Buying Guide Tumble Dryers

Vented tumble dryers remove the damp air created during the drying process through a hose.

The appliance needs to be positioned near a window or vent in a wall, so the moisture can be released outside, preventing condensation.

To install a vented dryer, you’ll either need to have a vent fitted, or hang the hose through an opening like a window or door. Hoses are often corrugated like the bendy part of a drinking straw. They’re flexible and can be compacted for storage when not in use.

Vented models tend to be more affordable than condenser tumble dryers.

Condenser dryers are very convenient as you can place them wherever you like in your home, as long as the room is well ventilated. This type of tumble dryer is ideal for homes where it isn’t possible to install a vent to expel the damp air.

The water extracted from your clothes during the cycle collects in a container, which you’ll need to empty regularly. Alternatively, some condenser models use the washing machine plumbing to pump out excess water.

Condenser tumble dryers generally cost a little more than vented models. It’s worth spending the extra money if you want the option to place the appliance wherever you like or to avoid installing a vent.

Some newer condenser tumble dryers have built-in heat pump technology. During the drying cycle, the warm air is re-circulated and passed through a heat pump for re-use, making these models really energy efficient. Heat pump tumble dryers tend to be more expensive to buy than standard models, but you can save money in the long term as they are much cheaper to run. 

Automatic tumble dryers have sensor drying technology, which can detect when your clothes are completely dry. You don’t need to set a timer, as the machine will stop when your clothes are at the perfect level of dryness.

You can usually select the level of dryness you want, including modes such as iron dry (leaving the clothes slightly damp for ironing) or cupboard dry (if you’re going to put items away immediately).

The main factor to consider when choosing between freestanding and integrated is whether you want your tumble dryer to be visible or hidden inside your kitchen units. You can place freestanding models anywhere you have space, whereas integrated designs are built to fit into a cupboard.

Freestanding designs are easier to install, however, built-in versions require a little work – a cupboard door will need to be attached to the front of the dryer. Once you install them though, built-in machines give a great, clean look to your kitchen.

If you have limited space in your house and don’t do enough laundry to need a full-sized dryer, then a washer-dryer might be for you.

By combining a washing machine and a tumble dryer, you can get two appliances in one. It’s a great option for those who want the best of both worlds.

Take a look at our Washer Dryers buying guide for more information.

The capacity of a tumble dryer refers to the dry weight of clothes you can fit inside the drum.

There is an extensive range of capacities available – perfect if you live alone, with your partner or you have a large family. The most common sizes tend to be 7kg - 9 kg, although it’s possible to find smaller and larger models too.

It’s important to remember that the usable capacity for tumble dryers is different, depending on the type of clothing you’re drying. For example, you should typically halve the advertised capacity when it comes to synthetics like polyester. So, if you have a 7 kg tumble dryer, you can dry up to 3.5 kg of synthetic clothing in one go.

Likewise, to always ensure perfect dryness, you should never overfill your tumble dryer. Sometimes, filling a dryer to 100% capacity can affect results. To get the best results every time, fill the drum to 70% of the dryer’s full capacity.

The larger the tumble dryer capacity, the more drying you can do in one go. Every kilogram is roughly equal to a whole outfit, including trousers, top, underwear and socks.

It’s useful to buy a tumble dryer with the same capacity as your washing machine. Doing so will mean that you can easily transfer your entire wash between the two appliances. 

Larger drums generally help improve the flow of hot air, decreasing drying times and improving energy efficiency.

The increased space in the drum also reduces creasing in your clothes, as fabrics have room to move freely. Some models can even hold a duvet – ideal for when you need to freshen up your bedding.

Compact tumble dryers tend to be slower and less energy efficient, but relatively cheap to buy. These are probably better for someone living alone, or on a tight budget.

Full-size tumble dryers are usually of a typical size, and much more common than compact models in the UK. If you want enough space to dry a load straight from the washing machine, you’ll need one of these designs.

These dryers usually measure 85 cm in height, 60 cm in width and 60 cm in depth, although there is some variation between makes and models. 

If you have particularly short counters or a specific space in your kitchen, it’s worth spending time researching the slight differences in size. However, working with the standard dimensions will give you a good idea of whether a tumble dryer will fit into your home. 

For those with significantly less space or lower laundry drying requirements, a small, compact tumble dryer could be perfect.

These models occupy a much smaller footprint, with dimensions around 67 cm tall, 49 cm wide and 48 cm deep.

These small, handy appliances are easy to slot into a kitchen or utility room. However, they often have smaller internal capacities and are more difficult to find.

It’s not just the size of the overall appliance you should be considering. The size of the door can have a noticeable impact on how simple the dryer is to use. If you’re frequently washing large, bulky items, getting them in and out of smaller portholes can become a real chore.

