For a new household tumble dryer placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025, heat pump technology is the starting point when choosing a model, according to the European Commission. If drying clothes on a line is difficult at home, next check that the model is suitable for the room, its capacity matches your laundry loads, and its cycle times and maintenance requirements suit the way you use it.
If you rely on a tumble dryer for regular laundry, start by considering the space available and how well ventilated the room is. Not needing an exhaust duct does not mean you can ignore the model’s instructions; Electrolux highlights the importance of a sufficiently ventilated room.
If you want to move a load from the washing machine to the tumble dryer without routinely splitting it, compare the stated capacities and the programmes suited to the fabrics you dry. Que Choisir and Miele recommend taking the washing machine’s capacity into account.
If the appliance is used often, compare its energy consumption and eco programme duration using labels based on the same scale. Also check what maintenance is required for the filters and, depending on the model, the condenser.
Technology is the main difference between buying a new appliance and considering one that is already owned or second-hand: the European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, new household tumble dryers placed on the EU market must use heat pump technology.
Worth considering: for a new purchase and regular drying without an air duct to the outside.
Bear in mind: cycles may be longer than with older technologies, and the model will have its own maintenance and installation requirements.
Worth considering: when assessing an appliance you already own or a second-hand one, rather than as the default choice for a new appliance placed on the market since 1 July 2025.
Keep in mind: compare its energy consumption and cycle times on a like-for-like basis before deciding whether it is worth keeping.
Worth considering: for an existing or second-hand appliance, but only if an appropriate external air outlet can be installed in accordance with its instructions.
Limitation: moist air must be vented outside; simply draining the water does not replace this air outlet.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Which consumers it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and check the clearances, ventilation and permitted installation methods in the instructions for the exact model. | When drying clothes on a line is difficult and the only available space is small or poorly ventilated, I first need to know whether the appliance can operate there as intended. Around 31% of consumers in this situation would put this compatibility first. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the consumption shown on labels using the same scale, along with the duration of the corresponding eco programme. | With frequent laundry loads, I want to know how much energy the model uses without overlooking how long drying takes. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Capacity and laundry loads | Compare the drying capacity in kg with your washing machine’s capacity and the loads you usually dry. | If I often wash bedding or large loads, I want to avoid having to split every load for drying. Around 25% of consumers would make capacity their top criterion. |
| Cycles and maintenance | Check how long the programmes you need take for your fabrics, and read the cleaning instructions for the filter and condenser. | When laundry needs to be done throughout the day, I need to be able to plan cycles and carry out routine maintenance. Around 19% of consumers would put cycle times and maintenance first. |
Letters from two different energy label scales are not, on their own, a meaningful comparison of energy consumption.
To compare recent appliances, use labels based on the same scale and look at the energy consumption and duration of the eco programme too.
A heat pump tumble dryer does not need an external air duct, but the room it is installed in must meet the manufacturer’s requirements. Electrolux specifically draws attention to ventilation.
Measure the space, read the instructions for the model you have chosen and, if you plan to stack the appliances, check that you have an approved kit for the specific models.
Your washing machine’s load size, bulky items and how often you do laundry matter too. If capacity is too small, you may have to split your washing across several cycles.
Compare the capacity of both appliances and check the limits for the programmes suited to the fabrics you dry.
On some heat pump models, a hose can direct condensed water to a drain. It does not serve the same purpose as the air outlet required for a vented tumble dryer.
Check the drying technology and the drainage options listed in the model’s instructions separately.
These ranges give you options to compare for capacity, installation and maintenance; the features mentioned vary by model.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers in France, including models with 8 and 9 kg capacities.
Whirlpool offers heat pump tumble dryers in several capacities, including 8, 9 and 11 kg, depending on the model.
Miele offers heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8 and 9 kg, among others, which you can compare with your washing machine’s capacity.
These heat pump models are suited to regular drying when drying clothes on a line is impractical. Before choosing, compare their capacity with your laundry loads and check the instructions for your intended installation space.
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Worth considering if a stated capacity of 8 kg matches the loads from your washing machine.
Check the dimensions, ventilation requirements, energy label and cycle times for your installation and how you plan to use it.
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Compare it with the Hotpoint if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer rated for 8 kg of laundry.
Check the instructions for installation requirements, then compare the energy label and programme durations on a like-for-like basis.
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Worth considering for large loads, but confirm its capacity before deciding whether it suits your laundry needs.
The product title states 10 kg, while another description for the same product says 8 kg. Also check the installation instructions and energy label for the exact model.
For new household tumble dryers placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025, the European Commission states that heat pump technology is required. If a listing is for an older or second-hand appliance, ask the seller to confirm its model and status; this market placement rule does not, by itself, determine what applies to an appliance you already own.
Yes. Not needing an external air duct does not mean you can ignore the installation requirements in the instructions. Electrolux recommends a sufficiently ventilated room; check the clearances and any model-specific restrictions for the appliance you’re considering.
First compare the maximum loads listed for both appliances: Miele generally recommends choosing a drying capacity equal to that of your washing machine to avoid routinely splitting a load. Then check the limits for programmes suited to your fabrics, which may differ from the stated maximum capacity.
Some models allow this, including certain models offered by Whirlpool, but the feature depends on the appliance. Check its instructions and any accessories you may need; draining water is not the same as venting air.
Follow the instructions for cleaning the fluff filter and, where accessible, the condenser. Electrolux notes that insufficient maintenance can contribute to poor drying results; a self-cleaning feature listed by Bosch on some models does not replace other recommended maintenance.