Make picking out that new tumble dryer a whole lot easier with our buying guide. We’ll explain the difference between heat pump and condenser models, and much more.
Choose Your Drum Size
Running Costs
How much does it cost to run?
It depends on the type of tumble dryer and the amount of times you use it in a week. An average load of just 5kg per week will cost you around £25 per year. Keep your bills down by doing one big load a week instead of a few smaller ones, plus it's less work too.
Choose Your Type
Condenser
Condenser tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and store it in a removable tank. This kind of dryer is ideal if you can’t vent the moisture outside using a hose, but you’ll need to empty the tank after each cycle ends.
Heatpump
Heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air created inside the drum to dry clothes, which makes them really efficient. This saves a lot more energy, but programmes may take a little longer to dry laundry, so bear this in mind when you’re shopping.
Vented
Vented tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and feed it outside through a vent. They come with a long hose to help you do this, but you may need to get it installed by a professional if you want to vent the moisture out through a wall. While vented models tend to be the cheapest on the market, they’re also the least energy efficient.
Key Features
Energy rating
A tumble dryer’s energy rating will tell you how energy efficient the model is. Ratings range from A – G, and a more efficient appliance means you’ll save more money on your energy bills. Look out for a tumble dryers with an energy rating of C or above, these will be some of the most energy efficient models on the market.
Anti-crease
With the anti-crease function, your tumble dryer will run at a much lower speed at the end of the cycle to take care of your clothes and stop creases.
Delay timer
Take advantage of late-night energy prices with the handy delay timer feature. You’ll be able to set the time you want your tumble dryer to start drying your clothes, whether that’s during the night or just in time for when you get home from work.
Sensor drying
This uses clever sensors to work out how wet your laundry is. This means your drying cycle will only end once your clothes are perfectly dry.
Large door
Don’t spend any more time doing the laundry than you need to with a handy large door. With more room to get into your dryer, it’ll be quicker and easier to load and unload.
Reverse action
This feature changes the direction of the drum at the end of the cycle to loosen your clothes and get rid of any creases. This means your clothes will be ready to wear fresh out of the drum and you’ll have less ironing to do.
FAQ
How does a tumble dryer work?
There are three main types of tumble dryer to choose from – heat pump, condenser or vented. Heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air created inside the drum to dry clothes, which makes them really efficient. Condenser tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and store it in a removable tank. Vented tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and feed it outside of your home through a vent.
How much does it cost to run a tumble dryer?
Vented and condenser dryers are the most expensive and least efficient run, averaging at £60 to £80 a year. Heat pump tumble dryers are much more energy efficient and cheaper to run. Depending on the model, they average at around £30 to £40 a year, but they’ll take longer to dry your clothes.
What size tumble dryer do I need?
This depends on the size of your household, if there’s just one or two of you, then a 4-6kg drum will do nicely. If you’re a family of three or four, you might want to go for a medium sized 7-8kg drum. And if you’re more than four, then you’ll want a nice large drum at 9kg or above.
What is the difference between a vented tumble dryer and a condenser?
A vented tumble dryer removes moisture from your clothes and gets rid of it through a hose to the outside. Condenser tumble dryers work differently as they store the moisture from your clothes in a tank which can be emptied after each cycle.
How often do you need to empty a condenser dryer?
We recommend emptying every time you use it.
Do heat pump dryers take longer to dry?
Yes they do but they will save you money as they use much less energy than condenser dryers.
Where can I put a tumble dryer?
It’s handy to keep it near your washing machine. But manufacturers recommend that tumble dryers be put in a room with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees.
What tumble dryer can I have in my garage?
Manufacturers don’t recommend putting dryers in garages as the room temperature can fall below 10 degrees. Any lower and you risk damaging your machine.
What is tumble dryer lint?
Lint is a mixture of the tiny bits of fabric that shed from the edges of your clothes while they tumble around in the dryer.
What amp fuse does a tumble dryer use?
All dryers use a 13amp plug – the same as washing machines and dishwashers.
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