People without an external vent
If your home has neither a suitable external opening nor a vent, a vented tumble dryer won’t meet your needs. Look for a condenser model, then check its installation instructions.
Who is this option for?
People with a small or poorly ventilated room
The type of appliance alone doesn’t determine whether a location is suitable. Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small can encourage condensation on surfaces. Check the space, ventilation and temperature range required for the model you’re considering.
Households running multiple cycles
If you use your tumble dryer frequently, compare the stated consumption in kWh/100 cycles, the capacity and the duration of the programme you’ll use. According to Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less energy, but usually take longer to dry clothes than conventional condenser models.
What should you check before buying?
First, make sure the appliance doesn’t need to vent air outside, then check its instructions against the room where you plan to install it. Once you’ve confirmed it’s suitable, compare energy use, cycle times and capacity.
Heat pump condenser
Consider this if: you don’t have an external vent and use your tumble dryer frequently, provided the cycle times work for you.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, this technology generally uses less electricity, but usually takes longer to dry clothes than a conventional condenser model.
Conventional condenser
Consider this if: you don’t have an external vent and cycle time matters more to you than electricity use.
The trade-off: Que Choisir says these models generally dry clothes faster, but use more energy than heat pump models.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Air venting | Check the appliance type on its product page and the requirements in its instructions. A vented model needs a usable external opening or duct. | My home has no external vent, so I need to rule out any appliance that requires air to be expelled outside. |
| Installation room | Check the available space, clearances, ventilation and temperature range specified for the model. Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small can lead to condensation. | I want to install the appliance without overlooking the moisture that could build up on walls or windows. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the kWh/100 cycles on the same stated basis, along with the duration of the programme for the load in question. The technology alone won’t tell you the energy use or drying time of a specific model. | If I dry clothes often, I’m looking for a balance between electricity use and cycle times. |
| Capacity and water | Make sure the capacity in kg suits your usual loads. Check whether there’s a water tank and its specifications, or what’s required to connect the appliance directly to a drain. | My loads need to fit in the drum, and I need to be able to manage the condensed water every time I use it. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “ventless” means “no ventilation needed”
Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small can encourage condensation on walls or windows, even when you’re using a condenser tumble dryer.
Before you buy, check the model’s instructions against the space available, the ventilation options and the room temperature.
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Choosing a heat pump model based on the technology alone
According to Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less energy than conventional condenser models, but usually take longer to dry clothes. This trade-off doesn’t tell you the figures for the model you’re considering.
Compare the kWh/100 cycles and the duration of a programme suited to your load, as well as the capacity and condensation efficiency class.
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Forgetting about the collected water
If the appliance has a tank, you’ll need to empty it. A hose or direct-drain kit can only be used if the model and installation allow it.
Decide how you’ll handle the water, then check the documentation for any accessories required and whether your plumbing connection is compatible.
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Buying a vented model without confirming you have a suitable duct
A vented tumble dryer isn’t suitable for a home without a usable external opening or vent.
If you can’t confirm that you have a suitable outlet, look for a condenser model rather than trying to improvise a way to vent the air.
A guide to the brands
These examples can help you find useful information in French product listings. The specifications mentioned apply to the models listed, not to every product from each brand.
Electrolux
Product pages for some models give details of capacity, energy use and operating conditions, which you can check against your chosen location.
- For the EW9HI783FC, Electrolux lists an 8 kg capacity, 73 kWh/100 cycles, a condensation efficiency class of A, a 5.56 L water tank and an operating temperature range of 5 to 35 °C.
- Electrolux support warns that a room that’s too small can encourage condensation. Check the instructions for the specific model you choose.
Bosch
Bosch documentation lets you explore its heat pump models and the options available for managing water.
- Bosch states that the WRB247C0FR comes with a water drain hose; its product page lists an energy class of A.
- The presence of a hose doesn’t, by itself, confirm that a direct connection is suitable for your installation. Check the model’s instructions.
Whirlpool
The published dimensions of a Whirlpool heat pump model can help you make an initial check that it will fit in your chosen space.
- Whirlpool lists a 9 kg capacity and dimensions of 59.7 × 84.9 × 65.6 cm for the W7D93WRFR.
- These dimensions don’t replace the clearance and ventilation requirements set out in the instructions.
Tumble dryers to consider on Joybuy
These condenser and heat pump models suit shoppers looking for a tumble dryer that doesn’t vent air outside. Their capacities and individual specifications can help you narrow down your options. Always check the instructions to make sure the appliance is suitable for your room.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, heat pump, 8 kg
Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg heat pump model that doesn’t vent air outside. The title lists an energy class of C. Compare the kWh/100 cycles and check the instructions for ventilation and water management requirements.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, condenser, 8 kg
Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg condenser tumble dryer for a home without an external vent. The title mentions OptiSense and a propane refrigerant. Check the model’s documentation for installation requirements, energy use and water management.
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Comfee' CD10EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 10 kg
Its stated 10 kg capacity is worth comparing with your usual laundry loads. The title lists an energy class of D and UV lighting. Check the kWh/100 cycles, room requirements and water collection options before choosing this model.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, heat pump, 8 kg
This heat pump model has a stated capacity of 8 kg, which you can compare with your laundry loads. The title lists an energy class of D and UV lighting. Check the energy label and instructions for details on energy use, installation and managing condensed water.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a condenser tumble dryer without an external vent?
This technology is worth considering if your home has no way to vent air outside. You’ll still need to check the instructions, the available space and the room’s ventilation. Electrolux warns that a room that’s too small can encourage condensation on surfaces.
Why is there moisture even when I have a condenser tumble dryer?
Collecting water from the laundry doesn’t necessarily prevent condensation in a room that’s too small or poorly ventilated. Electrolux recommends using the appliance in a room that’s spacious enough and well ventilated. Also check the installation requirements for your model.
Do you need to empty the water tank after every cycle?
How often you need to empty it depends on factors such as the model and the size of the load. If you’d prefer to use a direct drain instead of a tank, check that the tumble dryer’s instructions allow it and that your plumbing has a compatible connection.
Is a heat pump model better than a conventional condenser?
It depends on how you use your tumble dryer. According to Que Choisir, heat pump models generally use less electricity, while conventional condenser models usually dry clothes faster. To compare two appliances, look at their capacity, kWh/100 cycles and the duration of the programmes you’re interested in.