Tumble dryers Buying Guide
Tumble Dryers Buying Guide
Everything you need to know to choose the perfect tumble dryer for your home
Choosing the right tumble dryer can make laundry day a breeze. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the different types available to the features that matter most for your household needs. We'll help you understand energy ratings, capacity requirements, installation options, and much more to ensure you make the perfect choice for your home.
Types of Tumble Dryers
Vented
Extracts damp air and discharges it through a 2m plastic hose, preventing condensation. Requires a window or door to expel moisture.
Best for: Homes where external venting is possible.
Condenser
Collects moisture as water in a container that needs emptying after drying. Some models can be plumbed for automatic disposal.
Best for: Any room with good ventilation where external venting isn't possible.
Heat Pump
Uses lower drying temperatures and recirculates warm air for greater efficiency. Quieter operation and reduced energy consumption.
Best for: Energy-conscious households looking to reduce bills.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is measured on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Heat pump models typically achieve the highest ratings (A or B), while condenser and vented models often range from C to G.
Benefits of Energy-Efficient Models
- Lower running costs in the long term
- Reduced environmental impact
- Models rated C and above offer the best efficiency
- Heat pump dryers typically have the best ratings
Energy-Saving Tips
- Fill the drum to recommended capacity (but don't overload)
- Clean lint filters regularly to maintain efficiency
- Use high spin washing cycles to remove more water before drying
- Choose sensor drying programs to prevent over-drying
Size & Capacity
Load Capacity
Choosing the right drum size is essential for efficient drying:
- 7kg or less: Suitable for 1-2 person households
- 8-9kg: Ideal for families of 3-4 people
- 10kg+: Perfect for larger families or those with bulky items
Remember: An oversized dryer wastes energy, while an undersized one requires more cycles to complete your laundry.
Dimensions & Installation Space
Before purchasing, ensure you have enough space for your tumble dryer:
Standard Dimensions
- Height: 85cm
- Width: 60cm
- Depth: 60cm
Door Clearance
Allow 60cm in front for door opening and loading/unloading clothes
Ventilation
Allow 2.5cm on sides and top for proper air circulation
Measuring Tip
Measure all doorways and hallways that the dryer will need to pass through during delivery. Don't forget to account for any tight corners!
Key Features Worth Considering
Noise Levels
Measured in decibels (dB). Below 65dB is considered quiet, while 50dB is ideal for open-plan living. For reference, normal conversation is around 60dB.
Sensor Drying
Automatically detects moisture levels in clothes and adjusts drying time accordingly, preventing over-drying and saving energy while protecting fabrics.
Fabric Care
Special programs for delicate fabrics like wool and silk that protect them from heat damage and extend the life of your clothing.
Allergy Care
Technology that removes allergens like dust, dander, and pollen from your clothes, ideal for allergy sufferers and households with pets.
Reverse Tumbling
Drum changes direction mid-cycle to prevent clothes tangling and ensure even drying, particularly useful for bed linens and larger items.
Anti-Crease
Gently tumbles clothes in cool air at the end of the cycle to reduce wrinkles and minimize ironing time. Some models use steam technology.
Smart Features
Connected Convenience
Modern tumble dryers offer smart connectivity for enhanced control and convenience:
- Remote Control: Start or stop cycles from your smartphone
- Notifications: Receive alerts when cycles finish
- Diagnostics: Troubleshoot issues without service calls
- Custom Programs: Download specialized drying cycles
- Voice Control: Compatible with smart home assistants
App Features
Delay Start
Schedule drying for off-peak hours
Energy Monitoring
Track consumption and costs
Cycle Customization
Tailor programs to your needs
Maintenance Alerts
Reminders for filter cleaning
Installation Options
Freestanding
Standalone units that can be placed anywhere with appropriate connections.
