If you don’t have an opening or duct to the outside, rule out a vented tumble dryer. According to Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers don’t need to be connected to an external vent. If you have space for a separate tumble dryer, compare the energy use and cycle times of a standard condenser model and a heat pump model. If you can only fit one appliance, consider a washer-dryer, bearing in mind that its drying capacity is different from its washing capacity.
If there’s no suitable opening or duct to vent air outside, consider standard condenser tumble dryers or heat pump models. Que Choisir distinguishes these from vented models, which need a connection to the outside.
If you use your appliance often, compare the stated energy use per load or per kilo of laundry with programme duration. A heat pump model is worth considering if energy use matters more to you than speed; check the trade-off for the specific models you’re looking at.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. However, check its drying capacity before planning to run a complete load through both cycles: for example, Electrolux lists the EW7IW2856BG as having an 8 kg washing capacity but a 5 kg drying capacity.
Start with the space available and the amount of laundry you need to dry. Then compare energy use, cycle times and installation requirements for appliances that suit your home.
Consider this if: you have space for a separate tumble dryer and want to pay close attention to its electricity use.
The trade-off: compare programme times too. The two Beko models featured on its French website have different cycle times, and these won’t apply to every model.
Consider this if: you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer without an external vent and cycle time is a high priority.
The trade-off: check the energy use of your chosen model. The Beko DCB816W product information gives a higher annual figure than the heat pump Beko D3H18C01W.
Consider this if: your home can’t accommodate two appliances, even stacked.
The trade-off: the load you wash may be larger than the load you can dry. The Electrolux EW7IW2856BG is listed as having an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation and water | Identify the drying technology. For a condenser appliance, check how the water is collected and whether the model can be connected to a drain. | I don’t have an external vent and want to know whether I’ll need to empty a tank or whether I can connect the appliance to a drain at home. |
| Energy use and cycle time | Compare the energy use and duration of similar programmes for comparable loads. Que Choisir’s testing protocol measures both per kilo of dried laundry. | If I dry clothes often, I want to work out how much I could save on energy without overlooking the time each load takes. |
| Drying capacity | Compare the drying capacity in kilos with the size of your usual load. For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately. | Do I need to dry a full load in one go? If I choose a washer-dryer, I may need to remove some of the laundry before drying. |
| Room and maintenance | Check the dimensions, door opening, ventilation, permitted ambient temperature and electrical requirements in the instruction manual. Find out how to access the filters, condenser and water tank. | I want to install the appliance in the room I have in mind and reach the parts that need maintenance, without assuming that the instructions for another model will apply. |
Both standard condenser and heat pump models work without an external vent, but their energy use and cycle times can differ. Beko France lists 561.1 kWh/year and 142 minutes for the DCB816W, compared with 188.2 kWh/year and 174 minutes for the D3H18C01W. These figures apply to these two models only.
Compare the programmes, capacities and energy figures of the models you’re interested in, as well as their noise levels and condensation efficiency.
A washer-dryer may be able to wash more laundry than it can dry. The stated capacities for the Electrolux EW7IW2856BG are 8 kg for washing and 5 kg for drying.
Choose based on how much you want to dry in one go, and be prepared to split a washing load if it exceeds the drying capacity.
The permitted ambient temperature and other installation requirements vary by model. Electrolux lists a range of 5 °C to 35 °C for the EDHF5841EC; this shouldn’t be assumed to apply to another appliance.
Measure the space and check the instruction manual for your chosen model to find out about ventilation, clearances, the power supply and access to the parts that need cleaning.
Stacking requires a solution suited to the appliances in question. For example, Electrolux describes a stacking kit for front-loading appliances with a depth of 47 to 60 cm, which must be anchored to the wall.
Check the instruction manuals for both appliances and make sure the kit is compatible before installing them in a stack.
You may need to buy a compatible kit as well as the two appliances.
These models illustrate the details to compare on individual product pages. A feature mentioned here shouldn’t be assumed to apply to every model in a brand’s range.
The WQG133DTFR is an example of an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer to consider if noise levels and condenser maintenance matter to you.
Two models illustrate different considerations: the space needed for a separate tumble dryer and the capacity of a washer-dryer.
The French product information for the standard condenser DCB816W and heat pump D3H18C01W lets you compare the stated figures for two 8 kg models.
Miele France lists the TEA525WP 8kg Active as an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
This selection includes heat pump tumble dryers, a tumble dryer listed as a condenser model, and a washer-dryer for homes with space for just one appliance. Before comparing the Electrolux EDH1018CD with either type of separate tumble dryer, confirm the specific condenser technology it uses.
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Worth considering if you need to dry up to 8 kg without an external vent. Before choosing where to put it, check the dimensions and installation requirements in the instruction manual. You should also compare the energy use and programme times on the product page.
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A condenser tumble dryer meets the need for an appliance that doesn’t require an external air vent. Before comparing this model with a standard condenser or heat pump model, confirm its specific technology, then check the cycle time and ventilation and installation instructions.
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If you only have room for one appliance, this washer-dryer combines an 11 kg washing capacity with a 6 kg drying capacity. You’ll need to reduce any washing load over 6 kg before drying. Check the instruction manual for connection and installation requirements too.
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Compare its stated 10 kg capacity with the size of your usual loads and the space available. Check the dimensions and permitted ambient temperature in the instruction manual, as well as the energy use and cycle times on the product page.
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This 8 kg model is one of the heat pump options for homes without an external vent. To decide whether it suits your room and laundry routine, check the installation instructions, energy use and programme times for this model.
Yes. According to Que Choisir, a condenser tumble dryer, including a heat pump model, doesn’t need an external air vent. A vented model, however, needs a suitable opening or duct. In all cases, check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
Start by comparing the energy use and cycle times of equivalent programmes on the specific models. Beko France lists 561.1 kWh/year and 142 minutes for the standard condenser DCB816W, compared with 188.2 kWh/year and 174 minutes for the heat pump D3H18C01W. These two examples don’t determine the performance of other appliances.
Not necessarily: check the two capacities separately. Electrolux lists an 8 kg washing capacity and a 5 kg drying capacity for the EW7IW2856BG. A full washing load therefore exceeds its drying capacity and needs to be reduced before drying.
Measure the available space and check that the door can open, then consult the instruction manual for the model’s ventilation, permitted ambient temperature, electrical supply and condensate drainage requirements. For example, the 5 °C to 35 °C range listed by Electrolux for the EDHF5841EC doesn’t automatically apply to another tumble dryer.