If you have room for a dedicated appliance and regularly dry large loads, a heat pump condenser tumble dryer means you won’t need an external vent. If you only have space for one appliance, a washer-dryer can meet that need, as long as you size your loads according to its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
If you have space for a separate tumble dryer, a condenser model – particularly a heat pump dryer – can dry your laundry without a duct to the outside, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Then check how much space it needs, how water is collected and the model’s installation requirements.
A washer-dryer combines washing and drying in one appliance. You’ll still need the connections required for a washing machine, and you’ll need to keep loads within its drying capacity, which is lower than its washing capacity, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
A separate tumble dryer is worth considering if you regularly need to dry large loads. Compare its capacity with the size of your usual loads: with a washer-dryer, the washing capacity isn’t the same as the amount it can dry in one go.
Consider this if: you have room for a dedicated appliance and want to dry loads within its stated capacity, without an external vent.
Keep in mind: it needs a suitable space in line with the instructions, and you’ll need to empty the water tank or use a compatible drain connection, as well as carry out the maintenance specified for the model.
Consider this if: you only have room for one appliance and your drying loads stay within the stated drying capacity.
Keep in mind: you’ll need a water supply and a drain. To wash and dry a load without taking any laundry out, make sure the load is within the drying capacity from the start.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Check the instructions for the appliance’s dimensions, clearances, ventilation and temperature requirements. For a condenser tumble dryer, check whether the water collects in a tank or whether direct drainage is compatible. | I don’t have an opening or dedicated external vent; I need a space that’s suitable for the appliance I choose. |
| Drying capacity | Check the drying capacity separately from the washing capacity. For example, Bosch lists 8 kg for washing only and 5 kg for a wash-and-dry cycle on the WNA13401FR. | If I want to wash and dry without taking any laundry out, my initial load must be within the drying capacity. |
| Cycle times and energy and water use | Compare the figures for the programme you’ll use in the product details for the models you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir measures cycle time, water and electricity separately in its washer-dryer tests. | I want to know the duration of a complete cycle and its energy and water use before choosing a 2-in-1 appliance. |
| Water and maintenance | Check the tank capacity or whether a direct drain connection is compatible, then check the instructions for cleaning the filter and condenser. Requirements vary by appliance. | Emptying a tank and cleaning the parts specified in the instructions need to fit into my everyday routine. |
A washer-dryer listed as 8/5 kg can wash 8 kg but has a drying capacity of 5 kg. Bosch specifies these two limits for the WNA13401FR.
Compare your usual load with the drying capacity. If it’s larger, plan to wash less laundry or remove some items before drying.
A standard condenser tumble dryer doesn’t need an external vent. However, the European Commission states that, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump tumble dryers can be placed on the EU market. This rule on placing products on the market doesn’t, by itself, determine the status of a second-hand appliance or old stock.
If you find a listing for a standard condenser model, check whether it’s second-hand or old stock, and when it was placed on the market, before considering it.
If there’s no compatible drain connection, you’ll need to empty the water tank. Filter and condenser care varies by model; for example, Bosch lists a self-cleaning condenser on the WQG2450SFR.
Check whether direct drainage is possible and read the cleaning instructions before you buy. Don’t assume an accessory made for another model will fit.
Direct drainage may require an additional compatible kit.
Figures vary by model and programme. LG lists a cycle time of 7 h 50 and water use of 90 L for a full load on the F852SV52IRS product sheet; these figures don’t apply to all washer-dryers.
Check the cycle time and energy and water use for the wash-and-dry programme on the product sheet for the exact model you’re considering.
These models illustrate different configurations; their features don’t automatically apply to other models from the same brand.
In France, Bosch offers heat pump tumble dryers and washer-dryers.
The EDHF5841EC is an example of the brand’s heat pump condenser tumble dryers.
The F852SV52IRS is an example of a shallower LG washer-dryer.
These two separate heat pump tumble dryers suit situations where you can install a dedicated appliance without an external vent. Compare their stated capacities with your usual loads, and check the installation requirements for each model.
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This separate 8 kg tumble dryer is worth considering if you have a dedicated space without an external vent. Check the instructions for clearance and temperature requirements, and make sure direct drainage is compatible with your installation.
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This 8 kg model is another option if you want a dedicated tumble dryer without an external vent. Before choosing where to install it, check the instructions for handling condensed water, clearance requirements and maintenance.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, condenser tumble dryers, with or without a heat pump, can be installed without an external connection. However, you should follow the location and ventilation requirements in the instructions for your model.
If your tumble dryer collects water in a tank, check and empty it as directed in the instructions. Some models allow water to drain directly: make sure the connection and any required kit are compatible with the exact model.
No, not in one cycle after washing a full load: 5 kg is the drying capacity. To wash and dry without taking any laundry out, keep the initial load within that capacity, as the Bosch WNA13401FR specifications illustrate.
You’ll need a water supply and a drain, just as you would for a washing machine. Check the location and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions too; Samsung’s installation guide, for example, recommends a well-ventilated space.