Homes without an external vent
If you don’t have much room to dry clothes and can’t install a duct to the outside, consider a condenser tumble dryer. According to Que Choisir, a vented model needs an external opening or access to an air duct.
Who is this right for?
People who dry clothes regularly
If you use your tumble dryer frequently, compare each model’s stated energy consumption as well as its programme times. These two factors may point you towards different choices.
Households considering stacking their appliances
If you need to stack your appliances to free up floor space, check their model numbers and dimensions. Bosch recommends checking that both models can be stacked and that a compatible stacking kit is available.
What should you look for?
If it’s difficult to dry clothes at home, start by checking what your room can accommodate. This will determine whether a vented tumble dryer is an option.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | For a vented model, check for an external opening or air duct; for any model, follow the installation instructions in its manual. | If I don’t have an external vent, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that my room can’t accommodate. Around 36% of consumers prioritise installation compatibility. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy labels and energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles for the models you’re considering. | If I dry clothes regularly, I want to keep an eye on how much electricity each cycle uses. Energy consumption is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity | Check the drying capacity in kg, your usual laundry loads and the capacity of your existing washing machine. | With several loads to dry, I’m looking for a drum that suits my laundry without having to split loads every time. Around 21% of consumers put capacity per cycle first. |
| Programme times | Check the length of the programmes suited to your laundry, without overlooking their energy consumption. | If I need my clothes ready quickly, I look at how long they’ll take to dry. Speed is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a vented model without planning for an external vent
According to Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct.
Before choosing this type, check whether there’s a suitable route for the duct. If your room won’t allow it, consider a condenser model instead.
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Stacking appliances without checking they’re compatible
The appliances must be designed to stack together, using a suitable kit. An improvised setup could cause an appliance to shift or fall.
Check the instructions from the manufacturers of both appliances and the kit. For example, Bosch’s 00717524 kit is intended for certain setups with a washing machine more than 55 cm deep, and Bosch advises checking compatibility.
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Choosing based only on the advertised drying time
A programme’s duration alone doesn’t tell you how much electricity it uses. This trade-off matters more if your tumble dryer often replaces air-drying.
Compare the length of the programmes you’re interested in with each model’s stated energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles.
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Relying only on the maximum capacity
According to Que Choisir, you should choose a capacity that suits both your household and your existing washing machine. The permitted load may vary depending on the programme and fabric.
Compare the stated capacity in kilograms with your usual laundry loads, then check the programme limits in the model’s manual.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Electrolux
Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer with clearly stated operating conditions for the specific model.
- Electrolux’s product information for the EW8HI595BG lists a 9 kg capacity, 92 kWh/100 cycles, 61 dB and an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C.
- These figures apply to the EW8HI595BG. Check the product information for any other model.
Whirlpool
Consider Whirlpool if you’re comparing the capacity and dimensions of heat pump tumble dryers.
- Whirlpool’s product information for the CWD84MWWSFR lists an 8 kg capacity, energy class C, 63 dB and a depth of 60,7 cm.
- Don’t assume that Whirlpool’s advertised features and these specifications apply to another model without checking its product information.
Beko
A brand to look at if your home can accommodate a vented tumble dryer.
- Beko includes the DA8013PA in its French selection of vented models.
- Even if a model appears in this selection, you should still check its manual and make sure your room allows for the necessary connection.
Bosch
Worth looking at, particularly if you’re planning to stack a tumble dryer and washing machine.
- Bosch sets out the requirements for some stacking kits: the 00717524 is designed for a standard-size washing machine more than 55 cm deep.
- Meeting this requirement doesn’t mean every combination is compatible. Check the exact model numbers of the appliances and the kit.
Tumble dryers to explore on Joybuy
These condenser models are worth considering if you need an installation without an external vent. Compare their capacity, energy consumption and installation requirements to suit your room and laundry loads.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth considering if you’re looking for a condenser model for loads of up to 8 kg. This model is listed as energy class C and features a 2-in-1 filter that you can access through the door.
If you plan to use it frequently, compare its energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles and programme times. If you want to stack it, check the dimensions and make sure both appliances are compatible with the kit.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump
This condenser model could be suitable if you don’t have an external vent. It’s listed as energy class D, but its descriptions give different capacities of 8 and 10 kg. Confirm the capacity for this model before comparing it with your laundry loads.
Also check the programme times, energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles and dimensions. Stacking requires documented compatibility with the washing machine and kit.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
Worth considering if you need a condenser tumble dryer without an external vent. This model is listed with an 8 kg capacity, an OptiSense sensor and propane refrigerant.
If energy consumption is a priority, check the heating technology and the figures on the specific model’s energy label. Read its installation instructions before considering stacking it.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump
This condenser model could be worth considering if your room has no external vent. It’s listed as energy class D, but its descriptions give different capacities of 8 and 10 kg. Confirm the capacity before choosing a model to suit your laundry loads.
Check the energy consumption in kWh/100 cycles, programme times and dimensions. If you want to stack the appliances, check that the models and kit are compatible.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a vented tumble dryer without an external vent?
No. You need an opening to the outside or access to an air duct to vent the moist air. If your room doesn’t allow for this, consider a condenser tumble dryer.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need an external vent?
No. A condenser model, with or without a heat pump, doesn’t need the external connection required for a vented model. However, you should still follow the location and operating requirements in its manual.
Can I put a tumble dryer on top of my current washing machine?
Only if both models are designed to be stacked together and there’s a compatible kit for that combination. Check the dimensions and manufacturers’ instructions. For example, Bosch requires a washing machine depth of more than 55 cm for its 00717524 kit, but meeting this measurement alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.