If you have space for a separate appliance and often dry full loads, a heat pump condenser tumble dryer is worth considering. It doesn’t need an exhaust duct to the outside, but its cycles can take longer. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer could be a good fit, provided its drying capacity and full-cycle figures suit your laundry. In either case, check the dimensions, installation requirements and energy label for the model.
If you regularly dry laundry indoors and can make room for a separate appliance, compare capacity, energy use and how it handles condensed water. ADEME notes that air-drying laundry indoors can significantly increase humidity; it recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction.
If your washing machine already takes up all the available space, a washer-dryer can combine both functions. Compare its drying capacity with its washing capacity, and check how long a full cycle takes.
If you need to get through several loads in a row, compare programme times, electricity use and care instructions. The technology alone won’t determine what works best for your home and routine.
If you dry laundry frequently, first check what you can install, then compare energy use, drying capacity and programme times.
Worth considering: if you have room for a separate appliance and no outlet to the outside.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says these models generally use less energy than conventional models with a heating element, but their cycles can take longer.
Worth looking at: if cycle time is a priority and you’re comparing a specific model, particularly one from older stock.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir reports that these models generally have shorter cycles, but use more energy than heat pump models.
Worth considering: if you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: drying capacity is often lower than washing capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that most of the models it examined use water during drying.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and connections | Appliance type, dimensions and clearances specified in the manual, and how condensed water is collected or drained. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented model needs an opening to the outside or an air duct, unlike a condenser model. | If your home has no external air outlet, you’ll need an appliance that suits the space available; around 30% of consumers prioritise installation compatibility. |
| Electricity use | The model’s energy label and stated consumption, comparing figures calculated on the same basis. From 1 July 2025, the European Commission requires tumble dryers to display an A to G scale. | If you expect to dry laundry frequently, compare energy use in everyday operation rather than relying on a single feature; around 30% of consumers put this cost first. |
| Capacity and space | Separate washing and drying capacities, overall dimensions and the space you actually have. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is generally lower than its washing capacity. | If you only have room for one appliance or want to dry a useful-sized load in one go, check the drying capacity rather than just the washing capacity; around 20% of consumers prioritise this balance between load size and space. |
| Cycle times and maintenance | The time taken by the programme for your usual load, whether the condenser is cleaned automatically and the filter care instructions. Requirements vary by model. | If you do several loads in a row, look for a cycle that fits your routine and maintenance tasks you can keep up with; around 20% of consumers prioritise time and everyday care. |
Not needing an exhaust duct to the outside doesn’t mean the appliance will fit anywhere. You’ll still need to follow the dimensions and installation requirements in the manual.
Measure the available space, check the required clearances and find out how the model collects or drains condensed water.
Under the European rules in force since 1 July 2025, tumble dryers display an A to G scale. According to the Topten Guide, appliances from older stock may still carry an old label; ratings from one scale can’t be compared directly with those from another.
Check which scale is being used and compare the stated energy consumption on a like-for-like basis, taking the specific model into account.
Drying capacity is generally lower than washing capacity. You may therefore need to reduce the load you’ve just washed or dry it in several batches.
Check both capacities, as well as the duration and energy use of a combined wash-and-dry cycle.
Reducing or splitting loads can mean running extra cycles. For a washer-dryer, also check the water used during drying for the specific model.
The brand offers heat pump tumble dryers with different capacities and maintenance features.
The brand’s range includes the 8 kg PerfectCare 700 EW7H5125EU heat pump tumble dryer.
LG offers washer-dryers for households looking to combine washing and drying in one appliance.
This selection features heat pump condenser tumble dryers for households with space for a separate appliance. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements for each model. Even without an exhaust duct to the outside, you’ll still need to follow the instructions in the manual.
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Worth considering if you dry laundry frequently in a separate appliance and need a 10 kg capacity.
Stated capacity: 10 kg; energy class C; self-cleaning condenser.
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Worth considering if you want a separate 8 kg appliance with several programmes for different fabrics.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated noise level: 64 dB; Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a separate 8 kg appliance with several drying levels.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy class D; three drying levels listed.
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Worth considering if you want a choice of drying levels and a programme that stops automatically according to the humidity.
Maximum stated capacity: 8 kg; three drying levels and automatic humidity-based shut-off listed. The product information specifies a well-ventilated room of at least 4 m², an earthed 220–240 V socket without an extension lead, and cleaning the lint filter after every cycle.
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Worth considering if you need a separate appliance with a stated capacity of 10 kg.
Stated capacity: 10 kg; energy class D; three adjustable drying levels listed. The product information specifies a well-ventilated room of at least 4 m², an earthed 220–240 V socket without an extension lead, and cleaning the lint filter after every cycle.
No. Unlike a vented model, a condenser dryer doesn’t need an exhaust duct to the outside, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, check the appliance manual for installation requirements and instructions on handling condensed water.
Only if the load is within its drying capacity. This is generally lower than the washing capacity, so compare the two figures and check the full-cycle information before running both functions one after the other.
For a tumble dryer, check the A to G label displayed under the European rules that have applied since 1 July 2025. Don’t compare an old A+++ rating directly with a rating on the new scale. For a washer-dryer, also check the figures for a combined wash-and-dry cycle: washing figures alone don’t show how much energy drying uses.
Follow the manual’s instructions for the filter, condensed water and condenser. For the appliances covered by its guidance, Bosch says to clean the fluff filter after every use. Even if the condenser is self-cleaning, check whether any other maintenance is needed.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private customer. The Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request that it be applied. Any commercial guarantee is separate and is in addition to your statutory rights.