DON'T get into a spin over buying a new tumble dryer.

This buying guide will help you to choose the best tumble dryer for your needs, as we break down the different types and sizes of tumble dryers on the market and the features on offer. We'll also suggest some well-reviewed models for you to consider.

Drying your clothes on the line without using a tumble dryer can take up lots of space in your house and time you could've spent relaxing. A tumble dryer is an excellent investment to keep your clothes fresh and ready for your next outings and take a time-consuming item off your list of chores.

We've rounded up the best tumble dryers available right now for you to choose from. Whether you want a condenser tumble dryer, heat pump tumble dryer or vented tumble dryer, our buying guide has something for you.

1. MIELE EcoSpeed TWL780WP Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• MIELE EcoSpeed TWL780WP Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £1,429 from Currys – buy here

With a decent 8kg load, this heat pump dryer from high-end German manufacturer Miele is extremely energy efficient – A+++ rated – and has a special Eco Dry filtration system that optimises performance by keeping the dryer free of lint, plus its EcoSpeed mode maximises time while minimising its environmental impact.

It also has 9 drying programmes including the usual ones for selected fabrics such as wool and special programmes for synthetic fibres, shirts, denim and bed linen. It also has an express option to dry your clothes in the shortest time.

Most of the time though, you can let the dryer’s PerfectDry technology do the thinking for you – it monitors the residual moisture in your clothes and automatically shuts off the dryer to prevent shrinking.

All these great features come at a price though – the Miele heat pump tumble dryer is an expensive machine, so you’ll need to weigh up whether you’ll actually use all of its fancier features before you take the plunge. It can be worth it considering how much time you'll save and how nice your clothes will feel after a good dry.

2. Bosch Serie 8 WTX88RH9GB Smart 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• Bosch Serie 8 WTX88RH9GB 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £749.99 from Currys – buy here

With its intuitive control panel and automatic self-cleaning function, this tumble dryer from Bosch promises to be a fast and hassle-free way to keep on top of the family laundry.

You can use your smartphone or tablet to choose the right programme for your wash load and the machine will send you push notifications to let you know how your laundry’s getting on, so no forgetting to take your clothes out of the dryer again!

The machine has Bosch’s Sensitive Drying System, which means laundry is dried by mild, warm air coming from all sides. It's also far more economical than a conventional dryer: it is A++ rated because of the efficient way in which it recycles the air it heats.

It also operates super quietly throughout its drying cycle so it’s a good choice if you need to install your dryer in an open-plan kitchen.

3. Blomberg LTK21003W 10kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

• Blomberg LTK21003W 10kg Condenser Tumble Dryer, £379.99 from Sonic Direct – buy here

One of the most useful features of the Blomberg LTK21003W is that you can set it to stop at your desired choice of dryness – this prevents accidental shrinkage caused by over-drying and is also good if you like to give shirts a final once-over with an iron.

There’s also a clever anti-crease function that will periodically tumble your laundry for up to two hours after the drying cycle has finished to keep it crease-free until you get to it.

The reverse-action drum also prevents clothes from getting in a tangle and is handy if you want to dry a duvet (and – hurray! – in a 10kg drum, you actually can).

Unfortunately, this model is less energy-efficient than other dryers on our list, but for useful functions, you can’t do much better at this price point.

4. BEKO Pro RapiDry B5T4923RW 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• BEKO Pro RapiDry B5T4923RW 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £589.99 from Currys – buy here

With a good customer rating on many online retailers, this 9kg capacity dryer from Beko offers excellent drying results while still being awarded an energy efficiency rating of A++.

That’s because its heat pump technology dries at a lower temperature, recycling the hot air it generates, meaning there’s less chance of shrinkage.

Its clever RapiDry mode allows you to dry up to 5kg of laundry in just one hour, so it's perfect if you need something in a rush.

The moisture sensor can also be set to stop the machine at your selected level of dryness to make ironing easier and there’s an automatic anti-creasing function should you need to delay unloading it.

Another useful feature of this model is that you have the option of setting the door so it opens to the left or to the right, making the best use of the space you have available – handy!

5. Hoover Dynamic Next DXOC10TCE 10kg Tumble Dryer 

• Hoover Dynamic Next DXOC10TCE 10Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer, £330 from AO.com – buy here

This B-rated family-sized condenser dryer from Hoover offers a range of useful drying programmes including dedicated programmes for sportswear, wool, synthetics, cotton, as well as an iron-dry setting.

But even better than this is its All-In-One programme, which allows you to dry lighter fabrics like silk in the same load as heavier ones like wool – the dryer simply stops periodically to let you remove the lighter fabrics before continuing on the drying cycle for heavier fabrics.

The dryer is also WiFi connected so, once you’ve downloaded the Hoover Wizard app, you’ll be able to set and save your favourite drying cycles using your phone.

6. Hotpoint NV4D o1P 4kg Tumble Dryer

• Hotpoint NV4D 01P 4kg Compact Tumble Dryer, £189.99 from JD Williams – buy here

If you have a small household, you’re short on space or you only use your tumble dryer occasionally, you don’t need a huge machine.

