The best tumble dryers in the UK 2023

A tumble dryer is an electric device for households, used to dry wet laundry without the need to hang it in the sun or wind. Available in different forms, it has the advantage of reducing the tasks related to the maintenance of laundry.

HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21 1
9/10

Best value for money

HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21

The best dryer in 2021

Its 9 kg capacity, practical features and price make the Hotpoint AQC9 2F7 TM2 1 stand out from the other models available.

487 £ on Amazon

If there were only one model to recommend, this would be it. It is a condensation heater with an A++ energy class heat pump. Its current popularity is mainly due to its ease of use. It dries perfectly without wrinkling the clothes, so you won't even need to iron certain types of fabric.

A large-capacity front-loading model, this self-storage appliance has a drum capacity of 9 kg, which is enormous. For the rest, a complete cycle lasts 4 hours for a consumption of 2.2 kWh. The annual energy consumption is 260 kWh.

Candy CSC9DE-47 2
7/10

Best value for money

Candy CSC9DE-47

The best entry-level dryer

Need a new affordable condensing dryer? Find this option signed Candy in entry-level and enjoy a wide range of features at a low price!

263 £ on Amazon

Despite its simple and more or less ordinary design, this condensing dryer has some impressive features. Among its strengths, you will immediately be won over by its 9 kg capacity. This makes it an ideal laundry care equipment for large families. Its control panel is associated with a screen that allows you to follow the drying operation.

With an energy class B, this appliance does not necessarily consume a lot of energy. In fact, you can perfectly reduce your consumption thanks to the 15 programs included. From the program for delicate laundry to synthetic, including the program for baby clothes and easy ironing, the dryer meets all your expectations. Let's not forget to mention the 24-hour delayed start option, which guarantees 100% convenience for you.

Electrolux EW9H3803D 3
9/10

Best value for money

Electrolux EW9H3803D

The best high-end dryer

Performance, large capacity, intuitive use, this machine meets all the criteria to ensure the drying of your laundry in the best conditions.

679 £ on Boulanger
Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF 4
9/10

A great choice

Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF

A great alternative

Bosch products rarely disappoint and this dryer is no exception. Indeed, the WTW87499FF model with condensation and heat pump has everything to please.

463 £ on Amazon

More expensive than the Samsung DV80M50101W, the Bosch Serie 6 WTW87499FF dryer is more efficient. Less energy consuming and more economical too. The drying quality of the appliance is optimal with a drying time that is under control. This front load appliance with a very good heat pump has a drying class of A and an annual power consumption of 259 kWh (A++).

The results are indeed worthy of what you will pay for this dryer. In addition, it supports intensive and repeated use with a very reasonable noise level. Its 9 Kg drum will be perfect for large families or couples with young children.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best dryer

Any specific needs?

The best dryer in 2021

The best entry-level dryer

The best high-end dryer

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best tumble dryers

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21 5
9/10
Candy CSC9DE-47 6
7/10
Electrolux EW9H3803D 7
9/10
Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21
Candy CSC9DE-47
Electrolux EW9H3803D
Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF
Its 9 kg capacity, practical features and price make the Hotpoint AQC9 2F7 TM2 1 stand out from the other models available.
Need a new affordable condensing dryer? Find this option signed Candy in entry-level and enjoy a wide range of features at a low price!
Performance, large capacity, intuitive use, this machine meets all the criteria to ensure the drying of your laundry in the best conditions.
Bosch products rarely disappoint and this dryer is no exception. Indeed, the WTW87499FF model with condensation and heat pump has everything to please.
16 wash programs
Easily removable bin
Strong, durable stainless steel drum
Impeccable drying
Heat pump drying
Pilot via smartphone
Innovative heat pump
In hose-out mode, the water in the tank is not completely purged after each cycle
A++ energy class
Higher door to prevent back pain
A+++ energy class
Suitable for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin
Excellent value for money
Aordable
High capacity
Time remaining and 24-hour delayed end
Easy to use
Low profile
Very quiet
Very reasonable noise level

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How to choose your dryer

#1 - Drying technology

Tumble dryers are differentiated globally by the drying technologies associated with them. There is a choice between evacuation dryers, condensation dryers and dryers equipped with a steam pump. The first one, less expensive but more energy consuming, has a ventilation duct allowing to evacuate the hot and humid air towards the outside. Its installation requires a space with ventilation to the outside to let the steam out, otherwise it is absolutely necessary to install it next to a window to place the exhaust hose.

