Tumble dryer buying guide
Everything you need to know to find the perfect tumble dryer for your home and lifestyle...
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’re cheaper to run than most other dryers. However, if you’re planning to keep your dryer in a cold space, like a garage, it’s worth considering a vented or condenser dryer, as heat pump dryers don’t work so well in cold rooms.
- ✓ Lower energy bills
- ✓ Eco-conscious households
- ✓ Long-term savings
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Small capacity tumble dryers
If you wash and dry less often, a small capacity tumble dryer could be ideal for you. These dryers are able to comfortably run loads up to around 7kg (or 17 hand towels).
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Medium capacity tumble dryers
For households of 3-4 people, a medium capacity, family sized dryer can dry 8kg to 9kg of washing (or 22 hand towels). This is our most popular size as it covers all your everyday drying needs.
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Large capacity tumble dryers
Finally, a large-capacity tumble dryer, with a capacity of 10kg or more, can dry up to 25 hand towels in a single cycle. These are a great choice if you have a bigger household.
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How the new energy ratings compare
- A new A rating is equivalent to the previous A+++ rating.
- A model previously rated A+++ may now show as A under the new system.
- A model with an old A rating would now be approximately equivalent to a D rating on the new scale.
Top tip
Before you think about drying your clothes, try using a higher spin on your washing machine to begin with the least amount of moisture possible.
Leaving lint in the dryer can reduce the effectiveness of each load, so make sure to remove it from the filter after every cycle.
Always aim to run a full load of clothes where possible — you’ll save more energy compared to running a half-load (for example, a 9kg dryer costs 2.9 kWh for a half load, compared to 5.34 kWh for a full load).
Clean the lint filter
Remove all lint from the filter after each drying cycle. A blocked lint filter reduces airflow, increases drying times, and can pose a fire risk.
Empty the water tank
For condenser and heat pump models, empty the water reservoir after every use. A full tank will cause the machine to stop mid-cycle.
Wipe the door seal
Clean around the door seal with a damp cloth to remove any lint or residue that could affect the seal’s effectiveness.
Check the external vent
For vented dryers, inspect the external vent opening to ensure it isn't blocked by lint, debris, or bird nests.
Clean around the appliance
Vacuum or sweep around and behind the dryer to prevent lint buildup, which can become a fire hazard.
Deep clean the lint filter
Wash the lint filter monthly with warm soapy water to remove fabric softener residue that can clog the mesh.
Clean the water tank
Thoroughly wash the water reservoir with warm soapy water to prevent bacteria and mould growth.
Inspect the drum
Wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth to remove buildup from detergents or fabric softeners.
Sensor drying
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, they save time and money while preventing overheating and shrinkage, helping fabrics stay in better condition for longer. Just load the machine and relax—especially with models like the Altimo AHPD912W 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer with sensor dry, designed for effortless, reliable results.
Smart features
Smart tumble dryers connect to your home WiFi, allowing you to control your drying remotely from other rooms or even whilst you’re still out for the day. Using an app, you can start the machine, check progress, and troubleshoot minor issues like a blocked filter without calling out an engineer.
Quick dry
Running late and need your washing dry? Quick dry will be your new best friend. Depending on the machine, a quick dry cycle can take as little as 15 minutes and typically uses less electricity than a full cycle, helping keep your energy bills down.
Cool down tumble
Available on selected models, a cool-down tumble keeps the drum turning without heat at the end of a drying cycle. This helps lower the temperature of your laundry gradually, reducing creasing and making clothes more comfortable to handle when the cycle finishes. It’s a simple feature, but one that can make unloading the dryer quicker and easier.
Machine clean
Many tumble dryers offer an auto-clean programme for easy maintenance which you can use monthly for the best results. This essential home appliance feature helps to prevent odours by eliminating bacteria and dirt which often cause unwanted smells to occur over time, ensuring optimal laundry care.
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