Our site uses cookies to give you the best experience. Manage your cookies here or continue shopping if you're happy.

Accept & close
Skip to main content
Basket

    Tumble Dryer Buying Guide

     

    Make picking out that new tumble dryer a whole lot easier with our buying guide. We’ll explain the difference between heat pump and condenser models, and much more.

    Things to know

    Energy Rating

    Need a tumble dryer that’s kind to the planet and your bills? You won’t have to look any further than the handy energy rating. With a range of A+++ to D, you can easily compare how energy efficient each appliance is – those ranked A and above are the best in the biz. So now you can keep your clothes and your wallet happy.

    Warranty

    Tumble dryers are built to last, but sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why the warranty is so important, it keeps you safe from any nasty surprises. The standard length is usually 1 or 2 years, but some manufacturers offer extensions and could even cover the motor itself for 10 years. Look out for the warranty section on our product pages to know exactly what you’re entitled to.

    Noise Level

    If laundry day is creating too much of a background buzz, then you need a tumble dryer with a lower noise level. Each appliance is measured in decibels so you know how loud it will be at key stages of the cycle. 50dB is around the volume of a typical conversation and would be ideal for open plan living. However, if you have a utility room, then a higher level won’t disturb your day.

    Drying Load

    Choosing the right drum size for your dry load is important. If it’s too big you’re wasting energy by not filling it, but going too small means you need more cycles. Typically, an 8 to 9kg capacity is considered large and would handle the drying for homes of 3 or 4 people.

    Fit Type

    Whether you want the tumble dryer to fit seamlessly in your kitchen or you’re popping it in a utility space, there’re plenty of options. An integrated tumble dryer sits within your kitchen cabinet and is hidden away behind a door. Meanwhile, a freestanding model sits out in the open, it can go under a counter, but won’t have a door attached to it.

    Dimensions

    So, you’ve found a tumble dryer you like and you’re ready to commit, but are you sure it’ll fit? You don’t want to receive your fancy new appliance to find it won’t squeeze through your doorways or into the gap. We want to make your delivery day happen without a hitch, so we’ve prepared a handy measuring guide to give you all the info you need.

    Key Features

    Sensor Controlled Drying

    Speed up drying your fave shirt without worrying about shrinking it. Sensor-drying measures the amount of moisture in your clothes and adjusts the settings to match. This prevents overheating and keeps fabrics in tip-top shape for longer. What’s not to love?

    Find out more

    Fabric care

    We’d all like our clothes to last longer, and buying a tumble dryer with fabric care features can help. Generally, these special programmes leave your clothes dry while protecting them from heat damage. So, whether it’s a woolly jumper or silk shirt, you can pop them in knowing they’ll be safe from shrinking.

    Find out more

    Allergy Care

    Whether itchy skin or summer sneezing fits are getting the better of you, a tumble dryer with allergy care can help. These machines are kitted out with clever tech that removes allergens, like dust, dander and pollen, from your clothes. Ready to breathe easy all year round? Silly question – let’s get started.

    Find out more

    Smart-Connected

    Ever left work wishing your laundry was already done? With a smart-connected tumble dryer you can start the cycle remotely and come home to freshly-dried clothes. But that’s not all, some models have a whole bunch of smart features, including progress notifications, new drying settings, and diagnostic reports all available from your phone.

    Find out more

    Machine Clean

    If your dryer is starting to smell like an unwashed gym kit, you need a model with machine clean tech. This nifty feature keeps the tumble dryer free from bacteria and dirt that causes unwanted smells. So, take that clothes peg off your nose, grab a brew and have a browse – we’re sure to have what you need.

    Find out more

    Super quiet

    There’s nothing worse than getting comfy on the couch, only to have your TV drowned out by the laundry. Thankfully, many brands have kitted out their tumble dryers with some pretty neat tech that keeps things extra quiet. So, next time you go to hit play on that boxset, you won’t have any background buzz distracting you.

    Find out more

    Quick Dry

    Sometimes life is just too busy to hang around waiting for the laundry, so make sure you've got a dryer with a quick dry option that'll let you get on with your day. These programmes can vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the model. And some even let you choose the length of the cycle. Now, getting those clothes wardrobe-ready couldn’t be easier.

    Find out more

    Prevents creases

    Ironing is one of those chores we put off for as long as possible. Luckily there are tumble dryers with anti-crease settings to make life easier. They gently tumble your clothes once the drying programme has ended, usually in cool air. Some also use steam to reduce wrinkles. Either way, you’ll get to put the iron down and your feet up before you know it.

    Find out more

    Reverse Tumbling

    Tangled clothes got your head in a spin? With a reverse tumble you won’t be stuck separating your jeans from your jumpers. It’s all thanks to clever tech which allows the drum to change direction mid-cycle, ensuring your clothes don’t end up in a heap.

    Find out more

    Energy Efficient

    Running costs top of the priority list? Or maybe you just want to do your bit for the planet? Well, with an energy-efficient tumble dryer, you can tick both those boxes. They use less energy making them kinder to your bank balance and the environment. So next time you pop a load on, you can do it with a conscience that’s as clean as your clothes.

    Find out more

    Features We Love

    Samsung Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

    Learn more about Samsung’s fantastic range of heat pump tumble dryers

    Find out more

    Bosch Serie 8 Tumble Dryer

    Learn more about Bosch's fantastic range of Serie 8 tumble dryers

    Find out more

    Beko Sensor Drying Tumble Dryer

    Learn more about Beko’s fantastic range of tumble dryers

    Find out more

    LG Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

    Learn more about LG’s fantastic range of heat pump tumble dryers

    Find out more

    Measure, delivery & installation

    FAQs

    How does a tumble dryer work?
    What size tumble dryer do I need?
    What is the difference between a vented tumble dryer and a condenser?
    How often do you need to empty a condenser dryer?
    Do heat pump dryers take longer to dry?
    Where can I put a tumble dryer?
    What tumble dryer can I have in my garage?
    What is tumble dryer lint?
    What amp fuse does a tumble dryer use?
    What extension lead do I need for a tumble dryer?
    What is a front vented tumble dryer?
    What are the quietest tumble dryers?
    What is the smallest tumble dryer I can buy?
    What are tumble dryer sheets used for?
    How do I find the lint filter on my tumble dryer?
    Where is the serial number on my tumble dryer?