Without a vent or an opening to the outside, rule out a vented tumble dryer. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, does not need to be connected to the outside. If you have enough room and regularly dry large loads, compare separate tumble dryers. If you only have space for one appliance, consider a washer-dryer and base your load size on its drying capacity, not its washing capacity. In either case, check the installation requirements, cycle times and energy and water consumption of the model you choose.
If you have room for two appliances, start by thinking about how much laundry you want to dry in one go. A separate tumble dryer lets you choose a dedicated drying capacity. Then compare the energy consumption and cycle times of the models you’re considering.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. It’s a practical solution when space is limited, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
If cycle time matters most when you need to dry laundry occasionally, compare the times for a load that reflects how you’ll use the appliance. A short programme time quoted for a small load won’t tell you how long a full-capacity cycle takes.
To dry laundry without an external vent, first decide whether you have room for a separate appliance. Then compare the actual drying capacity and the figures for the cycle you’ll use.
Consider this if: you have room for a separate tumble dryer but can’t connect a vent to the outside.
Bear in mind: compare its electricity consumption with that of heat pump models. You’ll also need to deal with the condensed water and carry out the maintenance specified in the manual.
Consider this if: you want a separate tumble dryer and energy consumption is especially important to you when using it regularly.
Bear in mind: cycle times and maintenance requirements vary by model, so compare them before you choose.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, these appliances have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. Also check water and electricity consumption, and the duration of a complete cycle.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Drying capacity | Compare the number of kilograms the appliance can dry. For a two-in-one appliance, distinguish this from its washing capacity. Also check the cycle time for the load you plan to dry. | When I do frequent, large washes, I want to dry almost as much laundry as I wash without splitting the load. Around 46% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the manual for required clearances and connections. | With space for just one appliance, I want to wash and dry without installing a second machine, while still having enough room to use it. This would be the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Consumption and cycle time | Compare electricity use, water use where relevant, and the duration of the same type of cycle with a similar load. Check the recommended maintenance, too. | If I dry my laundry regularly, I want to understand the energy and water use and the time involved, without overlooking maintenance. Around 18% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
For washer-dryers, the European Commission’s energy label shows information for washing only and for the complete wash-and-dry cycle. This includes energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. Compare the figures for the mode you’ll need.
This type of appliance sends damp air outside through a vent, so it isn’t suitable for a home without the right connection.
Focus your comparison on condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump, and washer-dryers if you’re short on space.
Models from Bosch, Haier and Whirlpool have different capacities for each function. So a full load that can be washed won’t necessarily fit into a single wash-and-dry cycle.
Choose based on how much you want to dry at once, and check the washing and drying capacities separately.
Splitting a load may mean running extra drying cycles and spending longer on laundry.
For a washer-dryer, the figures for washing alone don’t reflect those for a complete cycle. UFC-Que Choisir also highlights the water used during drying by many models.
To compare appliances with similar drying capacities, check the water and electricity use and cycle time for a complete wash-and-dry cycle.
Filters, the water collection tank and, depending on the design, the condenser need to remain accessible once the appliance is installed. For appliances covered by its guidance, AEG recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle.
Before deciding where to put the appliance, check the manual to see where these parts are and how often they need maintenance.
Washer-dryers for anyone looking to combine both functions in one appliance.
Heat pump tumble dryers to consider if you have room for a separate drying appliance.
Heat pump tumble dryers for people with room for a separate appliance.
Washer-dryers to consider if washing capacity matters but you can only install one appliance.
Washer-dryers, including a built-in option for an integrated space.
These appliances cover the two options discussed here: a separate tumble dryer if you have the space, or a washer-dryer if you only have room for one appliance. To compare them, check the drying capacity, installation requirements and figures for the cycle that suits how you’ll use it.
Image unavailable
For drying laundry in a separate appliance without a vent to the outside. Compare the cycle time and energy use for the programme you plan to use, then check the manual for required clearances and how to manage the condensed water.
Image unavailable
For separate drying without an external vent. Before comparing this model with other appliances of the same capacity, check the electricity use and cycle time for the programme in question, as well as the installation instructions.
Image unavailable
Another separate drying option for a home without an external vent. Check its dimensions and the required clearances before choosing a location, then compare energy use and cycle times for equivalent programmes.
Image unavailable
For washing and drying with one appliance. The listed capacity is 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so reduce any washing load over 6 kg before starting the drying cycle. Also check the dimensions and the water and electricity use for a complete cycle.
Yes, if it’s a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, it doesn’t need to be connected to the outside. A vented tumble dryer does need a suitable outlet, so also check the room requirements and clearances in the manual for the model you choose.
Not necessarily: some models collect the water in a tank. For example, Electrolux France lists a 5.32 L tank and an optional direct drain kit for the EW6HI6284BN. Check the documentation for your chosen appliance to find out how it collects water and which accessories you’ll need.
Only if it’s within the drying capacity specified for the programme you’ve chosen. For example, Bosch Électroménager France lists a washing capacity of 9 kg but a wash-and-dry capacity of 5 kg for the WNA144V0FR. If your laundry weighs more than 5 kg, you’ll need to reduce the load before drying.
If you plan to use both functions one after the other, compare the figures for the complete wash-and-dry cycle. The European Commission’s energy label distinguishes between washing-only information and figures for the complete cycle, including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. Keep the drying capacity in mind when comparing two models.
Follow the manual for your model when cleaning the filter and water tank, and the condenser if the design requires it. In its maintenance instructions, AEG recommends cleaning the filter after every cycle and checking an accessible condenser at least once a month. Make sure you can reach these parts where you plan to install the appliance.