People without an external vent
You want to dry your laundry in a machine without a duct leading outside. UFC-Que Choisir says that condenser tumble dryers, both standard and heat pump models, don’t need to be connected to the outside.
Who are these options for?
Households that do laundry frequently
If you use a tumble dryer regularly, match its capacity to your laundry loads, then compare the stated energy consumption for the programmes you’re likely to use.
People in compact homes or sensitive to noise
If the appliance needs to fit near a living area, check its dimensions, the space needed to open the door, its stated noise level and the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
How do the options compare?
Heat pump
Worth considering : for regular drying without an external vent, comparing the energy consumption of models suited to your laundry load.
Bear in mind : cycle times and installation requirements vary by model, so check these before choosing an appliance.
Standard condenser
Worth considering : if you want a tumble dryer without an external duct and a standard model suits your laundry routine.
Bear in mind : UFC-Que Choisir notes that its electricity consumption differs from that of heat pump models. Compare the energy labels and programmes of the models you’re considering.
Clothes airer
Stick with it : if you don’t do laundry often or there’s nowhere to install an appliance in line with its instructions.
Bear in mind : your laundry will take up drying space, and it takes time to dry.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without a vent | Check the dimensions with the door open and the installation requirements in the instructions. Distinguish between the water tank and any drain connection. | I can’t install an external vent and want to know whether the appliance will fit in the available space without any building work. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Energy consumption and capacity | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, the duration of the Eco programme and each model’s capacity against your usual laundry loads. | With frequent laundry, I want a suitable capacity without overlooking the electricity used in each cycle. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and everyday use | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and make sure you can access the door and water tank in the intended location. | Near my living area, I need to be able to run a load without choosing an appliance that gets in the way of my routine. Noise and ease of use come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space for a clothes airer | If a tumble dryer isn’t suitable, compare the space available for drying with the amount of laundry you need to dry. | I’d rather keep using a clothes airer if I can manage my laundry without an appliance or if installation would take up too much space at home. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this option. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing water drainage with air venting
A hose that drains collected water doesn’t replace the external vent needed by a vented tumble dryer. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes vented dryers from condenser models, which can be used without an external connection.
Check the dryer’s technology, whether it has a water tank and whether a compatible drain kit is available for the model you’ve chosen.
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Ignoring energy consumption in light of your laundry routine
Differences in energy consumption matter more in everyday use when you run frequent cycles. ADEME states energy consumption in kWh per 100 reference cycles, so you can compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis.
Compare this figure, the capacity and the duration of the Eco programme for the models you’re considering, then weigh them up against your usual laundry routine.
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Measuring only the width of the recess
The depth, door opening and access to the water tank can make a space awkward to use, even if the appliance fits. An Electrolux manual also specifies that stacking requires a kit designed for the appliances in question.
Measure the usable space and check the clearances specified in the manual. If you’re stacking the appliances, make sure the kit is compatible.
Stacking may require a compatible kit and leave you with less flexibility when arranging the space around both appliances.
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Planning to drill an opening before considering vent-free options
An external vent through the façade alters the property. ANIL notes that, in a block of flats, work affecting communal areas or the structure requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners.
Consider condenser and heat pump models first. If you’re still thinking about building work, check your tenancy agreement, the building’s co-ownership rules and any relevant permissions before starting.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers in France, with product specifications listed for each model.
- The Bosch WTH83V01FF product page lists an 8 kg capacity and dimensions of 842 × 598 × 613 mm.
- Whether a water drain hose is included varies by model. Check this and read the manual for the model you’re interested in.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers condenser and heat pump tumble dryers, as well as drain accessories for some models.
- The Electrolux EDHF5841EC product page lists a 5,32 L water tank and an ambient temperature range of 5 to 35 °C.
- For direct drainage, check that the kit is compatible with the exact model, using the PNC number if required.
Beko
Beko offers heat pump tumble dryers, with noise levels and water drainage features that vary by model.
- You can search the range for models that offer direct condensate drainage.
- Don’t assume that a hose is included or that the noise level is the same as on another appliance. Check the product page and manual.
Miele
The Miele T1 range includes heat pump tumble dryers. The TWC640WP product page lists an 8 kg capacity.
- This model gives you a useful point of comparison for an advertised 8 kg load.
- If you’re planning to stack the appliances or use direct drainage, check which appliances, accessories and connections are compatible with your chosen model.
Tumble dryers available on Joybuy
These standard condenser and heat pump models are suited to shoppers looking for a tumble dryer without an external air vent. Compare their stated capacities, then check the manual for each model to confirm the space required, installation requirements and how to manage the condensate.
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Electrolux EDH1018CD GentleCare condenser tumble dryer, 8 kg
Worth considering if you want to dry laundry in a machine without an external air vent and need an advertised capacity of 8 kg.
Check the dimensions, installation requirements and how to collect or drain the water for this model.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg
Worth comparing if you do laundry regularly in a flat without an external vent. The stated capacity is 8 kg.
If you want direct drainage, check the manual for the compatible hose and connection requirements.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR heat pump tumble dryer, 8 kg
This heat pump model has a stated capacity of 8 kg and is aimed at households looking for a tumble dryer without an external air vent.
Before choosing where to put it, check its dimensions, noise level and water management requirements in the manual.
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Comfee CD10EHP05W-HR heat pump tumble dryer, advertised 10 kg variant
This heat pump model is worth considering for a flat without an external vent, provided you confirm its capacity.
The variant is listed as both 8 kg and 10 kg. Confirm the exact capacity before comparing it with your laundry loads. Also check the installation requirements in the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a vented tumble dryer without an external vent?
No, not in the flat described here: this type of appliance needs to vent air outside. UFC-Que Choisir says that standard condenser and heat pump tumble dryers don’t need this connection. You should still check the installation requirements for your chosen model.
Do you need to empty the water tank on a tumble dryer without an external vent?
Not necessarily. Some models allow direct condensate drainage using a compatible accessory. Check the manual and the model and kit references before relying on this connection.
Can you put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine?
Yes, provided both appliances and the stacking kit are compatible and their instructions allow it. An Electrolux manual specifies that the kit must only be used with the appliances listed in the accessory instructions.
Can you drill through an external wall to install a tumble dryer?
Don’t plan to drill without first checking which permissions apply to your home. ANIL says that work affecting communal areas or the structure of a co-owned building requires approval from the general meeting. If you’re renting, check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord before making any alterations.