Heat Pump Dryers: How They Work, Venting and Who They Suit
How heat pump dryers dry without a vent, what to plan for before you buy, and how four compact and full-size models compare.
- Heat pump dryers are ventless: no duct to the outside is needed.
- Three of the four models here are 24-inch compact dryers; the LG DLHC4002W is a 27-inch full-size model with 7.8 cu. ft. of capacity.
- All four run on 240 volts and are ENERGY STAR certified.
- Drain needs differ: the LG DLHC1455W and Blomberg DHP24404W3 list no drain required, while the Bosch WQB245B0UC and LG DLHC4002W list a drain as required.
A heat pump dryer dries clothes without an outside vent. Instead of blowing hot, moist air out of the house, it reuses warm air in a closed loop and pulls the water out through a condenser. That makes it a good fit for closets, condos and apartments where a vent is hard or impossible to add.
This guide explains how heat pump dryers work, what to plan for (power, drain and space), and compares four ventless heat pump models we carry from LG, Bosch and Blomberg, using the specs listed on each product page.
Our top picks at a glance
Compare them side by side
Smart Pick: LG DLHC1455W 24-Inch Smart Heat Pump Dryer
LG DLHC1455W 24 inch Smart Compact Dryer with 4.2 cu. ft. Capacity, Dual Inverter HeatPump Technology, in White
The LG DLHC1455W is a 24-inch compact ventless dryer with 4.2 cu. ft. of capacity and LG's Dual Inverter HeatPump technology. It has Wi-Fi and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, offers 14 cycles and a stainless steel drum. The product page lists no drain required, and a stacking kit is included.
- Wi-Fi and voice control
- No drain required
- Stacking kit included
- ENERGY STAR certified
- No steam cycle
- Compact 4.2 cu. ft. drum
Quiet Pick: Bosch WQB245B0UC 500 Series 24-Inch Heat Pump Dryer
Bosch WQB245B0UC 500 Series 24 inch Compact Heat Pump Dryer with 4 cu. ft. Capacity, Self-Cleaning Condenser, Energy Star, and Stainless Steel Drum in White
The Bosch WQB245B0UC is a 500 Series 24-inch compact heat pump dryer with 4 cu. ft. of capacity, a self-cleaning condenser and a stainless steel drum. It lists a 62 dBA noise level, 13 cycles and a reversible door. It needs a drain, and the stacking kit is sold separately. It comes with an adapter for a 4-prong, 30A, 14-30 receptacle.
- 62 dBA noise level
- Self-cleaning condenser
- Reversible door
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Drain required
- Stacking kit sold separately
Stack-Ready Pick: Blomberg DHP24404W3 24-Inch Ventless Heat Pump Dryer
Blomberg DHP24404W3 24 inch Ventless Heat Pump Dryer with 4.5 cu. ft. Capacity, Includes Stacking Kit
The Blomberg DHP24404W3 is a 24-inch ventless heat pump dryer with 4.5 cu. ft. of capacity, the largest of the three compact models in this guide. It offers 15 cycles, a stainless steel drum and a reversible door, lists no drain required, and includes a stacking kit. It draws 10 amps on 240 volts and lists a 66 dBA noise level.
- 4.5 cu. ft. drum
- Stacking kit included
- No drain required
- 15 cycles
- No Wi-Fi listed
- Louder than the Bosch at 66 dBA
Full-Size Pick: LG DLHC4002W 27-Inch Smart Heat Pump Ventless Dryer
The LG DLHC4002W is a 27-inch full-size ventless heat pump dryer with 7.8 cu. ft. of capacity, Dual Inverter Heat Pump technology and an auto cleaning condenser. It has Wi-Fi and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and offers 12 cycles. It needs a drain, and the stacking kit is sold separately. LG lists 10 years of parts coverage on the inverter compressor and motor.
- 7.8 cu. ft. full-size drum
- Auto cleaning condenser
- Wi-Fi and voice control
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Drain required
- Needs a 27-inch wide space
Heat Pump Dryers Compared
LG DLHC1455W | Bosch WQB245B0UC | Blomberg DHP24404W3 | LG DLHC4002W | |
| Model | DLHC1455W | WQB245B0UC | DHP24404W3 | DLHC4002W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,345 | $1,699 | $1,099 | $1,245 |
| Width | 24" | 24" | 24" | 27" |
| Capacity | 4.2 cu. ft. | 4 cu. ft. | 4.5 cu. ft. | 7.8 cu. ft. |
| Cycles | 14 | 13 | 15 | 12 |
| Wi-Fi |  | Not listed | Not listed | |
| Drain | Not needed | Required | Not needed | Required |
| Stacking Kit | | Sold separately | | Sold separately |
| ENERGY STAR | | | | |
| View | View | View | View |
How a Heat Pump Dryer Works
A regular vented dryer heats air with an electric element or gas burner, tumbles the clothes, then blows the hot, wet air outside through a duct. A heat pump dryer works more like a small air conditioner. It heats the air, passes it through the clothes, then cools it so the moisture condenses into water, and reheats the same air for the next pass.
Because the air stays inside the machine, there is no outside vent. The water goes either into a drain hose or into a container you empty, depending on the model. Drying at lower temperatures is gentler on fabrics, but cycles usually take longer than a vented dryer.
- No outside vent or duct
- Lower drying temperatures
- Water goes to a drain or a container
- Cycles take longer than a vented dryer
What to Plan Before You Buy
Check three things: power, drain and space. All four models here run on 240 volts, so you need the right outlet. Two of them need a drain nearby. For width, compact 24-inch dryers fit tight closets and usually stack on a matching 24-inch washer, while the 27-inch LG needs a full-size space.
If you are choosing between gas and electric for a vented setup instead, our gas vs electric dryer guide explains the trade-offs. For small homes, see our guide to compact laundry sets for apartments.
How to Choose a Heat Pump Dryer
- 01
Measure the spaceConfirm width, depth and height, plus door swing. Compact models here are 24 inches wide; the LG DLHC4002W is 27 inches.
- 02
Check powerAll four models list 240 volts. Make sure the laundry space has the matching outlet.
- 03
Plan for waterPick a no-drain model like the LG DLHC1455W or Blomberg DHP24404W3 if there is no drain nearby.
- 04
Decide on stackingIf you plan to stack, check whether the stacking kit is included or sold separately.
Our Picks by Need
Compare every heat pump dryer we carry by size, capacity and features.
Shop Heat Pump DryersFrequently Asked Questions
Do heat pump dryers need a vent?
No. The heat pump dryers in this guide are all listed as ventless, so they do not need a duct to the outside.
Do heat pump dryers need a drain?
It depends on the model. The LG DLHC1455W and Blomberg DHP24404W3 list no drain required. The Bosch WQB245B0UC and LG DLHC4002W list a drain as required.
What power does a heat pump dryer need?
All four models in this guide list 240 volts. Check the amp rating on each product page, which ranges from 10 amps on the Blomberg to 30 amps on the LG DLHC1455W.
Can a heat pump dryer be stacked?
Yes, all four are stackable. The LG DLHC1455W and Blomberg DHP24404W3 include a stacking kit; the Bosch WQB245B0UC and LG DLHC4002W need one sold separately.
Are heat pump dryers slower?
They usually take longer than vented dryers because they dry at lower temperatures. In return, they need no vent and are gentler on clothes.
