If you dry clothes regularly and have space for two appliances, a separate heat pump tumble dryer can free you from the need for a permanent clothes airer without requiring an outdoor vent. If you only have room for one appliance, a washer-dryer saves you from adding another machine, but its drying capacity is lower than its washing capacity, as Que Choisir points out. In either case, check the dimensions, room ventilation and energy consumption of the model you’re considering.
Without a balcony or garden, a clothes airer can take up space in your living room for a long time. Your choice will mainly depend on how much room you have for an appliance and how well ventilated your home is.
If you can install two appliances, compare the capacity of a separate tumble dryer with your usual laundry loads, then look at its energy consumption and programme times.
A washer-dryer combines both functions in one space. However, plan your loads around its drying capacity, which is different from its washing capacity.
Worth considering if: you dry clothes often, have room for two appliances and don’t have an outdoor vent.
The trade-off: according to Que Choisir, drying may take longer than with a conventional condenser or vented model.
Worth considering if: you only have room for one appliance and want to free up your living space by getting rid of the clothes airer.
The trade-off: Que Choisir notes that drying capacity is lower than washing capacity, so you may need to split a full load.
To narrow down your options, start with the space available and your usual laundry loads. Then compare energy consumption figures and installation instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and clearances required in the instructions. Check whether you can install a second appliance. | “I want to free up my living space without adding an appliance that won’t fit in my home.” |
| Energy consumption and drying time | For a tumble dryer, compare models with similar capacities. Check the A to G energy label, weighted energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration. According to Que Choisir, heat pump models use less electricity than conventional condenser models, which generally dry clothes more quickly. | “If I dry clothes often, I want to look at energy consumption without overlooking how long each load will take.” |
| Drying capacity | For a washer-dryer, compare the washing and drying capacities in kg separately. For a separate tumble dryer, check that its stated capacity suits your usual loads. | “I want to be able to dry a full wash without finding out afterwards that I need to take some of the clothes out.” |
| Installation and humidity | A vented model needs an opening to the outside and a suitable duct, according to Que Choisir and Whirlpool. For a condenser model, check the room’s ventilation. If you want to drain the water directly, check whether the model you choose can be connected to a drain. | “My appliance needs to suit the room I plan to install it in, even if it isn’t well ventilated.” |
With a washer-dryer, a washed load may exceed the drying capacity. You’ll then need to remove some clothes or dry the load over several cycles.
Compare both capacities in kg and check the wash-and-dry programme for your usual load size.
Electrolux support warns that a room without a window or ventilation can become humid, even when using a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer.
Measure the space and check the instructions for the clearances and ventilation conditions required for the model you choose.
A vented tumble dryer needs to expel hot, damp air outside, so an opening or a suitable duct is essential.
Check the full route for the duct and the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing this option.
These examples can help you look at specific features. Always check the individual model and its instructions rather than assuming the same applies to every product from a brand.
Worth a look if you’re after a separate heat pump tumble dryer and want to compare dimensions and capacity.
A brand to consider if installation requirements and managing humidity in the room are especially important to you.
French product pages for separate heat pump tumble dryers give you the chance to explore 8 kg models.
These models are separate heat pump tumble dryers and are worth considering if you have space for a second appliance. Compare their capacity with your usual loads and check the installation requirements before choosing.
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This separate 8 kg tumble dryer can help you dry clothes without a permanent clothes airer or an outdoor vent. Check that its capacity suits your loads, then consult the instructions for dimensions, ventilation and water drainage options.
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This separate 8 kg model lets you dry clothes mechanically without an outdoor vent. Check that its 8 kg capacity suits your usual loads, and consult the instructions for the space and ventilation required for installation.
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This separate heat pump tumble dryer may be suitable if you don’t have an outdoor vent. The product information lists a 10 kg capacity in the title and 8 kg in the detailed description. Confirm the capacity of this model before comparing it with your usual loads. Also check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the instructions.
No, unlike a vented tumble dryer. It collects water in a tank or, depending on the model, can be connected to a water drain. You should still follow the ventilation and installation requirements in the instructions.
No. Whirlpool says this depends on the model. Check the instructions for the exact model before planning a connection or choosing an accessory.
The European Commission says that, since 1 July 2025, only heat pump models can be placed on the EU market as new domestic tumble dryers. This is different from appliances already on the market or second-hand models. Check the model and its energy label.
For models with similar capacities, compare weighted energy consumption per cycle and eco programme duration using the applicable energy label and the EPREL database, the European Commission’s product register. Check the dimensions and installation requirements too: an energy rating won’t answer those questions.