People without an external air vent
If you don’t have an opening or duct leading outside, rule out vented tumble dryers. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes these from condenser models, which don’t need an external vent.
Who are these options for?
Households that dry laundry often
If you use a tumble dryer regularly, compare the energy use and programme times for the size of load you usually dry. These two factors are worth considering separately.
Small homes with room for just one appliance
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one appliance. Before choosing one, check how much laundry you can actually dry: UFC-Que Choisir points out that this is less than its washing capacity.
Which factors should you consider first?
Start with the space and connections available, then compare how each appliance works with your laundry routine.
Washing machine and indoor drying
Consider this: if you’ll keep an airer indoors rather than add a tumble dryer.
Bear in mind: a suitable spin cycle won’t remove the space and time needed to hang laundry up to dry.
Standard condenser tumble dryer
Consider this: if you have room for a separate appliance but no external vent.
Check: the energy use and programme times of the model you’re considering.
Heat pump tumble dryer
Consider this: if you dry laundry regularly and want to look closely at electricity use.
Check: programme times and care instructions for each model.
Washer-dryer
Consider this: if you need to fit both washing and drying into one space.
Bear in mind: the maximum drying load is lower than the washing capacity, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without an air vent | Check whether you have an external opening or duct, then check the dimensions and clearance required in the instruction manual. | I don’t have an external air vent and want to choose an appliance that doesn’t need a duct. Around 31% of consumers put this installation requirement first. |
| Electricity use for frequent drying | Compare the stated energy use and the programme time for the way you plan to use it. | If I dry laundry several times a week, the energy use of each cycle matters when I’m choosing. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Space and cycle sequence | Measure the available space and compare the separate washing and drying capacities of a combined appliance. | I only have room for one machine and want to wash and then dry without changing appliances; around 25% of consumers prioritise this space-saving requirement. |
| Laundry volume and frequency | Compare the permitted load for the programmes you use with the size of your usual loads. | When I have large or frequent loads of laundry, I want to avoid splitting drying loads too often. Around 19% of consumers make capacity their main requirement. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Choosing a vented tumble dryer without an external vent
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance needs an opening to the outside or an air duct, so it isn’t suitable for a space without either.
Check your installation before comparing models. If you don’t have an external vent, look at condenser appliances, with or without a heat pump.
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Confusing washing capacity with drying capacity
With a washer-dryer, a load washed at the machine’s maximum capacity may exceed the permitted drying load.
Check both capacities separately and choose according to how much laundry you want to dry in one cycle.
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Choosing a washer-dryer just because it saves space
Saving space doesn’t tell you how much laundry a wash-and-dry programme can handle or how long it takes.
Before you buy, compare the permitted load and the details of the full programme on the product page for the model you’re considering.
Brands to know for these appliances
Bosch
Bosch’s French catalogue features heat pump tumble dryers, including 8 kg and 9 kg models.
- The brand lists capacity and, for some models, energy use per cycle, which can help you compare appliances.
- Check the capacity, energy use and care requirements on the product page for the model you choose.
LG
LG’s French catalogue includes washer-dryers, including models with a 9 kg washing and 6 kg drying capacity, and others with 12 kg and 7 kg capacities.
- Separate washing and drying capacity figures help you choose an appliance to suit your load.
- A combined appliance won’t necessarily let you dry a full washing load.
Electrolux
Electrolux France features the EW9W1166RB heat pump washer-dryer, with a stated capacity of 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying.
- The product page clearly distinguishes between the two capacities.
- Don’t assume that other appliances from the brand use the same technology or have the same capacities as this model.
Appliances available on Joybuy
These appliances offer two ways to dry laundry without outdoor space: add a condenser tumble dryer, with or without a heat pump, or combine washing and drying in one machine. If you’re keeping an indoor airer, the spin cycle on your washing machine remains a separate factor to consider.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare, 8 kg condenser tumble dryer
This 8 kg condenser tumble dryer is suitable for homes with room for a separate appliance but no external air vent.
Before installation, check the instruction manual for the clearance needed in your chosen space.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This heat pump model is worth considering if you’re looking for a separate tumble dryer for a home without an external air vent.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy class: C. Compare programme times and check the dimensions before choosing where to put it.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
This heat pump tumble dryer is another option for drying laundry in a home without an external air duct.
Stated capacity: 8 kg; stated energy class: D. Check the programme requirements and the dimensions needed for installation.
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Samsung WD11DG6B85BEU3, 11/6 kg washer-dryer
This combined appliance is designed for anyone who wants to wash and dry with one machine.
Its stated capacities are 11 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying, so a full washing load will need to be reduced or split before drying. Also check the connections and space required in the instruction manual.
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Samsung WD10HG6U34BEU3, 10/6 kg washer-dryer
This washer-dryer lets you combine both functions when you only have room for one appliance.
Its stated capacities are 10 kg for washing and 6 kg for drying. Check the permitted load for the programme you use, along with its duration and the connections required.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a tumble dryer without an external opening?
Yes. Unlike a vented model, a condenser tumble dryer, including one with a heat pump, doesn’t need an external air duct, according to UFC-Que Choisir. However, check the available space and the installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
Why does the spin cycle matter if you’re drying laundry indoors?
Spinning removes some of the moisture left in laundry after washing, but it doesn’t replace drying. ADEME recommends choosing a spin efficiency class A if your laundry needs to dry quickly indoors or in a tumble dryer.
Can a washer-dryer dry a full washing load?
Not if the washing load is larger than its drying capacity. UFC-Que Choisir says that combined appliances have a lower drying capacity than washing capacity. Stick to the drying programme’s limit or remove some of the laundry before starting the cycle.