If you dry laundry regularly and have room for a separate appliance, start by comparing heat-pump tumble dryers. UFC-Que Choisir says they generally use less energy than conventional condenser models, although their cycles are often longer. A conventional condenser model may be worth considering if you prioritise a shorter cycle, but check the individual appliance and its energy label. If you only have space for one appliance, consider a washer-dryer, bearing in mind that its drying capacity may differ from its washing capacity.
You regularly dry full loads indoors and want to compare capacity, cycle times and energy consumption without an external vent. UFC-Que Choisir lists condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump, as options that do not require an external connection.
You can’t fit a separate tumble dryer, so you need to check the appliance’s dimensions, including with the door open, and how much laundry a two-in-one model can actually dry. LG’s product details for the F852SV52IRS show a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg.
You need to follow the appliance’s clearance and maintenance requirements, without confusing drying laundry with fixing a ventilation problem in your home. ADEME recommends keeping air inlets and extraction vents clear.
If you need to dry laundry without an external vent, the deciding factor will depend in part on how often you do a load and how much space you have.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated consumption for the same programmes and appliance categories, then take your usual frequency of use into account. | If you often dry full loads, compare equivalent programmes and think about how you typically use the appliance. Around 28% of consumers rank energy consumption as their top priority. |
| Space and fit | Check the dimensions, door clearance, required gaps and installation instructions for the exact model. | If space is limited in your room, make sure the appliance and its open door won’t obstruct movement. For around 22% of consumers, how well the appliance fits in the room is the main priority. |
| Capacity for your usual laundry | Check the permitted capacity for the programme and fabrics in question. With a washer-dryer, distinguish between its washing and drying capacities. | If you usually wash large loads, you’ll want to avoid having to split the laundry before drying. Load capacity is the main factor for around 22% of consumers. |
| Cycle time | Compare the duration of the programme suited to your load. UFC-Que Choisir notes that heat-pump models generally have longer cycles than conventional condenser dryers. | If you need your laundry back quickly, the duration of the programme suited to your load will matter when you choose. Around 17% of consumers prioritise a fast cycle. |
| Humidity and maintenance | Check how water is collected, how easy it is to reach the filters and condenser, and the maintenance and airflow instructions. | If you’re mindful of humidity in the room and maintenance, you’ll want to be able to follow the manufacturer’s instructions easily, without relying on the appliance to fix your home’s ventilation. Around 11% of consumers prioritise these aspects. |
An appliance that doesn’t vent air outside won’t fix a ventilation problem in your home. The required openings and clearances depend on the model.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering, and keep air inlets and extraction vents clear. ADEME recommends not blocking them; Beko’s instructions also warn against covering the appliance’s openings with a rug.
For the LG F852SV52IRS, the manufacturer lists a washing capacity of 8.5 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. The two capacities aren’t interchangeable.
Check the washing and drying capacities separately, then adjust the amount of laundry to suit the programme you’re using.
If your washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some of the laundry or split it into separate drying loads.
Tumble dryer labels now use the A–G scale, which can’t be compared directly with the old A+++–D scale.
Before comparing appliances, check the date and scale on the label, as well as the consumption for the programme in question. The European Commission says the market requirements that have applied since 1 July 2025 concern new heat-pump tumble dryers.
A model described by its manufacturer isn’t necessarily available to buy on the same terms at the time you make your purchase.
Before choosing it, confirm the exact model, the label applicable to the individual appliance and its installation requirements.
The WQG1450BFR is an example of a 9 kg heat-pump tumble dryer to consider if you can install a separate appliance.
The D0H11030 and DCB816W models let you consider heat-pump and conventional condenser options separately.
The F852SV52IRS is a washer-dryer to consider if you can’t fit a second appliance.
The EW7HI7495DS is an example of a 9 kg heat-pump option, with programmes the manufacturer recommends for delicate fabrics, among others.
This selection includes compact and portable drying appliances, as well as heat-pump and condenser tumble dryers. For compact and portable appliances, check the instructions for how they dry laundry and what installation requirements apply before choosing one for a room without an external vent.
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Its compact size and 3 kg capacity may suit households drying smaller loads.
The title lists six programmes. Check the instructions for ventilation, installation and connection requirements before using it without an external vent.
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This portable, foldable design may be worth considering if you’re looking for a mobile drying appliance.
The title mentions a timer. Check that its drying method and installation suit your laundry and the room, particularly if there’s no external vent.
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A heat-pump model is one option for drying without an external vent. Check that its 10 kg capacity suits the loads you usually do.
The title lists class C. Check the label on the individual appliance and its date before comparing it with other scales.
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Condenser tumble dryers don’t require an external vent, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check the 8 kg capacity and installation requirements for this model.
The title lists class E. Check the label on the individual appliance and its date before comparing it with a label based on a different scale.
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A heat-pump model is an option to consider for drying without an external vent. Check that the listed 8 kg capacity suits your loads.
The title lists class C. Check the label on the individual appliance and the installation instructions for this model.
Not having an external vent doesn’t remove the need to follow the clearance and airflow requirements for the model. Check its instructions; ADEME recommends keeping air inlets and extraction vents clear. A tumble dryer won’t fix a ventilation problem in your home.
Follow the instructions for the water tank or connection to a drain, as well as for the filters and condenser. For relevant appliances, Electrolux support recommends checking the condenser at least once a month and cleaning it if it’s dirty.
Compare consumption figures for clearly specified functions and cycles, without treating drying alone as the same as a wash-and-dry cycle. A tumble dryer’s current energy label includes information such as consumption per cycle; LG’s product details for the F852SV52IRS distinguish between washing and wash-and-dry data. To estimate your usage, multiply the kWh for the relevant programme by the number of cycles you run.
The new market requirements alone don’t mean there’s a general ban on sales. The European Commission says that, since 1 July 2025, new tumble dryers placed on the EU market must use heat-pump technology. This doesn’t mean all conventional models already on the market have disappeared from sale. Check when the appliance was placed on the market and the label on the individual model you’re considering.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new and second-hand goods sold by a business to a private individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years from delivery of the goods to make a claim; any commercial warranty does not replace it.