Households drying several loads a week
If you use your tumble dryer regularly, compare its electricity consumption before prioritising a short cycle. Que Choisir recommends considering heat pump technology to help keep energy use down.
Who are these options for?
Households without an external vent
A condenser tumble dryer can work in a space where there’s no external air vent. However, check the model’s installation requirements and how it collects or drains the condensed water.
Households that need laundry dried quickly
If cycle times are your priority, compare the programmes on standard condenser and vented models. Vented dryers are only suitable for rooms where moist air can be expelled outside.
What should you look for first?
According to Que Choisir, drying technologies involve a trade-off between energy use and speed. First rule out any options that aren’t suitable for your room, then compare the capacity, energy consumption and programme times of the models that remain.
Heat pump condenser
Consider it: if you dry laundry frequently, particularly if you can’t install an external air vent.
Bear in mind: cycles may take longer than with other technologies, so compare the programme times for your chosen model.
Standard condenser
Consider it: if you don’t have an external air vent and drying time is particularly important.
Bear in mind: according to Que Choisir, this technology generally uses more electricity than a heat pump.
Vented
Consider it: only if the room allows you to connect the appliance to an external opening or suitable vent.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir notes that these models generally use more electricity. Without a suitable way to vent the air, this option isn’t suitable.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/100 cycles listed for each model and the length of its eco programme. | If I’m drying clothes every week, I want to keep track of how much electricity I use, even if a cycle takes longer. Around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Room suitability | Check whether you can vent the air outside and follow the installation requirements in the manual. | If there’s no suitable opening or vent, I first need to choose a technology that works in my room. This comes before other criteria for around 29% of consumers. |
| Drying capacity | Choose a cotton capacity close to that of your washing machine, and check the load limits for programmes for other fabrics. | If I have large loads of laundry, I want to avoid splitting them across several cycles. Capacity is the main consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Cycle times | Check how long the programme takes for your load; a quick programme doesn’t necessarily mean it can handle a full load. | If I need to wear my laundry again soon, I’d rather know how long it takes to dry a typical load. Speed comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing air venting with water drainage
A condensate drain hose doesn’t turn a condenser tumble dryer into a vented model. The kit shown by Bosch is designed to direct condensed water into a compatible drain.
Check the type of appliance, whether it needs an air vent, access to a water drain and whether the kit is compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
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Choosing a vented model before checking the room
A vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or a suitable air vent, as Que Choisir points out.
Check where the vent could run and read the installation instructions before choosing this technology. If it won’t work in your room, compare condenser models instead.
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Comparing cycle times alone
According to Que Choisir, technologies that are generally quicker can also use more electricity. A short programme for a small load may not reflect how you usually do your laundry.
For each model, compare the kWh/100 cycles and the time taken by a programme suitable for the load you dry most often.
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Looking only at the cotton capacity
The advertised maximum load doesn’t necessarily apply to programmes for synthetics or delicate fabrics.
Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your washing machine’s, then check the manual for the load limits of the programmes you’ll use.
Brands to know
Bosch
Bosch offers a range of 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers, including the WQG24502FR.
- Bosch says the WQG24502FR has a self-cleaning condenser and a 40-minute Express programme designed for small loads.
- These features apply to this model only. If you want to drain condensed water directly, check that the Bosch kit is compatible with the model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers heat pump condenser tumble dryers, including the 8 kg EDHF5841EC.
- Electrolux’s product information for the EDHF5841EC lists 128 kWh/100 cycles, a water container and the option of direct drainage with a suitable kit.
- Electrolux specifies an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C for this model. Check the requirements and energy label for the model you actually choose.
Miele
Miele’s T1 range includes heat pump tumble dryers, with capacities varying by model.
- Miele says the TEA525WP 8kg Active comes with a condensed-water drainage kit and indicators for the water container and filters.
- These features apply to the TEA525WP 8kg Active. Check whether they’re included with any other model you’re considering.
Tumble dryers to compare on Joybuy
This selection includes three heat pump tumble dryers and one condenser model. For the latter, check its drying technology before comparing its energy consumption with the other models.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if you regularly dry loads within its 8 kg capacity. Its product information lists an energy rating of C; check the kWh/100 cycles and programme times to see how it would work for you.
If you’d like to drain condensed water directly, check the connection required for your installation.
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Comfee' CD10EHP05W-HR, 10 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Compare its stated 10 kg capacity with the size of your laundry loads and the capacity of your washing machine. This model is described as a D-rated heat pump tumble dryer.
Before opting for this capacity, check the kWh/100 cycles, programme times and load limits for different fabrics.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This heat pump model may suit a household looking for a stated capacity of 8 kg. It has an energy rating of D.
Check its kWh/100 cycles, and read the manual to find out how long its quick programme takes and what load it can handle.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
Worth considering for a room without an external air vent, subject to this model’s installation instructions. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a container for collecting condensed water.
Check its drying technology, kWh/100 cycles and programme times before comparing it for frequent use with a heat pump model. Also check its dimensions and the space needed for the reversible door.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a vented tumble dryer in a room without an external outlet?
No. You need to be able to vent hot, moist air through an external opening or a suitable air vent. If that isn’t possible, compare condenser tumble dryers instead, following each model’s installation requirements.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No. Neither standard condenser dryers nor heat pump condenser dryers need an external air vent. However, the condensed water must be collected in a container or, if the model and connection allow, drained away.
What capacity should I choose to match my washing machine?
Choose a drying capacity to suit your washing machine and the size of the loads you plan to dry. Also check the load limits for programmes for synthetics or delicate fabrics: the maximum cotton capacity may not apply to these programmes.