15 Best Tumble Dryers Reviewed 2020 – An Expert Buyer Guide

Living in the UK, a good tumble dryer is an absolute must, especially in the winter months. The unpredictable weather means hanging your clothes out to dry without a downpour is never something you can rely on.

Thankfully, there are some excellent tumble dryers available now for a very reasonable price. From integrated dryers to freestanding dryers, condenser dryers to vented dryers, I’ve got you covered with this buying guide.

I’ve reviewed some of the best tumble dryers currently available – looking at their pros and cons as well as their key features. After you’ve read through this guide, you should be ready to make an informed decision.

If you want to go straight to the product page at AO.com for any of the top 5 dryers in the list below, then simply click on the appropriate link and you’ll be able to read more about them and see the payment options available.

Let’s start by looking at my top choice, the Beko 7kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer.

Top 5 Best Tumble Dryers UK

• Top Choice – Beko DHR73431W 7Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
• Best Condensor – Hoover Dynamic Next Advance DXC8TCER 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer
• Best Vented – Hoover Link HLV10LG 10Kg Vented Tumble Dryer
• Best Heat Pump – Samsung DV80K6010CW 8Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
• Best Budget Under £200 – Candy Smart CSC8DF 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

1. Top Choice – Beko DHR73431W 7Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

The Beko 7kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is my top choice and has some excellent features as well as great dying performance.

Are you consciously trying to use less energy? The Beko Heat Pump Tumble Dryer has an efficient low energy consumption rate.

It has a lot of different drying cycles, including Refresh cycle, Plug In and Go, Shirt Cycle, Baby Cycle and EcoSmart. It has a 7kg drum capacity, which makes it excellent for medium-sized households.

This model also has sensor drying technology, meaning it’s able to calculate exactly how wet the clothes inside are and adjust the cycle to avoid using more energy than is necessary.

You get a 1 year manufacturer warranty included with this dryer in addition to AO.com’s 100 days return policy. You also have the option of having it connected as well as your old machine removing and recycling.

If you need a tumble dryer, a heat pump dryer is the way to go.

2. Best Condensor – Hoover Dynamic Next Advance DXC8TCER 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Hoover Dynamic Next Advance 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer is my best pick condenser pick and is a very capable machine with some great features. Let’s take a closer look..

Something that’s incredibly useful about this dryer is that you’re able to control it via the Android app. Another great future is the sensor drying technology. This prevents over-drying and helps to save on your bills by using only the amount of energy that’s necessary for that particular wash.

It has an energy efficiency rating of B, which makes it reasonably energy efficient, even if it does cost quite a bit more to run compared to say a pump tumble dryer. It has a generous 8kg drum, which makes it ideal for medium sized households.

It comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty included as standard and can be returned within 100 days if you notice any faults. Connection and removal of your old dryer are available for an additional cost.

3. Best Vented – Hoover Link HLV10LG 10Kg Vented Tumble Dryer

The Hoover Link 10kg Vented Tumble Dryer is my best vented pick. Let’s look at some of its main features.

Like the Hoover Dynamic Next, this dryer has NFC technology, meaning you’re able to control it via its Android app. It has a 10kg drum capacity, making it great for larger households where there’s a lot of washing/drying to be done. It has sensor drying technology too, so you don’t have to worry about it using more energy than is required for a given load.

It has many different programmes, including a quick dry cycle that’s excellent for when you need clothes drying in a hurry. It also has a cycle specifically for woollen items. It comes with a delay timer of up to 24 hours too, so you can set it to dry for a time that’s most convenient.

Overall, this is an excellent tumble dryer and providing you can afford the fairly high running costs, it would make an excellent addition to any larger household.

4. Best Heat Pump – Samsung DV80K6010CW 8Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

The Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is up next and would make an excellent choice if you’re looking for a dryer that’s simple to use and cheap to run.

It has an A++ energy rating, which makes it great for the environment and also very affordable to run. It uses both sensor drying and heat pump technology, which means your clothes are dried incredibly well without any unnecessary energy used.

The drum is 8kg in capacity, making it great for medium sized households. You can also easily connect your machine to Samsung’s Smart Check service to make maintenance that much easier.

This dryer comes with a very generous 5 year manufacturer warranty too, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking down.

5. Best Budget Under £200 – Candy Smart CSC8DF 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Candy Smart 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer is my best budget pick and would make a great choice if you have a medium-sized home and don’t want to break the bank for a tumble dryer.

Although this dryer is on the cheaper end of the market, it’s still a very capable machine with some great features. It has an 8kg drum capacity, which gives you a large capacity for your clothes. Perfect for a large family.

