Households without an external vent
If you’re short of space to dry clothes and can’t install a vent to the outside, check the dimensions, ventilation instructions and how the model collects or drains condensed water.
Who is this option for?
Households that do laundry frequently
If you regularly dry several loads, compare heat pump models’ energy consumption on a like-for-like basis, and take capacity and programme duration into account.
Households short on time between washes
If you need your laundry ready quickly, check how long the programme you want takes and weigh this against the appliance’s energy consumption and installation requirements.
What should you check?
UFC-Que Choisir considers factors such as energy consumption and drying time. Start by checking your installation options, then compare appliances based on your load sizes and how often you’ll use them.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and water management | Measure the space and clearances specified in the manual. Check whether water collects in a tank or can be drained away. | If I don’t have an external vent, I’m looking for an appliance that can be installed in my home and a practical way to handle the condensed water. Around 33% of consumers prioritise installation without an external vent. |
| Energy use over repeated cycles | Compare labels based on the same criteria, including kWh per 100 cycles, as well as capacity and programme duration. | When I regularly dry several loads, I check the energy use that reflects how I’ll use the appliance, rather than comparing models using different figures. Around 27% of consumers prioritise energy use over frequent cycles. |
| Speed and upfront cost | Compare the duration and energy use of a suitable programme. For an older conventional model, check the sales terms for the specific unit on offer. | If I need my laundry ready quickly, I look at how long the programme I actually need takes, and accept that I may have to weigh this against energy consumption. Around 20% of consumers prioritise speed. |
| Capacity and maintenance | Check that the stated capacity suits your loads, and consult the manual for instructions on cleaning the filters, condenser and water tank. | For repeated loads of laundry, I want a capacity that suits my needs and maintenance tasks that fit into my everyday routine. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a good fit for their loads and easy maintenance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a vented model without planning for an external vent
A vented tumble dryer expels moist air outside, so your home must allow for the installation specified in the manual.
Check your home’s layout and the model’s instructions before you buy.
Installing a suitable vent may require alterations to your home.
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Comparing energy figures calculated on different bases
An older annual energy figure and a more recent kWh per 100 cycles figure don’t necessarily describe the same usage or use the same calculation method.
Compare figures based on consistent criteria, then take your number of cycles and electricity price into account to estimate running costs.
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Assuming an old product listing proves a model is available
Since 1 July 2025, EU rules have governed the placing on the market of domestic tumble dryers over 3 kg, including according to their technology. A manufacturer’s product listing alone doesn’t establish the status of the specific unit on offer.
Check the technology, label and terms that apply to the specific unit, particularly for a conventional model documented before this change.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The examples listed include a 9 kg heat pump model and an older vented model.
- Bosch says the WQG2451SFR features Auto Dry, a half-load option and a self-cleaning condenser.
- Bosch states that the vented WTA73200FF is no longer available.
Beko
The French product listings cited feature a heat pump model and a conventional condenser model.
- Beko describes the D3H18C01W as having double air filtration at the door. The DCB816W listing gives a capacity of 8 kg, a water tank and maintenance indicators.
- The fact that a listing exists for the DCB816W doesn’t, on its own, confirm whether a new unit is currently available or when it was placed on the market.
Electrolux
The EW8H4823RO is an example of an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
- The manufacturer’s listing gives this model an energy consumption of 129 kWh/100 cycles, an EasyClean filter and a room operating temperature range of 5 to 35 °C.
- The manufacturer’s claims about protecting fabrics aren’t independent test results.
Hotpoint
The C HD 84M WBS EE is an example of an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
- Hotpoint lists Pet Care, EasyIron and FastDry options for this model.
- The cited product listing doesn’t establish how these options compare or how long the cycles actually take.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
This selection includes condenser tumble dryers, several of them heat pump models, for households looking to dry their laundry without an external vent.
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LG RT10X8B, 10 kg, black, class C
Heat pump technology and condenser drying are suitable for households without an external vent. The description mentions TurboDry, a self-cleaning condenser and double lint filters.
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LG RT90X8, 9 kg
The description lists heat pump technology and condenser drying, with no external ventilation required. It also says the filter should be cleaned after each cycle and that the condenser is self-cleaning.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg
The title describes an 8 kg condenser tumble dryer. The description mentions OptiSense sensors and a reversible door; check the exact technology and the label for the specific unit on offer before comparing it with other models.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg, class C
Heat pump technology is worth considering for households looking to compare models for regular drying. The description mentions an Easy Cleaning filter accessible from the door and a direct drainage option.
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Comfee' CFP01EH80W-JD, 8 kg, class D
The title lists heat pump technology and an 8 kg capacity. The description mentions 16 programmes, three drying levels and automatic shut-off based on humidity. Installation requires a room of at least 4 m², a direct 220–240 V earthed socket and no extension lead. The appliance contains flammable R290: don’t work on the refrigerant circuit, and have it serviced by a technician qualified to handle this refrigerant.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Yes. Condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump, don’t need to vent moist air outside. Depending on the model, water collects in a tank or drains away. Also check the dimensions and ventilation instructions in the manual, as recommended by the European Commission.
How do you maintain a tumble dryer day to day?
Follow your model’s manual for instructions on the filters, water tank and, if fitted, the condenser. A condenser described as self-cleaning on one model doesn’t mean you can skip any other maintenance tasks specified by its manufacturer.
What protection applies after buying from a business in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, used or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years from delivery to exercise this right. It is separate from any commercial warranty.
Are conventional condenser or vented tumble dryers banned from sale?
Not necessarily: the rules distinguish between placing a new unit on the market and selling a unit that has already been placed on the market. Since 1 July 2025, EU requirements have limited the placing on the market of domestic tumble dryers over 3 kg to heat pump models. Transitional rules cover the sale and labelling of earlier units. Check the terms that apply to the specific unit on offer with the European Commission.
Can you compare the old A+++ classes directly with the A to G classes?
Don’t treat them as one and the same scale: according to the European Commission, the A to G label has applied to tumble dryers since 1 July 2025. When comparing products, check labels and energy figures based on consistent criteria, taking capacity and programme into account.