The condensation dryer, more expensive than the evacuation dryer, but more suitable for small apartments, works in a closed circuit and does not require ventilation to the outside. The water vapor is transformed into water and collected in a tank or evacuated through a pipe.

The dryer with a steam pump is a variant of the condensation dryer, except that the steam pump replaces the heating element of the latter. It is the most energy efficient type of dryer with an energy efficiency class generally between A+ and A++. Moreover, it does not require a drain, which makes it particularly suitable for small spaces.

The choice between these 3 models depends on the space you have at home, the ventilation of the installation room, but also on your budget. For example, steam pump dryers are the least energy consuming on the market and the easiest to install and use, however their prices are generally higher.

#2 - Drying capacity

The drums of domestic dryers generally have load capacities of between 6 and 10 kg. At this level, the choice is not too difficult knowing that for a couple of 2 people, a small model could perfectly do the trick. For a large household, on the other hand, you should naturally opt for a family model with a large capacity that can dry a large quantity of laundry at once. Note that the larger the capacity of the appliance, the higher its price will be, but the energy consumption savings are also greater.

#3 - Energy class

Like most household appliances, tumble dryers are classified according to their energy efficiency, or their ability to reduce power consumption. Condensing models, especially those with a steam pump are generally considered less energy intensive with energy efficiency classes ranging from A+, A++, A+++. The higher the class, the lower the annual electricity consumption. Vented dryers, although less expensive to buy, can increase your electricity bills, with an energy class between B and C.

#4 - Space requirements

The size of the appliance and the space required for its installation are data to consider imperatively, especially if you live in a small apartment. The size of the dryer depends on its capacity, but also on the type of opening provided. Top-loading machines take up less space than front-loading machines. If you don't have a lot of space, it's better to choose a top-loading model, which is more ergonomic and allows you to save more space.

#5 - Drying programs

Dryers generally offer a variable number of programs to adapt the drying cycle to the texture of different types of fabrics, but also to adjust the moisture level according to the use you plan to make of the fabric after drying (ready to store, very dry, ready to iron, extra dry, easy to iron, etc.). Many models also have an anti-crease function, as well as a delayed start function. Above all, find out if the appliance you want to buy offers the programs that are most useful to you.

#6 - Soundproofing

The dryer drum can be quite noisy, which is why many people prefer to install their appliances in isolated locations. This is not easy if you don't have enough space and are forced to install the dryer inside the house. Manufacturers are trying to remedy this problem with reinforced insulation that reduces the noise level of some dryer models. If you are in a situation where the noise level of your appliance can be a problem, this criterion will be crucial. So, you can direct your search to appliances with good sound insulation.

#7 - Additional options

For ease of use, some dryer models incorporate LCD screens for displaying the remaining drying time or the water recovery tank fill level. Others have electronic sensors capable of adapting the drying cycle according to the load, or stopping the appliance as soon as the drying level is reached.

#8 - Easy maintenance

Depending on the appliance's drying technology, maintenance of the appliance can be more or less easy. For example, vented dryers are easier to maintain because of the direct evacuation of water vapor to the outside. For the condensation models, there is the possibility to have an evacuation kit to avoid emptying the tub often. If you opt for a dryer with a steam pump, a self-cleaning condenser would be the best, saving time and maintaining the performance of the appliance.

Depending on the drying technology of the appliance, maintenance can be more or less easy. Evacuated dryers are easier to maintain because the steam is evacuated directly to the outside. For the condensation models, there is the possibility to have an evacuation kit to avoid emptying the tub often. If you opt for a dryer with a steam pump, a self-cleaning condenser would be the best, saving time and maintaining the performance of the appliance.

