If you often dry laundry indoors and don’t have a dedicated air outlet, start by looking at heat pump condenser dryers. According to Que Choisir, they generally use less electricity than conventional condenser or vented models, but their cycles are often longer. A conventional condenser dryer may suit you better if shorter cycles matter more, while a vented model also requires a compatible outdoor installation. In every case, check the capacity, dimensions, energy use per cycle and maintenance requirements of the specific model.
If an airer often takes up a room, a tumble dryer can reduce the time your laundry spends drying there. If you haven’t confirmed that there’s an outdoor air outlet, look at condenser models, then check their dimensions, noise levels and how they handle collected water. ADEME points out that air-drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air.
Compare the stated capacity with the amount of laundry you wash and want to dry, rather than choosing based only on the advertised programme duration. The model’s dimensions and programmes also matter if your load size varies from one wash to the next.
Consider a vented tumble dryer only if you have an outdoor opening or duct that’s compatible with the appliance instructions. According to Que Choisir, these models generally dry clothes faster than heat pump models, but typically use more electricity.
Worth considering: if you dry clothes frequently without a dedicated outdoor air outlet and electricity use is an important factor in your decision.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, cycles are generally longer than for the other two types; maintenance requirements vary by model.
Worth considering: if you don’t have an outdoor air outlet and generally shorter cycles would better suit your laundry routine.
The trade-off: Que Choisir describes these appliances as generally using more electricity than heat pump models.
Worth considering: only if your home allows for an outdoor vent that meets the appliance’s installation requirements.
The trade-off: cycles are generally quicker, but electricity use is typically higher than with a heat pump model, according to Que Choisir.
| Criterion | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and check the clearance required around the appliance in its instructions. For a condenser model, check how to empty or drain the collected water; for a vented model, check the route to the outside. | I want to free up the space taken by my airer without choosing an appliance that can’t be installed where I need it. |
| Energy use | Compare the kWh per cycle for appliances with similar capacities and usage. Since 1 July 2025, the new EU energy label has used an A to G scale: an old A+++ rating is not directly comparable with a new A rating, according to the European Commission. | If I do laundry frequently, I want to check energy use per cycle rather than relying on the rating letter alone. |
| Capacity and duration | Match the stated capacity in kg to your usual loads. Check the programme duration for those loads, as well as options for smaller loads. | My loads aren’t always the same size: I’m looking for an appliance that suits the laundry I actually dry and the time I have available. |
| Noise and size | Check the exact dimensions, door-opening requirements and noise level stated for the model. Consider how close it is to your living areas. | If the utility room is next to a room you use, placement and noise matter just as much as capacity. |
| Fabrics and maintenance | Check garment care labels and the available programmes. Check how easy it is to access the filters and condenser, and what maintenance the instructions require; this varies by model. | I want to dry suitable fabrics and know which maintenance tasks to include in my regular routine. |
A vented model needs a suitable route to the outside. Having a duct or mechanical ventilation system (VMC) in your home doesn’t mean you can connect a tumble dryer to it. The French decree of 24 March 1982 also requires homes to have general, continuous ventilation.
Before choosing an appliance, check its instructions and your existing installation, along with any technical or contractual restrictions that apply to the changes you’re considering.
An A+++ rating under the old labelling system and an A rating on the new scale are not the same point of comparison.
For comparable appliances, check the A to G label in use since 1 July 2025, and also compare their energy use in kWh per cycle, capacities and programme durations.
In a Que Choisir test, some models took longer to dry and used more energy after 20 cycles without the condenser or microfilter being cleaned. Results varied between appliances.
Check the instructions to see which parts need cleaning and how easy they are to access. A self-cleaning condenser doesn’t mean you can ignore the model’s other maintenance instructions.
The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how long it will take to dry your usual loads and fabrics.
Work out how much laundry you need to dry, check its care labels, then compare the programmes, dimensions and noise levels of each specific model.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t necessarily apply to every product from a brand.
Bosch offers several heat pump tumble dryers in France, including 9 kg models.
Whirlpool France’s product information includes 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
Beko France’s catalogue includes heat pump, conventional condenser and vented tumble dryers.
These models give you a chance to look at heat pump tumble dryers for homes without a dedicated air outlet, as well as a model described as a condenser tumble dryer. For the latter, check the exact drying technology before comparing it with other types.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly dry loads of around 8 kg without needing a dedicated outdoor air outlet. Compare the capacity with your usual laundry loads, and check the dimensions, energy use in kWh per cycle and programme durations before choosing.
Image unavailable
This 8 kg heat pump model can be compared with the size of the loads you want to dry indoors. To choose between appliances with the same capacity, check their dimensions, noise levels, energy use per cycle and programmes suitable for your laundry.
Image unavailable
This variant is described as a heat pump tumble dryer, but its capacity needs confirming: the title says 10 kg, while another description states 8 kg. Check the capacity of this specific model before choosing it for larger loads, then check its dimensions and energy use per cycle.
Image unavailable
Its stated capacity of 8 kg gives you a starting point for comparing it with your usual loads. Confirm the exact drying technology before comparing it with a heat pump or conventional condenser model. Also check the energy use per cycle and how to empty or drain the collected water.
Yes, if the flat has an outdoor vent that’s compatible with the appliance instructions and the proposed installation; having a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) doesn’t by itself confirm that it’s suitable. Check the vent route and, if changes are needed, any relevant technical or contractual restrictions. The French decree of 24 March 1982 separately requires homes to have general, continuous ventilation.
Use the A to G scale on the European energy label, which has applied since 1 July 2025, rather than comparing its ratings directly with those on the old A+++ to D scale, as the European Commission explains. For models with similar capacities, also check the kWh per cycle and the duration of the programme that suits your needs.
No. Check the care symbols on each item before tumble drying. A delicate or low-temperature programme won’t make an item suitable for tumble drying if its care label says otherwise.
Because the parts that need cleaning, and how easy they are to access, vary by model. In a Que Choisir test, some appliances had longer cycles and higher energy use after 20 cycles without the condenser or microfilter being cleaned. Check the instructions for the model you choose, even if it has a self-cleaning condenser.