Without an outside air vent, rule out vented tumble dryers. A washer-dryer or condenser dryer, particularly a heat pump model, is better suited to your needs. A washer-dryer takes up the space of one appliance, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. If you stack two appliances, you can save floor space, provided their compatibility and installation requirements have been confirmed. If you choose a separate tumble dryer, compare the energy consumption and programme duration of the specific model.
If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer lets you wash and dry your laundry without an outside vent. You will need to adjust the load to suit its drying capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Stacking two appliances can give you a separate tumble dryer if you have enough vertical space. UFC-Que Choisir stresses that you should check they are compatible, securely fixed and stable before installation.
If you can install a separate tumble dryer, compare heat pump models with standard condenser models by checking their energy labels and programme durations. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this technology uses little electricity.
Start by working out how much space you really have for one or two appliances. Then compare drying capacity, energy consumption and installation requirements against the way you plan to use them.
| Priority | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Save floor space | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities, as well as the depth once the door and connections are taken into account. | I only have room for one appliance, so I want to dry my laundry without adding a second one—even if I have to take some clothes out after washing. Around 31% of consumers put saving space at the top of their list. |
| Keep electricity use down | Compare the energy label for the exact model and the programme durations. You should also factor in the maintenance specified in the manual. | If I dry laundry often, the energy used per cycle matters more to me than how long the programme takes. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Dry useful-sized loads | Check the drying capacity for each programme. For a washer-dryer, use the capacity for the combined wash-and-dry cycle, not just the washing capacity. | I would rather not regularly split a load before drying it, even if that means choosing a separate appliance. Around 25% of consumers put the amount of laundry they can dry first. |
| Make use of vertical space | Check the model numbers of both appliances, the compatible stacking kit, their dimensions and the stability requirements in their manuals. | I have limited width but enough height, so stacking two appliances appeals to me only if they can be installed in line with their manuals. Around 19% of consumers prioritise stacking. |
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry in a continuous cycle, according to UFC-Que Choisir. If the load is too large, you will need to reduce it or dry it in batches.
Plan your laundry around the wash-and-dry capacity listed for the model you choose.
Width alone does not confirm that the stacking kit will fit, that the appliances will be stable or that installation requirements will be met. UFC-Que Choisir recommends placing the tumble dryer above the washing machine.
Check the exact model numbers in the manuals and with the kit manufacturer. Make sure the washing machine is level and standing on a suitable floor.
Energy consumption and programme duration alone do not tell you everything about how a tumble dryer will work for you. To make a useful comparison, look at specific models and their operating requirements.
Consider the energy label, capacity, programme durations, maintenance and dimensions together.
Even without an outside vent, you need to leave the clearances specified in the manual and make sure you can access the filters, condensate water container and connections. Stacking can make these harder to reach.
Measure the space with the doors open, and allow for the room needed to install and maintain the appliances.
Bosch offers specific models that let you compare a heat pump tumble dryer with a washer-dryer.
The range provides a useful comparison between standard condenser tumble dryers and heat pump models.
Electrolux stacking kits are worth considering if you want two appliances to share the same floor space.
These condenser and heat pump models are options to consider if you want a separate tumble dryer and your home has no outside air vent. Before choosing one, check the manual for the space required, power supply and condensate water management. If you plan to stack it, you will also need to confirm compatibility.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer without an air-exhaust hose.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the manual for installation dimensions, clearances and condensate water management.
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Compare this model if you can install a separate tumble dryer and want to look at programme energy use.
Listed capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: C. Check the manual for dimensions, clearances and drainage requirements.
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Worth considering if the stated drying capacity matters to you and you have room for a separate appliance.
Listed capacity: 10 kg; stated energy rating: D. Check the dimensions, clearances and condensate management before choosing this model.
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Worth considering if an 8 kg capacity suits your loads and you can install a separate tumble dryer.
Stated energy rating: D. Check the manual for dimensions, clearances and condensate water management.
No. A vented tumble dryer needs a hose leading outside, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Consider a washer-dryer or condenser tumble dryer instead, then check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is lower than the washing capacity. To run both cycles without removing any laundry, stick to the wash-and-dry capacity listed for the model.
No. When stacking appliances, UFC-Que Choisir says to put the tumble dryer above the washing machine, never the other way round. Before installation, also check the manuals for both appliances, confirm the kit is compatible and make sure the stack will be stable.
Air-drying laundry adds moisture to your home, an issue studied by ADEME. If you use a clothes airer, make sure the room is well ventilated. If you choose an appliance, check its own installation requirements rather than assuming it can go anywhere.