For the most common front-loading models, portholes range in size from small 30 cm diameter openings to huge 48 cm ones that can easily take everything you throw at them.

If the size is an essential factor when purchasing your new tumble dryer, it’s worth visiting a shop so you can see the appliance for real. Sometimes, when manufacturers list dimensions, they don’t include hoses or pipes at the back. To make sure the new tumble dryer will fit, pop into your local store first.

This is especially important if you intend on buying a vented model, as you’ll also need space for the hose.

The majority of tumble dryers come in white, giving you plenty of flexibility for matching with existing appliances and kitchen cabinets.

There are also different colours available, such as black and silver, giving you a broader choice that lets you complement your kitchen’s style. However, more brightly coloured models – in red, pink, or blue – are much less common, so if you’ve got your eye on a specific design, you may have to compromise on the machine’s features.

Front-loading tumble dryers are the most popular type in the UK, and these have the most choice when it comes to the style of door. You can purchase models with opaque flat doors, or glass round doors.

Opaque doors are perfect if you’re after a subtle, low key look for the appliance. These can be either circular or square, offering a little more choice.

Glass doors are quite popular as you can keep an eye on your laundry. Doors are beginning to be designed with different colours of glass too, transforming the tumble dryer into an eye-catching appliance.

Some brands offer washing machines with a separate opaque front door and a glass porthole door within. This gives you a stylish frontage to the appliance but also allows you the convenience of checking on your washing without disrupting the cycle.

Brands invest a lot in their styling, which means that tumble dryers can vary between manufacturers.

Often, the more expensive the appliance, the more modern and elaborate the styling. If you prefer a more minimalist design, plenty of models are also available that fit this aesthetic.

A lot of manufacturers design washing machines and tumble dryers to match, so it’s worth buying them from the same brand if you want a uniform look.

Typically, tumble dryers have an interior light, so that you can see everything inside the drum for easy unloading.

Some brands also have models with a reversible door, which allows you to open the tumble dryer from the left or the right. Having a reversible door gives you more options for placing the dryer in your home.

Some tumble dryers have an anti-crease feature, which kicks in once the cycle is complete. The drum continues to rotate occasionally until you open the door, to keep your clothes as crease-free as possible.

Keep an eye out for cool air settings as well. These are multi-functional, allowing you to cool down your clothes at the end of the cycle, so they aren’t too hot when unloading. Or, freshen up items that have been stored away, to remove musty odours.

Tumble dryers built with heat pump technology tend to be a bit more expensive than regular condenser dryers.

However, it’s worth investing, as they’re more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. While standard condenser dryers release the warm air used to dry your clothes, heat pump technology is designed to retain and re-use this during the cycle.

Some top-of-the-range condenser tumble dryers come with an automatic self-cleaning system. The condenser is cleaned during the cycle using the water extracted from the laundry. This smart feature ensures optimum drying performance, as the condenser remains lint-free.

Electronic control dials are used to select the drying program, or the specific drying time required, depending on the model.

Some tumble dryers also have buttons that shorten drying times. For heat-sensitive fabrics, it’s beneficial to invest in a tumble dryer with a temperature selector, to ensure that clothes are cared for as well as properly dried.

Sensor drying models often have an LED panel, which tells you the status of the cycle at a glance. Some designs can also estimate the drying time remaining, while others have a convenient buzzer button, which turns on an audible alarm to let you know when your clothes are dry.

Warning LED lights serve as a handy reminder for emptying the water container or cleaning the lint filter, helping you keep your appliance working at maximum efficiency.

If you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can get a tumble dryer with a time delay setting, giving you the option to start the cycle when it suits you. Another common feature is a child lock, which prevents little fingers from altering the cycle settings while the appliance is in use.

Many manufacturers have developed unique tumble dryer features:

Anti-vibration - Siemens has created a range of tumble dryer models with an Anti-vibration design, to give increased stability and decrease noise during use.

Anti-tangling - Some Hotpoint tumble dryers have Anti-tangling technology, to prevent your clothes from wrapping around each other and creasing during the cycle.

AirWash™ - Samsung’s AirWash™ technology uses hot air alone to refresh and deodorise a few items at once. This process removes light odours and leaves your clothes smelling fresh.

Hoover Talks - For their top-end models, Hoover has developed the Hoover Talks system. This allows you to control your tumble dryer using your voice through your phone. Launch programmes, receive updates about the machine’s status and even ask for customised advice on how to dry garments.

Protective drum - Also, many Bosch models have a fabric-protecting drum structure, to protect your clothes and make sure they stay in tip-top condition for as long as possible.

Compare tumble dryers on the Euronics site for more information.

Sensor drying technology detects the size and weight of the laundry load, to make sure the dryer is only on as long as it needs to be.

