Renters without an external vent
If you can’t connect a duct to the outside, start with condenser models. As Que Choisir explains, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or access to an air duct.
Who is this advice for ?
Households doing several loads of laundry a week
For regular use, compare the energy use shown on the energy label, as well as programme times and the maintenance required in the instructions.
People with a small bathroom or utility area
Measure the space and check that you can open the door. Also consider the noise level, how the water tank is managed and, if you’re planning to stack the appliances, whether the stacking kit is compatible with both.
What should you look for ?
First, work out where the appliance can go and whether there really is an external vent. Then compare the trade-offs between energy use and cycle times.
Heat pump condenser
Worth considering : if there’s no external vent, particularly if you dry laundry regularly and energy use matters to you. Que Choisir and ADEME describe this technology as more energy-efficient than the other types they considered.
The trade-off : cycles may be longer than with a conventional model. Check the programme times and operating requirements for the model you’re considering.
Standard condenser
Worth considering : if there’s no external vent and drying time matters more to you. Compare the programmes available on the specific models.
The trade-off : Que Choisir reports that these use more electricity than heat pump models.
Vented
Requirement : you’ll need an external opening or a suitable air duct, in line with the appliance instructions.
The trade-off : Que Choisir describes this type as using more energy than condenser models.
If you live in a flat without an easy way to dry laundry outside, each row below represents consumers who put that need first, even though several factors may matter to them.
| What matters | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Vent type, dimensions and required clearances; if stacking the appliances, check the kit is compatible with both. | Without an external vent or with limited space, I first need to find an appliance I can install properly. Around 36 % of consumers put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Electricity use | Energy class and consumption in kWh per 100 cycles on the label; Eco programme duration. | If I dry laundry several times a week, the electricity used in each cycle matters to my choice. It would be the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Noise | Declared noise level in dB(A) and the appliance’s location in relation to living areas. | Near a bedroom or in a small home, I want to choose when to run it without overlooking noise. Around 21 % of consumers would make noise their main consideration. |
| Water management and maintenance | Compatible tank or direct drain connection; capacity in kg and instructions for cleaning the filter and condenser. | With loads of varying sizes, I’m looking for a suitable capacity and a routine for emptying and cleaning that I can keep up with. These tasks would be the main concern for around 14 % of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a vented model without checking for an outlet
According to Que Choisir, this type of appliance must release humid air through an external opening or air duct. It can’t be installed in the same way as a condenser model.
Check what outlet is available and compare it with the model’s installation instructions before choosing it.
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Assuming every condenser model can connect to the waste trap
Whirlpool explains that direct water drainage depends on the model. A kit offered for one model won’t necessarily fit another.
Check the instructions, the compatible accessory model number and your waste trap setup. Otherwise, be prepared to empty the tank.
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Stacking two appliances just because they’re the same width
Electrolux and Bosch advise checking that the stacking kit is compatible with the appliances concerned.
Check the exact model numbers of your washing machine and tumble dryer, then follow their assembly instructions.
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Forgetting about the filters and condenser
Electrolux says a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance.
Follow the cleaning frequency and method given in your model’s instructions.
Brands to explore by model
Bosch
Worth exploring to compare the dimensions, capacity and noise levels of heat pump models.
- Bosch’s product page for the WQH246CSFR lists a 9 kg capacity, dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm and a noise level of 59 dB(A).
- These figures apply to this model; check separately whether any stacking kit you’re considering is compatible.
Electrolux
Worth exploring if tank management, installation requirements and maintenance are important to your choice.
- For the EW6HI5829SB, Electrolux lists a 5.32 L tank, an operating temperature range of 5 to 35 °C and an optional direct drainage kit.
- The accessory and these conditions apply to this specific model; check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Beko
Worth exploring to compare the specifications of heat pump models.
- Beko’s product page for the D3H211393W lists a 127 L drum and a noise level of 64 dB(A).
- To compare its energy use with another model, check the figures on the energy labels rather than relying on a general brand claim.
Whirlpool
Worth exploring if full-tank and blocked-filter indicators would make your routine easier.
- Whirlpool’s product page for the C WD 86M WBR FR lists an 8 kg capacity and both of these indicator lights.
- Whirlpool says direct drainage depends on the model, so check the instructions before planning to use it.
Miele
Worth exploring for heat pump models designed to be stacked.
- Miele’s product page for the TEA525WP 8kg Active lists a condensation tank and an integrated water drainage kit.
- Check that stacking is possible and confirm the features for your chosen model and the washing machine you plan to pair it with.
Tumble dryers selected on Joybuy
These condenser and heat pump models are options to consider for a flat without an external vent. Compare their installation requirements and energy labels before choosing.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth considering if you dry laundry regularly and don’t have an external vent. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and energy class C; check the label for consumption in kWh per 100 cycles. Also measure the space and check the required clearances in the instructions.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
Worth considering if you’re looking for a condenser appliance that doesn’t need an external duct. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity. Check the instructions for the required clearances and confirm the exact technology before comparing its energy use with a heat pump model.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth comparing for regular loads in a home without an external vent. The product name lists an 8 kg capacity and energy class D. Before choosing it for a small room, check its dimensions, noise level and consumption in kWh per 100 cycles.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump
Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump condenser model without an external vent. The product name lists energy class D, but the capacity information differs between 8 and 10 kg, so confirm the capacity of this variant before buying. Also check its dimensions, noise level and energy use in the model documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a vented tumble dryer suitable for a flat without an air duct ?
No, not if there’s no suitable outlet. Que Choisir explains that you need an opening to the outside or access to an air duct; otherwise, look for a condenser model.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need to be connected to the waste water outlet ?
No : the water can collect in a tank. To avoid emptying it, check whether the model supports direct drainage and which accessory you’ll need. Whirlpool says this varies between models.
Can I put the tumble dryer on top of my washing machine ?
Only if the two appliances can be stacked using a compatible kit. Check their exact model numbers and the assembly instructions; similar dimensions alone don’t guarantee compatibility.
How can I compare the energy use of two models ?
Check their energy classes and consumption in kWh per 100 cycles on the labels. ADEME also recommends looking at the noise information. Check the Eco programme duration separately if it matters to your laundry routine.
What maintenance is needed after each drying cycle ?
Follow the instructions for your model’s filter and condenser. In its maintenance guidance, Electrolux says to clean the filter after every cycle and warns that a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance.