Tumble dryers: Compare features & prices

Side-by-side comparison

Type
Vented dryers expel damp air, while condenser dryers collect moisture from the clothes.

Maximum dryer capacity (kg)
The maximum dry weight of washing that can be dried by the machine.

Maximum synthetics load (kg)
For man-made fabrics, such as acrylics, which need more space to tumble-dry without creasing.

Size hxwxd (cm)
The dimensions of the tumble dryer. You need to leave some space around it and, in particular, avoid covering any vents.

Energy label
The energy-class given by the manufacturer for energy efficiency. 'A' is the most efficient, 'G' the least efficient. These depend on the program the manufacturer nominated to test. So, if youre concerned about energy consumption, check it against our energy measurements.

Energy costs (£)
Annual energy costs based on drying 3 full-capacity loads per week

Vent or condenser hose is supplied.
Whether the dryer is supplied with an exhaust hose or plumbing hose for disposing of condensed water.

Exhaust position
The position of the exhaust air outlet, where the hose would be connected.

Sensor drying
Whether the dryer automatically senses when the washing is dry.

Delayed start
Whether starting the dryer can be delayed useful if you want to take advantage of cheap-rate electricity. If the machine will be turned on while unattended, make sure a smoke alarm is fitted nearby.

Empty water light
Applies to condenser dryers only. It indicates when you need to empty the water reservoir.

Reversible door
Whether the door can be hung to open either to the left or to the right.

Remaining program time display
Whether the remaining time to the end of the program is displayed. On timer models, this can be read from the dial. Sensor models may have a digital display of the probable duration, and indicate which phase of drying they are currently engaged in.

Check lint filter light
Indicates when the lint filter needs to be cleaned.

Cotton cupboard-dry full load drying time
How quickly the dryer finished this load. Cupboard-dry programs leave clothes completely dry.

Cotton cupboard-dry reduced load drying time
How quickly the dryer finished a fixed 3kg load. Cupboard-dry programs leave clothes completely dry.

Cotton iron-dry full load drying time
How quickly the dryer finished this load. Iron-dry programs leave just enough moisture in the fabric to make it easy to iron.

Synthetic fabrics drying time
How quickly the dryer finished this load. Synthetics programs are for special fabrics that could be damaged if they get too hot or dry.

Evenness
A poor score indicates that some items typically jeans, pillowcases and sheets were left damper than other items.

Condensation unit efficiency
Applies to condenser dryers only. We measured how much water from the clothes the tumble driers collected.

Creasing
How much ironing was needed on men's shirts dried on synthetics.

Noise
The lowest scorers were fairly loud the motor was audible, as was the movement of air and the drum, and the noise of falling linen was quite forceful.

Brand reliability
How reliable this brand of tumble dryer is.

Ease of use
Includes the ease of using and programing the dryer, and cleaning the lint filter, condenser unit and water bottle

Energy use
This rating allows you to quickly compare how energy efficient this model is versus other tumble dryers we've tested. It's based on the cost per equivalent load, not the maximum amount the machine can dry.

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