10 Best Tumble Dryers

Buying guide

Are you not sure which tumble dryer is best for you? Our buying guide helps you choose the right tumble dryer.

One typically distinguishes between the following three types of tumble dryers:

Heat pump tumble dryer

How they work

Recycles and reheats the air inside the dryer. The moisture is collected in a container or sent directly into the drain.

Advantages

Energy efficient

Large selection

Modern technology

Does not need ventilation

Can be placed flexibly

Disadvantages

Expensive purchase price

Longer dry cycles

Price

£299-1399 (Avg.: £604)

Electricity costs per 160 cycles

Around £90

Capacity

Typically, 8-9kg

Measurement

Height: 85 cm

Width: 60 cm

Depth: 60-65 cm

Condenser tumble dryer

How they work

Collects moisture from the clothes in a water container or sends it directly down the drain, then reheats and circulates the dry air inside the drum.

Advantages

Low purchase price

Does not need ventilation

Flexible placement

Disadvantages

High energy consumption

Longer dry cycles

Price

£269-409 (Avg.: £308)

Electricity costs per 160 cycles

Around £200

Capacity

Typically, 7-8kg

Measurement

Height: 85 cm

Width: 60 cm

Depth: Around 55 cm

Vented air dryer

How they work

Expels hot, moist air from the dryer through a vent while drawing in fresh air, which is heated and circulated through the clothes to evaporate moisture.

Advantages

Low purchase price

Typically, faster dry cycles

Disadvantages

High energy consumption

Requires good ventilation

Small selection

Price

Electricity costs per 160 cycles

Around £208

Capacity

Typically, 7kg

Measurement

Height: 85 cm

Width: 60 cm

Depth: 60 cm

All tumble dryers have an energy label, which provides information on the most important specifications of the tumble dryer.

On the energy label, you can find the following information:

• Energy efficiency class
• Energy consumption
• Type of tumble dryer
• Cycle duration
• Capacity
• Noise level
• Condensation efficiency class

You can find the energy efficiency class for a tumble dryer on the energy label. The energy efficiency class ranges from A+++ to D, where A+++ is the best.

Energy-efficient models can save you money on your electricity bills over time. If you want an energy-efficient tumble dryer, you should pick a heat pump tumble dryer as it is the most energy-efficient type.

The following chart shows how the energy efficiency class is distributed across the tumble dryers:

On the energy label, you can find the tumble dryer’s energy consumption based on 160 cycles. There is a big difference in energy consumption across the tumble dryers. For example, the Miele TSF763WP is the tumble dryer with the lowest energy consumption, with a consumption of 161 kWh, while the model with the highest energy consumption has a consumption of 671 kWh.

These are the five tumble dryers with the lowest energy consumption:

You can find the best energy-efficient tumble dryers here.

The following chart shows how the energy consumption is distributed across the various types of tumble dryers:

Consider the drum capacity and choose a size that suits your household’s laundry needs. The selection of the suitable capacity for your tumble dryer depends on your household size, laundry habits, and available space.

The drum capacity of tumble dryers varies from 7 – 10 kg.

The following chart shows how the capacity is distributed across the tumble dryers:

There is a wide selection of tumble dryers in different price ranges available. The price of a tumble dryer can vary based on several factors, including the type of dryer, brand, capacity, and features.

Remember not to focus solely on the price, but also have the operating costs in your considerations, as these can vary greatly.

Vented tumble dryers are the cheapest type of tumble dryer. However, their energy consumption is way higher than, for example, heat pump tumble dryers.

The cheapest tumble dryer is the Indesit I1D80WUK, for £251. These are the five cheapest models:

You can find the best cheap tumble dryers here.

The following chart shows how the price is distributed across the tumble dryers:

As the chart shows, the cheapest tumble dryer costs £251, while it is £1399 for the most expensive model.

On the energy label, you can find the tumble dryer’s noise level. Consider the noise level of the tumble dryer, especially if it will be placed near living spaces.
The noise level of tumble dryers varies from 59 dB to 69 dB. If you are looking for a quiet tumble dryer, take a look at one of the following models, which are the five quietest:

You can find the best quiet tumble dryers here.

The following chart shows how the noise level is distributed across the tumble dryers:

On the energy label, you can find the duration for a standard cotton drying cycle. This ranges from 121 minutes to 280 minutes across the tumble dryers.

These are the five tumble dryers with the shortest program duration:

The condensation efficiency class ranges from A to G, where A is the best. It tells how much humidity the tumble dryer can collect.

If the tumble dryer has a low grade of condensation efficiency, the room will need more ventilation.

The following chart shows how the condensation efficiency class is distributed across the tumble dryers:

Measure the available space in your laundry room to ensure the dryer fits comfortably. Some models may have reversible doors for flexible installation.

Tumble dryers typically measure around 85 cm in height, 60 cm in width, and around 60-65 cm in depth.

These are some of the popular functions you might consider for your tumble dryer:

• App-connectivity: Some tumble dryers are equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to control and monitor your dryer remotely using a smartphone or tablet. You can find the best tumble dryers with app connectivity here.
• Delay start: This feature allows you to set a specific time for the dryer to start a cycle. A delayed start can be useful if you want your laundry to finish at a specific time (e.g., when you come home from work). It is a very common feature found in almost all tumble dryers.
• Sensor drying: Some tumble dryers have sensors that adjust drying time and heat levels based on the moisture and temperature of the clothes, ensuring optimal drying.
• Drum light: A drum light illuminates the interior of the tumble dryer, making it easier to load and unload laundry and ensuring you don’t leave any items behind.