At just two-thirds of the size of a regular dryer, this teeny-tiny model from Hotpoint is a real space-saver, yet it can still dry up to 12 shirts in a single load, which isn’t too shabby at all.

Operated by a simple dial (just select a high or low temperature) and with a front vent, it isn’t fancy, but it still offers a useful reverse tumble mode and a 20-minute refresh function.

7. Indesit Eco Time IDC8T3B 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

• Indesit Eco Time IDC8T3B 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer, £215 from Appliances Direct – buy here

If you want the ease of a plug-in-and-go condenser dryer, this affordable B-rated dryer from Indesit is a good option.

It has a large condenser water tank that will allow you to get through more drying cycles before it needs emptying.

Other useful features include its easy-to-use dial interface, wide-opening door and a refresh cycle that’s ideal for freshening up ‘worn once’ clothing or dry-clean-only garments.

It also doesn’t have a window, so it blends into the background and you don’t have to watch your clothes going around and around!

8. Sharp KD-NHH8S7GW2-EN 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• Sharp KD-NHH8S7GW2-EN 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £369 from AO.com – buy here 

Tackle that growing laundry pile in a jiffy with the help of this clever, excellent value machine from Sharp.

With an 8kg capacity, it's best suited to medium-sized households, and its heat pump makes it energy efficient with an A++ rating.

This tumble dryer does what it's meant to do really well – get clothes bone dry. Its super quiet mode is also perfect for open plan living and the Easy Iron function gently tumbles your clothes to reduce wrinkles. And, let's face it, any gadget that makes ironing less needed gets a big yes from us.

9. Samsung Series 5 8kg DV80TA020TE/EU Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• Samsung Series 5 8kg DV80TA020TE/EU Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £760.80 from Samsung – buy here 

A clever machine that efficiently dries clothes by reheating the air in the drum, The Samsung Series 5 has an A+++ energy rating, making it kinder on the environment and on your bills.

Happy customers report the machine is gentle yet quick and say even the most delicate of clothes are safe.

Smart moisture and temperature sensors adjust the drying time depending on your laundry. And we love the 35 minute Quick Dry cycle, which will dry loads of up to 1kg in just over half an hour.

10. AEG T7DBG842R Condenser Tumble Dryer

• AEG T7DBG842R Condenser Dryer with Heat Pump Technology, £624 from Marks Electrical – buy here 

AEG is a dab hand at creating laundry products that make life easier and this A++ rated condenser dryer is no exception.

It ticks every box you want in a great tumble dryer – it's energy-efficient, quick, quiet and brilliant at getting your clothes warm and dry.

The machine weighs each load and adjusts the settings to match, plus clever extras like its ProTex gentle drum and the fact it dries clothes at a lower temperature than most conventional driers makes it an excellent buy.

11. SMEG DHT81LUK 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• SMEG DHT81LUK 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £479 from Currys PC World – buy here 

When it comes to drying clothes evenly and accurately, this 8kg heat pump tumble dryer from Smeg is a solid option.

The innovative 8kg capacity heart-shaped drum traps air between clothes and reduces friction and fabric damage while facilitating excellent airflow.

Shoppers say the machine has a precise sense for when clothes are dry and the quality of drying is excellent – random wet patches on your favourite trousers are a thing of the past with this smart gadget.

12. Haier HD90-A636 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• Haier HD90-A636 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £549 at AO.com – buy here 

Powering through your laundry pile has never been easier when you have this A++ rated Haier dryer at your side.

With a slightly larger than average 9kg drum, it's great for medium-sized households and the Haier Direct Motion Motors are some of the quietest on the market, so there's no annoying background buzz as this machine works its drying magic.

Another nifty touch is the Anti-bacterial treatment added to the door seal and detergent drawer to eliminate mould and bacteria, creating a cleaner environment for your laundry.

Many glowing online reviews praise this dryer for its quick results and efficiency, while its quality, sturdy feel has also garnered major praise.

What is a heat pump tumble dryer?

A heat pump tumble dryer uses hot air to absorb moisture from your clothes. The machine keeps recycling this hot, dry air, making them very energy efficient.

While heat pump dryers cost less to run and are generally more environmentally friendly, they tend to dry clothes at a lower temperature and the programmes take longer.

What is a condenser tumble dryer?

A condenser tumble dryer uses very hot air to dry clothes and it collects the moisture from your clothes into a container located inside the dryer, which needs to be emptied after each load. This is ideal if you're not able to vent the moisture outside using a hose.

As condenser tumble dryers do not need an external hose they can be installed anywhere in your home and, on average, they dry clothes faster than a heat pump dryer.

What is a vented tumble dryer?

A vented tumble dryer draws and heats air from the room in which it’s located and expels the hot air and moisture through an external vent or hose.

While vented models are the cheapest on the market, they're also the least energy-efficient and often need to be installed by a professional as the hose leading out from the dryer needs to expel outdoors, either through a window or permanently fitted through an external wall.

Do I need a vented, condensing or heat pump dryer?

