If you don’t have an opening or duct to the outside, a condenser tumble dryer – particularly a heat pump model – avoids the air connection required by a vented model, according to Que Choisir. If you prefer to use a clothes airer, consider the washing machine’s spin efficiency and how well the room can be ventilated. If you only have space for one appliance, compare the washing and drying capacities of a washer-dryer separately. To help you choose, also compare energy consumption, eco programme duration, usable capacity and the installation requirements for the specific model.
If you want to dry your laundry in an appliance without an air duct to the outside, consider condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models. Que Choisir explains how this differs from installing a vented tumble dryer, which needs an opening or duct.
Compare the amount of laundry the dryer can actually handle with your usual loads and your washing machine’s capacity. To compare appliances, also check the duration and energy consumption of the eco programme on their current energy labels.
A washer-dryer combines both functions, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. For example, Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the EW9W1166RB model.
First rule out any options that aren’t suitable for your room, then compare the loads, cycles and maintenance requirements of the remaining choices.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Air outlet | According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an external opening or duct; a condenser model doesn’t need this connection. Check the instructions and the space required around your chosen appliance. | I don’t have an external duct, so I need an option that works without one. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh per 100 eco programme cycles shown on current energy labels. The European Commission says the revised label was introduced on 1 July 2025; don’t treat an old A+++ rating as equivalent to a rating on the current A to G scale. | I want to compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, rather than choosing by a letter alone. |
| Cycle duration | Check the eco programme duration and the load it applies to. If you’re comparing a standard condenser dryer with a heat pump model, use the figures for the specific models to assess the balance between cycle time and energy consumption. | When I have several loads to get through, cycle duration matters just as much as the electricity used. |
| Drying capacity | Check the drying capacity, which is separate from the washing capacity on a combined appliance. Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the EW9W1166RB; also check which programmes are suitable for your fabrics. | I want to dry my usual loads without assuming a full wash will fit into one drying cycle. |
| Clothes airer and spin cycle | If you plan to dry clothes on an airer, check the washing machine’s spin efficiency rating. ADEME recommends choosing an A rating if you want laundry to dry quickly indoors. For air-drying, it recommends a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extract vent. | I plan to dry clothes at home, so I need to make room for them, ventilate the room and choose a suitable spin setting. |
| Water and maintenance | Check that the tank and filters are easy to access, what maintenance the instructions recommend and, if you want to drain the water directly, whether the hose or kit is compatible with the model and its location. | I’d prefer to connect the condensed water to a drain, if my installation and the appliance allow it. |
According to Que Choisir, this type of tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or access to an air duct. Without one of these connections, it won’t meet your installation requirements.
Check where the duct could physically run and read the instructions before choosing this type of appliance. Otherwise, consider condenser models.
The European Commission says the revised tumble dryer energy label was introduced on 1 July 2025. An old A+++ rating and a rating on the current A to G scale don’t use the same scale.
Compare figures presented on the same basis, including the kWh per 100 eco programme cycles, its duration, capacity and noise level.
A washer-dryer may dry less laundry than it can wash: Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the EW9W1166RB.
Check both capacities for the model you’re considering and compare them with your usual loads.
If the washed load exceeds the drying capacity, you’ll need to remove some laundry or split the drying across several cycles.
If it isn’t connected to a drain, a condenser tumble dryer collects water in a tank. You’ll also need to consider how easy it is to access the filters and carry out routine maintenance.
Check the model’s instructions for draining and cleaning, and to see whether a direct connection is compatible.
A direct connection may require a compatible kit and a suitable route for the hose.
The WQG24502FR is an example of a Bosch heat pump tumble dryer to consider if you’re looking for a dedicated drying appliance.
The brand offers a heat pump washer-dryer, which may be worth considering if you need to combine washing and drying because of limited space.
Whirlpool offers condenser and heat pump tumble dryers, as well as a kit for draining condensed water.
These options include condenser and heat pump tumble dryers for drying laundry without an external air duct, as well as a washing machine to use before drying clothes on an airer. For each appliance, check that its installation requirements suit your room.
Image unavailable
An option for drying laundry without an external air duct. The product details list an 8 kg capacity and the option of direct drainage. Check the instructions for the water connection, dimensions and installation requirements. To compare cycles, check the kWh per 100 cycles and the eco programme duration on the applicable energy label.
Image unavailable
This condenser tumble dryer is an option if you want to avoid an external air duct. The description lists a water tank, a reversible door and dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm. Before comparing it with a heat pump model, check the appliance’s exact technology, installation instructions and applicable energy label.
Image unavailable
The heat pump makes this model an option for homes without an external air outlet. Its listed capacity is 8 kg. Before choosing it, check its dimensions, the clearances required in the instructions, and the energy consumption and duration figures for the eco programme.
Image unavailable
This heat pump model is another option if you don’t have an external air duct. Be sure to check this version’s capacity before matching it to your loads: the available information differs, listing either 8 kg or 10 kg. Also check its dimensions, installation requirements and eco programme figures.
Image unavailable
This washing machine can be used before drying clothes on an airer, but it doesn’t dry laundry itself. Its listed spin efficiency rating is B and its depth is 47 cm. ADEME recommends choosing an A spin efficiency rating when you want laundry to dry quickly indoors. You’ll also need to allow space for air-drying and make sure the room is well ventilated.
Yes. According to Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need the external duct required by a vented model. Still, check the model’s instructions, available space, electricity supply and room requirements.
If the appliance isn’t connected to a drain, it collects the water removed from your laundry in a tank, which you’ll need to empty as instructed. Some models or kits may allow direct drainage. Check exact compatibility and make sure there’s a suitable route for the hose before planning the connection.
Compare the kWh per 100 eco programme cycles on current energy labels, then check the programme’s duration and capacity. The European Commission says the revised label was introduced on 1 July 2025, so an old A+++ rating can’t be directly compared with a rating on the current A to G scale.
Not necessarily: its drying capacity may be lower. Electrolux lists a 10 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the EW9W1166RB. Check both capacities for your chosen model. If the washing load exceeds its drying capacity, you’ll need to reduce the load or dry it in several batches.