For homes without an external vent
If your home has no outlet to the outside, start by ruling out vented models. Then check the dimensions and installation instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
Who are these options for?
The space you have and the number of loads you need to dry will help you decide whether to choose a dedicated appliance or a two-in-one machine.
For households drying several loads a week
If you have room for a separate tumble dryer, consider a heat pump model if electricity use matters more to you than cycle speed. Que Choisir notes that these cycles are generally longer.
For homes with space for only one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. To wash and dry a load without removing any laundry, size the load according to its drying capacity, not its washing capacity.
How do the appliances compare?
Standard condenser dryer
Consider it: if you have space for a dedicated appliance and care more about drying time than electricity use.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, this technology uses more electricity than a heat pump model.
Heat pump dryer
Consider it: if you dry laundry regularly and can make room for a separate tumble dryer.
The trade-off: Que Choisir notes that these models use less electricity, but generally have longer cycles and need maintenance in line with the instructions.
Washer-dryer
Consider it: if there’s no room for a second appliance and you can keep your loads within the drying capacity.
The trade-off: Que Choisir highlights the lower drying capacity compared with washing capacity, longer drying times than a separate tumble dryer and the need to check water consumption.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| External outlet | Check which technology is listed for the model. According to Que Choisir, standard condenser and heat pump dryers don’t need an external connection, unlike vented tumble dryers. Also check the installation instructions. | I don’t have an opening or duct that I can use to vent air from the tumble dryer. |
| Electricity use and cycle time | Compare the electricity use and programme duration of the models you’re considering on a like-for-like basis. Que Choisir notes that heat pump tumble dryers use less electricity, but generally have longer cycles. | If I dry laundry often, I can prioritise electricity use. If I need to run several loads in a day, cycle duration matters too. |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. Make sure you know the maximum load for a programme that runs both functions. | I want to leave my laundry to dry after washing without having to remove some of it. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, and allow for the door to open and the clearance specified in the instructions. If the appliance will be near a living area, compare the stated noise levels too. | In my flat, the machine needs to fit in the space available, while still being accessible for loading laundry and maintenance. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an external outlet
This type of appliance needs an opening or duct to the outside, as Que Choisir points out, so it isn’t suitable for a home without one.
Rule it out before comparing condenser and heat pump models. If you don’t have room for a dedicated appliance, consider a washer-dryer instead.
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Looking only at washing capacity
With a washer-dryer, the maximum drying load may be lower. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity for the WNA144V0FR, but a 5 kg load for a wash-and-dry cycle.
Compare both capacities for the model you choose, and keep any load that you want to dry automatically within the limit for that cycle.
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Assuming a heat pump dryer is just as fast
Que Choisir points out that heat pump tumble dryers use less electricity, but their cycles are generally longer.
If you need to run several loads on the same day, check the programme durations for the specific models you’re comparing.
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Measuring only the width of the machine
The depth, door opening or clearance required in the instructions could prevent the appliance from fitting in the space you have.
Measure the available space and check the instructions for the exact model for installation and maintenance requirements.
A guide to the brands
These example models show some of the features worth comparing; they won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bosch
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers in France.
- According to Bosch’s product details, the WQG24502FR heat pump tumble dryer has a maximum capacity of 8 kg, measures 842 × 598 × 613 mm and features a self-cleaning condenser.
- Bosch lists the WNA144V0FR washer-dryer as having a 9 kg washing capacity, but a 5 kg capacity for a wash-and-dry cycle. The first figure doesn’t represent the load for a complete cycle.
Whirlpool
Models listed by Whirlpool France include a condenser tumble dryer and an integrated washer-dryer.
- Whirlpool lists an 8 kg capacity and 4.72 kWh per cycle for the FFTBCM118XBFR condenser tumble dryer.
- Whirlpool lists the BIWDWG961485FR integrated washer-dryer as having a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity. Its dimensions without packaging are 59.5 × 81.5 × 54.5 cm; check that you have enough room to install this model.
Beko
Beko provides an instruction manual for its D0H11030 tumble dryer, covering installation, safety and maintenance.
- Check the instructions for this specific model before deciding where to put it.
- For another Beko model, use its own instruction manual rather than relying on the guidance for the D0H11030.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These options are standard condenser or heat pump tumble dryers for homes without an external vent. To choose between them, compare their drying capacity, programmes and instructions with the space you have and how often you do laundry.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg
This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is worth considering if you’re looking for a dedicated appliance that doesn’t need an external connection. Before setting aside space for it, check its installation dimensions, programme durations and instructions.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
This 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer is an option if you have room for a dedicated appliance and want to consider this technology without needing an external outlet. Compare the duration and electricity use of the programmes you’re interested in, then check the space required in the instructions.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump
This heat pump model doesn’t need an external connection. The information available gives different drying capacities of 8 and 10 kg, so confirm which figure applies to this model before comparing it with your usual loads. Check the dimensions and programmes in its documentation too.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump
This heat pump tumble dryer is another option that doesn’t need an external outlet. Its name states 10 kg, while some information for the model also gives a capacity of 8 kg, so confirm the drying capacity before choosing it. Check the installation dimensions and programme durations too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a vented tumble dryer without an external opening or duct?
No. As Que Choisir’s guide explains, it needs an outlet that this set-up doesn’t provide. Compare standard condenser or heat pump tumble dryers instead, or consider a washer-dryer if you can only fit one appliance.
Does a condenser tumble dryer need to be connected to the outside?
No. Que Choisir explains that condenser models, including heat pump dryers, can be installed without a connection to the outside. However, follow the installation and maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full load of washing?
Only if the load is within the limit for the wash-and-dry programme. For example, Bosch lists a 9 kg washing capacity but a 5 kg capacity for this cycle on the WNA144V0FR; Whirlpool lists a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity for the BIWDWG961485FR. Check both figures for the model you’re considering.
What dimensions should you check for an integrated washer-dryer?
Check the model’s height, width and, especially, depth, along with the clearances specified in its instructions and the space needed to open the door. Whirlpool gives the dimensions of the BIWDWG961485FR as 59.5 × 81.5 × 54.5 cm without packaging; these measurements don’t apply to other models.