Condenser tumble dryers

Condenser dryers remove moisture from your clothing by collecting water in a removable reservoir. You’ll need to empty this regularly, which is important to factor into your decision. However, unlike vented alternatives, condenser dryers don’t require an external hose to vent the heated air to the outside, so this type of dryer can be conveniently placed anywhere in your home. This minimises the need for extensive planning, and means that you'll be able to place and use your new tumble dryer in no time!

Heat pump tumble dryers

Looking to maximise energy efficiency with every load? Heat pump dryers work by recycling and reusing hot air, making them an efficient choice for drying laundry. The moisture absorbed from the laundry load is taken in through an evaporator where it cools, turns back into water and is stored in a removable tank. Although heat pump dryers may cost a little more initially and take slightly longer to dry, they are cheaper to run than most other dryers so you’ll make back that money over time.

Vented tumble dryers

Vented tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and expel the hot, damp air to the outside through a vent. These dryers come with a hose to carry the hot air out, but you must consider where you want to direct the air before making your purchase. The appliance needs to be placed near a wall or window, so this might impact what room or space you want to reserve for your new dryer. However, a benefit of vented dryers is that they typically have lower upfront costs than other tumble dryer types.

Take into account the total height of your space, from where the unit will touch the floor to the top of the machine. The height of a tumble dryer, regardless of type, is usually standardised at 82-85cm, but it is still important to measure to account for any slight variations.

Measure the total width of your space, taking into consideration the walls and cabinets surrounding where the machine will go. Both freestanding and integrated tumble dryers are generally standardised at 60cm wide, but measuring is still important.

The average depth of a model - how far the machinery goes from the front door to the back - can vary, ranging from 46cm-70cm, depending on its drum capacity. Make sure to add on at least an extra 3cm at the back if you’re considering a dryer with a vent hose.

Sensor drying tumble dryers are a real game changer. Equipped with internal sensors that monitor moisture levels and stop the dryer when laundry is dry, these save you both time and money. This feature also prevents overheating and shrinkage, keeping fabrics in good condition for longer. Just load the machine and sit back while you let it run without having to worry about choosing a programme. Laundry day has never been easier!

Noise levels are often overlooked when considering which dryer might be the right choice for your home. If you live in a small flat with a short distance for noise to travel or you simply want to enjoy a quiet laundry day, this information can be easily found in the product specifications of each model and will be presented in decibels. For reference, 60dB is the volume of a normal conversation and most dryers sit around the 65dB range while others are much lower.

Smart tumble dryers connect to your home WiFi, allowing you to control your laundry remotely from other rooms or even while you’re still out for the day. Using apps, you can start the machine, check progress, and troubleshoot minor issues like a blocked filter without calling out an engineer. Some models offer additional features like diagnostic reports accessible straight from your phone.

Timer controls allow you to start the machine after a specific period of time has passed. This is particularly useful if you have an electrical tariff that makes using electrical appliances during the night cheaper within off-peak hours. Delay timers are also useful if you want the laundry to be ready for when you get up in the morning or when you get home from being outside.

Many washing machines offer an auto-clean programme for easy maintenance which you can use monthly for the best results. Tumble dryers with machine clean tech also help to prevent odours by eliminating bacteria and dirt which often cause unwanted smells to occur over time.

Depending on the model, the quick dry option allows your laundry to run programmes taking only as long as 15 minutes to fully complete a cycle. This is a great option for larger households with several loads to get through or for those days when you’re just a little bit short on time.

A cool setting lets you tumble dry without any extra heat, maintaining room temperature while it tosses and turns clothing. This is perfect for items (especially those that have been in storage for a long time) that could do with freshening up without the need for removing moisture from washing.

If you can't take out your laundry right after drying, the anti-crease feature on washing machines helps prevent excessive creasing by periodically loosening up the items. It also reduces ironing time by slowly turning the drum to prevent set-in creases, and some also use steam to reduce wrinkles.