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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.
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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 G, you can easily compare how energy efficient each appliance is – those ranked C 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Features We Love
Samsung Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Learn more about Samsung’s fantastic range of heat pump tumble dryers
Bosch Serie 8 Tumble Dryer
Learn more about Bosch's fantastic range of Serie 8 tumble dryers
Beko Sensor Drying Tumble Dryer
Learn more about Beko’s fantastic range of tumble dryers
LG Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
Learn more about LG’s fantastic range of heat pump tumble dryers
Measure, delivery & installation
FAQs
- How does a tumble dryer work?
There are three main types of tumble dryer to choose from – heat pump, condenser or vented.
Heat pump tumble dryers recycle hot air created inside the drum to dry clothes, which makes them really efficient.
Condenser tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and store it in a removable tank.
Vented tumble dryers remove moisture from your clothes and feed it outside of your home through a vent.- What size tumble dryer do I need?
This depends on the size of your household, if there’s just one or two of you, then a 4-6kg drum will do nicely. If you’re a family of three or four, you might want to go for a medium sized 7-8kg drum. And if you’re more than four, then you’ll want a nice large drum at 9kg or above.
- What is the difference between a vented tumble dryer and a condenser?
A vented tumble dryer removes moisture from your clothes and gets rid of it through a hose to the outside. Condenser tumble dryers work differently as they store the moisture from your clothes in a tank which can be emptied after each cycle.
- How often do you need to empty a condenser dryer?
We recommend emptying every time you use it.
- Do heat pump dryers take longer to dry?
Yes they do but they will save you money as they use much less energy than condenser dryers.
- Where can I put a tumble dryer?
It’s handy to keep it near your washing machine. But manufacturers recommend that tumble dryers be put in a room with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees.
- What tumble dryer can I have in my garage?
Manufacturers don’t recommend putting dryers in garages as the room temperature can fall below 10 degrees. Any lower and you risk damaging your machine.
- What is tumble dryer lint?
Lint is a mixture of the tiny bits of fabric that shed from the edges of your clothes while they tumble around in the dryer.
- What amp fuse does a tumble dryer use?
All dryers use a 13amp plug – the same as washing machines and dishwashers.
- What extension lead do I need for a tumble dryer?
Manufacturers don’t recommend using an extension lead for tumble dryers. You should hook up your tumble dryer to the mains electric.
- What is a front vented tumble dryer?
A front vented tumble dryer vents out the hot air through the door at the front of the machine
- What are the quietest tumble dryers?
Most models average around 60 to 70db, which is the same as a normal conversation on the decibel scale.
- What is the smallest tumble dryer I can buy?
The smallest tumble dryers are ones with a 6kg drum.
- What are tumble dryer sheets used for?
Tumble dryer sheets just add a little fragrance to your clothes as they’re being tumbled. This way they come out dry and smelling lovely.
- How do I find the lint filter on my tumble dryer?
It’s in the bottom of the door seal when you open the door. Empty this after every cycle.
- Where is the serial number on my tumble dryer?
You’ll find your model’s serial number on a label around the door seal.
