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Tumble dryer
Buying guide
Discover the latest tumble dryer features that save you time, energy and money
What’s changed since you last bought a tumble dryer?
Heat pump
Features
Types
Size?
Cost to run
Terminology
Delivery & installation
What are heat pump dryers?
Heat pump technology is revolutionising laundry care. In fact, they’re up to 50% more efficient than traditional dryers. Here's why they're worth the investment:
Heat pump dryers use refrigeration technology to recycle hot air instead of releasing it. This means they consume up to 50% less energy than condenser dryers, earning them A+ or A+++ energy ratings. This means dramatically lower running costs.
Lower drying temperatures (around 50 °C compared to 70-80 °C in conventional dryers) extends the life of your clothing. Delicate fabrics, colours and elasticity are preserved wash after wash. Your favourite garments will look newer for longer.
While heat pump dryers have a higher upfront cost, they pay for themselves through reduced electricity bills. Over 12 years, you could save thousands compared to a condenser dryer (see our cost comparison below).
Like condenser dryers, heat pump models don't need external venting. You can install them anywhere in your home - utility room, kitchen, bedroom or cupboard.
Heat pump dryers run cooler and quieter than traditional models, making laundry day more comfortable. They won't overheat small spaces and operate at noise levels around 65dB, which is quieter than a normal conversation.
Other game-changing features
Modern tumble dryers are packed with technology that makes laundry easier and more efficient. Here's our pick of the best features:
Intelligent moisture sensors detect exactly when clothes are dry and stop the cycle automatically. No more over-dried, damaged fabrics or wasted energy.
Adapt your dryer to your space. Reversible door hinges let you change which way the door opens, perfect for fitting into tight spaces or matching your washing machine setup.
Need something dry fast? Quick programs can dry small loads in as little as 30-40 minutes. Perfect for gym kits, school uniforms or that outfit you need right now.
Control your dryer from anywhere. Start, pause or schedule cycles from your smartphone. Receive notifications when drying is complete and monitor energy use in real-time.
Dramatically reduces ironing time. After the cycle ends, the drum rotates periodically to prevent creases forming. Your clothes stay fresh and wrinkle-free for hours until you're ready to fold them.
From delicate silks to bulky bedding, they provide specialised care for every fabric type. Wool care, baby clothes, sports and outdoor wear - each gets the perfect drying treatment.
Which type of tumble dryer is right for me?
Not all tumble dryers are created equal. Your needs, budget and space will decide which type works best for you. Here's our quick guide to help you find the perfect fit.
Things to think about:
Install it wherever you like as long as it’s well ventilated.
Gentle on clothes.
Easy to empty water reservoir.
Some models are plumbed in, so will empty automatically.
Worth knowing:
Generally cheapest to buy.
Quick at drying but running costs can be higher.
Expels damp air through a hose, so place by a window, door or external wall.
Good to know:
Energy efficient, as they recycle hot air that normally gets lost.
Heat pump tech also dries your clothes with greater care.
Drying process can be longer than vented or condenser dryers.
Tumble dryer types compared:
| Feature | Vented | Condenser | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Requires external vent | No vent needed | No vent needed |
| Energy efficiency | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent (A+ rated) |
| Running costs | Higher | Higher | Lowest |
| Best for | Budget-conscious | No external vent | Long-term savings |
What size of tumble dryer do I need?
Choosing the right capacity ensures clothes come out perfectly dry, while saving energy and money. Match the capacity to your household needs.
Tumble dryer size comparison, at a glance
| Household size | Recommended capacity | Loads per week |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 people | 7-8kg | 2-3 |
| 3-4 people | 8-9kg | 3-5 |
| 5+ people | 9kg+ | 5+ |
How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?
A cheaper tumble dryer today could cost you thousands of pounds more over its lifetime. Here's the simple truth about running costs - and why investing in a heat pump dryer is a smart financial choice.
Average tumble dryer costs comparison
| Energy rating | Dryer type | Cost per year | 12-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| A++ | Heat pump | £152 | £1,825 |
| A+ | Heat pump | £179 | £2,151 |
| B | Condenser | £385 | £4,617 |
| C | Vented | £365 | £4,380 |
*Based on average UK electricity rates (2026): 27.69p per kWh, 4 loads per week.
12-Year Savings (Heat Pump A++ vs Condenser B) £2,792
12-Year Savings (Heat Pump A++ vs Vented C) £2,555
Spin first:
Use your washing machine's highest spin speed to remove maximum water before drying. This reduces drying time by 25-30% and saves energy.
Full loads:
Run full loads when possible - drying efficiency improves with larger loads. But don't overload, or clothes won't dry evenly.
Clean filters regularly:
A clean lint filter improves airflow and efficiency by up to 30%. Clean after every load for best results.
Use Eco programs:
Longer eco cycles at lower temperatures use 30-40% less energy while still delivering perfectly dry clothes.
Off-peak drying:
Economy 7 tariff users can save £40+ per year by scheduling drying cycles during cheaper overnight rates.
Integrated or freestanding tumble dryers?
Freestanding tumble dryers
Freestanding dryers stand on their own, without being attached to any of your kitchen units. So, with the exception of vented dryers, you can place them pretty much anywhere you have a connection.
Plus, freestanding tumble dryers vary in size a lot more than integrated ones - so there's a bit more choice.
Integrated tumble dryers
Integrated or built-in tumble dryers are designed to slot in their own cupboard or under-counter space so that they stay out of sight. That's why most will be built to fit standard cabinet sizes. Your choices are a little more limited, but your kitchen will stay looking slick!
Tumble dryer terminology explained
New to tumble dryers or confused by some tumble dryer jargon? Here's your essential guide.
Collects moisture in a tank or drains via hose - no external vent needed.
Component in heat pump dryers that recycles and reuses hot air for maximum efficiency.
Advanced energy-efficient dryer using refrigeration technology to recycle hot air.
Schedule drying to begin at a later time, useful for off-peak electricity rates.
Traditional dryer that expels hot, moist air through external vent hose.
Drum continues rotating after cycle to prevent creases forming.
Technology that detects moisture levels and stops cycle when clothes are perfectly dry.
Display showing estimated time until cycle completion.
Drum rotates in alternating directions to prevent tangling and improve drying.
Alert system that reminds you to clean lint filter for optimal performance.
Tumble dryer delivery and installation
You've chosen the perfect tumble dryer, now let's get it home and up and running. Our delivery, installation and product recycling services take all the stress out of the process, from the removal of your old machine to testing your new one works perfectly.
Our delivery service
We’ll deliver your new machine straight to the room of your choice, not just your doorstep.
What's included with delivery:
2-hour delivery window with SMS updates
Day-before confirmation text
30-minute "we're on our way" alert
Real-time driver tracking on delivery day
Delivery to your chosen room
Unpacking and packaging removal
All cardboard and plastics recycled responsibly
Find out everything you need to know about our
delivery service.
Our installation service
Our expert engineers take the stress out of setup, making sure everything works perfectly.
Our engineers will:
Connect & test everything
Get it setup
Enable smart features (smart models)
Clean up and remove all packaging materials
Read more about our installation service.