In a flat without a balcony, a condenser tumble dryer could be a good option if you have the space and can follow its installation instructions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it doesn’t need an external vent, unlike a vented model. If there isn’t room for a second appliance, combine a suitable spin cycle with a vertical or foldable airer, in a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room or one with an extractor, as recommended by ADEME. Only consider stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer after checking both model numbers and the stacking kit.
If your airer takes over your living space, compare how much room it needs when open with how easy it is to put away after use. A tower airer takes up less floor space, while a foldable model still needs a clear area while your laundry dries.
A condenser tumble dryer is worth considering if you can fit in an extra appliance. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type doesn’t need the external vent required by a vented model. Also check the dimensions, noise level and maintenance needs of the model you choose.
If you’re thinking of putting a tumble dryer on top, check the model numbers of both appliances and the kit designed for them. Bosch points out that whether appliances can be stacked depends on the models, not just their width.
Start with the space you actually have available while your laundry dries, then consider humidity, installation and cycle requirements.
| Factor | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure your airer when open and when stored, or check the space available for an appliance. Leifheit gives the dimensions of the Pegasus Slim 15 m as 87 × 157 × 55 cm when set up. | I want to reclaim the room after doing the laundry: a foldable airer could work for me if I can clear enough space for it while it’s in use. |
| Air-drying | Consider the room’s size and ventilation. For laundry dried indoors, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC), preferably humidity-controlled. | In a studio flat, a tower airer can free up floor space, but I also need to decide where damp laundry will stay while it dries. |
| Appliance type | Check the drying technology and read the instructions. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external vent, unlike a vented model. | Without a suitable opening or external duct, I need to check whether a condenser tumble dryer can be installed in the space I have in mind. |
| Cycles and maintenance | Compare exact model numbers on a like-for-like basis: capacity, energy use per cycle, eco programme duration, noise level, dimensions and filter or condenser maintenance. | If I do laundry frequently, cycle times and maintenance matter just as much as the space the appliance takes up. |
| Appliance set-up | For a stacked set-up, check both models, the kit, dimensions and fixing instructions. For a washer-dryer, make sure you distinguish its washing capacity from its drying capacity. | I’d prefer one appliance if I can’t fit in two; if I can stack them, I need to confirm they’re compatible before choosing a kit. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs a connection to the outside, unlike a condenser model.
Check which type of appliance you’re buying and what connection it requires in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
Compatibility depends on the model numbers. Bosch, for example, states that its WTZ27410 kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and is not suitable for Série 2 washing machines.
Make a note of both appliance model numbers, then check the compatible kit and fixing requirements in the manufacturers’ documentation.
A tower airer takes up less floor space, but your laundry still dries in the air inside your home.
Choose a suitable place for it: ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC), preferably humidity-controlled.
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how long a cycle takes, how noisy the tumble dryer is or what maintenance it needs.
For each model, compare the energy label with its dimensions, programmes and maintenance instructions.
A brand to consider if you’re looking at a heat pump tumble dryer rather than an airer.
Worth looking at if you’re considering stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer with a stacking kit.
An option for drying laundry at different heights when floor space is limited.
Worth considering if you can temporarily clear a space for an airer and put it away afterwards.
This selection includes freestanding tumble dryers and a washer-dryer, for homes where there’s room for an appliance. Choosing an airer or stacking kit involves other requirements that you’ll need to check separately.
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Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding tumble dryer that doesn’t need an external vent. The product name lists a capacity of 8 kg and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions, installation requirements, energy use per cycle and programme durations for this model.
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An option to consider if there’s room for an extra freestanding appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 8 kg and a D energy rating. Check the documentation for the dimensions, noise level, installation requirements and cycle information.
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Worth considering if you need one appliance for both washing and drying. The stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the load capacity for combined programmes, their duration and energy use, as well as the installation requirements.
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A freestanding tumble dryer to consider if you don’t have an external vent. The product name lists a capacity of 8 kg and the OptiSense function. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and energy information in the documentation for the EDH1018CD.
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Worth considering if a freestanding tumble dryer suits the space you have. Product descriptions give two different capacities for this model: 8 kg and 10 kg. Confirm the capacity before comparing it with your laundry loads, then check the dimensions and cycle information.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser models, including heat pump dryers, don’t need to be connected to the outside. Vented tumble dryers have different connection requirements. In every case, follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
No. The two models must be suitable for stacking together with a compatible kit, in line with the manufacturer’s requirements. Bosch, for example, states that its WTZ27410 kit requires a washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm and is not suitable for Série 2 washing machines. Check the requirements for your appliances.
No. Its shape affects how much space it takes up, not the conditions for air-drying. For drying laundry indoors, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction (VMC), preferably humidity-controlled.
Follow the instructions for your model, particularly for cleaning the filter and condenser. For appliances covered by its guidance, Electrolux says to clean the filter after every cycle and check the condenser as directed for the model.