People without a usable external vent
You dry your laundry indoors and can’t install a duct to the outside. A condenser tumble dryer is the technology to consider, provided the room meets the requirements in the instruction manual.
Who is this guide for?
Households that dry laundry every week
You want to factor in the cost of repeated electricity use. UFC-Que Choisir highlights heat pump models for their lower energy consumption. You should also compare capacity and programme length with your usual loads.
People who prioritise speed
You want to get through your laundry more quickly and are happy to accept higher electricity consumption. A standard condenser dryer is worth comparing; a vented model is only an option if you have the required external vent.
What sets tumble dryers apart?
Without an external vent, a condenser dryer is the place to start. According to UFC-Que Choisir, heat pump models use less energy than the other technologies it compared, while standard condenser and vented models are generally quicker. The room’s layout and conditions are still key when choosing between appliances.
Heat pump condenser dryer
Consider this if: you don’t have an external duct and energy consumption matters for frequent use.
The trade-off: cycles are generally longer than those of standard condenser or vented dryers, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Standard condenser dryer
Consider this if: you don’t have an external duct and drying time is more important to you.
The trade-off: it generally uses more energy than a heat pump model, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Vented dryer
Consider this if: your room has an external opening or a suitable duct connection.
The trade-off: you’ll need to meet its installation requirements, and it generally uses more energy than a heat pump model, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and humidity | Measure the space and check the ventilation requirements in the instruction manual. For a vented model, confirm the duct route all the way to the outside. | Without an external vent, I want to install an appliance without needing a duct that can’t be connected, and rely less on an airer in the room; around 36% of consumers would make this compatibility their top priority. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles and capacity on the labels of the models you’re considering. | If I dry laundry every week, I want to keep a handle on the energy used each time; this would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Programme length and capacity | Match the capacity in kg to your usual loads and compare the length of equivalent programmes. | When I have several loads to get through, I’d rather dry them without running extra cycles or waiting too long; around 21% of consumers would prioritise speed and capacity. |
| Maintenance and convenience | Check the instruction manual for cleaning, whether the water tank needs emptying and if the condensed water can be drained directly. Compare the noise level in dB, too. | In a room close to where I spend time, I want to keep maintenance to a minimum and take noise into account; day-to-day convenience would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
-
Assuming an open window is enough for a vented model
A vented tumble dryer must expel moist air through an external opening or a suitable duct. Being able to open a window when needed doesn’t, by itself, provide the required connection.
Check the entire duct route before choosing this technology. If there’s no suitable option, compare condenser models instead.
-
Thinking a condenser dryer can go anywhere
Not needing an external duct doesn’t remove the model’s requirements for positioning, ventilation, temperature or electrical connection.
Read the instruction manual before you buy, measure the available space and check the stacking requirements if you plan to place it on top of a washing machine.
-
Choosing based on the stated programme length alone
According to UFC-Que Choisir, technologies that are generally faster than heat pump models may also use more electricity. Programme times are only useful to compare when they relate to the same programme and load.
Compare the length of similar programmes, the stated consumption in kWh/100 cycles and how often you’ll use the dryer.
-
Assuming every water tank can be connected to a drain
Whirlpool says this depends on the model. So the term ‘condenser’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a drain hose can be connected.
Check the instruction manual to see whether a connection is permitted and which kit is compatible before relying on this option.
Brands to consider
Bosch
A brand to consider if you want to check the installation requirements for a heat pump model in detail.
- The Bosch WTH8300SFR manual covers details including where to install the appliance, its electrical connection and the water drain hose.
- This information applies to the WTH8300SFR. Check the manual for any other model before deciding where to place it or how to connect it.
Whirlpool
A brand worth considering when comparing condenser dryers, including heat pump models.
- Product pages for some models give details such as capacity, dimensions, noise level and energy data, making it easier to compare models individually.
- Whirlpool says connecting the condensate drain to a water outlet depends on the model, so don’t assume this applies across the whole range.
Electrolux
A brand to consider for heat pump models if the conditions in your room are an important part of your decision.
- Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity and an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C for the EW7H5125EU.
- This temperature range and the other features of the EW7H5125EU don’t automatically apply to other Electrolux models.
Tumble dryers to compare on Joybuy
These 8 kg models include two dryers listed as heat pump models and one described as a condenser dryer. They’re a good starting point for comparing options for a home without an external duct, as long as you check the installation requirements for each model.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg, white
Worth considering if you regularly dry laundry in a room without an external duct. Listed capacity: 8 kg; stated energy rating: C. Check the ventilation and installation requirements in the instruction manual, then compare energy consumption and programme length.
Image unavailable
Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare OptiSense, condenser, 8 kg
Worth considering if you want an 8 kg condenser tumble dryer without an external air connection. The model name mentions propane refrigerant. Check the heating technology and energy consumption in the documentation for this model, along with the room’s ventilation requirements.
Image unavailable
Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg, white
Worth comparing for regular use without an external duct, if an 8 kg capacity suits your laundry loads. Stated energy rating: D. Check the energy label for consumption and the instruction manual for dimensions, ventilation and programme length.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tumble dryer always better than an indoor airer?
No. An airer can still work well if you have a well-ventilated room and don’t mind the time and space it takes. ADEME points out that air-drying laundry releases a lot of moisture into the air indoors, while also noting that this method uses less energy than an electric tumble dryer.
Can you install a condenser tumble dryer without an external duct?
Yes. This technology doesn’t need an air duct to the outside, whether or not the dryer has a heat pump. Still, check the instruction manual for your chosen model to confirm the available space, ventilation and connection requirements.
Can you connect the condensate drain directly to a water outlet?
It depends on the model: Whirlpool says this isn’t possible with every model. Check the instruction manual to confirm compatibility and whether you need a suitable hose or kit.
How do you compare the energy consumption of two tumble dryers?
Compare their energy labels and product details, including consumption in kWh/100 cycles and capacity, then check the length of similar programmes. The European Commission’s public EPREL register also lets you look up information about products covered by energy labelling.