Without an external vent, rule out vented tumble dryers: a condenser model doesn’t need ducting to the outside. If you dry laundry often, consider a heat pump model, bearing in mind that some cycles may take longer. Also check the space available, how water is handled and what maintenance the instructions recommend. UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission distinguish between these technologies based on how they remove moisture.
Your room can’t accommodate a vented tumble dryer. A condenser model avoids the need for ducting, but you’ll need to collect the water or connect a compatible drain. UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission distinguish between these two drying methods.
You want to factor electricity use into your decision if you’ll be using the dryer regularly. A heat pump model is worth considering, but don’t assume its cycle will be the shortest.
If there’s no room for two appliances, a washer-dryer is another option. Check its washing and drying capacities separately: they may differ, as they do on the 9/6 kg model from Electrolux.
To dry laundry without an external vent, first choose an appliance that suits this requirement. Then weigh up energy use, laundry frequency and maintenance.
Consider if: you dry laundry regularly and don’t have an external vent, and energy use matters to you.
Bear in mind: some cycles may take longer; compare the programme duration of the model you’re considering.
Consider if: you already own one or have a particular model in mind: according to the European Commission, condenser dryers don’t need an external vent.
Compare: its energy use and cycle duration with those of other appliances you’re considering, using comparable programmes and loads.
Consider if: you only have room for one washing and drying appliance.
Bear in mind: a full wash load may exceed the drying capacity, meaning you’ll need to dry it in more than one go.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| No external vent and water management | Confirm that it uses condenser or heat pump technology, then check whether the water collects in a tank or can be drained through a connected hose. | I don’t have an air outlet and need to be able to install the appliance while managing the collected water. Around 33% of consumers would put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Electricity use | Compare energy use and the duration of the eco programme for the capacity that suits you; use the same energy label scale when comparing appliances. | If I dry laundry regularly, energy use over multiple cycles matters to me, even if drying takes longer. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cycle time, load capacity and noise | Check the drying capacity in kg, the duration of a programme suited to your load and the noise level in dB. | With frequent or large washes, I want to know how much I can dry at once and how long the machine will run near living areas. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this aspect of how they use the appliance. |
| Routine maintenance | Check the instructions for details of filter and condenser care, as well as any tasks involving the tank or drain connection. | I want to fit cleaning and water management into my routine, rather than rely on a self-cleaning function to do everything. Around 20% of consumers would put this ease of maintenance first. |
A vented tumble dryer releases moist air outside, so it isn’t suitable for a home without an outlet or ducting. A condenser appliance collects the water without venting air outdoors, as explained by UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission.
Check the technology listed in the product specifications before looking at other features.
A rating on the old scale can’t be compared directly with one on the new A–G scale.
Check that the labels use the same scale, then compare energy use and eco programme duration under conditions that are relevant to your loads.
This feature doesn’t necessarily remove the need to clean filters or carry out other maintenance. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, describes a semi-self-cleaning Bosch model that still needed periodic cleaning.
Read the maintenance instructions for the exact model and check which parts remain accessible for cleaning.
With a washer-dryer, the wash load may exceed the amount that can be dried in one go. For example, Electrolux gives the EW7IW4966BG a 9 kg washing capacity and a 6 kg drying capacity.
Base your choice on how much laundry you want to dry per cycle, not just the washing capacity.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity heat pump tumble dryer with maintenance features specified for the model you’re interested in.
Worth considering if you’re comparing heat pump tumble dryers for installation near a living area.
Worth considering in particular if limited space means you’re looking at a washer-dryer.
Worth considering if you’re looking for an 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer, but be sure to check the requirements for your space.
These three tumble dryers are featured as options for drying without external ducting: the first two are listed as heat pump models, while the third is described as a condenser model. Check the installation requirements for each model and the room where you plan to put it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a heat pump tumble dryer for a room without external ducting.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity, a C energy rating and a white finish. Check the dimensions, required clearances and water management options for your installation.
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Worth considering for drying loads suited to its capacity in a home without external ducting.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity, a D energy rating and a white finish. Before deciding where to put it, check the dimensions, noise level and how the condensed water is collected or drained.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a condenser tumble dryer that doesn’t vent air outdoors.
The product name lists an 8 kg capacity. To compare its energy use with a heat pump model, check the drying technology and energy information for the exact model, as well as the space needed for installation.
Yes. A condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need to vent air outdoors, as UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission explain. However, follow the clearance and installation requirements, and use the connections specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
Not necessarily: how water is managed depends on the model and its installation. If the appliance supports it and your room allows, connecting it to a drain means you won’t need to empty the tank. Otherwise, follow the instructions for emptying the tank.
No. This feature doesn’t mean that all maintenance is eliminated. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, noted that a semi-self-cleaning Bosch model still needed periodic cleaning. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to find out what maintenance is required.
Not always: compare its washing capacity with its drying capacity. For example, Electrolux lists the EW7IW4966BG as having a 9 kg washing capacity but a 6 kg drying capacity. If you’ve washed more than 6 kg of laundry, you’ll need to remove some of the load before drying.