Households concerned about damp
You regularly dry laundry indoors and need to work out how to remove the moisture. ADEME recommends using a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction when air-drying clothes.
Who is this choice for?
Households that dry clothes frequently
You’re considering an appliance for several regular loads and need to compare energy use, capacity and maintenance. Que Choisir compares tumble dryers by their energy use and capacity.
Households looking to avoid buying an appliance
Before adding another appliance, you can check your washing machine’s spin performance and whether you have a suitable room for air-drying. ADEME recommends taking spin efficiency into account.
What to consider
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you regularly use a tumble dryer for several loads and have a suitable place to install it.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, it generally uses less energy than a conventional condenser model, but the room still needs ventilation and the appliance needs maintenance.
Conventional condenser tumble dryer
Compare this if: you’re interested in a specific model, particularly one that was placed on the market before 1 July 2025.
Check: its energy use, label and date of placement on the market. The European Commission explains that requirements in force since 1 July 2025 do not apply retrospectively to appliances already placed on the market and still in stock.
Air-drying with a suitable spin cycle
Consider this if: a well-ventilated room or one with existing extraction suits your needs, and your washing machine’s spin cycle is up to the job.
Bear in mind: drying laundry indoors releases moisture into your home and takes up space. ADEME recommends using a suitable room and checking your washing machine’s spin efficiency class.
To compare these options, first check the room and its ventilation, then think about how much laundry you have and how often you’ll use the dryer.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture and space | Check the room’s ventilation, the appliance dimensions and how the door opens. LG states that the RH9V72IXN is 1 115 mm deep with the door open at 90°. | I want to stop moisture building up in my home and check that the room is genuinely suitable for drying laundry or installing an appliance. Around 33% of consumers prioritise moisture and space. |
| Electricity use | Check the kWh/100 cycles and A–G rating on the label for the exact model. The European Commission says this scale applies to labels displayed since 1 July 2025. | If I regularly use a tumble dryer for several loads, I compare energy use per cycle rather than relying on an old label. Electricity use is a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Load capacity | Compare the capacity and programme limits with your usual loads. Also check the appliance dimensions and the instructions for each fabric type. | If my laundry includes bulky loads, I check that the drum and programmes suit what I usually wash. I don’t assume the maximum capacity applies to every fabric. Capacity is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Drying without another appliance | Check that the room is well ventilated or has existing extraction, and look at your washing machine’s spin efficiency class. ADEME recommends choosing spin class A. | If the room and my washing machine’s spin cycle are enough, I’d rather avoid adding another appliance and using electricity for extra cycles. Around 20% of consumers prioritise drying without buying another appliance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming that no external vent means no ventilation is needed
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need a duct to vent air outside. But that doesn’t mean it’s suitable for a closed, unventilated cupboard: Electrolux recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated location.
Check the model’s instructions and make sure the room is ventilated before deciding where to put it.
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Comparing old and new energy labels as if they use the same basis
The European Commission says that energy labels displayed in shops and online have used the A–G scale since 1 July 2025. For example, the old Beko DC 7230 label is based on 160 cycles, so its kWh/year figures can’t be compared directly with the kWh/100 cycles on the new label.
Before comparing energy use, check the scale, unit and calculation basis for each model.
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Choosing based on capacity alone
The space you need can change when the door is open. LG states that the RH9V72IXN is 1 115 mm deep with the door open at 90°.
Measure the space, door clearance and access needed for maintenance for the exact model you’re considering.
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Buying a tumble dryer without checking what you can already do
According to ADEME, air-drying can work well in a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction. Your washing machine’s spin performance is also worth considering.
First check the room’s ventilation and the spin cycle, then decide whether an appliance would meet a need that remains unmet.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity heat pump tumble dryer, such as the 9 kg WQG1450BFR.
- Bosch lists AutoDry, a half-load option and a self-cleaning condenser for this model.
- These features may not be available on every Bosch tumble dryer. Check the dimensions and instructions for the model you choose.
Electrolux
Compare its 8 kg heat pump model, the EDHF2812WE.
