Vented tumble dryers

Vented tumble dryers are the cheapest type of tumble dryer, but you should find out if they’re suitable for your home before you rush out to buy one.

We answer everything you need to know about vented tumble dryers, including:

See all our vented tumble dryer reviews to see which do the best job of getting your clothes dry.

What is a vented tumble dryer?

You can identify a vented tumble dryer by its hose. It uses this to vent away the damp air created in the drying process.

Vented tumble dryers are usually the cheapest type of dryer you can buy, but they can be inconvenient to install. They need to be either placed by a window (so you can vent the hose through it) or on an exterior wall (so you can drill a hole to vent outside).

Tumble dryer vent kit and how to install

If the thought of drilling a hole through the wall fills you with dread, then it’s best to have your vented dryer professionally installed. Check with your retailer to see if they offer the service or call in a handyman.

For those more at home with DIY, it’s possible to install your vented dryer yourself with a tumble dryer vent kit. 

• Firstly, choose a good spot for your tumble dryer. If you’re happy to vent out of the window then place it close to one, otherwise you’ll need a spot along an external wall.
• Then you'll need to trace a circle on your wall the same size as the hose.
• Make small holes in this area with a drill and then join them up.
• Mount your vent grille over the holes, screw the plate on the wall and push the vent tube through the hole. 
• Connect the end of the hose to your dryer. Make sure that your vent is as short as possible, as any kinks in the hose can stop your dryer from working properly.

Top three best vented tumble dryers

Just looking for the best? See our three favourite vented tumble dryers below. All prices, scores and star ratings correct as of January 2021.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table. If you’re not yet a member, you can get instant access by joining Which?.

How much do vented tumble dryers cost?

Vented dryers tend to be the cheapest kind of tumble dryer you can buy. On average, they cost considerably less than condenser tumble dryers or heat pump dryers. You can pick one up from £130, though the average price is around £220. 

You can pay more, though - the most expensive vented dryer we've tested costs £630. At this end of the price bracket you can expect humidity sensors that automatically calculate program times, digital displays that count down until your laundry’s ready and a light in the drum to help you unload. However, if you have this money to spend you may prefer a heat pump tumble dryer, as these are much cheaper to run than a typical vented dryer.

Not keen to pay more? See our Best Buy tumble dryers for excellent vented dryers from just £160.

Who makes integrated vented tumble dryers?

If you don’t have a utility room to hide your appliances away, an integrated tumble dryer that sits behind your kitchen counters could be the answer to a streamlined kitchen.

You might expect to pay more for this aesthetic, but cheaper brands like Hoover, Montpellier, Baumatic and White Knight all have an integrated tumble dryer in their line-up.

The models we've tested start from around £220. Head to our integrated tumble dryers advice guide to see if they're the best option for your home.

Who makes black or silver vented tumble dryers?

Black and silver vented tumble dryers are rare. There's more colour choice if you go for a condenser tumble dryer.

If you can find one, a colourful vented dryer costs less than you might think. We’ve tested models from White Knight for less than £200.

Condenser or vented tumble dryer? What's the difference?

Vented tumble dryers

• Dispose of damp air via a hose that needs to be vented through an open window or hole in an external wall.
• Are trickier to install, especially if you need to drill through a wall.
• Tend to be the cheapest kind of dryer you can buy.
• Have fairly high running costs of around £80 a year on average.

Condenser tumble dryers

• Collect moisture in a tank inside the machine. This needs emptying regularly, or you can plumb your dryer in to avoid this.
• Are easier to install (though you'll need to make sure they're placed somewhere well ventilated with an ambient temperature).
• Tend to be a little pricier than vented tumble dryers.
• Have a variety of running costs machine to machine, costing from £60 to as much as £140 a year. Look for a heat pump dryer if you would prefer to buy a machine that's more economical to run.