It also has NFC technology, so you’re able to control it via an app for Android smartphones.

Like many of the other models I’ve covered so far, this dryer has sensors that will detect the perfect drying time for the load. It has a B energy rating, which means it’s not as energy efficient as some other models but it’s still affordable to run overall.

You get a 1 year manufacturer warranty included with this dryer as well as a 100 days return policy and the option for installation and removal of your old machine.

Buyer’s Guide

Condenser Dryers vs Vented Dryers vs Heat Pump Dryers vs Washer Dryers

Not all tumble dryers work in the same way and knowing the main differences between them is incredibly important when choosing one. Below is an explanation of the four main kinds you can get.

Condenser

Condenser tumble dryers are the most versatile of the three options since you can put them pretty much anywhere, providing the space is well ventilated. There’s no need for a hose or any special type of installation. They do have a water tank though, which you’ll need to empty after pretty much every drying cycle.

Vented

Vented tumble dryers are usually cheaper than the other two types though they do need to be placed by a window or door since the vent needs to let out the hot air. Installation can bump up the price if you’re not confident working with a venting kit.

Heat pump

If saving money on energy bills is a top priority for you, then a heat pump model tumble dryer could be a perfect choice. They are by far the most energy-efficient of the four types of tumble dryers, drying clothes using hot air and collecting the moisture in a tank.

Their efficiency is particularly effective when drying at lower temperatures. They are also an excellent choice to reduce your energy bill if you’re regularly having to run hot washes on things like smelly sportswear.

Washer Dryers

Are you short of space? A washer-dryer could be the perfect solution. It’s really as simple as the name hints; it’s a machine that can both wash and dry your clothes in one. It drys using the condenser drying process. No need for separate machines.

Aspects To Consider

Energy Efficiency

Tumble dryers are rated on their energy efficiency on a standard scale going from G to A+++. A tumble dryer’s energy efficiency rating will give you a good idea of how much it’s likely to cost to run over the course of a year. Running costs can soon add up with large electrical appliances so this is always an important thing to know.

Capacity

The drum size of tumble dryers can vary a lot. Generally, it’s better to go for a large drum size since you’re able to clean more clothes at once, which is not only more convenient but helps to keep your bills down.

Anti-crease

A lot of tumble dryers now have built-in anti-crease functions, which helps to avoid the clothes inside from creasing and crumping, saving you the time of ironing them. Reverse tumble is another common feature that helps to prevent the clothes from getting tangled together.

Drying programmes

Most tumble dryers have similar drying programmes but they’re not all the same and some have specific drying cycles for bulkier items or anti-allergen cycles that remove any allergens from your clothes. You can also get models that have super quiet modes, always useful when you’re using the dryer in your home.

For example, “Iron Dry” is a popular drying program. The tumble dryer will leave a small amount of moisture in your clothes; perfect for ironing just as they come out of the dryer. The small amount of moisture will evaporate as your iron the clothes and help leave your clothes flat and crease-free.

Cost

The cost will, of course, be a big consideration when you’re buying a tumble dryer too. The cost of a tumble dryer usually comes down to a few key things, namely the brand, the drum capacity, the features and the technology used to dry the clothes.

Heat pump tumble dryers tend to be the most expensive initially although this higher upfront cost is offset by the fact that they’re cheaper to run in the long term.

Dimensions

When buying a tumble dryer, you need to think about the space you have available. Not only do you need to know that it will fit into the space you have but you should make sure there’s nothing around it that will block you from opening the hatch.

Reversible Door

Do you want your tumble dryer to sit right beside the washing machine so you can just swap clothes from one into the other? Do you know what really throws a spanner in that plan? When the machine doors both open the same way.

Some tumble dryers have reversible doors. You are able to choose whether the door is hinged to the left or the right.

Suddenly that idyllic easy washer-tumble transfer becomes so achievable.

Child Lock

Whether it’s full of hot clothes or just empty; no one wants their child playing with a tumble dryer. A child lock is a function which will at least keep the door locked until you manually unlock it. Although child lock features can extend all the way to preventing any operation of the machine at all until you disable the child lock.

Delay Start

Want your clothes dry, but just not quite yet? Maybe you just want to maintain the silence in the house before you head out.

A delay start function could be your best friend.

It’s a simple timer function which will count down before your tumble dryer kicks into action.

Self-Cleaning

This is a really neat feature but is often only available with condenser dryers and washer dryers.

The machine will use water to clean the lint filter so you don’t have to. Perfect for people who love a low-maintenance machine.

F.A.Q

Do condenser dryers make the room damp?