- Electrolux gives the EDHF2812WE an E rating and states energy use of 128 kWh/100 cycles. It also has drying sensors and an EasyClean filter.
- Electrolux recommends installing its condenser tumble dryers in a sufficiently well-ventilated room.
LG
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer, such as the RH9V72IXN.
- LG lists a self-cleaning condenser and double filter for this model.
- LG states that it is 1 115 mm deep with the door open at 90°. Check that you have enough space.
Whirlpool
Compare its 8 kg heat pump model, the C WD 84M WWS FR.
- Whirlpool gives this model a C rating and states a noise level of 63 dB.
- The manufacturer’s claims about fabric care and savings from automatic programmes aren’t an independent comparison.
Beko
Consider this brand if you want to include conventional condenser models in your comparison. Beko includes the DCB816W in its French range.
- The DCB816W gives you a conventional condenser model to consider.
- The figures on the old energy label for the DC 7230 don’t apply to the DCB816W and can’t be compared directly with figures on the new label.
Laundry-drying products
This selection includes condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, as well as an airer if you’d prefer to carry on drying your laundry naturally.
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LG RT90X8, 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth comparing if you regularly dry loads in a machine and have a sufficiently well-ventilated place to install it.
Stated capacity: 9 kg. The product description lists a self-cleaning condenser. The instructions require an earthed socket and say not to block the ventilation openings.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg tumble dryer, E-rated
Worth comparing if an 8 kg capacity suits the loads you dry regularly.
The product description lists OptiSense sensors, a reversible door, a 118-litre drum and a stated noise level of 66 dB(A). Make sure the room is sufficiently well ventilated and check the installation requirements for this model.
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Foldable clothes airer, 18 m, with M6 shelf
Worth comparing if you’d rather carry on air-drying your laundry than add a tumble-dryer cycle.
The product description states that it offers 18 m of drying space and folds flat. For indoor drying, ADEME recommends using a well-ventilated room or one with suitable extraction.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, C-rated
Worth comparing for regular loads if an 8 kg capacity and a heat pump suit your needs.
The product description lists a 2-in-1 Easy Cleaning filter, a freestanding design and the option of a direct drain connection. Check the room’s ventilation and the model’s installation instructions.
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COMFEE’ CFP01EH80W-JD, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, D-rated
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a heat pump model and its installation requirements suit your home.
The product description lists three drying levels and requires a room of at least 4 m² and an earthed 220–240 V socket, with no extension lead. The appliance contains flammable R290: don’t pierce or modify the refrigerant circuit. If repairs are needed, contact a qualified technician.
Frequently asked questions
Can a condenser tumble dryer work in a room without a window?
Not needing a duct to vent air outside doesn’t mean a closed, unventilated cupboard is suitable. For the condenser models covered by its advice, Electrolux recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room. Check the model’s instructions and the room you plan to use.
What should I maintain if drying becomes less effective?
Follow the instructions for maintaining the filters, water tank and condenser. Electrolux says that blocked filters or a blocked condenser can lengthen cycles and reduce drying performance. A condenser described as self-cleaning doesn’t mean that all maintenance is unnecessary.
How do I compare the electricity use of two models?
Compare the kWh/100 cycles on their new energy labels, then use the same number of cycles and the same electricity tariff for each model. The European Commission says that energy labels displayed in shops and online have used the A–G scale since 1 July 2025. Don’t confuse the old kWh/year figures, based in part on 160 cycles on the old Beko DC 7230 label, with the current kWh/100 cycles figures.
What protection do I have if an appliance bought from a trader is faulty or not as described?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to claim under it. An optional commercial warranty is in addition to your legal guarantees and doesn’t replace them.
Is it illegal to buy a conventional condenser tumble dryer in France?
No. There’s a difference between placing new products on the market and selling existing stock. The European Commission explains that the ecodesign requirements which came into force on 1 July 2025 apply to new machines placed on the market. They don’t apply retrospectively to appliances already placed on the market and still held in retailers’ stock.