If there’s no opening or duct to the outside, rule out vented tumble dryers and look at condenser models instead. If you’re buying a new appliance, compare heat pump models for energy use and Eco programme duration. If your room doesn’t meet the installation requirements, a clothes airer is another option.
You want to dry your laundry in a machine without connecting it to a duct. Que Choisir distinguishes between vented and condenser models; also check the ventilation and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
You regularly machine-dry laundry and want to compare energy use per cycle without overlooking how long a programme takes. The energy label and Eco programme figures help you weigh up these factors for each model.
You need to match the tumble dryer’s capacity to your laundry loads, find a suitable spot for it and plan how to collect the condensed water. If you want to stack it on top of your washing machine or connect it to a drain, check the instructions and accessories for that specific model.
First, check whether your room can accommodate a condenser dryer in line with its installation instructions. Then compare models with similar capacities: energy use alone doesn’t tell you how long drying takes or what maintenance is involved.
Worth considering: if you’re buying a tumble dryer without an external duct and want to prioritise electricity use.
Bear in mind: check the programme duration and filter maintenance requirements for each model.
Worth considering: if you’re assessing an appliance you already own or a second-hand deal that can be used without an external duct.
Check: its energy use and label before comparing it with a heat pump model.
Worth considering: if your room doesn’t meet the installation requirements for a tumble dryer.
Allow for: enough space to hang your laundry and time for it to dry.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without a duct | Confirm that it’s a condenser model, and check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions. If you’re stacking it, check which stacking kit is approved. | If I don’t have an external vent, I first want to know whether the appliance can be installed in my room without obstructing its air intake; this is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Electricity use | Compare weighted energy use per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme at full load between models with similar capacities. | When I machine-dry laundry often, I prefer to check how much electricity it uses, even if the cycle takes a while. Around 25% of consumers put energy use first. |
| Capacity and maintenance | Match the rated capacity to your washing machine loads; check which programmes you need and how to clean the filters. | If my laundry loads vary in size, I want a suitable capacity and maintenance routine I can keep up with; this is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Programme duration and condensed water | Check the Eco programme duration at full load and whether the water goes into a tank or can be drained away, as permitted by the instructions. | I need to fit drying into my day and deal with the collected water without any unexpected hassle; around 17% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
This type of appliance needs to expel hot, damp air outside through a duct, so it won’t suit a room without an external connection.
Look for a condenser model instead, then read the installation requirements for the one you choose.
The European Commission says tumble dryer labels have used the A to G scale since 1 July 2025. A rating on the old A+++ to D scale therefore isn’t directly comparable with a rating on the new one.
When comparing appliances, also check their energy use per cycle, capacity and Eco programme duration under comparable conditions.
A condenser dryer can collect water in a tank. Whirlpool explains that whether it can be connected to a water outlet depends on the model.
Check the instructions and the accessories supplied or approved before planning this connection.
If a connection is permitted, you may also need a compatible kit or hose.
Electrolux support says that a blocked condenser can increase energy use and damage the appliance. The accessible parts and cleaning methods vary by model.
Clean the filter and maintain the condenser system in line with your tumble dryer’s instructions.
These brands illustrate features to check on a model-by-model basis; their inclusion here doesn’t guarantee a particular configuration or availability.
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers in a range of capacities, including 9 kg models.
Whirlpool offers condenser tumble dryers; check how water is collected for each model.
Beko offers a range of heat pump tumble dryers that work by condensation.
These two heat pump models suit anyone looking to machine-dry laundry without an external duct. Choose a capacity that matches your laundry loads, and check the installation requirements in the instructions before ordering.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits the loads you want to dry without an external duct.
The product name indicates an energy rating of C. The product information says direct drainage is possible; check the instructions for connection requirements and any accessories needed.
Also check the ventilation requirements and Eco programme duration to see whether it suits your room and routine.
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Worth considering if your usual laundry loads call for a 10 kg capacity and you want to dry them without an external duct.
The product name indicates an energy rating of D. Compare the Eco programme duration and energy use per cycle with other models of a similar capacity.
Before choosing where to put it, check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions. Consult them too if you want to connect the condensed water outlet to a drain.
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need a duct to the outside. The model’s instructions set out the room ventilation, air intake and clearance requirements. A vented model, on the other hand, needs a suitable outlet.
No. The water can be collected in a tank that you empty. If you’d prefer direct drainage, check that it’s compatible with the exact model and find out which accessories you need; Whirlpool says this option depends on the model.
First compare appliances with similar capacities, then check their weighted energy use per cycle and Eco programme duration at full load. The European Commission says the new A to G label has applied to tumble dryers since 1 July 2025. It also provides information on noise and condensation efficiency.
Follow the instructions and any prompts displayed by your appliance. Electrolux support says to clean the filter when its symbol appears at the end of a cycle; check your model’s instructions separately for guidance on the condenser or filtration system.
Only if this setup is approved for the appliances in question and installed using the appropriate kit. The Bosch instructions for model WQG245A0FR require the tumble dryer manufacturer’s connection kit. Check the instructions for your own model before planning to stack the appliances.