A lot of people who haven’t owned a tumble dryer before worry that it will make the room it’s placed in become damp. The truth is that this is only a problem when they’re used in very small rooms with poor ventilation. Even a small room with good ventilation won’t become damp.

Providing you put it in a large enough room, damp shouldn’t be an issue. If you are using a tumble dryer in a smaller space, then it’s a good idea to open a window or door while you’re using it.

Which tumble dryers are dangerous?

Safety is always a concern when you’re bringing a new electrical appliance into your home, especially if you have kids. Tumble dryers have to go through rigorous testing before they’re allowed to be sold to the public so generally, they’re very safe.

There were certain models that were manufactured in the past that were considered a fire risk but when you’re buying new, this generally isn’t a concern.

Is it OK to put a condenser dryer in a cupboard?

Although condenser dryers don’t need a vent attached to them, they do still need air to operate properly. Therefore, putting one in a cupboard is not a good idea. If a condenser dryer is in a very enclosed space like a cupboard, it means the air won’t be able to circulate properly, which could easily cause it to overheat and become faulty.

How long do tumble dryers last?

A good tumble dryer will usually last for around 10 to 15 years. Of course, the exact amount of time it lasts will depend on factors such as:

• Whether you bought it new or used
• The brand
• How well it’s maintained
• Where it’s used

How do I know if my tumble dryer is safe?

Any tumble dryer models that are known to be unsafe will usually be recalled, replaced or repaired by the manufacturer. For example, Whirlpool tumble dryers manufactured between April 2004 and September 2015 were known to be a fire risk due to excess fluff building up and the company offered to replace or repair the faulty machines.

Is a tumble dryer really necessary?

If you normally dry clothes on a clothesline, then you might wonder if you really need a tumble dryer. While not strictly necessary, a tumble dryer can save you a lot of time and money. Drying clothes naturally is fine during the summer but when the rainy weather comes along, you’ll need to either dry them indoors, which takes a long time, or pay a visit to the laundrette.

Is it OK to put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine?

If they’re made by the same manufacturer and you have a stacking kit, then yes. However, it’s not recommended that you place a tumble dryer on top of your washing machine otherwise. The vibration from the washing machine could easily damage the dryer, not to mention the danger factor of it falling off.

How do tumble dryers compare to washer/dryers?

Although buying a washer/dryer might seem tempting to save money and space, they’re generally not as reliable as a dedicated tumble dryer and won’t be able to dry the same amount of clothes.

Other Tumble Dryer Reviews

10kg tumble dryers

Beko DTGC10000W 10Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Beko 10kg Condenser Tumble Dryer has some great features that make it well worth considering if you’re looking for a larger dryer.

The 10kg drum capacity means you’re able to clean a large amount of clothes at one time – perfect for bigger households. It has a Cupboard Dry cycle that’s ideal if you want your clothes dry enough to put away immediately. There’s also a very handy anti-crease cycle that helps keep your clothes looking at their best straight out of the dryer.

Because it’s a condenser dryer, you’re able to use it pretty much anywhere, providing the space is well ventilated. The moisture that’s collected from the clothes is collected in a tank below the dryer that’s very easy to remove and empty as needed.

Overall, this would make a good choice of dryer for any large household or when you have large items you need to dry, such as beach towels.

Hoover Dynamic Next DXHY10A2TCE 10Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

The Hoover Dynamic Next 10kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is another 10kg drum capacity model that’s excellent for large households where there’s a lot of clothes to wash.

It features sensor drying technology, meaning it can tell exactly what cycle is best for the current load. It also has an excellent A++ energy rating, which makes it very cheap to run and also a very environmentally friendly dryer.

Although this dryer might cost more than some others initially, the overall cost of running it is very low, so if you’re looking for a larger dryer that’s economical to run, this would make an excellent choice.

Candy Grand’O Vita GVSC10DCGR 10Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Candy Grand’O Vita gives you plenty of space for drying large amounts of clothes and has some great features that make it a pleasure to use.

It has NFC technology, which means you’re able to control it via the Android app. It also has sensors that detect how wet the clothes inside it are and uses the most suitable cycle.

It has a B energy rating, so while it’s not as efficient as some other dryers, it’s still affordable to run and the 10kg drum capacity means you’re able to dry a lot of clothes in one go, helping you to keep your electricity bill down.

You get a 1 year manufacturer warranty included, which can extend for an additional monthly cost if you want. You also have the option to have it connected by a professional and your old machine taken away.

9kg tumble dryers

Indesit EDPE945A2ECO 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

The Indesit 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer combines a large drum capacity with great drying capabilities, making it worth considering for medium sized households.

