If you don’t have an external vent or suitable ducting, rule out vented tumble dryers. UFC-Que Choisir explains that condenser dryers, with or without a heat pump, don’t need to be connected to the outside. If you have room for a separate appliance, compare tumble dryers by capacity, energy consumption and installation requirements. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you having to install two machines. Bear in mind, though, that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If the room has no external vent or suitable ducting, focus on condenser appliances. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these models from vented tumble dryers, which need to be connected to the outside. Then check whether there’s room for a separate appliance.
If you only have space for one appliance for washing and drying, compare the amount of laundry it can dry with the amount it can wash. To run both functions consecutively without removing any laundry, the load must stay within the limit for the wash-and-dry cycle.
If you have room for a separate tumble dryer, compare heat pump and condenser models by the energy consumption stated for each appliance, programme duration and the maintenance requirements in its manual.
First, make sure the appliance type suits your room. Then check the space available and the load it can actually dry before comparing programmes.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | Identify the exact technology. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, work without being connected to the outside; vented models need an external connection. | I don’t have an external vent or usable ducting for a vented tumble dryer. |
| Space available | Measure the space and check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual. A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. | Either I only have room for one appliance, or I can set aside space for a separate tumble dryer. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing capacity with the wash-and-dry capacity separately. For example, Bosch lists 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for wash-and-dry on the WNG24402FR. | I want to be able to dry a full load straight after washing it, without having to remove some of the laundry. |
| Programmes and energy use | Compare the figures and duration for the relevant cycle in the documentation for the models you’re considering. For a washer-dryer, check the wash-and-dry cycle rather than washing alone. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that most of the washer-dryers it tested use water during drying. | If I dry laundry often, cycle times and energy use for drying will influence my choice. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the manual for ventilation, temperature requirements and access to the filters and condenser. Find out how condensed water is collected: Whirlpool says that direct connection to a drain depends on the model. | I need to be able to install the appliance in my room and easily access the parts that need maintenance. |
This technology needs an opening to the outside or ventilation ducting, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. It isn’t suitable for a room without either.
Check the model’s product details to confirm the type of tumble dryer before comparing its other features.
A washer-dryer may have a higher washing capacity than its wash-and-dry capacity. For example, Bosch lists 9 kg and 6 kg respectively for the WNG24402FR.
If you want to wash and dry a load in one go, use the wash-and-dry capacity to determine the load size.
Any load washed above this limit will need to be split up for drying.
Washing figures don’t tell you everything about the full cycle. UFC-Que Choisir notes, for example, that most of the washer-dryers it tested use water during drying.
Check the wash-and-dry cycle information and its duration for the models you’re comparing.
Cleaning requirements and the way condensed water is collected vary by appliance. Whirlpool says that not all models can be connected directly to a drain.
Check the manual for access to the parts that need maintenance, cleaning instructions and how condensed water should be drained.
The range includes two types of appliance to consider: washer-dryers and heat pump tumble dryers.
The EDHF2804DC is an example of a separate 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
The D14H19301 is another heat pump tumble dryer worth considering.
Miele describes the TED645WP as a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
These three appliances are separate tumble dryers that use heat pump or condenser technology. They’re worth considering if you have space for one. If you need a single appliance for washing and drying, compare washer-dryer capacities instead.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer is designed for drying without ducting to the outside, according to the distinction made by UFC-Que Choisir. The product title lists an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating.
Before setting aside space for it, check the manual for dimensions, clearances and ventilation requirements. Check the energy label for information about cycle consumption.
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This 8 kg heat pump model is another option if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer that doesn’t need an external air connection. The product title lists a D energy rating.
Check the manual for the space and ventilation requirements, then refer to the model’s energy label to assess its consumption.
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This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is suitable for a room without an external air connection, provided you follow the model’s installation requirements.
Before choosing where to put it, check the manual for clearances, ventilation, maintenance and how to manage condensed water.
Yes. You can use a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model: UFC-Que Choisir says it doesn’t need to be connected to the outside. A vented model, on the other hand, needs a suitable opening or ducting. Check the installation requirements for the appliance you choose, too.
No. The two figures refer to different functions. Bosch lists 9 kg for washing and 6 kg for the wash-and-dry cycle on the Bosch WNG24402FR. To run both cycles consecutively without removing any laundry, the load must not exceed 6 kg.
If the water is collected in a tank, empty it according to the appliance’s instructions. Whirlpool says that direct connection to a drain depends on the model, so check the manual before relying on this option.
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning the lint filters and condenser. Electrolux recommends checking the condenser when an indicator lights up on the relevant appliances. Bosch says that some of its models automate part of the lint management process. These features don’t replace the manufacturer’s other maintenance instructions.