From heat pumps and condensers to sensors and manual programs, buying a new tumble dryer can be like learning a new language. Tumble dryers have come a long way from the energy draining machines of old, and are time saving appliances for any household. Here’s our guide to choosing the right tumble dryer for your home.
Vented
These are the most traditional type of tumble dryer, and are often the most affordable too. They work by pumping the damp air out through a vent or a hose, and so need to be placed next to an external wall. Whilst these are the most affordable option in terms of initial cost, they aren’t the most cost-effective tumble dryer to run.
Condenser
Condenser tumble dryers condense the water that is extracted from the clothes into a container that you empty regularly. They don’t need to be placed near an external wall, but can be hooked up to the waste pipe of a washing machine to save you the hassle of emptying the container.
Heat Pump
These work in the same way as a condenser dryer, yet they also have a heat pump that makes them efficient. They use a lower temperature to dry the clothes, and whilst these are the most expensive option in initial costs, they cost very little to run and offer great energy efficiency.
Capacity
The capacity of tumble dryers is the same as a washing machine, so go for a capacity that you are familiar with and that you know works for you. Generally speaking, larger drums dry clothes quicker and thus cost less to run, although this only works if you have enough clothes to fill the dryer! It will run less efficiently if half empty.
Large drums 7kg +
The largest drums are suited for big families and those who regularly have a lot of laundry.
Average 5-7kg
These are the most common sizes and will suit most households.
Small 3kg
These are best suited for people living on their own with little space in their home. The smaller drums take longer to dry clothes and are generally not energy efficient.
Manual
Manual dryers are the most popular and are the most affordable option. They have a selection of manual programmes depending on your laundry, which you then set to run for a certain amount of time.
Automatic
Automatic dryers include a sensor in the drum that detects when your clothes are dry, often reducing the time the dryer is on and also reducing running costs. These cost more than manual machines, although they can save you money in the long run.
