Households without an external vent
If you can’t connect a vent hose to the outside, consider condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump. A vented model needs a suitable outlet for the air.
Who is this option for?
Households that dry washing frequently
If you do laundry often, compare the energy consumption and programme times of heat pump models with those of other dryers you’re considering. Lower electricity use alone isn’t enough to decide between two cycles of different lengths.
Households with large loads or delicate fabrics
Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your washing machine’s, then check the permitted load for each programme. For wool, silk or outdoor clothing, the garment’s care label is still the deciding factor, even if the dryer has a dedicated programme.
What should you check?
Start by checking your installation options, then compare models that suit your room with your usual loads and laundry routine in mind.
Heat pump condenser dryer
Consider this if: you don’t have an external air outlet and use your tumble dryer frequently.
Compare: the energy consumption and programme times of the exact model, as well as how it collects the condensed water.
Standard condenser dryer
Consider this if: you need to avoid an external vent hose and want to compare different condenser technologies.
Compare: energy use and programme times for comparable programmes and loads, rather than relying on the technology name alone.
Vented dryer
You’ll need: an external opening or a vent hose that’s suitable for the appliance.
Limitation: without this connection, this type of dryer isn’t suitable for the room, even if there’s space for the appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Check whether the technology requires an external air outlet, along with the appliance dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual. Make sure you can access the plug and water tank, or check the requirements for connecting a condensate drain if the model allows it. | I need to be able to install the appliance in the available room, without assuming I can add an external vent hose. If I also dry clothes on an airer in the room, ventilation matters too. For this, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one fitted with an extractor. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the energy labels of the exact models, then check energy consumption and cycle times for the programmes and loads you’re interested in. In its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir reports the time and energy used per kilogram of dried laundry. Comparing results on the same basis is important. | I do laundry regularly and want to know both how much electricity the dryer uses and how long I’ll need to wait before my clothes are ready. |
| Capacity | Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your washing machine’s and check the maximum load for the programmes you use, particularly where cotton and synthetics have different limits. | I don’t want to have to split a large load into several drying cycles every time. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking the size of your household and the capacity of your washing machine into account. |
| Fabrics and care | Check the model’s programmes, the care labels on your clothes and the maintenance steps set out in the manual for the filter, condenser and water tank. | I want to dry only clothes that are suitable for tumble drying and choose the right programme, while knowing what routine maintenance the appliance will need. |
What should you avoid?
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Choosing a vented dryer without planning for an external outlet
A vented tumble dryer must send moist air outside, so having enough room for the appliance doesn’t necessarily mean you can use it there.
Check that you can connect it before choosing this type. Otherwise, compare condenser models.
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Comparing only the technology or purchase price
Two models may differ in both energy consumption and cycle length. The words ‘heat pump’ don’t tell you how much energy the programme you’ll use consumes.
Check the energy label and compare cycle times and energy use for similar programmes and loads.
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Assuming every programme takes the maximum load
The permitted load for synthetics or delicate fabrics may be lower than the appliance’s stated maximum capacity.
Check the capacity of the programmes you use regularly before comparing it with your washing machine’s loads.
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Assuming a delicate-care programme means every delicate item can be tumble dried
A wool or silk programme doesn’t mean that every garment made from those fabrics can go in the tumble dryer.
Check each garment’s care label first, then choose a programme recommended in the appliance manual.
Brands to know
Bosch
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers, with product specifications that let you check capacity and dimensions for each model.
- The Bosch WQG1420DFR specification lists a maximum capacity of 9 kg and dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm, which can help you plan where to put it.
- These measurements apply to the WQG1420DFR. Check the specifications and manual for any other model, as well as the space needed for installation.
Electrolux
The Electrolux range includes heat pump tumble dryers, with fabric programmes that vary from model to model.
- The Electrolux EW7HI292GW specification describes a 9 kg model with programmes for different fabrics.
- Check the programmes, water management and installation requirements for the model you choose. A dedicated programme doesn’t replace checking the garment’s care label.
Miele
Miele’s T1 range includes 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers, depending on the model, with garment-care features that vary between models.
- Miele’s specifications distinguish, for example, the 8 kg TEA525WP from the 9 kg TSH783WP, making it easier to compare their capacities with your usual loads.
- Feature names such as DryProtect and SilenceDrum are the manufacturer’s descriptions, not comparative measurements that apply across the whole range.
Beko
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers and describes a technology that reuses warm air inside the appliance.
- Beko product specifications let you look up the features that matter when choosing a particular model.
- Check the model’s capacity, energy label, dimensions, programmes and maintenance requirements. Don’t assume features available on one model will be available on another.
Tumble dryers available from Joybuy
These three condenser models are options to consider if you need to dry clothes without an external air-exhaust hose. The Hotpoint and Comfee are listed as heat pump models. Confirm the exact technology used by the Electrolux before comparing energy consumption and cycle times.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
This 8 kg heat pump model is worth considering if you don’t have an external air outlet. It’s listed with energy rating C. Check the dimensions, how it handles condensate and the programme times before making your choice.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
Its 8 kg capacity makes it worth comparing with your washing machine loads, and it doesn’t need an external air vent. The product name mentions OptiSense and propane refrigerant. Before comparing energy use, check whether it uses a heat pump or standard condenser technology.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
This 8 kg heat pump model is an option for a room without an external air-exhaust hose. It’s listed with energy rating D. Check its dimensions, water management and programmes to make sure they suit your laundry.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external air outlet?
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an air-exhaust hose leading outside. A vented model does need an external opening or a suitable vent hose. Also check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
Do you need to empty the water tank after every cycle?
It depends on the tank’s capacity, how you use the appliance and how it’s installed. Some condenser dryers allow the water to drain directly away. Check whether this is possible, along with the connection requirements and any accessories needed, in the manual.
What type of electrical socket do you need?
Follow the electrical and safety instructions for the exact model. The Bosch WTH83014FR manual specifies a properly installed, earthed wall socket. Don’t assume its other installation requirements apply to a different appliance; check that model’s manual.
Should you choose the same capacity as your washing machine?
Your washing machine’s capacity is a good starting point, along with the size of your household, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends. Then check the permitted load for the programmes you’ll use: the stated maximum capacity may not apply to every fabric type.
Does a delicate-care programme mean you can tumble dry all delicate clothes?
No. The garment’s care label must first say it’s suitable for tumble drying. Then choose a suitable programme from those listed in the appliance manual.