The different drying technologies

The condensation dryer

Easy to install, the condensation dryer works in a closed circuit and does not require any connection to the outside. The water vapour released by the drying of the laundry is condensed and then transformed into water that is recovered in a recovery tank. This demineralized liquid can even be used to wash delicate clothes by hand, or for ironing.

Advantages :

  • Simple installation without the need for an opening to the outside
  • Can be used in a small apartment
  • Offers many functions
  • Can be used as a heater during the winter
  • The water recovered after condensation is reusable

Disadvantages:

  • High price
  • Requires regular cleaning of the condenser
  • Risk of humidification of the room

When to choose a condensation dryer

The condensing dryer is the most suitable model for small apartments. Because it operates in a closed circuit, there is no need to provide an outlet to the outside to evacuate the water vapor. It is enough to have a good ventilation to be able to install it in a closed room, with the possibility of recovering the water resulting from the condensation to fill the tank of your iron.

Dryer with heat pump

Thanks to the steam pump system used instead of the heating element, the condensation dryer with steam pump is the least energy consuming model available on the market. These appliances are designed so that the heat from the condensation of the water is transferred to the drum to dry the clothes, which can reduce electricity consumption by up to 60% compared to a conventional class A dryer. Drying is also gentler on clothes, as the interior temperature of heat pump dryers is lower than that of models with a heating element.

Advantages:

  • Consumes much less electricity than conventional condensation or evacuated dryers
  • No exhaust system to the outside
  • Low temperature drying ideal for delicate laundry
  • Can be equipped with a self-cleaning condenser
  • Offers multiple specific programs

Disadvantages:

  • Long drying cycle
  • High price
  • If the condenser is not self-cleaning, it must be cleaned regularly as well as the micro-filter

When to choose a heat pump dryer

The heat pump dryer is the perfect model for delicate textiles or to save energy. It requires very little electricity to operate and is easy to use in a small apartment, as no connection to the outside is required.

Evacuation dryer

Although there are not many of them available anymore, some models of exhaust dryers are still available on the market. With these appliances, the hot air saturated with moisture is exhausted to the outside through an exhaust duct, which is why they are most often placed in a laundry room or garage, because the duct is quite cumbersome. Thus, to install a dryer with evacuation you can either direct the duct to the outside through a door or a window, or connect it to a vent of the VMC, or buy a separate condenser tray.

Advantages:

  • Easy to maintain
  • Affordable price
  • Basic operation
  • Short drying cycles

Disadvantages:

  • Requires a room with an opening to the outside
  • Energy consuming (twice as much electricity consumption as a heat pump model)
  • Cumbersome exhaust duct

When to choose a tumble dryer

The vented dryer is a very simple and inexpensive appliance to use. It is ideal when you have enough space to install your dryer in a well-ventilated, insulated room with an opening to the outside.

The different types of tumble dryers

The front-loading dryer

Front-loading tumble dryers are the most common models on the market. They are fairly large, can be loaded through a door with or without a window and can be stacked with a washing machine to save space. They often have a large load capacity, ranging from 6 to 11 kg of laundry depending on the brand and model.

Advantages:

  • Large capacity
  • The top can be used as a work surface
  • Can be stacked with a washing machine

Disadvantage:

  • Quite bulky

When to choose a front loading dryer

To dry large quantities of laundry or large items such as comforters, sheets or curtains, a front-loading dryer is the right appliance. Its large capacity saves a lot of time.

The top dryer

Compact

and fairly user-friendly, the top-loading dryer is a small appliance that's particularly suitable for small spaces. The top loading avoids the user from bending over, however, the load capacity of these appliances is limited to about 6 kg of laundry on average.

Advantages:

  • Space-saving
  • No back pain when bending over

Disadvantages:

  • Limited load capacity

When to choose a top load dryer

For small apartments without much space, the top dryer is the perfect solution. Compact and space-saving, it can be easily stored in a small room such as a bathroom.

