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Tumble Dryer Buying Guide
Tumble Dryer Buying Guide
A tumble dryer is one of life’s little luxuries. It gives you dry clothes when it’s raining, warm towels after a relaxing bath, and fresh laundry in time for a night out.
Which Dryer Should I Buy? Which Dryer is Best?
A dryer makes doing laundry much more convenient. Just wash, dry, fold and done! Whether you opt for a heat pump or a condenser dryer, it's entirely up to you. Those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bill should choose a heat pump dryer for its high energy efficiency.
Heat Pump Dryer
A tumble dryer with a heat pump is the most energy efficient type of dryer. Instead of heating the air with a heating element, it reheats the circulating air. Although it comes with a slightly higher purchase price, a heat pump dryer consumes significantly less energy to run, meaning the investment quickly pays off.
Heat Pump Dryer
A tumble dryer with a heat pump is the most energy efficient type of dryer. Instead of heating the air with a heating element, it reheats the circulating air. Although it comes with a slightly higher purchase price, a heat pump dryer consumes significantly less energy to run, meaning the investment quickly pays off.
Condenser Dryer
A typical condenser tumble dryer dries clothes quicker than a heat pump model, but it consumes much more energy. It collects humidity in a water compartment that must be emptied after each load, condenser dryers don’t need an externally-vented hose, so you’ll be able to install your appliance anywhere you want
Condenser Dryer
A typical condenser tumble dryer dries clothes quicker than a heat pump model, but it consumes much more energy. It collects humidity in a water compartment that must be emptied after each load, condenser dryers don’t need an externally-vented hose, so you’ll be able to install your appliance anywhere you want
Vented Dryer
If you’re after great drying results but are on a budget, consider a vented tumble dryers. While a vented tumble dryer dries your laundry, it releases a lot of damp air. So, this type of dryer needs to be installed near an external vent that has been fitted into an external wall, allowing the damp air to escape outside.
Vented Dryer
If you’re after great drying results but are on a budget, consider a vented tumble dryers. While a vented tumble dryer dries your laundry, it releases a lot of damp air. So, this type of dryer needs to be installed near an external vent that has been fitted into an external wall, allowing the damp air to escape outside.
What Size Tumble Dryer Do I Need?
Tumble dryers come in a range of sizes, from compact models for individuals, right up to large capacity types for families. You can choose the best usable capacity that suits your needs. It’s important to remember that the usable capacity for your dryer will vary, depending on the type of items you’re drying. Drum capacity is usually quoted based on drying cotton items only; when drying synthetics like polyester, you should halve the advertised capacity.
How to measure for a new Tumble Dryer
How to Measure
Accurate measurements are essential to ensure your washer-dryer fits perfectly into your chosen space.
- Height: Measure the vertical space from the floor to any overhead cabinets or obstacles above where the washer-dryer will be placed
- Width: Measure the horizontal space where the appliance will sit, considering any surrounding walls or cabinetry.
- Depth: Measure from the back wall to the front edge where the washer-dryer door will open. This measurement is critical, especially for condenser or heat pump models that require adequate air circulation.
- Power: Verify that there's a nearby power outlet and access to water drainage, particularly for condenser models that collect water during drying.
How to Measure
Accurate measurements are essential to ensure your washer-dryer fits perfectly into your chosen space.
- Height: Measure the vertical space from the floor to any overhead cabinets or obstacles above where the washer-dryer will be placed
- Width: Measure the horizontal space where the appliance will sit, considering any surrounding walls or cabinetry.
- Depth: Measure from the back wall to the front edge where the washer-dryer door will open. This measurement is critical, especially for condenser or heat pump models that require adequate air circulation.
- Power: Verify that there's a nearby power outlet and access to water drainage, particularly for condenser models that collect water during drying.
Energy efficiency and running costs
All tumble dryers receive an energy efficiency rating from A-G, in line with EU guidelines. Currently, the highest energy efficiency rating that a tumble dryer can achieve is A+++.
New performs better than old
Newer models are more efficient than older ones, but as mentioned, the most energy-efficient types are heat pump dryers. You may spend more upfront, but you’ll recover costs in the long run, by making savings on your energy bills, compared to other dryers.
Energy efficiency and running costs
All tumble dryers receive an energy efficiency rating from A-G, in line with EU guidelines. Currently, the highest energy efficiency rating that a tumble dryer can achieve is A+++.
New performs better than old
Newer models are more efficient than older ones, but as mentioned, the most energy-efficient types are heat pump dryers. You may spend more upfront, but you’ll recover costs in the long run, by making savings on your energy bills, compared to other dryers.
Features to Look Out For
Tumble dryers have many additional features. It’s worth understanding them, as they’re usually designed to save you time and effort.
Features
to Look Out For
Tumble dryers have many additional features. It’s worth understanding them, as they’re usually designed to save you time and effort.
Timer delay
Time delay settings give you the option to choose when a drying cycle starts. Most appliances come with maximum and minimum time delay functions, so you’ll need to check the manufacturer's guidelines to see how much (or how little) time you can delay a cycle for.
Sensor technology
Sensor drying technology detects the moisture content of the laundry. Once your laundry is dry, the appliance switches off automatically, protecting your laundry, as well as saving energy and money.
Cool settings
Cool settings dry clothes at cooler temperatures to protect delicate fabrics like silk and lace, or to prevent shrinkage when drying wool
Anti-crease functionality
Anti-crease modes are ideal if you want to lighten up your ironing load. This programme causes the drum to move slightly after a cycle has finished, to reduce creasing.
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.
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.
Maintenance and Durability
Review warranty details and user reviews for insights into reliability and ease of maintenance. A washer dryer is a significant investment, so robust durability and comprehensive manufacturer support are crucial. Standard freestanding appliances are backed by a 1-year warranty; Some manufacturers on selected models offer an extended 5-year guarantee.
Maintenance and Durability
Review warranty details and user reviews for insights into reliability and ease of maintenance. A washer dryer is a significant investment, so robust durability and comprehensive manufacturer support are crucial. Standard freestanding appliances are backed by a 1-year warranty; Some manufacturers on selected models offer an extended 5-year guarantee.