Once you reach your chosen level of dryness, the appliance switches off.

You can save energy and money by buying a model with this function, and it also protects your clothes from over-drying shrinkage and damage.

Sensor drying is available on both inexpensive and top-of-the-range models, so no matter your budget, you’ll be able to find a model with this feature.

The majority of tumble dryers with sensor drying technology have variations of the following dryness settings you can choose:

Iron Dry
With the iron dry setting, laundry is left slightly damp to make light work of ironing your garments. The downside is that you’ll need to iron the clothes straight away for maximum effectiveness.

Hanger Dry
The hanger dry setting is ideal for items like sweatshirts, which don’t require ironing.

Any light creases will drop out when your washing is hung up.

Cupboard Dry
This setting ensures your laundry is dry enough to put away immediately, once the cycle is complete. It’s worth noting that manufacturers may have different  definitions as to what constitutes cupboard dry, so check the model specifications before you buy.

Extra Dry
The extra dry setting means a longer cycle time, to ensure bulkier items are completely dry. This setting is perfect for drying items like bedding and towels.

More often than not, tumble dryers come with separate drying settings for clothing made from cotton and synthetic materials.

To take care of delicate fabrics or wool, some tumble dryers have a specialised cycle which uses gentle heat and minimal tumbling. This ensures that more sensitive materials are not affected by the drying process, giving your laundry the care that it needs.

Synthetic programmes are only capable of drying approximately half the amount of clothing compared to a programme for cotton garments, due to the nature of the fabric.

Some of the more wallet-friendly tumble dryers require you to set the drying time manually, rather than being sensor-controlled.

Therefore, a degree of guesswork is needed to achieve your desired level of dryness.

Some tumble dryer manufacturers offer a range of special programmes, designed to perform specific functions.

Outdoor wear programmes dry more substantial items like coats and jackets with ease, whereas lingerie programmes give your light, delicate items the TLC they need. Some manufacturers even offer programmes designed for drying garments such as jeans.

Super quick programmes get your clothes ready to wear again in a jiffy. The speed of the cycle can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, so it’s worth doing some research before you buy.

Easy iron programmes alternate between warm and cool air during the cycle to ensure your clothes are as crease-free as possible.

There are several types of tumble dryers, and some run more efficiently than others. See the types section of our guide for more information.

Heat pump condenser dryers are the most efficient and account for most of the energy-efficient models above. Gas-powered vented tumble dryers benefit from cheaper fuel costs, but the initial price of these is often high.

Some of the most efficient models cost as little as £23 to run over the year, compared with around £140 a year for an inefficient tumble dryer. Buying a more efficient tumble dryer can save you hundreds of pounds over the lifetime of the appliance.

Making sure you buy the right size appliance for your household can go a long way in helping you improve its efficiency.

If your home tends to generate lots of washing, a smaller appliance may have to run more cycles to get through it all.

A model that has a larger drum capacity could reduce the number of cycles you run, potentially saving you money. Similarly, make sure you load the tumble dryer correctly before starting a cycle to aid efficiency, as you can cut down the number of times the appliance has to run.

For added convenience, it’s worth getting a tumble dryer that has the same drum capacity as your washing machine. That way, wet laundry can be transferred quickly from one to the other. 

Invest in a model with sensor drying technology for a more efficient cycle. The tumble dryer detects how wet your laundry is automatically and stops when it judges the load is dry. Sensor drying  prevents the appliance from using energy unnecessarily, helping to cut down costs.

There are other things you can do to help out your tumble dryer and make it more efficient.

If you have a washing machine with a high spin speed, this can help improve the efficiency of your tumble dryer. Running a high-speed spin cycle removes excess moisture in the laundry, reducing the time and energy the tumble dryer needs to dry the load.

Fluff and lint get caught in the filters of your tumble dryer during a cycle. It’s a good idea to clean these before every session.

A blocked filter can reduce the circulation of hot air inside the appliance, which makes it harder for the tumble dryer to get everything dry. Cleaning the filter is especially crucial for condenser dryers with a heat pump.

Dryer balls can also be very handy. Put one of these in with your clothes to help keep them separate, reducing the likelihood of tangled up laundry. Untangled laundry tumbles more effectively, and hot air circulates better.

When talking about the sound levels of an appliance, people often use decibels (dB). The higher on the dB range an appliance is, the louder it sounds. As a few points of reference, 15-30 dB is approximately the noise level of a whisper, 60 dB is around the standard of a normal conversation, and a lawnmower is around 90 dB.

Different tumble dryers are at very different sound levels on the dB range. The average is around 70 dB. Quieter tumble dryers will be around the low 60s. Using the listed dB sound level can be an excellent way of picking a quieter product. However, it’s worth noting that appliances with a lower dB level can sometimes sound louder than models higher on the scale.

