If you often dry large loads and don’t have an external vent, a separate heat pump tumble dryer is worth considering, provided you have a suitable space or can install a compatible stacked set-up. A washer-dryer takes up just one space, but its drying capacity may be lower than its washing capacity. Drying laundry indoors requires a sufficiently large, well-ventilated room. A vented tumble dryer isn’t suitable if there’s no external vent, as Que Choisir points out.
If you want to dry most of each wash regularly without an external vent, compare the capacity of a separate tumble dryer with that of your washing machine. Choosing a dryer with a similar capacity can help you avoid splitting loads. Miele generally recommends choosing appliances with capacities that are close to each other.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Check the washing and drying capacities separately: for the Electrolux EW9W1166RB, the brand lists capacities of 10 kg and 6 kg respectively.
If floor space is limited but you have room to stack, a stacked set-up lets you keep a separate washing machine and tumble dryer. Bosch advises checking that the models can be stacked, then using a compatible stacking kit and securing the appliances properly.
If you regularly dry laundry at home without an external vent and space is limited, start by considering the size of the loads you need to dry and how many appliance spaces you have. Then check the installation and ventilation requirements for the option you choose.
| Factor | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Loads you dry regularly | Compare the drying capacity in kg with the size of your usual loads, and check the cycle times for the model. | If I dry almost all my laundry after each wash, I want to avoid splitting it into several loads. Around 37% of people in this situation put capacity first. |
| Just one appliance space | For a washer-dryer, check the washing and drying capacities separately, then measure the space needed for the connections. | If there’s no room for a second appliance in my home, I may be happy to take some laundry out before drying. Keeping to one appliance space is the priority for around 36% of people in this situation. |
| Stacked installation | Check that both models and the stacking kit are compatible, and make sure there’s enough height. | I’m short on width but want to keep a separate washing machine and tumble dryer. Around 18% of people in this situation prioritise the option to stack their appliances. |
| Drying laundry indoors | Check that you have a large, well-ventilated room or one with mechanical ventilation extraction, in line with ADEME’s recommendations. | If I prefer to air-dry my laundry, I need enough space to do so without leaving it to dry in a small, enclosed room. This arrangement comes first for around 9% of people in this situation. |
According to Que Choisir, a vented tumble dryer needs an opening to the outside or an air duct. The hose that drains water collected by some condenser dryers serves a different purpose.
First, choose a technology that works without an external air vent. Then check whether your chosen model collects water in a tank, allows direct drainage, or offers both options.
If the washing capacity is higher than the drying capacity, you won’t be able to dry a full wash in one go. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RB.
Base your choice on how many kg you expect to dry, and remember to check that the washing capacity also suits your household.
Having enough height doesn’t automatically mean two appliances can be stacked. Bosch advises checking the model numbers, using a suitable kit, and aligning and securing the appliances.
Note down both model numbers and check that the stacking kit is compatible before planning a stacked installation.
You may need a specific kit and a professional to secure the appliances properly.
Drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air. ADEME recommends using a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction vent.
Before making this your regular routine, find a room that meets these requirements.
Worth considering for a heat pump tumble dryer or a stacked installation.
Worth considering for a heat pump tumble dryer, particularly if managing the collected water matters for your installation.
Worth considering if a washer-dryer needs to fit in your only available appliance space.
Worth considering for a heat pump tumble dryer or a stacked installation with a compatible accessory.
These models show three ways to choose between one or two appliances: separate heat pump tumble dryers, washer-dryers and a condenser tumble dryer. Compare their capacity with the size of your laundry loads, then check the manual for space and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you have space for a separate tumble dryer and don’t have an external air vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, clearance and installation instructions in the manual.
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Worth considering if both washing and drying need to fit into a single appliance space.
Listed capacities: 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. To dry a full wash, you’ll need to remove some laundry or split it into separate drying loads. Also check the space needed for the connections.
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Another separate-appliance option if your home doesn’t have an external air vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. Check the dimensions, clearance and ventilation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Compare this model if a two-in-one appliance suits the space you have available.
Listed capacities: 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. You’ll need to remove some laundry before drying a full wash. Check the connections required too.
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Worth considering if you want a separate tumble dryer without an external air vent.
Listed capacity: 8 kg. The term ‘condenser’ alone doesn’t tell you what ventilation is required. Check the manual and the clearance needed around the appliance.
No. According to Que Choisir, neither a conventional condenser dryer nor a heat pump model needs an air duct to the outside, unlike a vented tumble dryer. That doesn’t mean every enclosed room is suitable: check the ventilation instructions and clearance requirements in the manual for your model.
They refer to two separate limits: the maximum washing load and the maximum drying load. For example, Electrolux lists a washing capacity of 10 kg and a drying capacity of 6 kg for the EW9W1166RB. A 10 kg wash load needs to be reduced or split before drying.
No. Stacking depends on the models of both appliances and the use of a compatible kit. Bosch advises checking compatibility, aligning the appliances and securing the kit. Also check the dimensions required for the kit you’re considering.
Choose a large, well-ventilated room or one with a mechanical ventilation extraction vent, in line with ADEME’s recommendations. Drying laundry indoors adds moisture to the air, so a small, enclosed room isn’t suitable.