Placement options:
- Under counter (standard height 85cm)
- In utility room or garage
- Adjacent to washing machine
Advantages: Flexible positioning, easier installation, wider range of models
Integrated
Built-in units designed to be hidden behind kitchen cabinet doors.
Requirements:
- Cabinet dimensions that match the appliance
- Ventilation allowance as specified by manufacturer
- Compatible door mounting kit
Advantages: Seamless kitchen appearance, space-saving in small homes
Stacking Options
Save floor space by stacking your tumble dryer on top of your washing machine:
- Stacking Kit: Required to safely secure the dryer
- Compatibility: Check both appliances are designed for stacking
- Weight Consideration: Lighter appliance (usually the dryer) goes on top
- Accessibility: Consider height for comfortable loading/unloading
Professional Installation
We offer connection services for tumble dryers, as well as removal and recycling of your old appliance, saving you time and hassle.
Warranty & Support
Most tumble dryers come with manufacturer warranties that provide peace of mind against defects and malfunctions:
- Standard Coverage: 1-2 years on parts and labor
- Extended Options: Many manufacturers offer extended warranty packages
- Motor Coverage: Some premium models include up to 10 years of coverage on the motor
Always check the warranty section on our product pages to understand exactly what's covered before making your purchase.
What to Look For:
- Duration of coverage
- Parts included/excluded
- Labor coverage terms
- Registration requirements
- Service provider options
Top Buying Tips
Do's
- Match capacity to your needs - Consider your typical laundry load size
- Check energy ratings - Higher efficiency often means lower running costs
- Consider noise levels - Especially important for open-plan layouts
- Look for sensor drying - Prevents over-drying and saves energy
- Measure your space carefully - Include doorways and installation location
- Compare warranties - Some offer extended motor coverage
Don'ts
- Don't buy on price alone - Consider running costs over the appliance lifetime
- Avoid undersized models - You'll run more cycles, wasting energy and time
- Don't ignore installation requirements - Especially for vented models
- Don't overlook maintenance needs - Some require more frequent filter cleaning
- Don't forget about door orientation - Ensure it works in your space
- Don't skip reading reviews - Real-world experiences provide valuable insights
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Tumble Dryer?
Now that you're equipped with all the information you need, you can make a confident decision on the tumble dryer that's right for your home. Remember to consider your specific needs in terms of capacity, features, energy efficiency, and installation requirements.
Browse our range of tumble dryers online or visit our store for expert advice from our appliance specialists who can help you find the perfect match for your laundry needs.
Tumble dryers Buying Guide
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.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing a tumble dryer, from size and capacity to energy-efficiency ratings and smart drying tech. That’s why we’ve created this handy buying guide for you. It’s packed with all the info you need to help you make the right choice for your home, family and lifestyle. Let’s get started!
Tumble Dryers
Vented
A vented tumble dryers work by extracting the damp air that is produced during the drying process, and then discharge it through a 2m plastic hose which prevents condensation. The hose will require a window or door to dispose of the damp air.
Condenser
A condenser tumble dryer works similarly to a vented tumble dryer, however it collects the damp air in the form of water which then needs to be manually emptied after drying. Some machines can dispose of the water automatically, if they are plumbed. It can be installed in any room with good ventilation.
Heat Pump
A heat pump tumble dryer performs quieter and more efficiently than a vented or condenser tumble dryer due to it using a lower drying temperature. It also recirculates the warm air instead of discarding it to lower amount of energy used.
Energy Rating
Need a tumble dryer that’s kind to the planet and your bills? You won’t have to look any further than the handy energy rating. With a range of A to G, you can easily compare how energy efficient each appliance is – those ranked C and above are the best in the biz. So now you can keep your clothes and your wallet happy.
Warranty
Tumble dryers are built to last, but sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why the warranty is so important, it keeps you safe from any nasty surprises. The standard length is usually 1 or 2 years, but some manufacturers offer extensions and could even cover the motor itself for 10 years. Look out for the warranty section on our product pages to know exactly what you’re entitled to.
