If you regularly dry laundry indoors, start by looking at heat pump tumble dryers if electricity consumption is an important factor in your choice. According to the National Institute of Consumer Affairs and UFC-Que Choisir, they use less energy than conventional condenser models, but their cycles can take longer. Check the capacity, available space, noise level, water management and maintenance requirements for the model you choose. Stacking also depends on whether both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible.
If an airer regularly takes up a whole room, compare energy use in kWh/100 cycles, the capacity that suits your loads and the maintenance required. Spinning laundry effectively before drying can also help, as ADEME points out.
Whether you’re putting it in a bathroom, kitchen or utility room, measure the space and check how the door opens before choosing a capacity. If you’re planning to stack your appliances, Bosch recommends checking that both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible.
If the dryer will be near living areas, compare the noise levels of different models. Check the manual too, so you know how to clean the filters and manage condensed water. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a self-cleaning condenser doesn’t necessarily mean you can skip all maintenance.
Start by choosing a technology that suits your laundry routine. Stacking is a separate decision, and you should only consider it once you’ve checked that the appliances are compatible.
Worth considering: for regular indoor drying when you want to keep electricity use down and don’t plan to install a vent to the outside.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, cycles can take longer than with a conventional condenser dryer. The appliance still needs appropriate maintenance.
Worth considering: if cycle time is your priority and you can find a model that meets your other requirements.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says these appliances generally dry laundry faster, but use more energy than heat pump models.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare kWh/100 cycles and the duration of the reference programme on labels that use the same scale. | If I dry laundry often, I want to know how much energy it will use for that kind of use. Reducing energy consumption would be the top priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Capacity and loads | Match the capacity in kg to your usual loads, and check which programmes are available for bulky items. | When bedding and everyday laundry need drying one after another, I want a capacity that means I don’t have to rearrange every load. Around 33 % of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Space and noise | Measure the appliance and check how its door opens; compare dB levels and check kit compatibility before stacking. | In a small laundry space or near living areas, I need to be able to install and use the appliance without too much disruption. Space and noise would come first for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Fabrics and maintenance | Check the manual for programmes suited to your fabrics and instructions on cleaning the filters, tank and condenser. | If I dry delicate fabrics, I want to know which programmes are suitable and what maintenance will become part of my routine. This would be the main concern for around 20 % of consumers. |
These letters don’t use the same scale. According to the European Commission, the rescaled A to G label has applied to household tumble dryers newly placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025. Appliances placed on the market before that date and still in stock may be covered by an exception.
To compare two models, check the scale used on each label, then compare the kWh/100 cycles, capacity and stated programme duration.
Stacking kits aren’t universal. Bosch advises checking that the washing machine and tumble dryer can be stacked and that the kit is suitable for the models in question.
Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check the kit details in the manufacturer’s documentation before planning the installation.
Maintenance requirements vary between tumble dryers. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a build-up of dirt can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some appliances.
Before choosing a model, read the instructions for cleaning the filters and condenser, as well as those for the water tank.
A capacity that suits the occasional large load won’t necessarily be better for your usual laundry. In a compact space, the appliance’s depth and access to the door matter just as much as the capacity shown in kg.
Start with the loads you actually dry, then measure the available space, including with the door open.
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers and dedicated stacking accessories.
Documentation for some models sets out their capacity, noise level and options for managing condensed water.
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers in several capacities. These are also condenser dryers.
The heat pump tumble dryer range includes models with different capacities and noise levels.
The French range includes heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8 and 9 kg.
No, not directly: the two letters belong to different scales. According to the European Commission, the A to G scale applies to household tumble dryers newly placed on the EU market since 1 July 2025. There may be an exception for appliances placed on the market earlier and still in stock. Check the scale used and the kWh/100 cycles before comparing.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump models work like condenser tumble dryers and don’t need a vent to the outside. You’ll still need to manage the water collected in the tank or, if the model allows it, check the requirements for drainage through a hose.
No. The two appliances and the stacking kit must be compatible. Bosch, for example, specifies that its WTZ280X kit is designed for certain standard washing machines with a depth of more than 55 cm. This requirement applies to that kit only, not to all manufacturers.
Follow the instructions in the manual for your model, particularly for the filters, condenser and water tank, depending on how it’s designed. UFC-Que Choisir says a self-cleaning condenser can simplify some maintenance, but it doesn’t mean the appliance needs no attention at all.