Without an external vent, the main choice is between a separate condenser tumble dryer and a washer-dryer, depending on the space you have and how much laundry you need to dry. Que Choisir Ensemble distinguishes condenser models from vented appliances, which need an opening to the outside or a duct. Then compare drying capacity, energy use and the length of the programmes you’ll use, and check the installation requirements for the exact model.
You’d like to combine washing and drying in one appliance and can adjust your loads to suit its drying capacity. Electrolux France lists the EW7IW4285BW as having an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
You’re looking for enough drying capacity for your laundry and could consider adding another appliance. Bosch Electroménager France lists the WTH8300DFR at 8 kg and the WQG1420DFR at 9 kg.
You want to compare electricity use and, for a washer-dryer, also look at water use for a complete cycle. Que Choisir Ensemble outlines the trade-offs involved with the relevant technologies.
Worth considering: if you have room for a separate appliance and prioritise lower electricity use, according to Que Choisir Ensemble.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir Ensemble notes that conventional appliances generally dry more quickly, so compare the programmes that suit your loads.
Worth considering: if quick programmes are a priority and you can install a separate appliance without an external air vent.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir Ensemble describes these models as using more electricity than heat pump models. The European Commission clarifies that the requirements in force since 1 July 2025 do not apply to appliances already placed on the market before that date.
Worth considering: if you only have room for one appliance and want to combine washing and drying.
Bear in mind: drying capacity may be lower than washing capacity. For the relevant technologies, Que Choisir Ensemble notes longer cycles and water use during drying.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should pay closest attention |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Dimensions of the exact model, depth with connections, access to the door and any fitting requirements listed in the manual. | If every centimetre counts, combining both functions in one space could influence your choice. Around 26% of consumers say that space constraints are their main consideration. |
| Amount of laundry to dry | Drying capacity, the limit for your chosen programme and how much laundry needs to be removed after a full wash load. | If you do large loads, the amount you can dry at once may matter more than washing capacity. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the amount of laundry they need to dry. |
| Energy and water use | The energy label for the exact model and the consumption of the cycle you use; for a washer-dryer, distinguish between a wash-only cycle and a complete cycle. | If you’re comparing running costs, check the consumption figures for the cycles you usually run. Around 21% of consumers make consumption their top priority. |
| Cycle length | The length and permitted load of the programme you need; for a combined cycle, check the total washing and drying time. | If you need your laundry ready by a particular time, the duration of the programme suited to your load is key. Around 16% of consumers prioritise how quickly their laundry will be ready. |
| Installation and maintenance | Required ventilation and clearance, power supply, access to parts that need maintaining and any permissions required if you’re planning work. | If you want to keep installation and maintenance straightforward, check the instructions in the manual for your model. Around 16% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
Electrolux France lists the EW7IW4285BW as having an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity. If your wash load exceeds the drying limit, it can’t all be dried in one go within that limit.
Choose based on the amount you want to dry, and check the limits for the programme you’ll use.
You may need to split loads and allow more time to organise your laundry.
Bosch recommends the WQG1420DFR’s Express 40 min programme for small loads of synthetic and delicate fabrics; this duration does not apply to drying the full stated capacity.
Check the programme’s duration, permitted load and suitable fabrics together.
The Bosch product pages for the WTH8300DFR and WQG1420DFR do not list a self-cleaning condenser.
Check the features of the exact model and consult its manual to find out what maintenance is required.
Manual cleaning may be one of the regular tasks you need to allow for.
Separate heat pump tumble dryer models featured here: WTH8300DFR and WQG1420DFR.
The SteamCare 700 EW7IW4285BW washer-dryer is worth considering if you only have room for one appliance.
The French manual for the DCB912W model gives examples of the instructions to check for a conventional condenser tumble dryer.
This selection includes washer-dryers and separate tumble dryers for drying laundry without an external vent. Compare their size and capacity with your available space and typical loads.
Image unavailable
The two-in-one design could suit you if you want to combine washing and drying in a single appliance.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. D rated.
Image unavailable
The integrated design could be suitable if your space is designed for this type of appliance.
The product title lists 9 kg and 1,400 rpm; check the dimensions and fitting requirements before choosing.
Image unavailable
A separate condenser tumble dryer could be an option if you have space for a dedicated appliance.
The product title lists an 8 kg capacity. Check the installation and maintenance requirements for the exact model.
Image unavailable
The two-in-one design could meet your needs if you want to combine washing and drying in one space.
Stated capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying; the product title also mentions 27 washing programmes.
Image unavailable
A heat pump tumble dryer could suit you if you have room for a separate appliance and want to dry laundry without an external air vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg. C rated.
Not in one go within its stated drying limit: Electrolux France lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 5 kg. Adjust the load from the start or remove some of the laundry before drying.
No. The European Commission clarifies that the ecodesign requirements in force since 1 July 2025 do not apply to appliances already placed on the market before that date and held in stock. This rule alone does not confirm the status of any particular appliance.
Service Public explains that some building work requires the landlord’s permission. Check whether the work you’re planning needs approval before drilling or making changes to the property; this requirement does not automatically apply to buying an appliance.
Article 25 b of Law No. 65-557 of 10 July 1965 requires authorisation for work that affects communal areas or the external appearance of the building and is consistent with its intended use. This principle is also subject to the building’s co-ownership rules and the rights of other co-owners.