to consider if a stacked installation is an option.
- Bosch Home Appliances France provides information on which appliances are compatible with its kits.
- The WTZ27410 kit requires a washing machine depth of more than 55 cm, and some models are excluded : these conditions don’t apply to every Bosch kit.
Electrolux
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers, with drainage options to consider if you’d prefer to connect the appliance to a water outlet.
- Electrolux offers the E2YH01 kit for draining water into a suitable connection.
- Check that the kit is compatible with your chosen tumble dryer and the available drainage connection ; compatibility isn’t automatically guaranteed across the entire range.
LG
Washer-dryers to compare if your home can only accommodate one appliance on the floor.
- LG France lists washing and drying capacities separately : 8/4 kg for the F84400WHR and 9/6 kg for the F964R71WRST.
- These capacities apply to these two models ; check the figures for the model you’re considering, as well as its washing and drying label.
Beko
Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers to consider for a room without an external vent.
- Beko explains how its heat pump tumble dryers work in its product information.
- The brand notes that this technology has longer cycles and requires more frequent maintenance ; check the cycle duration and maintenance instructions for the specific model.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These appliances let you explore two ways to dry laundry without outdoor drying space : a washer-dryer for a single space, or a dedicated condenser tumble dryer, including heat pump models. First choose the option that fits your room, then check the features of each model.
Image unavailable
Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity
A washer-dryer to consider if you can only install one appliance. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying : check that your usual loads can be dried without splitting them.
Before choosing a space for it, also check the dimensions, connections and figures for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg
This condenser tumble dryer has a stated drying capacity of 8 kg, which you can compare with your laundry loads. Before installing it, check the space available, how to manage the condensed water and the installation requirements in the instruction manual.
Check its energy label to compare energy use and programme duration with other models.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
A dedicated heat pump tumble dryer to consider if you have room for a second appliance and want to compare its energy use with other technologies. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and an energy rating of C.
Check the label for kWh per 100 cycles and programme duration, then consult the instruction manual for dimensions, installation requirements and drainage options.
Image unavailable
Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
This heat pump model has a stated drying capacity of 8 kg and an energy rating of D. To decide whether it suits your laundry routine, compare its kWh per 100 cycles and programme duration with those of the other models you’re considering.
Check the instruction manual for its dimensions, installation requirements and how to collect or drain the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external opening ?
Yes, if you choose a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. Que Choisir distinguishes these appliances from vented tumble dryers, which need an external opening or vent. Then check the dimensions and installation requirements for your chosen model in its instruction manual.
Do you need to empty the tank on a condenser tumble dryer ?
You’ll need to manage the water collected in the tank if the appliance isn’t connected to a drain. For example, Electrolux offers the E2YH01 kit for direct drainage : check it’s compatible with the model and connection available, and see which accessories are included.
Can you put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine ?
Yes, but only if the appliances and stacking kit are expressly compatible. Bosch Home Appliances France specifies, for example, that its WTZ27410 kit is intended for certain washing machines with a depth of more than 55 cm, and that some models are excluded. Check the requirements for the kit and both appliances.
Which label should you check to compare appliances ?
For a tumble dryer sold in the EU, check the revised A to G label, which has applied since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission Representation in France. Also check the energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, cycle duration and noise level for the specific model. For a washer-dryer, look separately at the figures for the wash-and-dry cycle.
Is a heat pump suitable for every laundry routine ?
It’s worth comparing heat pump models if you dry laundry often and energy use matters to you, but cycle duration is important too. Beko says heat pump cycles are generally longer and require maintenance : compare the duration, energy use and maintenance instructions for the models that will fit in your room.