Who is this setup for?

Homes without an external vent

If your room has no air outlet or duct leading outside, a condenser tumble dryer avoids the need for a vent connection, as Que Choisir explains. When buying a new appliance, compare heat-pump models by their dimensions and energy label.

Homes considering a stacked setup

Stacking your appliances can solve a lack of floor space, but matching widths alone isn’t enough. Que Choisir recommends two front-loading appliances of a similar size, with the tumble dryer on top. Check the manuals and stacking kit to confirm compatibility and weight limits.

People with a small bathroom

In a bathroom, available space alone won’t determine where you can put your appliance. Check the rules for its position and electrical supply too; Promotelec highlights the importance of protective zones in bathrooms.

What should you check before choosing?

Start by measuring the space and deciding whether the appliances will sit side by side or be stacked. Then compare the energy use and practical requirements of the models that will fit.

What to considerWhat to checkThink about your needs
Space and stacking Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed for the doors. For a stacked setup, check that both appliances are front-loading, confirm their dimensions and make sure the stacking kit is compatible and within its weight limits, as advised by Que Choisir. I’m short on floor space, but I still need to open the doors and reach the controls once the appliances are in place.
Energy use and cycle time Compare the stated energy use, programme duration and capacity on a like-for-like basis. Que Choisir says heat-pump models use less energy than conventional condenser models, but their cycles can take longer. If I dry laundry often, energy use matters; if I need to get through several loads, cycle time matters too.
Noise and access Compare the stated noise levels and check how high the controls will be once the appliances are stacked. A pull-out shelf can be useful, provided the kit is compatible with your appliances; Bosch offers this feature with some kits. The utility room is near a living area, or I want to be able to load and set the tumble dryer easily.
Bathroom Before choosing a location, ask someone to check the protective zones and electrical circuit requirements for your installation. Promotelec explains the restrictions that apply to appliances installed in bathrooms. I’m considering installing it in a bathroom: the location needs to be practical and comply with electrical safety rules.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Assuming a stacking kit will fit because both appliances are the same width

    Depth and the exact model numbers matter too. Bosch notes that a stacking kit must be suitable for the tumble dryer; some of its manuals also rule out compatibility with certain washing machine series.

    Note down the full model numbers of both appliances and check them against the manual or the kit manufacturer’s compatibility tool.

  • Measuring only the space taken up by the appliance cabinets

    A stacked setup could leave too little room to open the doors or reach the tumble dryer’s control panel.

    Also measure the clearance in front of the doors, access to the connections and the height of the controls in your planned setup.

  • Comparing an old energy rating directly with the current scale

    The European Commission says that the energy label for household tumble dryers has used the A to G scale since 1 July 2025. An old A+++ rating therefore cannot be directly compared with a current A rating.

    When comparing appliances, check the relevant energy label and stated energy use, as well as the capacity and duration of the programmes you’re comparing.

  • Forgetting about access for maintenance

    Que Choisir reports that clogged filters or condensers can lengthen cycles and increase energy use on some heat-pump tumble dryers.

    Check the manual for maintenance requirements and make sure you’ll still be able to reach the parts that need attention if the tumble dryer is installed at height.

A guide to the brands

Electrolux

Worth considering if you’re looking for a stacking kit whose compatibility you can check against your appliance model numbers.

  • According to Electrolux France, the STA8GW4 kit is designed for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm and includes a wall fixing.
  • This depth range alone doesn’t confirm compatibility, so check the exact model numbers before choosing the kit.

Bosch

An option for a stacked setup with a joining kit and shelf, once you’ve checked the model numbers of both appliances.

  • Bosch’s WTZ280X kit includes a pull-out shelf and is designed to be installed on a standard washing machine with a depth of more than 55 cm.
  • Bosch specifies that the kit must be suitable for the tumble dryer; the washing machine’s depth alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.

Beko

Worth considering if tumble dryer depth is a concern, but don’t assume it can be stacked on your washing machine.

  • Boulanger lists the Beko D3H17D91W, a 7 kg heat-pump tumble dryer with a depth of 54.5 cm.
  • For a stacked setup, check the model numbers of both appliances separately and confirm that a suitable kit is compatible.

Heat-pump tumble dryers on Joybuy

These heat-pump tumble dryers are worth considering if you need an appliance that doesn’t require an external vent. For a small utility room, check their dimensions and the clearance they need. If you plan to stack your appliances, you’ll also need to confirm that a stacking kit is compatible with both.

Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat-pump tumble dryer

Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE — 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer

The heat-pump technology means you can consider installing it without an external air vent. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg; check the dimensions and required clearance, and, if you’re stacking it, make sure the kit is compatible with your washing machine.

View on Joybuy
Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR heat-pump tumble dryer

Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR — 8 kg heat-pump tumble dryer

This 8 kg heat-pump model could suit a room without an external vent. Check its dimensions and energy label; if you’re planning a stacked setup, also confirm that both appliances and the kit are compatible.

View on Joybuy
Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR heat-pump tumble dryer

Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR — heat-pump tumble dryer

Heat-pump technology makes this model suitable for installation without an external air vent. Before buying, confirm the capacity for this model number: it’s listed as both 8 kg and 10 kg. Also check the dimensions and, if needed, that a stacking kit is compatible.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you install a tumble dryer without an external vent?

Yes. According to Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat-pump model, doesn’t need to be connected to the outside. A vented model, on the other hand, needs a suitable outlet.

Can you put any tumble dryer on top of a washing machine?

No. Que Choisir recommends front-loading appliances of a similar size, with the tumble dryer on top. Check the manuals for weight limits and make sure the kit is compatible with the exact model numbers of both appliances.

How should you choose a location in a bathroom?

Don’t rely on available space alone. Promotelec sets out protective zones and electrical requirements for installing a washing machine in a bathroom; ask a qualified professional to confirm the rules that apply to your tumble dryer and electrical circuit.

Does a heat-pump tumble dryer need maintenance?

Yes. Follow the manual to clean the filters and, depending on the model, the condenser. In a test of some appliances, Que Choisir found that a build-up of dirt could lengthen cycles and increase energy use. Make sure you’ll still be able to reach the parts that need maintenance if the appliance is stacked.

Can you compare an old A+++ rating with a current A rating?

No, these letters belong to two different scales. According to the European Commission, the energy label for household tumble dryers changed to an A to G scale on 1 July 2025. Compare stated energy use on a like-for-like basis instead of treating the old and new ratings as equivalent.