Households with nowhere to dry clothes
If you need to dry laundry often and don’t have a balcony or a dedicated room, the available space, its ventilation and a capacity suited to your laundry loads should take priority over extra features.
Who are these options for?
Households with space for two appliances
A separate tumble dryer lets you choose a capacity that suits the loads you need to dry. If you’ll be using it regularly, compare each model’s stated energy consumption and eco programme duration too.
Smaller homes with space for just one machine
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. According to Que Choisir, its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, so you may need to reduce the load before drying.
What should you check before buying?
If you need to dry laundry regularly but have no space to hang it, first work out whether the room can accommodate a second appliance. Then compare the loads you need to dry with the energy consumption and programme duration figures for the model you’re considering.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and ventilation | Measure the space and door opening; check the manual for the required clearances and ventilation. | If my only option is a small room or alcove, I need to know whether the appliance can operate there as specified in its manual; around 42% of consumers prioritise installation compatibility. |
| Using a separate appliance | Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads, then check the model’s weighted energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration. | When I have several loads to get through, I want a suitable capacity without overlooking the time and energy needed for each drying cycle; this is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Space for just one machine | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately; also check its full dimensions. | I only have room for one machine to wash and dry, even if that means taking some laundry out before drying; around 25% of consumers put saving space first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a washer-dryer’s two capacities
A load that’s within the washing limit may exceed the drying limit. Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity.
If you want to run both programmes one after the other without removing any laundry, size the load according to the stated drying capacity.
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Choosing a standalone tumble dryer without checking its technology
The European Commission states that only heat pump technology is permitted in new domestic tumble dryers placed on the EU market from 1 July 2025. Washer-dryers are not covered by this rule for standalone tumble dryers.
If an advert for a new standalone tumble dryer mentions a different technology or is unclear, check the model and its market status before buying.
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Enclosing a condenser dryer without ventilation
Not needing an external air duct doesn’t automatically make a closed cupboard suitable. Electrolux advises against installing a dryer in an unventilated closed cupboard and warns of condensation in a room that’s too small.
Check the manual for the requirements for the room, ventilation and clearances for the model you’ve chosen.
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Comparing old and new energy ratings directly
The old A+++ to D scale and the current A to G scale are not directly equivalent for tumble dryers covered by the new EU energy label.
When comparing models, also look at the figures for weighted energy consumption and eco programme duration.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers; the WQG2450SFR is one example, with a 9 kg capacity.
- Bosch states that the WQG2450SFR measures 842 × 598 × 613 mm and comes with a water drain hose.
- These specifications apply to this model only: check the dimensions and connection options for the model you choose.
Electrolux
The EW6HI5829SB is an example of the brand’s heat pump tumble dryer range, with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 8 kg for this model.
- If you’re installing it in a small space, check the model’s manual: Electrolux advises against using an unventilated closed cupboard.
Miele
The T1 and T2 ranges include heat pump tumble dryers in a variety of capacities.
- The Miele catalogue includes models with a 9 kg capacity.
- Features vary by model, so check the specifications for the one you’re considering rather than assuming they apply across the range.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
These two separate heat pump tumble dryers are options to consider if you have space for a dedicated appliance. Check the installation requirements for your chosen model before ordering.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer for regular use.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy rating C. Check the manual for the dimensions and ventilation requirements, then check the label for energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you have space for a drying appliance separate from your washing machine.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; energy rating D. Check the dimensions and installation requirements in the manual, along with energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external air outlet?
No. Unlike a vented tumble dryer, it doesn’t need an air duct leading outside. Water can collect in a tank or, depending on the model and its installation, drain away through a waste pipe. However, the room must still meet the ventilation requirements in the manual.
Can I install a heat pump tumble dryer in a closed cupboard?
Don’t choose this location without checking the model’s manual. Electrolux advises against installing a dryer in an unventilated closed cupboard, so check the required clearances and ventilation for the appliance you’re considering.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load of washing?
Not if the load exceeds its drying capacity, which Que Choisir says is lower than its washing capacity. To run a wash and dry cycle one after the other, keep the load within the stated drying capacity or remove some laundry after washing.
Do I need to empty the water tank after every drying cycle?
It depends on the condenser tumble dryer and how it’s connected. Some models can drain water away through a waste pipe. Check the product details and manual to see whether this option is available and whether the necessary hose or kit is included.
What should I compare on the label of a new tumble dryer?
For domestic tumble dryers covered by the current EU energy label, compare the A to G rating with weighted energy consumption per cycle, eco programme duration and the model’s capacity. An old A+++ rating cannot be compared directly with the new scale.