Without an external vent, choose a condenser tumble dryer; for a new appliance in France, this will generally be a heat pump model. A separate appliance is best suited to regular drying and larger loads, while a washer dryer can work well when space is limited, provided you are happy with a lower drying capacity and longer combined cycles.
You want to dry your laundry at home without installing ducting to the outside. Condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, meet this requirement, unlike vented appliances. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these two installation types.
You need a drying capacity that matches the amount of laundry you produce. A separate heat pump tumble dryer lets you compare its drying load directly with your usual washing loads; a washer dryer often requires a closer look at this point.
You can install only one appliance and want to avoid transferring laundry between machines. A washer dryer may be suitable if you accept that its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity and that the combined cycle will take longer.
Start by confirming that the appliance can be installed, then compare its actual drying load, cycle arrangements and maintenance requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without ducting | Choose condenser or heat pump technology; also check the electrical socket, overall dimensions, required clearances and whether condensate may need to be drained. | I want to dry laundry at home without drilling through the façade or connecting a duct for moist air. |
| Energy use and cycles | For new tumble dryers, compare the energy label on the A to G scale applicable since 1 July 2025, as well as the length of comparable programmes. The European Commission states that new household tumble dryers placed on the Union market must use heat pump technology from that date. | I dry laundry frequently and want to compare energy consumption without assuming that the most economical cycle will also be the fastest. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying load in kilograms with your usual loads. For a washer dryer, check the washing capacity, drying capacity and wash-and-dry programme duration separately. | I want to avoid regularly splitting a wash because the appliance cannot dry the entire load. |
| Ventilation and maintenance | Keep the home's ventilation clear, check that filters are cleaned and make sure the water container or drainage connection is working properly. ADEME reminds us that drying laundry indoors in the open air creates a great deal of humidity; the French decree of 24 March 1982 provides for general and permanent ventilation within its scope. | I am looking for a location that remains compatible with the home's ventilation and everyday maintenance tasks. |
A condenser appliance does not require ducting to the outside, but its location must still be suitable for its dimensions, electrical supply and ventilation conditions. Depending on the model, you may need to empty a water container or arrange a drainage connection.
Measure the space with the door open, keep the home's planned ventilation unobstructed and check the installation instructions for the exact model before ordering.
The drying load may be considerably lower. For example, Electrolux specifies 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7W4954DS, meaning a full wash may require several drying cycles.
Compare the drying capacity with your usual loads and check the duration of the full-load wash-and-dry cycle.
A vented tumble dryer expels moist air outside and does not meet this installation requirement. For new household tumble dryers placed on the Union market since 1 July 2025, the European Commission requires heat pump technology.
Rule out this option if no suitable external opening or ducting is genuinely available; when buying new, focus your comparison on heat pump models.
Manufacturer specification sheets are useful for checking dimensions, capacity, noise levels and advertised features, but their performance claims remain the manufacturer's own statements.
Check the exact model, energy label, dimensions, drying capacity, noise level and warranty terms; consult independent tests where available.
Bosch offers, among other options, 8 and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers for comparing a separate appliance without external venting.
Electrolux offers freestanding washer dryers for homes where a two-in-one appliance is more practical than a separate tumble dryer.
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers designed for the French market.
LG offers 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers with features that vary between models.
Joybuy heat pump tumble dryer options for drying laundry without external ducting, with stated capacities to compare with your usual loads.
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An option for regular drying in a home without external ducting, with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
Heat pump operation, a stated noise level of 64 dB, an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter and the option to connect a drainage hose are advertised. Check the dimensions, ventilation clearances, electrical installation and whether a water outlet is available if you want to avoid emptying the water container.
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This model, advertised with an 8 kg capacity, could be considered for regular household loads without connection to external ducting.
Three drying levels, special programmes, a double-layer lint filter, LED display and quick cycle are advertised. Check the dimensions, ventilation, condensate drainage and electrical requirements in the instructions.
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A heat pump model presented for drying without external ducting, with advertised programmes and drying levels.
Special programmes, three drying levels, a double-layer lint filter, refresh function, LED display and quick cycle are listed. The capacity is stated as 10 kg in the title but 8 kg elsewhere in the product information: check the technical specification or instructions before buying, along with the dimensions and drainage arrangements.
Yes, with a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, as it does not require an air duct to the outside. Water is collected in a container or can be directed to a drain, depending on the model; a vented appliance, on the other hand, requires an external outlet for moist air. UFC-Que Choisir makes this distinction clear.
For a new household tumble dryer placed on the European Union market since 1 July 2025, the European Commission states that only heat pump technology may be placed on the market. This rule applies to household tumble dryers, not washer dryers.
Above all, compare the amount of laundry you want to dry in each cycle. A separate tumble dryer may offer a capacity close to your usual loads, while a washer dryer may dry less than it washes: Electrolux specifies 9 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying on the EW7W4954DS.
Yes. The absence of a tumble dryer exhaust duct is not a reason to disable the home's general ventilation. The French decree of 24 March 1982 provides for general and permanent ventilation under the conditions it sets out; also check the clearances, sockets and drainage requirements specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
No. It avoids transferring laundry and can free up space, but its drying load may be lower than its washing load and the combined programme may be long. For the EW7W4954DS, Electrolux states 5 kg for drying compared with 9 kg for washing, and 6 h 20 for the full-load Eco 40-60 wash-and-dry cycle.