Households doing laundry frequently
If you regularly dry full loads, compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your washing machine and the programmes you plan to use. Miele recommends choosing appliances with the same capacity where possible.
Who is this guide for?
Households keeping an eye on energy use
When you run cycles frequently, it’s worth comparing electricity use alongside programme times. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the low energy consumption of heat pump tumble dryers; the specific model’s energy label can then help you compare the options you’re considering.
Households with limited space
If space is limited or there’s no outlet to the outside, check the dimensions, door opening and installation requirements before choosing a type of dryer. The manual also sets out the maintenance you’ll need to carry out.
Which features should you prioritise?
For a freestanding tumble dryer used regularly, first make sure it can be installed in your home. Then compare capacity, energy use and programme times according to what matters most to you.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use | Compare the energy use in kWh/100 cycles and the capacity of models intended for similar loads. | If I dry laundry several times a week, I want to keep the electricity used for each cycle down, even if the programme takes longer. Around 33% of consumers put energy efficiency first. |
| Suitable capacity | Compare the tumble dryer’s capacity with your washing machine’s, then check the limits for the programmes and fabrics you usually use. | To dry my usual loads without splitting them, I need a capacity that suits the laundry coming out of my washing machine. This matters more than other factors to around 27% of consumers. |
| Drying time | Compare programme times for similar loads and dryness levels; a quick cycle may take a smaller load. | When I need clothes or towels again quickly, drying time is my priority, though I’m happy to consider the energy trade-off. Around 20% of consumers prioritise speed. |
| Installation and maintenance | Check the available space and, if you’re considering a vented model, the outlet to the outside. Also read the model’s cleaning instructions. | With limited installation options in my utility room, I need to make sure I can position and maintain the appliance properly before comparing its programmes. This compatibility is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What to avoid before buying
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Choosing a vented model without checking for an air outlet
A vented tumble dryer needs to send hot, damp air outside. UFC-Que Choisir says it requires a suitable opening, so this isn’t simply an optional convenience.
Check where the available opening or duct is, then make sure it meets the requirements in the manual. If there’s no compatible outlet, consider a condenser dryer instead.
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Assuming a shorter cycle uses less energy
According to UFC-Que Choisir, conventional condenser and vented models generally dry clothes faster than heat pump models, but use more electricity.
For the models you’re considering, compare energy use in kWh/100 cycles and the time taken by a programme suited to your usual load.
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Forgetting about the filter and condenser
Cleaning requirements vary by model. Bosch says to clean the fluff filter after every use; a self-cleaning condenser doesn’t remove the need to do this.
Check the manual before buying to find out how often cleaning is needed and whether the condenser is accessible or self-cleaning.
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Relying on maximum capacity alone
The permitted load can vary by programme and fabric. So the maximum capacity shown doesn’t tell you everything about how a cycle handles synthetics or a bulky load.
Compare your usual loads with the capacities listed for the programmes you plan to use.
Brands to consider for this type of appliance
Bosch
The WQG2450SFR is a useful benchmark for a 9 kg heat pump tumble dryer.
- Bosch says this model has a self-cleaning condenser.
- Bosch notes that the fluff filter still needs cleaning after every use.
Electrolux
The EW8HI595BG lets you look at the published capacity and energy use of a specific heat pump model.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 9 kg and energy use of 92 kWh/100 cycles for the EW8HI595BG.
- Check access to the condenser and the cleaning instructions for the model you choose.
Miele
Its range includes different capacities to compare with your existing washing machine.
- Miele says it offers 7, 8 and 9 kg tumble dryers; the TWD640WP is a 9 kg heat pump model.
- Maximum capacity doesn’t replace checking the load limits for the programmes you use.
Heat pump tumble dryers on Joybuy
These two 8 kg heat pump models should be compared with your washing machine’s capacity and the loads you dry regularly. To choose between them, check their energy labels and the times of the programmes you plan to use.
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Hotpoint CHD84MWBSEE, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering if your usual loads and washing machine suit an 8 kg drying capacity. The model is listed in energy class C. Check its energy label for consumption in kWh/100 cycles and the eco programme time, then consult the manual for dimensions and maintenance requirements.
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Comfee CD08EHP05W-HR, 8 kg heat pump tumble dryer
Worth considering for regular laundry if an 8 kg capacity suits your loads; several drying levels are listed. The model is rated energy class D. Check the energy label for its consumption in kWh/100 cycles and eco programme time, and consult the manual for dimensions and maintenance requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can you install a vented tumble dryer without an outlet to the outside?
No. Hot, damp air must be vented outside through a suitable installation. UFC-Que Choisir says an opening is essential. If your room doesn’t have one, consider a condenser dryer instead and check its installation instructions.
How do you compare the energy use of two tumble dryers?
Compare the energy use in kWh/100 cycles shown for each model, rather than relying on its technology or energy class alone. Also compare capacities and eco programme times, then check that the programmes you need can handle your usual loads.
Should you clean the filter after every drying cycle?
Follow the instructions for your model. Bosch says to clean the fluff filter after every use, while Electrolux says to clean the filter at the end of each cycle on the relevant appliances. Instructions for the condenser depend on the model and how accessible it is.
Should the tumble dryer have the same capacity as the washing machine?
It’s a useful guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. Miele recommends choosing the same capacity for both appliances where possible, but you should still check the limits for the programmes and fabrics you actually use.