If you don’t have an external vent, start by comparing condenser tumble dryers. A heat pump model is worth considering if you dry laundry often and want to keep electricity use down. A vented dryer needs a suitable installation. Whichever type you choose, check the capacity, cycle times and maintenance instructions in the model’s documentation.
If your home doesn’t allow you to connect a duct to the outside, the type of tumble dryer is your first consideration. Next, compare the capacity and installation requirements of condenser models. Que Choisir points out that a vented appliance needs a suitable external outlet.
If you need to dry several loads one after another, choose a dryer capacity that suits the amount of laundry you wash and check the programme times. Que Choisir includes drying time and electricity consumption among the criteria in its testing protocol.
For wool, silk or certain outdoor clothing, check the garment’s care label first, then see which programmes the appliance offers. Electrolux advises choosing a programme that matches the fabric’s care instructions.
Consider it: if you dry clothes regularly without an external vent and keeping electricity use down is a priority.
Bear in mind: cycles are generally slower than with conventional technologies, according to Que Choisir.
Consider it: if you don’t have an external outlet and drying time matters more in your decision.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, it generally uses more electricity than a heat pump model.
Consider it: only if the room and an external outlet allow you to connect the vent duct described by Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: the installation requirements and, according to Que Choisir, generally higher electricity use than a heat pump model.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Room and venting | Whether there’s an external outlet for a vented model; the space and clearance required in the instructions. | I don’t have an accessible external vent and want an appliance that will fit in the available space. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Electricity consumption | The A to G energy label and the consumption shown for the reference programme, considered alongside its duration. | I dry laundry regularly and want to reduce electricity use, even if that means accepting a longer cycle. Around 29% of consumers would share this priority. |
| Capacity and cycle time | The capacity in kg for the programme in question, and its duration for the load and fabric you plan to dry. | I do several loads in a row, so a drum that’s too small or programmes that take too long would slow me down. Around 21% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Fabrics and maintenance | Programmes that match garment care labels; cleaning the filters and condenser as specified in the instructions. | I dry delicate fabrics and want to follow a maintenance routine that suits the appliance. This would be the main need for around 14% of consumers. |
According to Que Choisir, this type of appliance sends warm, moist air outside through a duct. If you can’t connect it, it isn’t suitable for your planned installation.
Before choosing this technology, check the outlet, the route for the duct and the requirements in the instructions. Otherwise, compare condenser models.
The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, tumble dryer energy labels displayed in the European Union have used the A to G scale.
When comparing appliances, check their current labels on the same scale, along with the consumption and duration of the reference programme.
Que Choisir describes conventional technologies as generally faster, but also more energy-intensive than heat pump models.
If you use your tumble dryer often, compare the cycle time and the consumption shown for a similar programme together.
Bosch says that failing to clean the filters properly can affect the energy consumption and drying performance of its heat pump appliances. A self-cleaning condenser advertised for one model doesn’t mean that all maintenance is taken care of.
Check the instructions for the specific model to find out which parts need cleaning and how often.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers, including models with stated capacities of 8 kg and 9 kg, depending on the product.
Miele’s T1 and T2 ranges include heat pump tumble dryers, with features varying by model.
The DelicateCare heat pump range highlights programmes for different fabrics, including wool, silk and certain outdoor clothing.
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers and distinguishes this technology from conventional condenser and vented dryers.
These appliances are worth considering if you’re looking for a condenser tumble dryer because air-drying is difficult. To choose between the heat pump models and the other condenser model shown, check the exact technology used by each product, its usable capacity and the programme information that matters to you.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump dryer for regular laundry loads without an external vent.
The product name indicates an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. To see whether it suits your laundry routine, check the duration and energy consumption of the programmes you use, as well as the maintenance instructions.
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This heat pump model may be worth comparing if you’re looking for an appliance that doesn’t need an external vent.
The product name indicates an 8 kg capacity, a D energy rating and a refresh function. The words ‘rapid drying’ don’t tell you how long a full-load cycle takes, so check the permitted load and programme conditions.
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Worth comparing if you need a condenser tumble dryer, without assuming it’s a heat pump model.
The product name indicates an 8 kg capacity and the GentleCare and OptiSense designations. Check the product page for this model to confirm the exact technology, cycle times and programmes suitable for your clothes.
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This heat pump model may catch your eye if capacity is a priority, but make sure to confirm the capacity of this variant before buying.
The product title states 10 kg and a D energy rating, but another piece of information associated with the model indicates 8 kg. Confirm the capacity on the product page, then compare the duration and energy consumption of the programme suited to your laundry.
Not in the configuration described by Que Choisir: this type of appliance needs a suitable room and a duct that vents warm, moist air outside. Check that you can connect it and read the instructions before choosing one.
No, don’t compare the two scales directly. According to the European Commission, tumble dryer labels displayed in the European Union have used the A to G scale since 1 July 2025. Check the current labels for the models you’re considering.
No. Even if the tumble dryer has a programme for wool or silk, the care label on each garment must allow tumble drying, and the setting must be suitable for it. Electrolux warns that an unsuitable fabric or setting may cause shrinkage.
Clean the appliance as instructed in the manual for your model, including its filters. Bosch says that clogged filters can affect energy consumption and drying performance. Check the details for the specific model to see what any self-cleaning system actually takes care of.
You may be able to claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the retailer, subject to the applicable conditions. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the time limit is two years for both new and second-hand goods. Any commercial warranty doesn’t replace this legal protection.