Households that regularly dry full loads
If you do several loads of washing in a row and have room for a separate appliance, compare drying capacity, programme duration and energy consumption for loads that match how you use it.
Who are these solutions for?
People living in compact homes
A washer-dryer combines two functions in one space. However, Que Choisir points out that its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity, so you may need to split a full load before drying it.
Households that still use an airer
If you mainly dry your laundry indoors without buying another appliance, check your washing machine’s spin performance and make sure you have enough room to hang out your washing. ADEME recommends taking the spin cycle into account, but not treating it as a universal substitute for a tumble dryer.
Which factors should you prioritise?
In a room without an external vent, start with your main priority: energy consumption, how often you do laundry, the space available or continuing to dry clothes on an airer. Always check the appliance manual to make sure it’s suitable for the room.
| Your priority | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use for frequent drying | Compare the energy label and the duration of the programme for your load. Que Choisir highlights the low energy consumption of heat pump models. | When I have several loads in a row, I want to keep the electricity needed for drying to a minimum without choosing a cycle that doesn’t fit my routine; around 36% of consumers put energy use first. |
| How long it takes to dry laundry | Compare programme durations for similar loads and fabrics, then check the ventilation requirements in the manual. Que Choisir says conventional condenser models are generally faster than heat pump models. | If I need to free up clothes quickly for the next load, cycle time matters more than energy consumption; around 29% of consumers would prioritise speed. |
| Space for appliances | Measure the space available and compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. | With room for only one appliance, I’d rather combine washing and drying, even if I have to split a load before drying it; around 21% of consumers would make saving space their main consideration. |
| Drying on an airer | Check the spin speeds available on your usual programmes and make sure you have enough room to hang out your washing. | If I’m continuing to use an airer, I want to consider how much water is left in my laundry after washing rather than add a tumble dryer; around 14% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an external outlet
Que Choisir explains that this type of appliance vents moist air through a duct to an opening outdoors. It’s therefore not suitable for a room without this kind of installation.
Rule out this type and read the manuals for other models before deciding where to install them.
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Confusing the two capacities of a washer-dryer
The amount of laundry you can wash at once may be greater than the amount the appliance can dry at once. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA.
Choose based on the load you need to dry and compare both capacities for the exact model you’re considering.
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Looking at energy use without checking cycle times
The low energy consumption associated with heat pump models doesn’t tell you whether their programmes suit your laundry routine. Que Choisir notes that conventional condenser models are generally faster.
Compare programme duration and energy consumption for similar fabrics and loads.
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Assuming an appliance without a duct can go anywhere
Not needing an external duct doesn’t mean you can ignore the requirements for a particular model, including those for its location, electrical supply and condensate management.
Measure the room and check the manual for your chosen model to find out about clearances, ventilation and drainage options.
Brands to know for these solutions
Bosch
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8 and 9 kg. The WQG2450SFR product details list a 9 kg capacity and a water drainage hose.
- Bosch describes the WQG2450SFR as a closed-circuit model. Check the condensate management options for your installation.
- These specifications don’t apply to the entire range; check the manual for your chosen model for clearance and connection requirements.
Electrolux
The range includes washer-dryers. Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RA.
- This model lets you wash and dry with a single appliance.
- Its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity. Check both figures and the installation requirements for any other model you’re considering.
Miele
Miele offers tumble dryers with capacities of 7, 8 and 9 kg and recommends matching their capacity to your washing machine’s, where possible.
- These capacities give you several options to compare with the size of your wash loads.
- Miele says conventional condenser models need access to the outdoors or good air circulation. Check the technology and the manual rather than relying on the word “condenser” alone.
Whirlpool
In France, Whirlpool offers heat pump tumble dryers with capacities of 8, 9, 10 and 11 kg.
- These capacities make it easier to find a model that suits the size of your washing machine’s loads.
- Features vary by model, so compare the energy label, programme durations and dimensions, and check the manual for the exact model.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These separate heat pump and condenser models let you explore machine drying without choosing a vented appliance. Their inclusion here doesn’t confirm that they’re suitable for your room, so check the manual for each model.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat pump tumble dryer
A separate appliance to consider if you have room to dry laundry regularly without an external vent.
The title lists a capacity of 8 kg, while another description gives it as 10 kg. Confirm the capacity of the CHD84MWBSEE before working out the size of your loads. Also check the manual for clearances, power supply, ventilation and condensate management.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg
This condenser tumble dryer is worth considering if you’re looking for a separate appliance without an external vent.
It has a stated capacity of 8 kg, and the product details mention a water collection tank. Check the manual to make sure your room’s ventilation and available clearances are suitable for this model.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg
This separate heat pump tumble dryer is suited to households looking to dry loads of up to its stated capacity of 8 kg.
The product is listed in energy class D. Before buying, compare the programme durations that suit your fabrics and check the manual for installation requirements.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR heat pump tumble dryer
This separate heat pump model may be suitable for a room without an external vent, subject to its installation requirements.
The title lists a capacity of 10 kg, while another description gives it as 8 kg. Confirm the capacity of the CD10EHP05W-HR. Also check its manual for clearances, power supply, ventilation and condensate management.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a vented tumble dryer without an external opening?
Not in this situation. Que Choisir says it needs an opening to the outside so it can vent moist air through a duct. Instead, look at other technologies and check their individual installation requirements.
Does a heat pump tumble dryer need to be connected to a drain?
How condensate is managed depends on the model. Bosch lists a water drainage hose for the WQG2450SFR, and its manual also describes the tank. For your chosen model, check the connection options, any accessories you’ll need and how to empty the tank.
What capacity should you choose for a washer-dryer?
Start with the capacity you need to dry a load in one go, and don’t confuse it with the washing capacity. The Electrolux EW9W1166RA is listed with a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg, so you may need to split a full wash load before drying it.