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The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more >
I spoke to appliance specialists to find the machines they would recommend, including heat pump, condenser and vented options
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more >
Our inclement weather makes drying clothes on a line all year round nigh-on impossible, so the Great British public has two choices: a cheap-to-run heated clothes airer, or a convenient but energy-intensive tumble dryer. Or so you might think. In fact, the best tumble dryers these days are decidedly low-energy, costing around 60p per load but the tricky part is weighing up how much to spend up front.
Tumble dryers at the affordable end are less energy efficient, so could cost you more in the long-run. Heat pump tumble dryers are more expensive, but don’t require as much electricity to generate heat, making them more energy-efficient and cheaper in the long run.
We’ve broken down the differences between heat pump, vented and condenser tumble dryers below and asked experts for recommendations of specific tumble dryers. Where possible, we’ve got hands-on experience with the tumble dryers in question and answered your tumble dryer FAQs.
The best tumble dryers have multiple programme settings – for example for cottons, synthetics or delicates – helping you keep your clothes in the best nick for longer. Delay starts mean you can have your cycle begin at the best time for you, LED warnings will tell you when you need to empty a water container or replace a filter and programming lights help you keep track of drying.
At the time of testing, machines are given ratings from A+++ to D, with A+++ indicating the utmost energy efficiency. Newer appliances tend to be more energy-efficient, but it depends on how long a cycle takes and how often you use your machine as well.
Large capacity drum sizes are more energy-efficient because they’ll dry clothes in less time. Most range from 7kg to 9kg. You might also want reversible doors to change the direction in which your door opens to better suit your location. Finally, child locks prevent children messing around with the machine.
The list was compiled with advice from AO’s tumble dryer expert Gwil Snook and RDO Kitchen & Appliances’s expert Matt Ayres. Drawing on their years of experience working with these machines, they surveyed the latest models from all the major manufacturers, considering factors like energy ratings, special programmes and drying capacities.
It’s hard to test large appliances at home, but my colleague Emily Peck managed to get her hands on two of the tumble dryers below, testing them for speed, capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels and special features.
As with all home appliances (like air fryers and microwaves), we also considered how easy each was to use and the value of any warranties or guarantees. Here are our top picks, starting with the appliance experts’ favourite. As many of the machines below have been recommended by experts rather than tested by us at home, we haven’t scored them. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about the testing process.
Best Value Tumble Dryer
If you’re looking to pay less up front for a tumble dryer, you’ll want to look at a condenser or vented tumble dryer. “If you’re on a budget, this Candy Smart CSEC8DF 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer is a good option for under £300,” says Snook. “As a condenser dryer, it can be placed anywhere and its moisture tank is easy to empty.”
The Candy Smart has a B energy rating, which is four levels below some models, but considering the scale goes down to D, it’s still only midrange in terms of cost per use. However, the delay timer button does mean you can set the tumble dryer to run in the middle of the night to make the most of off-peak energy times, which will make running costs cheaper.
It also has an impressive 14 drying programmes, albeit labelled by slightly cryptic illustrations rather than words. You’ll find yourself referring to the user guide fairly regularly.
The connected Candy simply-Fi app for your smartphone makes things a little easier to navigate. It allows you to download extra drying programmes and notifies you when your tumble dryer needs maintenance. But it’s not enough to make the ‘smart’ function something to get excited about.
What you can be happy about is the price for a solid, well-built machine that comes recommended by our AO expert.
Best Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
As seems to be the case with heat pump tumble dryers, this Samsung Series 6 is expensive to buy but cheap to run, with an energy rating of A+++. With 16 drying programmes you’re not short of choice and there’s also smart connectivity with Samsung’s SmartThings app.
“If you’re looking for a dryer you can control from your phone or tablet, this Samsung model is a good option thanks to its Smart Control+ panel and compatibility with the SmartThings app. You pop your laundry in, close the door and press Smart Control. Open the app whenever you’re ready to choose a cycle,” says Snook.
There’s a convenient ‘Quick Dry 35’ mode, designed to dry small loads of up to 1kg within 35 minutes, with the OptimalDry technology using sensors to measure the load and adjust the cycle accordingly. For creases, the Wrinkle Prevent system uses cool air to minimise them, and there’s also a delay timer, a high-temperature hygiene setting, and a refresh cycle.
