Looking to upgrade your old tumble dryer or buy your first one?
Buying a large home appliance is often pricey and you want to be as knowledgeable as possible before parting with your hard-earned cash.
Whether you're on a tight budget, or are looking to buy top end, there is a tumble dryer for every budget.
Features like fast drying cycles, timer and sensor functions, delay controls and top energy ratings are all worth considering.
You'll also need to decide whether you want it to be integrated or freestanding, as well as vented or condensing.
Reversible doors, which allow you to adapt the tumble dryer to your space, is also a handy feature to look out for.
Once you've decided exactly what you want from a new machine, check out our list of the best tumble dryers you can buy in the UK to make laundry days more efficient.
Types of tumble dryer
There are several different types of dryer you can buy, each with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Deciding on the right type of dryer for you is the first step to take before committing to a purchase:
- Condenser: Condenser tumble dryers collect water vapour in a container and doesn't need to be installed near a vent or window. Not the most energy efficient.
- Vented: A vented tumble dryer uses a hose to dispel the damp air extracted from the drying laundry. The dryer will need to be placed next to a window or an external wall, so that the end of the hose can be placed outside. Vented dryers are the cheapest on the market.
- Heat Pump: Heat pump tumble dryers have a condenser that separates water from the warm air which goes into a water tank. The remaining dry warm air is then pumped back through the drum, re-using it to help the clothes dry faster. The most energy-efficient of all the tumble dryer types available.
- Freestanding: A freestanding tumble dryer offers the most flexibility, especially if you want the option to move it from one location to another. Standard dimensions should fit under most kitchen worktops.
- Integrated: An integrated tumble dryer slots into a kitchen unit/cupboard, hidden away before, during and after use.
Which size tumble dryer should I get?
It goes without saying that the size of tumble dryer you'll need depends on the size of your load. Drum sizes range from 4kg up to 11kg, with an average capacity of around 7kg.
As a rule of thumb:
- 7kg: Average size. Perfect for individuals or couples. Fits around 35 t-shirts or a double size duvet
- 8kg: Best for small families. Fits around 40 t-shirts or a queen size duvet.
- 9kg: Best for large families. Fits around 45 t-shirts or a king size duvet
- 10-11kg: Best for very large families. Fits around 50 t-shirts or heavier king size duvets
Features to look for
- Energy rating: Dryers with a higher energy rating (A+++) are cheaper to run and better for your electricity bill
- Delay start: Program your dryer so that your clothes will be dry by a certain time
- Half load: Helps save energy when you only have a few items that need drying. Perfect for quick spins.
- Warning LEDs: Alerts you when the lint filter needs cleaning or to empty the water container
- Reverse tumble: Allows the drum to spin both ways when drying, meaning quicker drying and less creases
Reversible doors: Allows you to swap the direction the door opens, meaning more flexibility as to where to locate your machine
Best tumble dryers to buy in 2021
1. Bosch WTR85V21GB
Best Value Tumble Dryer
The large 8kg capacity will make this freestanding Bosch condenser tumble dryer an appealing model for families.
It features 11 programmes to choose from, so you can ensure all your clothes, no matter the material, always come out feeling fresh. Plus the A++ energy rating means you won't end up with a shocking energy bill when using it regularly either.
Type: Freestanding. Capacity: 8kg drum capacity. Energy Rating: A++ energy rating. Function: 11 drying programmes. Dimensions: 59 x 59.8 x 84.8 cm; 69.7 Kilograms
2. AEG T8DEE945R
Best Tumble Dryer Under £300
This higher-end priced tumble dryer is stylish and efficient - plus its 9kg load is perfect for growing families.
SensiDry technology pulls moisture out of clothes at half the temperature of rival models, so you clothes won't be damaged. The built in ProSense technology detects moisture levels and stops the cycle early if the clothes dry quicker than expected.
The tumble dryer also comes with a reversible door hinge, allowing for use in smaller spaces.