This is because the dB range only measures sound intensity, not frequency. Tapping a table surface and tapping a glass or tin could have the same dB level, but because the frequency is different, one can sound louder than the other.

Similarly, companies test tumble dryers in “ideal” environments. Chances are that your utility room or kitchen is not that ideal. As such, appliances may sound louder than the number of dB suggests, depending on the level of echo in the room.

As tumble dryers have lots of moving parts, they tend to be quite noisy, but some have features which reduce the noise level.

Models that come with inverter motors tend to be much quieter than those that don’t. A lot of inverter motors don’t have brushes, which means they generate less friction when the motor is running. With less friction, there is less sound made by the appliance, resulting in less disturbance for you. Some tumble dryers have built-in insulation too, which reduces the amount of sound that escapes.

As the tumble dryer spins, a lot of the sound comes from the appliance vibrating. Some brands have developed technology which helps reduce the amount of vibration.

Siemens has incorporated AntiVibration technology in the sidewalls of some extraKlasse models, which helps stabilise the dryer, reducing noise. Other brands like Miele offer models with special Extra Quiet programmes, that dry washing with minimum background noise.

You can also do a couple of things yourself to limit how loud the vibrations are.

Investing in anti-vibration foot pads or a mat can be very worthwhile. These absorb and isolate a lot of the vibrations generated by a tumble dryer, reducing noise, and stopping it from moving around. They can also help address wobbly dryers as they cushion the floor, reducing the likelihood of rocking.

Noise can be very personal and subjective. If you tend to be quite sensitive to noise, investing in a tumble dryer with a lower dB level and some sound reducing features is probably a good idea.

It’s also worth noting that other factors can make your appliance much louder. If a zip comes into contact with the glass of the door, for instance, the tumble dryer will sound much louder than it should.

Understandably, the most effective way of being undisturbed by your tumble dryer is to locate it suitably. Positioning it in a utility room or garage reduces the chance of you hearing it. If you have to keep it in your kitchen or have a small home, investing in a super silent model could be even more valuable.

Make sure you measure the appliance before purchasing to ensure it will fit into the space you have in mind for it at home.

The tumble dryer door should be easy to open. Check the angle that the door opens to, and make sure the porthole is wide enough for loading.

Ensure the control panel is simple to use. Check that the display is easy to read and that you can understand how to set up a cycle using the buttons and dials.

The lint filter needs to be cleaned often to prevent it from becoming clogged with fluff from your clothes.

It’s important to check the filter to make sure you can remove and replace it with ease. Keep in mind that some models have double-sided filters which are harder to clean.

If it’s a heat pump tumble dryer you’re after, it’s worth checking that there’s easy access to the microfilter, so you can keep your appliance working at its best. Alternatively, look for a self-cleaning model.

If you’re looking to buy a condenser tumble dryer, make sure the water container is easy to access and remove.

Make sure that the model you have your eye on has all the features you need. If you’re buying in-store, you can also ask staff for help.

Most online retailers have a review section for tumble dryers. Customers who have already made a purchase can rate machines on various attributes, such as ease of use and value for money.

Confirmed purchasers can also leave positive and negative comments about their experience with the appliance alongside their rating.

Detailed product descriptions can be found online, which come in handy when deciding between different models. You can easily find out about the appliance size, features, and functionality of every model in stock on the site.

Website product filters can be handy when comparing tumble dryers. You can filter by things like brand, price, energy rating, and drying type to find a specific tumble dryer. Search functions are also helpful if you’ve got something in particular in mind.

Buying online is sometimes cheaper than buying in-store. Many retailers offer free delivery, have exclusive online discounts, and put on seasonal sales.

Top-of-the-range tumble dryers typically have some or all of the following features:

• Energy efficient heat pump technology
• Programmes specific to types of clothing, e.g. ‘outdoor wear’ and ‘jeans’
• Super-fast programmes
• Automatic sensor controls
• Self-cleaning technology
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Remote control via app

Many budget tumble dryers have sensor drying built-in, but if you’re only after a model with timed programmes, you can generally expect to pay less.

If you don’t need a new tumble dryer straight away, it’s worth waiting for sales, promotions, and deals. At certain times of the year, especially during autumn and winter, you can pick up a lower-cost tumble dryer to suit your budget.

Many retailers also have cashback, trade-in, or brand-specific deals, which are worth looking out for while considering where and when to buy.

Try to find a tumble dryer that comes with a generous guarantee. This way, you don’t have to worry if something goes wrong. It’s worth bearing in mind that the more expensive models tend to have guarantees that last longer.

Other costs you may need to include in your budget are delivery, old appliance disposal and installation charges. Installation is generally straightforward with condenser tumble dryers, but if you want a vented model, be aware that this may require extra work to get fitted.