On the downside, it is slow, which is a popular complaint about low energy heat pump tumble dryers. That’s the price you pay to keep its annual running costs to less than half what you’d pay for a condenser or vented tumble dryer. But it’s easy to use, operated either via a dial which scrolls through a list of settings on the LED display or through the SmartThings app.
Best All-Rounder Tumble Dryer
Tested at home by Emily Peck
This Hisense dryer’s large 10kg drum makes it ideal for large families or accommodating a lot of bed linen and bulky items. I liked the special Allergy Care setting for removing allergens such as mites and pollen. It also has its own ‘Flex Rack’ drainer that you place in the drum for drying damp sports shoes and slippers, which is a nice idea.
What I loved most about using this machine was its smart app control. I’ve never enjoyed connecting apps to things like air fryers and coffee machines, but I can see a real benefit here. Pairing was quick and as long as I had turned on the tumble dryer, I could use the app to remotely start and monitor the drying modes. My phone even alerted me when I had forgotten to clean the lint filter.
The machine has 17 drying programmes, which can also be controlled via the dial and touchscreen display. There’s a handy delay start feature for timed drying and an anti-crease feature that rotates the drum intermittently at the end of the cycle to prevent clothes from creasing.
Along with the standard drying cycles you’d expect, such as cottons, synthetics and delicates, there are specific cycles for shirts, denim and baby clothes. The machine also has an auto dry sensor so it will adjust the drying based on what you load in the drum. It’s marginally quieter than your average dryer, too. I measured it at 54.9dB on my Decibel Meter App.
Best Vented Tumble Dryer
Applicance Shop £299.99
Buy nowThe only vented tumble dryer I’m including on this list comes recommended by Matt Ayres, appliance expert at RDO Kitchens.
“For those looking for a cheaper option without compromising on quality, the Blomberg is a good choice,” he says. “It costs £299.99 and there are 15 programmes to choose from.” Ayres does warn, though, that the 9kg dry load capacity might restrict it to only suiting larger households.
As this is a vented tumble dryer, it requires a vent into an exterior wall so it can expel any moisture. Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers collect water in tanks. Another option is to attach a hose which empties out of a window, although then you risk creating a draft. If you don’t mind being specific about placement, then it’s worth considering.
The Blomberg has no bells or whistles but it’s speedy and easy to use. It’s controlled by one simple dial and you can choose between options including mix, sport, towels, cupboard dry or jeans.
It’s worth bearing in mind that going for the vented option means you will be missing out on more modern features, and your eco credentials will diminish (this appliance only has a C energy efficiency rating.) It’s also a tad noisier than some.
Best Tumble Dryer For Large Families
This Haier model comes highly recommended by Snook, who says, “For households with large washing piles, this is a sensible choice thanks to its 10kg drum capacity. With the Haier i-Time function, you can adjust the cycle duration as needed.”
The larger than usual porthole door also makes it easier to stuff large loads of damp clothes inside and the 15 drying programmes gives plenty of choice and includes a ‘bulky’ setting for things like sleeping bags or down jackets.
The reason this tumble dryer doesn’t sit higher in this pecking order is its energy rating of A++, marking it as less efficient than the best heat pump tumble dryers which have ratings of A+++. The difference is slight, but if you’re paying this much and energy efficiency is a key player in your decision, you may want to look higher up our list.
Best Tumble Dryer For An Upgrade
Miele’s Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is almost twice as expensive as any other dryer we recommend – so what does an extra £700 get you? The most obvious answer is the build quality. Miele products are designed to last for more than 20 years.
Other than that, it’s in the small details: a multi-layered filter to stop lint clogging it, keeping it efficient for longer, the AddLoad function which lets you add or take out any laundry and a FragranceDo pod that lasts for 50 washes and subtly scents your clothes. All nice-to-haves, rather than must haves –- although the advanced filter will save you money long term.