Separate dryer or washer-dryer?

Separate dryer

A separate dryer can analyze the moisture content and effectively dry the laundry in 30 minutes. However, the drying cycles of a washer-dryer do not have this function. In addition, the dryer can dry all types of clothes quickly, regardless of the thickness. It also saves drying time and can prevent the formation of mold.

But behind its advantages there are some disadvantages. Indeed, the separate dryer can increase the humidity level in a room. It is also not suitable for synthetic or elastic types of clothing, or even wools, at the risk of premature wear.

Washing machine dryer

The washing machine dryer is defined as a washing machine with a drying function. As a 2-in-1 machine, this appliance saves a lot of space. Moreover, you will no longer need to manually transfer clothes from the washing machine to the dryer. Simply press the dry button to start the drying cycle.

However, a washer dryer has a lower drying capacity than a separate dryer. Washing and drying with this machine also takes longer. In addition, the energy consumed with this machine is much higher compared to a separate washer and dryer.

Verdict

A washing machine dryer can be placed in a closet. It is the most suitable machine to save space, as it combines 2 different machines in one place. However, the separate dryer has a greater drying capacity and saves a lot of time. So it's up to you to choose the machine that best suits your needs.

Why buy a dryer?

The tumble dryer has become an indispensable appliance in many households, thanks to its performance in terms of drying. It must be said that it has many advantages:

For a faster drying

Gone are the days when clothes took half a day to dry. Very practical, especially when you don't have much time to devote to household chores, the dryer saves a lot of time thanks to its pre-programmed drying cycles.

Indeed, depending on whether you want to store the dried laundry directly or iron it, but also depending on the type of textile to be dried, you can choose between different cycles. For example, while air drying can take a day and is very dependent on the weather, a high-performance dryer takes only a few hours, depending on the drying program you choose.

To dry a large quantity of laundry

A front-loading dryer can hold up to 10 kg of laundry per drying cycle, allowing you to dry large quantities of laundry in one go and in record time. For a large family, large-capacity dryer models are an economical and practical solution, as they not only reduce the time and effort spent on this chore, but also provide significant energy savings.

For easier ironing

With the drying programs integrated in the dryers, it is possible to recover the dried clothes in a state that does not require ironing or that facilitates it and reduces the time spent on ironing. In fact, 1/3 of the laundry does not need to be ironed when it comes out of the dryer, while the remaining 2/3 can be ironed much more quickly thanks to the hot air circulation that makes the laundry softer and more fluffy. In addition, some high-performance models have a smoothing function that cuts the normal ironing time in half.

Not to depend on the weather

Although effective, air-drying in the garden or on the terrace is totally dependent on the sunshine. Thus, in the middle of winter, it is very difficult, if not impossible to dry clothes, and you easily run out of spare clothes. With a tumble dryer, this is no longer a problem. Whether it's raining or snowing, you can be sure that your clothes will dry quickly.

For economical drying

The energy efficiency of tumble dryers has come a long way. Unlike the first models, which easily raised electricity bills, most models sold today are A++ energy class. These appliances consume much less energy thanks to the "intelligent" electronics that analyze, regulate and adapt all the parameters during the drying cycle. You will benefit from an efficient drying at a lower cost.

For its practicality

The use of tumble dryers has become very simple and user-friendly with the integration of various related functions. Some appliances have an integrated screen that shows various indicators such as the remaining drying time, the end of the cycle, the saturation of the lint filter or the level of filling of the container. Others have a delayed start function that allows you to program the start of the drying cycle in advance.

Tips

Clean the sensor.

If your dryer uses a sensor (which detects how wet your clothes are and therefore how long they need to dry), we recommend wiping the drum every few months with white vinegar to keep the sensor working properly.

Clean the lint filters.

To

keep your dryer running at peak efficiency, you should clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer. If there is a lint filter in the door or rim, clean the entire rim at once.