Type: Heat pump. Capacity: 9 kg. Energy rating: A++ Function: Sensor drying and five-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Dimensions: 850 x 600 x 600 mm (H x W x D)
3. Candy GVS H9A2DCE
Best Integrated Tumble Dryer
If you have a decent sized family this Candy tumble dryer makes for an ideal investment.
The machine, part of the brand's Grand O’vita range, uses an efficient heat pump technology and comes with an A++ energy rating.
With 14 drying programmes to choose from, including rapid drying options, you'll be able to instantly dry loads up to 9kg in no time. It also features a handy sensor dry function, which allows you to choose the level of dryness required and the machine with turn off when it has reached the optimum level.
There's also the added benefit of setting the cycle and dryness using the NFC technology via your smartphone too, with additional functionality that can run diagnostic checks on the machine too.
Type: Freestanding. Capacity: 9 kg. Energy rating: A++ Function: Four drying levels. Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 85 cm; 41 Kilograms
4. Zanussi ZDC8203WZ
Best Overall Tumble Dryer
Praised for its speedy drying time of 90 minutes, this is a great value condenser dryer for family use with an 8kg drum load.
The large reversible door allows for easy loading and makes it suitable for any home setup, while the Easy Iron function dries the clothes to just the right amount for you to give them a quick touch up with an iron.
The delay start function lets you have complete control over when the cycle starts so you can take advantage of off peak electricity tariffs.
Type: Condenser. Capacity: 8kg. Energy rating: B Function: Eight programmes. Dimensions: H:850mm x W:600mm x D:600mm
5. Candy Smart CSC8DF
Best Integrated Tumble Dryer
Another great value machine from Candy, which is perfect if you're looking for a condenser type dryer. The free standing machine doesn't need to be plumbed in and can easily fit in most standard kitchen/utility room spaces.
The drum holds up to 8KG and has 14 different drying programmes, it also has a B energy rating, making it a robust and affordable dryer to invest in.
Type: Condenser. Capacity: 8kg. Energy rating: B Function: Control using smartphone and sensor drying time. Dimensions: (H)85.0 x (W)59.6 x (D)58.5
6. BEKO DCX93150W
Best Condenser Tumble Dryer
Get a lot of bang for your buck with this budget tumble dryer, which boasts a staggering 9kg load.
The reverse action drum offers a gentler, more efficient drying process. Other handy features are a reversible door, an internal LED light, an anti-crease function and direct drainage system.
The LCD display is clear and intuitive and what's more, there's over 16 different programmes to choose from, in order to achieve the perfect crease-free wash.
Type: Condenser. Capacity: 9 kg. Energy rating: B. Function: Sensor drying and one year manufacturer’s guarantee. Dimensions: 850 x 595 x 609 mm (H x W x D)
7. Hotpoint TVHM80CP
Best Vented Tumble Dryer
This is an affordable vented tumble dryer takes a classic, stripped back design that will fit into most kitchens and utility rooms.
It's simple and does the job - and for £200, you won't be disappointed.
The timed drying system dries your clothes in 120 minutes while the tangle free feature ensures items are kept separated and in tact.
Type: Vented. Capacity: 8kg. Energy rating: C Function: Control using smartphone and sensor drying time. Dimensions: (H)85.0 x (W)59.5 x (D)55.0
8. Miele T1 TSB143WP
Best Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
With a large 7kg capacity, this Miele tumble dryer is designed to look after all your family's clothes, with added protection thanks to sensor drying technology.
Special programmes for your clothes ensure that everything is being washed at its optimal temperature, whilst a reverse action tumble helps to reduce the creases..
Type: Heat pump. Capacity: 7kg. Energy rating: A++ Function: Perfect dry technology and adjustable cycle settings. Dimensions: (H)85.0 x (W)59.6 x (D)60.0
If you're also looking to upgrade your other appliances, why not check out our round up of the best washing machines.
Or browse our round ups of the best cordless vacuum cleaners worth investing in for 2021- and there's one for everyone's needs and budgets.