As with the other heat pump tumble dryers above, it’s incredibly low energy and cost efficient. In fact, appliance expert Matt Ayres says it’s the best for sustainability. “Its ProfEco motor is powerful and economical, ensuring wear-free, quiet and energy saving operation, while its EcoFeedback gives you full cost control,” he says.
“You can even request a consumption forecast before starting a dry cycle, based on your programme.” Matt is referring to the in-built monitor which tells you how much energy and water is being consumed, so you can adjust it to your preference.
If you’re often rushed off your feet at home, you’ll be pleased to know that you can control and monitor the tumble dryer from an app, using Wi-Fi on your phone or tablet. If you can afford the hefty cost, you’ll be buying a top appliance from the trusted German brand.
Best Tumble Dryer for a Quick Refresh
Appliances Direct £299.00
Buy nowTested at home by Emily Peck
There are 15 drying modes to choose from on this Russell Hobbs tumble dryer, which comes in a striking black finish. Russell Hobbs also sells similar black washing machines which can be bought together and neatly stacked.
While the digital display here doesn’t feel as high tech as some of the tumble dryers I’ve tested, there is a wide selection of drying modes and a comprehensive instruction booklet. I opted for the trusty ‘Mix’ drying mode to start, as it caters for both synthetics and cotton. This seemed to work well for the majority of loads.
There’s a specific ‘Shirt 20’ mode that also worked well when I was in a hurry to dry a few shirts – both my partner’s and the kid’s school uniform – in just 20 minutes. The machine is marginally louder than other machines I’ve tested – measuring 62.1 dB in use. It doesn’t turn itself off completely after the cycle has ended, which means you may end up wasting a small amount of energy.
The Russell Hobbs lets you adjust the drying level and pick between cupboard dry, iron dry and extra dry. This works well if you have clothes that are a bit sensitive to high heats.
There’s also a specific Baby Care mode that runs for 78 minutes at a lower temperature. This setting came in useful when I was drying some of my child’s clothes, but I also used it on a few jumpers that had the potential to shrink on a high heat.
Best Smart Tumble Dryer
You probably know Hoover best for vacuum cleaners, so it might surprise you to hear they also manufacture tumble dryers, washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers. Their tumble dryers sit around the low to midrange mark and there are heat pump, vented and condenser types.
This particular condenser tumble dryer comes recommended by AO’s Snook, who praises the, “Sensor Dry technology that detects moisture and humidity levels to stop the cycle when needed.”
Another handy feature is the integration with the Hoover Wizard app. It’s fairly basic, but it allows you to control the tumble dryer from your phone along with any other connected Hoover devices you may have. Ideal for busy families – and the 10kg capacity also makes it great for large ones.
Best Budget Tumble Dryer
Another good option in the more affordable bracket is this Beko condenser tumble dryer. It has a generous capacity of 8kg, performs remarkably well and is cheaper than many condenser tumble dryers.
It offers an 8kg drum capacity and 15 drying programmes for less than £300. There’s also an automatic anti-creasing function to reduce the need for ironing and a delay timer. With excellent sensor drying, the machine knows when to stop a cycle, saving you energy and time.
Snook recommends it for that reason, suggesting it as a good value for money option. It’s also the cheapest on this list, although its B energy rating means it’s not as energy efficient as some of the top rated products.
Predictably, it’s not the best looking either, with a plasticky white exterior, dial and LED screen. But on the whole it’s a solid, if slightly unexciting buy.
Best Tumble Dryer for Smaller Families
Appliance expert Ayres recommends this AEG tumble dryer for smaller households thanks to the smaller 7kg capacity and quicker 130 minute standard cycle.
“It’s equipped with innovative Prosense Technology, meaning it can optimise the drying time and energy consumption based on the load to avoid excessive energy use,” he says. “Its Crease Guard and Reverse Tumble Action functions also make it good for gentle laundry care.”
The Crease Guard combined with the Reverse Tumble Action moves the laundry in both directions to stop it twisting and tangling together, in order to reduce the ironing pile on the other side. Despite the slightly smaller machine, you still get a good amount of drying programmes including bed linen, cotton, synthetics, delicates and sports.
It can’t be controlled from a smartphone app, which some will see as a failing. Others (including us) will be fairly relieved.
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