Without an external air vent, rule out vented tumble dryers: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser dryer can work without this connection. If you dry laundry often and have enough room, consider a separate heat-pump tumble dryer. If there’s no space for two appliances, a washer-dryer saves you from needing a second machine, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. In all cases, check the installation and maintenance requirements for the model you choose.
If drying clothes on a rack is difficult day to day and you have room for a second appliance, consider a separate heat-pump tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir notes that these use less electricity than standard condenser models. You’ll still need to check the space available and the installation requirements.
If there’s only physical space for one appliance, a washer-dryer combines washing and drying. However, check how much laundry you want to dry in one go: UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
In a utility room, bathroom or kitchen without an external vent, the drying type alone won’t tell you whether the appliance can be installed there. Check the space available, including with the door open, the permitted ambient temperature and access to the parts that need maintenance, against the manual for the model you’re considering.
To dry laundry in a home without an external vent, start with the space you actually have. Then weigh up how often you’ll dry clothes, electricity use and any restrictions in the room.
Worth considering: if you dry laundry regularly and can install a separate tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir reports that these use less electricity than standard condenser models.
Bear in mind: check the programme duration and installation requirements for the specific model.
Worth considering: if you have room for a separate tumble dryer without an external air connection.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir reports that these generally use more electricity than heat-pump models.
Worth considering: if your home can’t accommodate a separate washing machine and tumble dryer.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use and frequent drying | Compare energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and the stated programme duration at a similar capacity. | If you need to dry laundry often, keeping electricity use down becomes the main priority, even if the programme takes longer. Around 40% of consumers are said to prioritise energy consumption. |
| Space for the appliances | Measure the space and door clearance. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | If there’s no room for a second appliance, combining washing and drying may matter more than drying a large load without removing any items. Space is said to be the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the manual for the permitted temperature, access to the filters and how condensed water is handled. | In a room with limited space, being able to open the appliance and reach the parts that need maintenance could determine your choice. Around 20% of consumers are said to put whether the appliance suits the room first. |
A vented tumble dryer needs a suitable connection to the outside, so it won’t work for a home with this restriction. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes vented appliances from condenser models on this basis.
Check the stated drying type, then read the installation requirements in the manual for the model you’re considering.
The machine may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in a continuous wash-and-dry cycle. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNG24402FR.
Choose based on how much laundry you need to dry in one go, not just the washing capacity.
An appliance may fit in its space but still be difficult to load or maintain if there isn’t enough room to access the door, filter or water container.
Measure the clearance with the door open and check which parts the manual says you’ll need to access regularly.
Two appliances having the same apparent width doesn’t necessarily mean they can be safely stacked. Bosch’s manual for the WTX87K90FR requires a suitable stacking kit for this installation.
Before stacking your appliances, check their manuals to confirm that the models and the kit you plan to use are compatible.
You may need to buy a compatible kit as well as the two appliances.
The specifications below apply to specific models and don’t necessarily apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Models to compare if you’re considering a separate heat-pump tumble dryer or a washer-dryer.
Model specifications that let you check operating conditions and maintenance requirements before deciding where to install the appliance.
Separate models and heat-pump washer-dryers to help you weigh up the space they take up against their drying capacity.
These four models are for anyone looking for a separate tumble dryer for a home without an external vent. Three are listed as heat-pump models and one as a condenser model. Before choosing, compare their specifications with the space available and how often you’ll dry laundry.
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Worth considering if you have room for a separate tumble dryer and want to dry laundry regularly without an external vent. The stated capacity is 8 kg. Check this model’s electricity use, dimensions and operating temperature to make sure it’s suitable for your installation.
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Consider this condenser model if you have room for a separate tumble dryer but can’t install a vent to the outside. Its stated capacity is 8 kg. Compare its electricity use and check the installation and maintenance requirements for this specific model.
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Another heat-pump model to consider if you want a separate tumble dryer without an external vent. Its stated capacity is 8 kg. Compare its energy use, dimensions and maintenance requirements with those of the other models you’re considering.
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This heat-pump model could be one to consider if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer without an external vent. However, its product information gives conflicting capacities of 8 kg and 10 kg. Confirm the capacity of the model being sold before deciding whether it suits your laundry loads.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers, including heat-pump models, can be installed without an external air connection. However, check the other installation requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
The permitted temperature depends on the model. Electrolux lists an operating range of 5 °C to 35 °C for the EW6HI6284BN. Compare the temperature in your room with the manual for the appliance you’re considering; don’t assume this range applies to another model.
Follow the instructions for your model. Electrolux says to clean the filter after every cycle on the relevant appliances and, where the condenser is accessible, to check it at least once a month.
Only if the two appliances and the stacking kit are compatible according to their manuals. For the WTX87K90FR, Bosch requires a suitable stacking kit. Don’t assume the appliances are compatible just because they have the same width.
Not always: UFC-Que Choisir says drying capacity is lower than washing capacity. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg wash-and-dry capacity for the WNG24402FR. If you’ve washed more than 6 kg, you’ll need to reduce the load before running a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.