Without an external air outlet, a condenser tumble dryer is suitable; a heat pump model is particularly well suited if you dry clothes frequently and want to reduce electricity consumption. A standard condenser model may be preferable if cycle time matters more, while a washer-dryer is mainly suited to homes where space is limited, as its drying capacity is often lower than its washing capacity.
You need to dry your laundry at home but cannot connect the appliance to an external opening or duct. Condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, are the options to consider; a vented model will not meet this requirement. According to Que Choisir, condenser appliances can be installed without a connection to the outside.
You want a separate drying capacity while keeping electricity consumption under control for frequent use. A heat pump model is worth considering, bearing in mind that cycles are generally longer and that maintenance must be carried out as specified in the manual.
You only have one space available for washing and drying. A washer-dryer can reduce the amount of space required, provided you are happy to accept a lower drying load than washing load.
Consider this if you dry clothes regularly and have room for a separate appliance.
Keep in mind that cycles are generally longer, and that the filter and condensed water need to be managed.
Consider this if you need a solution without an external duct and drying time is more important in your decision.
Keep in mind that electricity consumption is higher than with a heat pump model, according to Que Choisir.
Consider this when only one space is available for washing and drying.
Keep in mind that the drying load is lower than the washing load, which may mean splitting a wash load.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without an external vent | Check that it is a condenser or heat pump appliance, then consult the manual for ventilation, positioning and connections. Also check whether a water tank needs emptying or whether a drain hose is supplied. | I want to dry laundry without creating or modifying a duct to the outside. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare models with the same current energy label: classes A to G, weighted consumption in kWh/100 cycles, capacity and Eco programme duration. For a washer-dryer, check the washing-and-drying cycle data. | I want to limit electricity use without relying solely on the energy class letter. |
| Cycle time and laundry routine | Check the duration of the full-load Eco programme and the conditions for quick programmes. A heat pump reduces electricity consumption, but its cycles are generally longer than those of a standard condenser model. | My appliance needs to keep up with the household’s laundry routine without holding up the next load. |
| Dimensions and usable capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, then allow for the clearances specified. For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities separately. | I want the appliance to fit the available space and genuinely dry the expected volume of laundry. |
| Maintenance and ventilation | Identify the lint filter, maintenance indicators, water tank or drain hose, and ventilation requirements. A self-cleaning condenser does not replace the other maintenance tasks specified in the manual. | I prefer a maintenance routine that fits into my daily life and an installation that remains properly ventilated. |
A vented model requires an opening to the outside or access to a ventilation duct, unlike condenser appliances. It is therefore unsuitable for a home where no outlet is possible.
Start by filtering by technology: standard condenser, heat pump or washer-dryer. Then compare capacity, dimensions and the energy label.
Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryers sold in the European Union have used an A to G label. Gifam and EUR-Lex state that this scale replaces the former presentation, which went up to A+++.
For two models with the current label, compare kWh/100 cycles, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. Treat figures from older product information with caution.
The drying capacity can be considerably lower. For example, the Bosch WKD28260FR accepts 8 kg for washing but 5 kg for a washing-and-drying cycle, according to Bosch.
Choose based on your largest drying load. If it exceeds the stated drying capacity, plan to split the laundry or consider a separate tumble dryer.
Splitting a full load may require additional drying cycles.
This feature applies to the condenser and only on certain models. The filter, condensed water management and room ventilation still need to be checked according to the manual.
Read the installation and maintenance instructions for the exact model before ordering, paying particular attention to the filter, water tank or drain hose, ventilation and clearances.
The range includes heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers. Their product information makes it possible to compare capacity, dimensions, noise level, water drainage and maintenance for each model.
Electrolux offers heat pump and condenser tumble dryers, with French product information detailing capacity, consumption, noise level and operating conditions.
The brand offers condenser tumble dryers without an external vent, making them useful for comparing standard condenser technology with heat pump technology.
Miele positions its T1 heat pump tumble dryers around fabric care and convenient features.
Beko offers standard condenser tumble dryers and heat pump models, allowing you to compare both technologies within the same category.
Joybuy options for separate heat pump or condenser tumble dryers for homes without an external vent.
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Worth considering as a separate appliance for regular laundry in a home without an external duct.
Stated 8 kg capacity, PetHairCare programme, DelicateDry function, Easy Cleaning 2-in-1 filter, stated noise level of 64 dB and the option of connecting directly to a water drain.
Check the manual for the dimensions, installation clearances, required ventilation and programme durations before installation.
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This option is designed for regular drying with a separate heat pump appliance.
The model states an 8 kg capacity, three drying levels, low-temperature drying, a double-layer lint filter, a Refresh programme and an LED display.
Consult the manual for condensate management, dimensions, clearances and ventilation requirements. Claims relating to UV light come from the product information.
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Worth considering if you are looking for a separate condenser tumble dryer and can measure the available space precisely.
Stated 8 kg capacity, dimensions of 60 × 65 × 85 cm, reversible door, OptiSense sensor, water tank and a stated noise level of 66 dB(A).
Compare the applicable energy label and check the manual for ventilation requirements, clearances and condenser maintenance.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer may suit anyone looking for fabric-care and refresh functions.
The product information states low-temperature drying, three drying levels, a double-layer filter, a Refresh programme, rapid drying and an LED display.
The capacity is listed as 8 kg in one part of the product information and 10 kg in the title: confirm the capacity of the exact model, along with the dimensions, condensate management and installation requirements.
No. According to Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers, including heat pump models, can be installed without a connection to the outside. Extracted water can be collected in a tank or, on certain models, discharged into a drain using the system provided by the manufacturer.
Yes, but only if the model’s installation requirements are met. For the Bosch WQG2450SFR, Bosch requires the ventilation opening to remain clear during operation and the room to have sufficient ventilation; also check the clearances, power supply and instructions for the exact model.
The drum cannot always dry the same amount of laundry that it can wash. For the WKD28260FR, Bosch states a capacity of 8 kg for washing only, but 5 kg for a washing-and-drying cycle: a full load may therefore need to be dried in several batches.
Compare the current A to G energy label, weighted consumption in kWh/100 cycles, capacity and Eco programme duration, as well as the noise level. Since 1 July 2025, tumble dryers have used this A to G scale; Gifam and EUR-Lex clarify that the former A+, A++ and A+++ classes are not directly comparable.
No. Tumble dryers and washer-dryers are covered by separate labelling rules, according to EUR-Lex. For a washer-dryer, consult the information specific to the washing-and-drying cycle and do not rely solely on the washing data.