It has an A++ energy rating, so you don’t have to worry about running costs or the impact it has on the environment. The heat pump technology used also helps to keep runnings costs to a minimum.

The reverse tumble action and anti-tangle technology help to prevent clothes from getting tied up and also keeps them free of creases. The 9kg drum capacity provides plenty of space for drying larger items and allows you to dry a lot of clothes in one cycle.

Overall, this is an excellent dryer and would make a good choice for medium to large homes.

Electra TDC9112S 9Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Electra 9kg Condenser Tumble Dryer is another versatile 9kg model that can be placed anywhere and does an excellent job of drying clothes.

Among its different drying cycles is a Cupboard Dry programme that dries your clothes thoroughly enough that you can put them away immediately. It has an energy rating of B, making it good for the environment and affordable to run.

Being a condenser dryer, you are able to use this in any part of your house since there’s no need for ventilation. The 9kg drum capacity makes it ideal for medium sized homes.

You get a 1 year warranty from Electra and 100 days return from AO. Overall, this is a very nice dryer that would make a great addition to any kitchen.

Beko DCY9316G 9Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

Next up is the Beko 9kg Condenser Tumble Dryer. Let’s take a look at some of its key features.

It has sensor technology, which means it can detect how wet your clothes are and choose the appropriate programme. The 9kg drum capacity means you’re able to clean a lot of clothes at once as well as large items, such as beach towels.

It has a delay timer, so you’re able to set it to start at the most convenient time. The anti-crease feature means your clothes will stay crease-free even if you’re not there to remove them immediately.

It can be a little bit tricky to get to grips with initially and a couple of customers had issues with leaks but overall this is a very well rated dryer that’s reliable and dries effectively.

Hotpoint Aqualtis AQC9BF7E1 9Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Hotpoint Aqualtis 9kg Condenser Tumble Dryer has some great features that make drying your clothes quick and convenient. Let’s take a closer look…

It has sensor drying technology, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right programme yourself. It also features a delay timer, meaning you can set it to start whenever you prefer.

Something that makes this dryer stand out from many others is its anti-allergy programme, which removes any allergens from the clothes it’s drying. It has a B energy rating and is quite affordable to run over the course of a year.

You get 100 days return from AO as well as a 1 year manufacturer warranty from Hotpoint.

Haier HD90-A636 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

The Haier 9kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer would make a good choice for medium sized households thanks to its generous drum capacity that allows you to clean larger piles of clothes in one go.

The sensors inside the machine do a great job of deciding which programme is best to use based on how wet the clothes are. There are also programmes specifically for cleaning bulkier items, which are often tricky to get completely dry.

This dryer is quite expensive when you compare it to similarly sized condenser models, however the heat pump technology used makes it very cheap to run, so you save in the long term.

Overall, this is a very capable dryer that has some excellent features that make it easy to use while doing a great job of drying clothes. You get a generous 2 year manufacturer guarantee included as standard.

Tumble Dryers For Garages

Beko DTGC8011W 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

The Beko 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer is affordable and easy to get to grips with even if it doesn’t have as many features as some other dryers.

It has a number of drying programmes for you to choose from, or if you prefer you can let the sensors do their job and decide on the best cycle depending on how wet the clothes inside are.

The delay timer means you can set it to dry at a time that’s most convenient for you and the anti-crease technology means you don’t have to worry about removing the clothes instantly to prevent creases.

You get a 1 year manufacturer warranty included with this model as well as AO.com’s 100 day return policy. Having it installed by a professional for an additional cost is an option as is the removal of your old machine.

Zanussi Lindo300 ZDC8202PZ 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer

Lastly is the Zanussi Lindo300 8kg Condenser Tumble Dryer. Let’s take a closer look.

The 8kg drum capacity makes this a good choice for small to medium households. It has sensors that detect which programme is the most appropriate to use for a particular pile, which helps to keep your electricity bills to a minimum.

In addition to its standard dying cycles, there’s also a short cycle that makes use of cool air as well as a super quiet mode, making this dryer an excellent choice for use in the home and smaller spaces.

Overall, this is a good dryer even if it is a little expensive and can be tricky to use initially. You get a 1 year manufacturer warranty included as standard and it can be returned to the retailer for up to 100 days after purchase.

Final Thoughts To Round-Up

Choosing the right tumble dryer can seem like a daunting task but hopefully you now have a much better idea of what to look for when shopping for one. The most important things to consider are the space you have available and the amount of clothes you’ll need to clean in one go, and whether you’re cleaning any duvets.

Be sure to read through reviews of any models you’re considering and weigh up the pros and cons and you should have a dryer that will make your life that much easier and last for years to come.

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