If you don’t have an opening or duct to the outside, rule out vented tumble dryers: UFC-Que Choisir says they need one of these connections. Instead, compare condenser tumble dryers, whether conventional or heat pump, based on how often you do laundry, the stated energy consumption and the installation requirements. If there’s room for only one appliance in your home, a washer-dryer is also worth considering, although its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity.
If you need to dry your laundry indoors, a condenser tumble dryer avoids the external connection required by a vented model, according to UFC-Que Choisir. You’ll still need to check the room’s ventilation, the space available and how the condensed water is dealt with.
If you regularly have back-to-back loads, choose a drying capacity that’s close to the amount of laundry you actually wash. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a washer-dryer’s drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. A separate appliance means you won’t have to rely on a single combined cycle, if you have room to install one.
Stacking the appliances can free up floor space, provided both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible. Check the dimensions and installation instructions for the models you choose.
First, make sure the appliance is suitable for the room. Then compare the drying capacity and energy consumption information for the models that can be installed there.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Condenser technology rather than vented; room ventilation; dimensions and clearances specified in the manual. | I don’t have an external duct and want to know whether the space I’ve chosen will still be suitable when the appliance is running. |
| Condensed water | Access to the tank; whether direct drainage is possible; whether the kit is compatible with the exact model. | I’m happy to empty a tank, or I’d prefer to check whether my installation allows for direct drainage. |
| Capacity | Drying capacity in kg; size of your usual loads; separate washing and drying capacities on a washer-dryer. | Sometimes I wash a full load, so I want to avoid having to remove some of the laundry before starting the drying cycle. |
| Energy consumption | Current energy label; consumption figures measured on the same basis; programme duration for the comparison. | If I dry laundry often, I want to compare models’ energy consumption without treating an old A++ rating as equivalent to the new A to G scale. |
| Space required | Dimensions of both appliances; stacking-kit compatibility; installation instructions and access needed for maintenance. | I’d like to save floor space without assuming that my washing machine and chosen tumble dryer can be stacked. |
A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external vent, but Electrolux recommends installing it in a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room, as moisture may build up on walls and windows.
Measure the space and follow the clearances and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
Its drying capacity may be lower. For example, the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG product information lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. That means an 8 kg wash load can’t be dried in one go in this model.
Compare your usual load with the drying capacity. If you regularly need to dry full loads and have enough space, consider a separate tumble dryer.
Gifam announced a new energy label for tumble dryers from 1 July 2025. An old A++ rating cannot be directly converted to a letter on the A to G scale.
To compare two appliances, check their current energy labels and compare consumption figures measured on the same basis.
A drainage or stacking kit must be suitable for the appliances and their configuration. For the stacking kit mentioned, Electrolux specifies requirements including appliance depth and loading type.
Note down the appliance model numbers, check the dimensions and read the kit’s instructions before ordering.
An incompatible kit could mean buying a different accessory or changing your installation plans.
These model examples highlight features worth comparing. A particular model’s features won’t necessarily apply to the brand’s entire range.
The WQA23300FR is an example of a separate 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer in Bosch’s range in France.
The TEA525WP 8kg Active is an example of a Miele heat-pump option to consider if condensate management is important to you.
The DV80CGC0B0THEF is an example of an 8 kg Samsung heat-pump tumble dryer.
These four separate condenser or heat-pump tumble dryers are options if you’re looking for an appliance without an external duct. Before choosing, check each model’s capacity and installation requirements against your home.
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A separate appliance to consider for regular loads without an external vent. The product information lists an 8 kg capacity, a noise level of 64 dB and direct connection for the drainage hose. Check the dimensions, required clearances and ventilation instructions in the manual, as well as the consumption figure on the current energy label.
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According to its description, this condenser tumble dryer has a water tank and a reversible door. Its listed dimensions are 60 × 65 × 85 cm, and its noise level is 66 dB(A). Check the required clearances and ventilation, as well as whether direct drainage is compatible if you’d rather not empty the tank.
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This separate heat-pump model is listed with an 8 kg capacity. Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions and ventilation requirements. Also check how condensed water is collected and the energy consumption details on its energy label.
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Check this heat-pump model’s capacity carefully: the title lists 10 kg, while the detailed description says 8 kg. Confirm the capacity of this variant before deciding whether it suits your laundry loads. Also check its dimensions, condensate management and ventilation requirements in the manual.
The fact that a room has no window doesn’t, on its own, tell you whether it’s suitable. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external duct, but Electrolux recommends a sufficiently spacious, well-ventilated room. Before choosing this location, check how well the room is ventilated and follow the installation instructions for the model.
It depends on the model and how it’s installed. Some appliances collect the water in a tank; compatible models can be fitted with a drainage system to carry it away. Check the manual and exact model number before buying a kit or planning a connection.
Choose based on the loads you actually need to dry, not just your washing machine’s capacity. Check a washer-dryer’s drying capacity separately: for example, the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG product information lists 8 kg for washing but 5 kg for drying. If you often dry full loads, consider the capacity of a separate tumble dryer that will fit your space.
Yes, as long as both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible and you follow the installation instructions. The Electrolux kit mentioned is designed for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm; this range doesn’t apply to all kits. Check the appliance model numbers and dimensions before choosing this setup.