Top five cheap tumble dryers for 2021

We’ve selected five of the cheapest Best Buy tumble dryers, whether you’re after a spacious dryer if you do a lot of washing, one that'll get your clothes dried in good time, or just the very cheapest Best Buy tumble dryer we've tested.
Some inexpensive dryers aren’t quite the bargain they first appear, as they can be awkward to use, guzzle energy and leave your clothes damp. To help you avoid the dodgy dryers, we've also highlighted some of the worst tumble dryers you should steer clear of. Scroll down the page to see them.
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Pricing, recommendations and test scores correct as of January 2021.
Not found the tumble dryer for you? Browse all of our tumble dryer reviews.
Three cheap tumble dryers to avoid
When tumble dryers can cost the best part of £1,000, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest deal you can find.
Watch out though, as great, inexpensive dryers are a rare breed.
Although it's perfectly possible to get excellent drying on a tight budget, some cheap dryers are poorly made, won't dry your clothes properly, and will run up your energy bills so much that you might as well have paid more up front to start with.
Pricing, recommendations and test scores correct of November 2020.
How to get the best deal on a tumble dryer
Getting a cheap tumble dryer isn’t just a case of picking the right model. Use our top tips to keep costs low when you’re buying a new machine.
Wait for the sales
Most of us buy a tumble dryer in a rush to replace a broken machine or to kit out a new home. If, however, you want to upgrade and can afford to wait a little while, you may find a cheaper deal at another time of year. January sales and around spring are the best times to keep an eye out for a deal, as these are the times most brands discontinue older models and look to sell them through at reduced prices.
It pays to shop around
Once you’ve selected the right tumble dryer for you, search for the model number online. Retailers often have different prices for exactly the same machine, sometimes by £100 or more, so compare stores to make sure that you’re not missing a promotion or deal price.
Check for additional costs
Your new bargain tumble dryer might come with some nasty surprises on the bottom of the receipt if you’re not careful. You should consider delivery charges when you’re shopping around, and installation fees if you’re not setting up your dryer yourself. Manufacturers may have deals with different retailers, so double check to make sure that everything you expect is included in the price. It's a good idea to check the warranty and the returns policy too, in case you're unfortunate enough to be landed with a faulty dryer.

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