If you can’t vent a tumble dryer outside, a standard condenser or heat pump model can work, as outlined by UFC-Que Choisir. If you dry clothes frequently, compare the energy consumption and cycle times of heat pump and standard models. If you only dry small amounts of laundry, an airer is another option, provided you have a suitably large, well-ventilated room, as recommended by ADEME.
If your room doesn’t allow you to vent a tumble dryer outside, consider condenser models, including heat pump dryers. UFC-Que Choisir says these don’t need an outside vent. You’ll still need to check the installation instructions for your chosen model.
Capacity, stated energy consumption and programme duration all matter when you’re drying clothes regularly. Check how easy the filters and condenser are to maintain, too. In a test published by UFC-Que Choisir in 2020, failing to clean these parts extended the cycles of some models tested.
Measure the space needed for the appliance and to open its door, then decide whether you can empty a water tank or connect a drain hose. If you’d rather use an airer, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction.
Start with a solution that suits your room, then compare its capacity, day-to-day requirements and features with the laundry you actually need to dry.
Worth considering: if you want a dryer without an outside vent and shorter cycle times matter to you.
The trade-off: UFC-Que Choisir says these generally have shorter cycles than heat pump models, but use more electricity.
Worth considering: if you dry clothes frequently and want to prioritise comparing electricity consumption.
The trade-off: cycles are generally longer than with a standard condenser dryer, and you’ll still need to carry out the maintenance set out in the instructions.
Worth considering: for smaller amounts of laundry, in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction.
The trade-off: drying clothes indoors adds moisture to the room, so ADEME stresses the importance of good ventilation.
| Priority | What to check | Consider your needs |
|---|---|---|
| No outside vent | Choose a condenser model if an outside vent isn’t possible. Check the instructions for placement and ventilation requirements. | I want to dry clothes at home without venting the appliance outside. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser dryers meet this requirement. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare energy consumption on the same basis, particularly in kWh/100 cycles when stated, as well as the duration of programmes suited to your usual loads. | If I’m drying several loads back to back, I need to consider both the electricity used and how long it takes before I can start the next load. |
| Capacity and space | Match the dryer’s capacity to your washing machine and the loads you dry. Measure its width, height and depth, and allow room to open the door. | I’m looking for a dryer that can handle my usual loads without blocking the way or restricting access to the door. |
| Condensed water | Check that there’s a water tank and that it’s easy to access. If you’d prefer direct drainage, confirm that the model supports it, find out what accessories are needed and check that you can connect it to a drain. | Am I happy to empty a tank after each cycle, or can I connect the appliance to a drain? |
| Maintenance | Find out where the filters and condenser are, how accessible they are and how often they need cleaning. Don’t assume a self-cleaning condenser means no maintenance is needed. | I want to be able to carry out the cleaning set out in the instructions. A test published by UFC-Que Choisir in 2020 found that skipping this can extend the cycles of some models. |
| Drying on an airer | Consider the size and ventilation of the room, and whether it has mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction, in line with ADEME’s recommendations. | If I use an airer, I need a suitable room to dry clothes in rather than a small, poorly ventilated space. |
A condenser dryer doesn’t need an outside vent, but you’ll still need to check its dimensions, the room temperature and how the water is handled. For example, Electrolux specifies an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C for the EW6HI5118SA.
Measure the space, including clearance for the door, and check the model’s instructions for clearance, temperature and drainage requirements.
Cycles are generally longer than those of standard condenser models, which can make it harder to get through several loads of laundry.
Compare the stated programme times for the models you’re considering, and choose a capacity that suits your usual loads.
In a test published in 2020, UFC-Que Choisir found that cycles took longer on some models when the condenser or microfilter wasn’t cleaned. This result doesn’t apply to every appliance.
Before buying, check how easy the parts that need cleaning are to access. Then follow the cleaning intervals and instructions in the manual.
Clothes drying indoors release moisture into the room, which is worth bearing in mind if ventilation is limited.
For air-drying clothes, ADEME recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction.
These examples show features to check on specific models; they don’t represent every product from each brand.
The WQG2450SFR is worth considering if a 9 kg capacity and how condensed water is handled are important to you.
The EW6HI5118SA is an example of an 8 kg heat pump model. Check how accessible its tank is and whether your room meets its requirements.
The CWD84MWBSFR is worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump model with a stated capacity of 8 kg.
The HD80-E929E-S gives you a chance to compare its stated capacity and overall size with the space available.
These standard and heat pump condenser models are suited to anyone looking for a tumble dryer that doesn’t need an outside air vent. Compare their features and installation requirements before choosing. An airer is another option if your room is suitable.
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Worth considering for loads suited to its 8 kg capacity, without the need for an outside vent. The product description mentions an Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter and a direct connection for condensed water; check that you have access to a drain. See the model’s product details and manual for its dimensions, operating temperature, energy consumption and cycle times.
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Compare its stated 10 kg capacity with your washing machine and the loads you actually dry. The product description mentions a double-layer filter. Check the manual for the dimensions and how condensed water is handled, then compare this model’s stated cycle times and energy consumption.
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This heat pump model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and a double-layer fluff filter. Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions and drainage instructions in the manual. Also check the programme times and energy consumption for the exact model, and compare them with your laundry routine.
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This 8 kg condenser dryer suits anyone looking for an appliance without an outside air vent. Its product description lists a water tank and an energy rating of E. Check the manual for tank drainage, placement requirements and programme times. If you dry clothes frequently, compare its energy consumption on the same basis as the heat pump models you’re considering.
Yes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser model, with or without a heat pump, doesn’t need an outside air vent. However, check the manual for placement requirements and how condensed water is collected or drained.
You’ll need to empty the tank if the appliance collects water in it and isn’t connected to a direct drain. For example, Electrolux lists a 5.32 L tank and an optional direct-drain kit for the EW6HI5118SA. Check what’s possible with your chosen model and whether you have access to a drain.
Don’t assume you can just because they’re the same width. Check the manuals for both appliances to confirm that the models are suitable, that you have a compatible stacking kit and that you can follow the installation and stability instructions.
Compare figures measured on the same basis, particularly kWh/100 cycles where listed, then check the cycle times for programmes that suit your loads. An energy rating alone isn’t a substitute for comparing the figures for the specific models.
No. Drying clothes indoors adds moisture to the room. ADEME recommends drying clothes in a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation (VMC) extraction. If you don’t have this kind of space, bear that in mind when choosing a drying solution.