Homes without an external air vent
If you have space for a dedicated tumble dryer, compare condenser models, taking into account the room’s ventilation requirements, capacity, noise and maintenance.
Who are these options for?
Households that regularly dry large loads
Pay particular attention to drying capacity for your usual laundry loads and energy use per cycle. Guide Topten France says that heat pump models use less electricity than conventional condenser dryers with a heating element; compare Eco programme times too.
Small homes with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one machine. If you want to wash and dry without removing laundry between cycles, size the load according to its drying capacity, which UFC-Que Choisir says is lower than its washing capacity.
What should you check before choosing?
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this if: you have space for a dedicated appliance and regularly dry laundry without an external vent.
Bear in mind: Guide Topten France says it uses less energy than a conventional condenser dryer with a heating element, but Eco programme times still vary between models.
Conventional condenser dryer
Worth considering: this technology does not need an external vent, so it may be an option if you are looking at a second-hand appliance or existing stock.
Bear in mind: Guide Topten France says it uses more electricity than a heat pump model. The European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, only household tumble dryers with heat pumps can be placed on the EU market; this rule does not, on its own, determine the status of an appliance already in stock or a second-hand model.
Washer-dryer
Consider this if: you only have space for one appliance and your loads are within its drying capacity.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, drying takes longer than with a dedicated tumble dryer, and water use is also worth checking.
Start with the available space and the load you need to dry, then compare the relevant cycle data for each appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Confirm that it uses condenser technology and check the instructions for the specific model for ventilation, clearances and any required connections. | I have no window or duct to the outside, and the appliance must also be suitable for installation in the room I have in mind. |
| Energy use and cycle time | For a dedicated tumble dryer, compare weighted energy use per cycle and the Eco programme time using labels from the same generation. The European Commission’s EPREL product fiche provides this information; for a washer-dryer, distinguish the full wash-and-dry cycle from a wash-only cycle. | If I dry laundry often, I want to weigh energy use against the time needed before choosing a programme or appliance. |
| Capacity and space | Check the drying capacity in kg, dimensions, depth with the door open and which way it opens. For a washer-dryer, don’t confuse washing capacity with drying capacity. | My usual loads should fit without needing multiple cycles, and the door must be usable in the space available. |
| Moisture, noise and maintenance | Check the tumble dryer’s condensation efficiency and noise level in its EPREL product fiche. Consult the instructions to see how to access the filters, water tank and any direct-drain connection. | Noise matters to me if the appliance is near a room in use. I also want to be able to carry out the required maintenance and choose an installation that suits the room. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a vented model without an external outlet
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer must be connected to the outside, unlike a condenser dryer.
Check the technology specified for the model before deciding where to put it.
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Comparing different generations of energy labels directly
The new A to G scale cannot be read in the same way as the old A++ or A+++ ratings.
Check which scale is being used, then compare energy use per cycle and Eco programme times using data based on the same label.
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Choosing a washer-dryer based only on its washing capacity
UFC-Que Choisir says that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so a load that has just been washed may be too large to dry straight afterwards.
Plan the cycle around the drying capacity specified for the model.
A load that exceeds this limit may need to be dried in several batches.
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Assuming a self-cleaning condenser means no maintenance
Maintenance requirements vary by model; a feature that applies to the condenser does not, on its own, cover maintenance of the filters or water tank.
Check the instructions for the exact model to find out what needs to be done and make sure the relevant parts are easy to access.
Which brands can you use as a guide?
Bosch
Bosch’s French catalogue features 8 kg and 9 kg heat pump tumble dryers.
- Depending on the model, Bosch offers features such as SelfCleaning Condenser, Auto Dry and Smart Dry.
- Check the features and specifications for the model you’re considering, as they are not available across the entire range.
LG
LG’s French range includes heat pump tumble dryers, with features that vary by model.
- LG lists the RH9V72IXN as having a 9 kg capacity, a self-cleaning condenser and a dual lint filter.
- These features apply to the RH9V72IXN; check the dimensions, label and programmes for the model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux France features 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers, among other models, with different features across the range.
- Electrolux’s product fiche for the EDHF5841EC lists DryAssist sensors and an EasyClean filter.
- For this model, Electrolux lists an E energy rating and a noise level of 66 dB; check the details of the model you’re comparing rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Which Joybuy appliances should you consider?
These options include a washer-dryer for a single space and two heat pump tumble dryers for a dedicated installation without an external air vent. Check the installation requirements and cycle data for each model before making your choice.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11 kg / 6 kg washer-dryer
This washer-dryer is a good fit if you need one appliance without an external air vent. Its stated capacity is 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so size combined wash-and-dry loads to fit the 6 kg drying capacity. Check the documentation for water connections, clearances and installation requirements.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This 8 kg model is designed for a dedicated tumble dryer installation without an external air vent. Its product name indicates a C energy rating; check the label for energy use per cycle and Eco programme time. Also check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and access needed for maintenance.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This dedicated 8 kg tumble dryer uses a heat pump and does not need an external air vent. Its product name indicates a D energy rating; check the label for energy use per cycle and Eco programme time. For the room you have in mind, also check the dimensions, noise level and installation instructions for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an opening to the outside?
Yes, if it’s a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model: UFC-Que Choisir explains that it does not need to be connected to the outside. However, check the instructions for the chosen model to find out about ventilation, clearances and any required connections.
Which figures should you compare for energy use?
For a dedicated tumble dryer, compare weighted energy use per cycle against capacity and Eco programme time, using labels from the same generation. The European Commission’s EPREL product fiche provides these figures. For a washer-dryer, look at the full wash-and-dry cycle separately from the wash-only cycle.
Can a washer-dryer replace a dedicated tumble dryer?
It may suit your needs if you only have space for one appliance and your usual load is within its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir points out that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity and that drying takes longer than with a dedicated tumble dryer; also check how much water the cycle uses.
Do you need to empty a water tank?
It depends on the model and how it’s installed. Some appliances collect water in a tank, while others can be connected to a drain. Check the instructions, any accessories required and the installation options for the exact model.
What do EU rules say about new household tumble dryers?
According to the European Commission, since 1 July 2025, only household tumble dryers that use a heat pump can be placed on the EU market. This requirement applies to placing products on the market and does not, on its own, determine the status of existing stock or a second-hand appliance.