Households without an external vent
You have space indoors but no outlet for air to the outside. Your choice will depend on the room’s ventilation and installation requirements, as noted by Que Choisir and Electrolux France support.
Who are these options for?
People who dry their laundry regularly
You want to compare the electricity used by repeated cycles and can take their duration into account. Que Choisir describes heat pump technology as using less electricity than conventional technologies, although cycles can take longer.
Households that can only install one appliance
You want to wash and dry your laundry in one space. With a washer-dryer, plan loads around its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity, as Que Choisir points out.
What should you check before buying?
Heat pump tumble dryer
Choose this if: you can set aside space for a separate drying appliance but don’t have an external air vent.
Bear in mind: cycles can take longer than with conventional technologies, according to Que Choisir. You’ll also need to manage the condensed water and ventilate the room.
Washer-dryer
Choose this if: you need to combine both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, according to Que Choisir. Also compare the duration and water consumption of a complete cycle.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Room and humidity | Check the clearances, permitted temperature range and ventilation instructions in the manual. Electrolux France support recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room. | I don’t have an external air outlet and want to install the appliance without enclosing it in a poorly ventilated space where moisture could condense. Around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare the stated energy consumption and Eco programme duration using the same energy label scale. Que Choisir says heat pump tumble dryers use less electricity than conventional models. | When I dry laundry regularly, the energy used by each cycle matters to me, even if drying takes longer. Around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Drying capacity | Check the drying capacity in kg. With a washer-dryer, distinguish this from the washing capacity, as Que Choisir advises. | If I have large loads of washing, I want to dry my usual loads without exceeding the programme limit. Around 21% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Available space | Measure the depth, doorway clearance and space needed to open and maintain the appliance. For a 2-in-1 model, also check the full wash-and-dry cycle. | I only have room for one appliance and want to combine washing and drying there, even if I need to adjust my loads. Saving space is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “no external vent” means “no ventilation needed”
In a poorly ventilated room, moisture can condense on cold surfaces. Electrolux France support specifically advises against installing an appliance in a closed, unventilated cupboard.
Choose the location first, then check the clearances, permitted temperatures and ventilation instructions for your model in the manual.
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Comparing old and new energy classes directly
Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryer energy labels have used an A to G scale, according to the European Commission. An old A+++ rating and an A rating on the new scale are not directly equivalent.
Compare the stated energy consumption, Eco programme duration and capacity, taking into account the scale used on each product listing.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. So a full load of washing may not fit in the dryer all at once.
Make a note of both capacities and organise your loads around the drying programme limit.
You may sometimes need to remove some of the laundry or run an additional drying cycle.
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Forgetting about maintenance and water collection
Electrolux France support notes that poorly maintained filters or seals can contribute to excess moisture in the room. If the appliance uses a tank, you’ll also need to empty it as instructed in the manual.
Before buying, check that the filters and tank are easy to access, and find out what drainage options are available. If the seal is damaged, stop using the appliance and have it checked.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Electrolux
Worth considering if you’re comparing separate heat pump tumble dryers and their installation requirements.
- The Electrolux France product listing for the EW9HI783FC states a capacity of 8 kg, energy class A and condensation efficiency class A.
- Its stated operating range of 5 °C to 35 °C applies to this model only. Check the manual for any other model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if you need a washer-dryer to fit in your available space.
- Whirlpool France states that the WPD2836WADSFR has a washing capacity of 12 kg and a drying capacity of 8 kg.
- This model is 65 cm deep and uses a stated 78 L of water per complete wash-and-dry cycle. These figures don’t apply to other Whirlpool models.
Bosch
A brand to consider when comparing the features of separate heat pump tumble dryers.
- The Bosch WTH85205BY product listing describes a 7 kg heat pump model with filter and tank indicators.
- These features apply to the WTH85205BY only. Check the details of the model you’re considering.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
These three separate appliances use heat pump technology. If you’d rather combine washing and drying in one machine, compare washer-dryers using the criteria above.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer without an external air vent.
Stated capacity of 8 kg and energy class C. Before deciding where to install it, check the model’s dimensions and ventilation instructions. Also check how water is collected or drained.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if its stated 8 kg drying capacity suits your usual loads and you want a separate appliance without an external vent.
Energy class D. Check the manual for the dimensions, ventilation and condensed water requirements. Compare the stated energy consumption when choosing between models.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you want a separate appliance for drying without an external vent, once you’ve confirmed that its capacity suits your loads.
The title states a capacity of 10 kg, while the description says 8 kg. Confirm its drying capacity before buying. The title states energy class D; also check the manual for the dimensions, ventilation and condensed water requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does the room need to be ventilated when using a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Yes. Not having an external vent doesn’t automatically make a closed room suitable. Electrolux France support recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room for condenser and heat pump tumble dryers. Follow your model’s installation instructions.
Do you always need to empty a water tank?
No, it depends on the model’s water collection system and drainage options. Check the manual to see whether the appliance can drain into a waste outlet, and whether the required hose is included or compatible.
Why do you see both A+++ and A to G energy classes?
Tumble dryers have used the new A to G energy label scale since 1 July 2025, according to the European Commission. Don’t compare an old A+++ rating directly with a class on the new scale. Check the stated energy consumption and the conditions shown on each product listing.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load of washing?
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity, which is usually lower than its washing capacity, according to Que Choisir. Check both limits separately. For example, Whirlpool France states that the WPD2836WADSFR has a washing capacity of 12 kg and a drying capacity of 8 kg.