Don't overload it.

Make sure

you fill your dryer properly to get maximum efficiency. If you load it too little, you will be forced to do many loads to dry your laundry. If you load it too much, it will take several cycles to dry a single load. The best way to know what will work is to consult your dryer manual.

Wait and fold.

If

you can stay near your dryer while it's running, you can eliminate the ironing option by adopting the following strategy. Fold your laundry without delay as soon as a cycle is finished, as the heat left over from the cycle will have the same effect on the fall of clothes as a normal ironing. This is a great trick to avoid the chore of ironing.

Don't add wet clothes to a partially dry load.

Adding wet clothes to a partially dry load can trick the moisture sensor, which can result in your clothes being too dry or not dry enough

.

FAQ

What is the main difference between a condensing dryer and a heat pump dryer?

A condensing dryer uses a resistance to operate. While a heat pump dryer is characterized by the presence of ambient air. The latter dries the laundry efficiently and transforms the hot steam it provides into water. In short, a heat pump dryer is much more economical in terms of energy and water consumption.

What is the best place to put a dryer? What type of dryer is suitable for an enclosed room?

It is recommended to put a dryer in a well-ventilated laundry room. However, if you opt for a heat pump dryer, you are free to place it in a room that suits you. This type of dryer produces less moisture. You can also place it above a washing machine.

What type of dryer can be put in a garage?

Prefer the heat pump dryer. This is a condensation dryer that works by water vapor recovery system. It also runs in a closed loop, which makes it even more economical.

Vented tumble dryers are a better choice for a garage, but you can only put two of them in if your garage has ventilation so that hot air and condensation can be exhausted. On the other hand, a condensing dryer may be more convenient to use in a garage because it doesn't need to be vented.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. https://www.quechoisir.org/guide-d-achat-seche-linge-n2999/, quechoisir.org
  2. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/clothes-dryers/buying..., consumerreports.org
  3. https://www.consumersearch.com/clothes-dryer-reviews, consumersearch.com
  4. https://www.lesnumeriques.com/seche-linge.html, lesnumeriques.com
  5. https://bestreviews.com/best-dryers, bestreviews.com
  6. https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tum..., which.co.uk
  7. https://www.slant.co/topics/9957/~clothes-dryers, slant.co
  8. https://www.thespruce.com/best-clothes-dryers-4109097, thespruce.com
  9. https://www.toptenreviews.com/best-dryers, toptenreviews.com
  10. https://www.electroguide.com/comment-bien-choisir-son-sec..., electroguide.com
  11. Dryer - Darty, darty.com
  12. Dryer - Cheap Dryer - Conforama, conforama.fr
  13. Dryer - 24hrs Free Delivery* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  14. Buy Cheap Dryer | BUT.fr, but.fr
  15. Dryer : Buy cheap - Electro Dépôt, electrodepot.fr
  16. Amazon...., amazon.co.uk
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  21. Retrouvez sur But.fr tous les sèches-lingues en promotion ..., but.fr
  22. Comparatif / 20 sèche-linges testés Novembre 2021 - Les ..., lesnumeriques.com
  23. Seche Linge à Condensation - Sèche Linge Pas Cher - Sèche ...., ubaldi.com
  24. Condensation Dryer | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  25. Dryer - Achat Equipement Gros Electroménager | Black ..., fnac.com
  26. Frontal Dryer - MDA, mda-electromenager.com
  27. Dryer | La Redoute, laredoute.fr
  28. Dryer 15 kg - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  29. Dryer | News, tests and buying guides - Les Numériques, lesnumeriques.com
  30. Condensation Dryer : Buy cheap - Electro Dépôt, electrodepot.fr
  31. La sélection Sèche-Linge | Beko, beko.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21 9
HOTPOINT Aqualtis AQC92F7TM21
Candy CSC9DE-47 10
Candy CSC9DE-47
Electrolux EW9H3803D 11
Electrolux EW9H3803D
Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF 12
Bosch 6 Series WTW87499FF

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