Noise Levels
If laundry day is creating too much of a background buzz, then you need a tumble dryer with a lower noise level. Each appliance is measured in decibels so you know how loud it will be at key stages of the cycle. 50dB is around the volume of a typical conversation and would be ideal for open plan living. However, if you have a utility room, then a higher level won’t disturb your day.
Dry Load
Choosing the right drum size for your dry load is important. If it’s too big you’re wasting energy by not filling it, but going too small means you need more cycles. Typically, an 8 to 9kg capacity is considered large and would handle the drying for homes of 3 or 4 people.
Fit Type
Whether you want the tumble dryer to fit seamlessly in your kitchen or you’re popping it in a utility space, there’re plenty of options. An integrated tumble dryer sits within your kitchen cabinet and is hidden away behind a door. Meanwhile, a freestanding model sits out in the open, it can go under a counter, but won’t have a door attached to it.
Dimensions
So, you’ve found a tumble dryer you like and you’re ready to commit, but are you sure it’ll fit? You don’t want to receive your fancy new appliance to find it won’t squeeze through your doorways or into the gap. We want to make your delivery day happen without a hitch, so we’ve prepared a handy measuring guide to give you all the info you need.
Sensor Controlled Drying
Speed up drying your fave shirt without worrying about shrinking it. Sensor-drying measures the amount of moisture in your clothes and adjusts the settings to match. This prevents overheating and keeps fabrics in tip-top shape for longer. What’s not to love?
Fabric care
We’d all like our clothes to last longer, and buying a tumble dryer with fabric care features can help. Generally, these special programmes leave your clothes dry while protecting them from heat damage. So, whether it’s a woolly jumper or silk shirt, you can pop them in knowing they’ll be safe from shrinking.
Allergy Care
Whether itchy skin or summer sneezing fits are getting the better of you, a tumble dryer with allergy care can help. These machines are kitted out with clever tech that removes allergens, like dust, dander and pollen, from your clothes. Ready to breathe easy all year round? Silly question – let’s get started.
Smart-Connected
Ever left work wishing your laundry was already done? With a smart-connected tumble dryer you can start the cycle remotely and come home to freshly-dried clothes. But that’s not all, some models have a whole bunch of smart features, including progress notifications, new drying settings, and diagnostic reports all available from your phone.
Machine Clean
If your dryer is starting to smell like an unwashed gym kit, you need a model with machine clean tech. This nifty feature keeps the tumble dryer free from bacteria and dirt that causes unwanted smells. So, take that clothes peg off your nose, grab a brew and have a browse – we’re sure to have what you need.
Super quiet
There’s nothing worse than getting comfy on the couch, only to have your TV drowned out by the laundry. Thankfully, many brands have kitted out their tumble dryers with some pretty neat tech that keeps things extra quiet. So, next time you go to hit play on that boxset, you won’t have any background buzz distracting you.
Quick Dry
Sometimes life is just too busy to hang around waiting for the laundry, so make sure you've got a dryer with a quick dry option that'll let you get on with your day. These programmes can vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the model. And some even let you choose the length of the cycle. Now, getting those clothes wardrobe-ready couldn’t be easier.
Prevents creases
Ironing is one of those chores we put off for as long as possible. Luckily there are tumble dryers with anti-crease settings to make life easier. They gently tumble your clothes once the drying programme has ended, usually in cool air. Some also use steam to reduce wrinkles. Either way, you’ll get to put the iron down and your feet up before you know it.
Reverse Tumbling
Tangled clothes got your head in a spin? With a reverse tumble you won’t be stuck separating your jeans from your jumpers. It’s all thanks to clever tech which allows the drum to change direction mid-cycle, ensuring your clothes don’t end up in a heap.
Energy Efficient
Running costs top of the priority list? Or maybe you just want to do your bit for the planet? Well, with an energy-efficient tumble dryer, you can tick both those boxes. They use l
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