If you have no external vent or usable duct, rule out vented tumble dryers. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a condenser dryer, with or without a heat pump, can operate without a connection to the outside. If you have space for a separate tumble dryer, compare its energy consumption, cycle times and capacity. If one appliance needs to handle both washing and drying, check the washer-dryer's actual drying capacity. In every case, confirm the dimensions and installation requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
If you can't connect the appliance to the outside, the drying technology is your first filter. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes condenser dryers, which can be used without this connection, from vented models, which need one.
The capacity should match the amount of laundry you want to dry in one go. If you'll be using it frequently, compare energy consumption and programme times on a like-for-like basis too.
A washer-dryer combines two functions in one appliance. Bosch and Electrolux models have separate washing and drying capacities, so be sure to check the drying capacity.
Start by ruling out appliances that need an external vent, then choose between a separate tumble dryer and a washer-dryer based on the space available. To narrow down the remaining options, match their capacity and installation requirements to your needs.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate tumble dryer and, with regular use, keeping electricity consumption down is a priority.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says it uses less energy than a conventional condenser dryer, but you should still compare cycle times between the models you're considering.
Consider this if: you want a separate tumble dryer without an external connection and are comparing its programmes with those of heat pump models.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, this technology uses more electricity than a heat pump tumble dryer.
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance to wash and dry your laundry.
Bear in mind: the drying capacity may be lower than the washing capacity. Bosch and Electrolux ranges include models with capacities of 9/6 kg and 8/4 kg respectively.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for use without a vent | Look for “condenser” or “heat pump” in the product details, then check the installation requirements in the manual. Don't assume a vented tumble dryer is the same as these models. | I have no external vent or usable duct, so choosing technology that suits my home comes before anything else. Around 50% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Energy consumption, cycle and capacity | Compare drying capacity in kg, energy consumption and eco programme duration on a like-for-like basis. | I want to dry my laundry regularly with a suitable load size, without overlooking electricity use or the time it takes. This would be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space for the appliances | Measure the available space and, for a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | I can only fit one appliance, so combining washing and drying matters more to me, even if I have to dry a smaller load. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise saving space. |
A vented tumble dryer isn't suitable for a home without an external vent or usable duct. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type of installation from that of a condenser appliance.
Check the drying technology listed for the exact model before comparing its programmes.
The energy rating alone doesn't tell you how much laundry can be dried or how long it will take. For the tumble dryers covered in the European Union, the European Commission has introduced a revised A to G label, in use since 1 July 2025.
Compare energy consumption, capacity and eco programme duration on a like-for-like basis for the models you're interested in.
With a washer-dryer, you may not be able to dry an entire load in one go after washing it. For example, Electrolux lists a model in its range with an 8 kg washing capacity and a 4 kg drying capacity.
Choose based on the drying capacity, which is listed separately from the washing capacity.
Not needing an external connection doesn't mean you can skip checking the room requirements and manual. For example, Electrolux specifies an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C for the EW9HI783FC; this range applies to this model only.
Measure the available space and check the ventilation and installation instructions for the model you're considering.
The UK range includes both separate condenser tumble dryers and washer-dryers, making it easy to compare the two.
The UK range includes heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers, depending on how much space you have.
The UK T1 range includes heat pump tumble dryers, with models in both 8 kg and 9 kg capacities.
These are separate condenser or heat pump tumble dryers for homes without an external connection. When comparing them, check the capacity of the specific variant, its dimensions and installation instructions. This selection doesn't include washer-dryers.
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Worth considering if you want a separate tumble dryer without an external connection. The name of this variant indicates an 8 kg capacity and a C energy rating. Check that its installation requirements are suitable for your room.
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Worth considering for a stated drying capacity of 8 kg, without needing an external connection. This variant has a D energy rating. Check its dimensions and the requirements in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you're looking for a separate condenser tumble dryer that doesn't need an external vent. Its name indicates an 8 kg capacity and OptiSense. Compare its energy consumption with other models on a like-for-like basis, and check the installation instructions.
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Worth considering for drying without an external connection, provided the variant suits the size of your usual loads. Product information lists this model with a capacity of between 8 and 10 kg, so confirm the figure before choosing. Then check the installation requirements in the manual.
No, not if your home also lacks a usable duct. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an outlet for the expelled air. Look for a condenser model instead, and check its installation instructions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says a condenser tumble dryer can be installed without an external connection. However, follow the model-specific instructions on the room, clearances, power supply and maintenance.
Check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. For an appliance listed as 8/4 kg, such as a model in the Electrolux range, 8 kg refers to washing and 4 kg to drying. Compare the latter figure with the amount you want to dry in one go.
Follow the care instructions for the model you choose. Bosch says a water drain hose is provided with some condenser models. If you'd prefer not to empty the tank, check whether your chosen model supports this and what connection is needed.