Homes without an external vent
If there’s no air exhaust duct, consider a condenser tumble dryer. Check how the model collects or drains the condensed water, along with its installation requirements.
Who are these options for?
Households that regularly dry full loads
If you have room for a separate appliance, compare its drying capacity with your usual laundry loads. The energy label figures, stated noise level and maintenance requirements in the manual are also worth considering.
Smaller homes with space for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. Check the two capacities separately: the documented Whirlpool models offer 8 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, or 9 kg for washing and 7 kg for drying. Also measure the depth, including the door and connections.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space available and the type of appliance, then compare the capacity and stated figures for each model with the way you’ll use it.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Air outlet and condensate | Confirm that it’s a condenser appliance. Check the manual for details of the water tank, any option for direct drainage and installation requirements. | I don’t have an external air outlet, so I need to be able to manage the collected water where the appliance will go. |
| Size and space | Measure the access route, alcove, door clearance and space needed for the connections. Allow for the clearances specified in the model’s manual. | Will a separate tumble dryer fit in my home, or do I need to combine washing and drying in one appliance? |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity in kilograms with your usual loads. For a washer-dryer, don’t confuse this with its washing capacity. | If I run a full wash load, I want to know whether it can all be dried without taking some of the laundry out. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy label figures for specific models on a like-for-like basis, including consumption in kWh/100 cycles where stated. Also check the stated noise level in dB(A). | If you dry laundry frequently or the appliance will be near a living space, these figures can help you choose between models, rather than relying on the technology name alone. The European Commission makes energy labelling information for the relevant models available through EPREL. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “no external vent” means “no installation requirements”
A condenser tumble dryer still needs to manage the water extracted from your laundry and must be installed according to the requirements for that specific model.
Check the product details and manual for information about the tank or permitted drainage, room temperature, connections and clearances.
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Looking only at a two-in-one appliance’s washing capacity
Whirlpool lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the FFWDB864369BVFR, compared with 9 kg and 7 kg for the FFWDB976258BCVFR. So if you wash a full load, you may need to split it before drying.
Choose based on drying capacity and your usual loads, not just washing capacity.
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Assuming energy use or noise levels from the technology alone
Stated specifications vary by model. For example, Bosch lists noise levels of 65 and 63 dB(A) for the WTH83V01FF and WQG133DTFR respectively, but this doesn’t tell you how loud they’ll seem in your home.
Compare the labels and specifications for specific models using like-for-like measurements. EPREL, the European Commission’s database, lets you view energy labelling information for the relevant appliances.
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Measuring the alcove without allowing for the door or connections
A depth measurement that doesn’t include the door or space for connections could give you the wrong idea about how much room you have.
Measure the delivery route and door clearance too, then check these measurements against the dimensions and manual for the model you’ve chosen.
Which brands should you consider?
Electrolux
The EW6HI6284BN is a useful example of the details to check on a heat pump condenser tumble dryer.
- Electrolux France lists an 8 kg capacity, a 5.32 L tank, energy consumption of 97 kWh/100 cycles and an operating temperature range of 5 °C to 35 °C for this model.
- A direct drainage kit is listed as optional. These specifications shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other models from the brand.
Bosch
The WTH83V01FF and WQG133DTFR are two 8 kg heat pump tumble dryers documented by Bosch Électroménager France.
- Their specifications list dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm and stated noise levels of 65 and 63 dB(A) respectively.
- Both product specifications state “Water drain hose: No”. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out how to manage the condensate.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool washer-dryers are worth considering if there isn’t room for two appliances.
- Whirlpool France lists a washing capacity of 8 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the FFWDB864369BVFR, or 9 kg and 7 kg for the FFWDB976258BCVFR.
- The stated depth is 54 cm for the first model and 63.5 cm for the second, including the door. Check the dimensions under the same conditions before comparing them with your available space.
Beko
When choosing a Beko heat pump tumble dryer, check the specifications and manual for the specific model rather than assuming a feature applies to the whole range.
- Beko’s manual for the D3H211393W advises you to read the installation instructions and check that the necessary equipment has been installed correctly.
- A general claim about reduced energy use is no substitute for comparing the energy label figures of two specific models.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These models include a condenser tumble dryer and two heat pump tumble dryers for anyone considering a separate appliance without an external air outlet. Check each manual for installation requirements and condensate management.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare condenser tumble dryer, 8 kg
Its condenser design makes this a suitable option if you’re looking for a tumble dryer without an external air outlet. It has a stated capacity of 8 kg; check the manual for the space needed and how to manage the condensed water.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg
This heat pump tumble dryer has a stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating C. To see if it’s right for your home, compare its dimensions and clearance requirements, and check the instructions for managing condensate against the space available.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg
This heat pump model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and energy rating D. Before deciding where to put it, check the specifications and manual for this model for its dimensions, noise level, clearance requirements and condensate management.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Yes. A condenser model lets you dry laundry without an external air duct, provided you follow the manual. For example, Electrolux France describes the EW6HI6284BN as having a 5.32 L water tank, with a direct drainage kit available as an optional extra. Check the requirements for the model you choose.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load of washing?
Not necessarily: compare its washing and drying capacities separately. Whirlpool France lists capacities of 8 kg/6 kg for the FFWDB864369BVFR and 9 kg/7 kg for the FFWDB976258BCVFR. If you wash a full load, you may need to take some laundry out before drying.
What should you measure before ordering?
Measure the delivery route, alcove, depth including the door, door clearance and space for the connections. Then check the dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model. Don’t assume they’ll be the same as those for another appliance.
How do you compare the energy use of two models?
Compare the energy label figures for the exact models using the same measurement basis. EPREL, the European Commission’s database, lets you view energy labelling information for the relevant models. The technology name alone isn’t enough to establish how much energy each one uses.
What maintenance does a condenser tumble dryer need?
Follow your model’s manual for managing the condensate tank and cleaning the parts it identifies, including the filter. Check what’s involved before you buy if the planned location could make it difficult to access the tank or parts that need cleaning.