Room for just one appliance
If you only have space for one appliance, compare a washer-dryer with the option of stacking separate appliances. Make sure the appliances are compatible and that you use the right stacking kit.
Which option is right for you?
Frequent drying
If you dry clothes often and can install a separate appliance, compare the electricity consumption and cycle times of the models you’re considering.
Several family loads in a row
If you need to dry large loads or run several loads one after another, check the drying capacity and how long the drum will be occupied.
What should you check before buying?
When choosing a model that doesn’t need an external vent, first check the available space and installation requirements. Then compare energy consumption, drying capacity and cycle times to suit the way you use it.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and delivery route. Check the dimensions with the door open, the ventilation requirements and, if you plan to stack the appliances, whether they’re compatible with the kit. | If I only have room for one appliance, I check the dimensions and ventilation requirements before choosing a washer-dryer or compatible stackable appliances. This is a priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare kWh per 100 cycles using programmes and capacities that are like for like. For a washer-dryer, distinguish the figures for washing alone from those for a full wash-and-dry cycle. | If I dry clothes often, I compare consumption on a like-for-like basis rather than relying on the energy rating alone. This is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Drying capacity | Check the washing and drying capacities in kg separately, then check the maximum load for the programme you plan to use. | If I need to dry several loads or a large amount of laundry, I check how much can actually be dried in one cycle. Load capacity is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Cycle times | Compare the duration of the programme that suits your load. For a washer-dryer, also check the length of the full wash-and-dry cycle. | If I need my clothes back quickly or want to free up the drum for another wash, I check the cycle time for a programme that suits my load. Cycle time is the top priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing condenser and heat pump technology
Condenser describes how moisture is collected, while a heat pump is a drying technology. The terms therefore refer to different features.
Check the exact technology in the product specifications and manual, then compare energy consumption and programme times.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
For the LG F964R71WRST, LG lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg. This means you can’t automatically dry the whole load you’ve washed.
Plan your full cycle around the drying capacity and the limits of the programme you use.
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Assuming an appliance without an external vent can go in any enclosed space
Not needing an external vent doesn’t remove the ventilation and clearance requirements for each model. Stacking also depends on whether the appliances and stacking kit are compatible.
Check the manual for the exact model and measure the space before buying. Don’t rely on the appliance’s overall dimensions alone.
Which brands should you consider?
Bosch
The WQJ2320BFR is a separate heat pump tumble dryer model whose dimensions, capacity and noise level you can compare for a specific space.
- Bosch lists an 8 kg capacity, dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm and a noise level of 62 dB(A) for the WQJ2320BFR.
- Installation requirements vary by model. Check the manual for the model you choose, particularly for ventilation and clearance requirements.
LG
The F964R71WRST washer-dryer is designed for homes with room for just one appliance.
- LG lists a washing capacity of 9 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for this model.
- The drying modes listed for this model come with their own requirements. Check the documentation for water requirements and installation conditions.
Electrolux
The EDHF1618H is an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer you can compare with other models.
- Electrolux lists 128 kWh per 100 cycles and an E energy rating on the EDHF1618H label.
- The figures on the label don’t reflect a household’s actual bill or cover the whole range. Check the installation instructions for the specific model too.
Haier
The range includes separate heat pump tumble dryers, including 8 kg I-Pro models.
- The Haier catalogue features several models and capacities to compare, depending on your available space and how much laundry you need to dry.
- The same capacity doesn’t mean the same energy consumption. Check the energy label and manual for each model.
Indesit
The YT CHA CM10 8B FR is a documented conventional condenser tumble dryer model with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
- This model is an example of conventional condenser technology, which differs from a heat pump model.
- Indesit says this model is no longer available from the brand. If you find old stock or a second-hand appliance, check the model, condition, energy label and manual for that specific unit.
Tumble dryer models without an external vent
This selection includes condenser tumble dryers, several of which use heat pump technology, for use without an external vent. The European Commission says condenser tumble dryers don’t need an outlet to the outside. However, check the ventilation requirements, available space and manual for each model.
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LG RT10X8B heat pump tumble dryer, 10 kg, black, C energy rating
This 10 kg model is worth comparing if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer for large loads.
LG says to leave sufficient clearance around the appliance and make sure the door can open fully. Check the connection requirements in the product documentation too.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg, E energy rating
This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer may suit you if you’re looking for a separate appliance that doesn’t need an external vent, subject to the instructions in the manual.
The model name indicates an E energy rating, propane refrigerant and OptiSense function.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg, C energy rating
Its stated capacity of 8 kg makes this a model worth comparing if you’re looking for a separate heat pump tumble dryer.
Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, clearance and ventilation requirements listed for this model.
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Comfee CFP01EH80W-JD heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg, D energy rating
This 8 kg model is worth comparing for vent-free drying, provided you follow the stated installation requirements.
The manual shown for this model requires a well-ventilated room of at least 4 m² and an earthed 220–240 V socket. It advises against using extension leads.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR heat pump tumble dryer, 10 kg, D energy rating
Its stated capacity of 10 kg may be worth considering if you’re comparing separate models for large loads.
The manual shown for this model requires a well-ventilated room of at least 4 m² and an earthed 220–240 V socket. It advises against using extension leads.
Frequently asked questions
Can a condenser tumble dryer work without an external vent?
Yes. Unlike a vented tumble dryer, it collects moisture as water in a tank or, if the model allows, drains it away. The European Commission says condenser tumble dryers don’t need an air outlet to the outside. You should still follow the manufacturer’s ventilation and installation instructions.
Can you install a tumble dryer in a cupboard or on top of a washing machine?
It depends on the model, the space and the compatible accessories. For a cupboard, check the ventilation and clearance requirements in the manual. To stack the appliances, make sure both are compatible with the stacking kit recommended by the manufacturer.
What should you maintain after each cycle?
Follow the manual for your model to empty the water tank if needed and clean the filters and accessible parts. Bosch says removing lint from the filters helps maintain performance. Don’t assume that an automatic cleaning function available on one model is also included on another.
What warranty applies in France to an appliance bought from a retailer?
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years from delivery to exercise this right. An optional commercial warranty extension does not replace it.