Where your dryer will be located will dictate what type you are able to buy. Vented models are the cheapest but they need to be professionally connected to a vent in an outside wall to get rid of moisture.

This isn’t physically possible in some homes, but there is an alternative: a condenser model.

This type of machine doesn’t require a vent so you can place it wherever you need to, however, the trade-off is that you will have to empty the wastewater container regularly.

You could also opt for one of the newer energy-efficient heat pump dryers – these also store excess water in a container.

Heat pump machines are also the most energy efficient – they save energy by recycling the hot air they generate.

This does mean that some models take a bit longer to fully dry your clothes but with most high-end machines, this time difference is negligible.

What size drum should I choose?

Depending on the size of your household and the amount of washing you normally get through, most families will choose a machine with a 6kg to 10kg capacity drum.

You can dry a full-sized duvet in a 10kg model while on the other end of the scale, single-person households could opt for a tiny 4kg dryer.

What features should I go for?

Think carefully about features: it’s not worth paying for all the bells and whistles if you’re not actually going to use them.

The most expensive tumble dryer models tend to have the latest technology such as WiFi connectivity and specialised drying programmes for denim or linen.

However, don’t feel like you have to splash the cash in order to get a good dryer – it’s always worth doing some research as there are cheaper brands and models that have some of the fancier features that are very well reviewed too.

Useful features to look out for include sensor technology, which automatically senses when clothes are dry and turns off the machine. Quick-dry, Refresh and Delayed Start buttons can also prove useful for some households.

Read on for our recommendations of some of the best tumble dryers you can buy in 2021.

How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?

According to Which, the most efficient heat pump dryers cost just £26 per year to run, which is based on three loads per week, but this can rise to around £39 per year for less efficient models.

Condenser and vented dryers are less economical and can cost anywhere between £80 and £120 each year to run, depending on the energy efficiency of each individual model.

How to clean a tumble dryer

If you notice your clothes aren't coming out from your dryer quite as dry as they used to, or they're giving off a stale odour, it's probably time to give your tumble dryer a clean.

The lint filter should be cleaned out after every use to keep your dryer working well – to do this, make sure the appliance is fully cooled down. Locate the filter (usually just inside the door or on the front of the machine behind a door), remove lint with a brush and vacuum any stray pieces before popping it back in place.

For the inside of the drum, use warm water and white vinegar to wipe down the drum itself and the door seal to remove any mould or gunk. Leave the dryer door open to dry fully before using it again.

Do tumble dryers shrink clothes?

Tumble dryers can shrink clothes when used incorrectly – the combination of high heat that draws water from your clothes and the tumbling action means shrinkage is possible. Certain materials like natural animal fibres are also more prone to contract when exposed to heat.

To combat this, when drying delicate fabrics, it's best to opt for the lowest temperature setting you can. Always read care labels and don't tumble dry if the label indicates the garment isn't suitable.

Where to put a tumble dryer in a small house?

If you go for a vented tumble dryer you'll have to place it near a door or window in order for the hose to lead outside. For heat pump and condenser dryers you have more options.

In smaller houses, if you have the luxury of a utility room, many people opt to stack their dryer on top of their washing machine using a stacking kit to save space. If this isn't an option or you don't have a utility room, another idea is to pop it in a garage.

Failing this, if you have a generous amount of storage space in your kitchen, another idea is to remove a cupboard for your tumble dryer.

How to use a tumble dryer

Make sure your clothes aren't sopping wet before loading them into your dryer – a quick spin cycle in your washing machine should remove excess water.

Untangle your clothes and load them into the dryer, checking the care labels for any delicate items to make sure they can be tumble-dried. Make sure you don't overload your dryer as your clothes won't dry if the machine is too packed. Separate clothes into two piles if there are too many for one load.

To reduce static, add a tumble dryer sheet inside the drum. These will also soften up rough fabrics and add a pleasant scent to your wash load.
Select a drying programme and press the start button.

Once the programme has finished, check to see if your washing is dry. Check larger items for wet spots and if needed, place any of those items back into the drum and set the timer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

When your laundry is totally dry and the machine has cooled, empty the lint trap.

What is the best tumble dryer?

This is largely a matter of opinion and varies depending on your household's exact needs. Some of the top brands of tumble dryer include Miele, Bosch, Beko and AEG.

Where to buy tumble dryers

Many of the big electrical retailers like Currys PC World, AO.com, Marks Electrical and Argos have an excellent range of tumble dryers.

See your local electrical store for good deals on discontinued models.

How much do tumble dryers cost?

Depending on the type of model you go for (as vented tumble dryers tend to cost less), prices for a tumble dryer range from around £200 for a very basic model and go all the way up to £1,500 for the biggest and best models.

More in Sun Selects Home

Enjoyed our round-up of the best tumble dryers? We've got loads more recommendations for your house in Sun Selects home.

If you’re giving your kitchen a revamp, take a look at our round-up of the best washing machines.

Or, if you want to use your food waste in an eco-friendly way, read our story on the best compost bins.

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