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Laundry Made Easier With Tumble Dryer Deals From hotukdeals
Tumble dryers have changed everything when it comes to laundry duties. Where it once took hours of work and plenty of time to dry clothing after washing, modern dryers can get the job done in no time, leaving time for what really matters. That's why most UK households have a tumble dryer (or a washer dryer). But how can you find a cheap tumble dryer with the specs required?
In this hotukdeals buyer's guide, we'll get to the root of those key questions, and provide as much information as possible to help you through the tumble dryer buying process. However, before that, let's get to know these handy devices in more detail, with a quick step into the history of home laundry appliances.
Key Features to Look for in a Good Tumble Dryer
Today's tumble dryers are an important home appliance and come in a couple of major categories, and both will be pretty well represented among the tumble dryer sale bargains at hotukdeals:
Vented Tumble Dryers – In some cases you might find tumble dryer vented models listed at hotukdeals and associated merchants. But what does this mean? Essentially, in these models, hot air is generated and fed through the drum, creating moist air as a by-product. To remove this air, the dryer has to physically expel it – usually via a tumble dryer vent that passes through round holes in the walls of the user's home. It's a slightly cumbersome method, and is a little outdated. It also means that you'll be slightly limited in placing your dryer. It will need to be close to a window or wall, and basement installations may be problematic.
Condenser Tumble Dryers – The main alternative to vented tumble dryers are condenser or condensing dryers. A tumble dryer with condenser included will use a totally different mechanism to remove moist air when drying clothes. In these devices, the air isn't fed through an exhaust tube. Instead, it applies heat to the moisture-filled air, which converts it into water, and this water is fed into containers – generally below the tumble dryer. Users will then need to empty the container at regular intervals (indicator lights will almost always tell you when to do so). Some models also come with a heat pump installed. These condenser dryers will be more expensive, but the heat pump tumble dryer saves energy by recirculating heated air. If you want to keep your emissions to a minimum, that's the style to choose, and finding a condenser dryer sale should be fairly easy.
When purchasing a new tumble dryer, there are plenty of things to keep in mind beyond whether you want a gas, condenser, or vented model. Here's a brief checklist of considerations to apply to any potential purchase:
- Cost
The first thing to think about is cost. As we noted earlier, vented dryers are the cheapest, followed by electric condenser, and then heat pump condenser dryers. However, this isn't the entire story. Tumble dryers are quite energy hungry, which can increase the cost of using them over their lifetime, so factoring in how much tumble dryer cost to run is always a good idea. Check the energy rating (from A+++ models to very inefficient “G” rated designs), and try to balance upfront cost with lifetime energy consumption.
- Size
Not everyone has space in their home for a washing machine and a tumble dryer. If you don't want to go for a washer dryer (see below), you can find compact tumble dryers. Standard dimensions are roughly 60 x 60 x 85 cm, but these smaller models can be as small as 50 x 50 x 67 cm. They won't be great for families, but should be sufficient for professionals and couples who need to dry their work attire efficiently. And they are ideal for flats where every square foot counts.
- Drum Size
Interestingly, the size of tumble dryer drums doesn't map exactly onto the size of tumble dryer casings. So you could buy a massive unit, and expect enough room for a whole family and more, but actually be slightly disappointed. Most models on the market have drum capacities ranging from 6kg to 9kg, so double-check that before buying.
- Sensors
The real difference between modern tumble dryers lies in their features, and sensors are among the most important. These sensors are designed to measure how dry clothing is, by monitoring mass and air moisture levels, and they can be more or less effective, depending on the quality of the dryer. Choose a low-quality model, and expect a few cycles where clothes emerge much damper than “cupboard dry”. But even so, models with dryness sensors will be more efficient that simple time-based dryers.
- Customisation
The best tumble dryers also feature numerous controls to set your own drying parameters. If you want to time the finish for just before you wake up, so that you are guaranteed warm shirts and vests for work, it shouldn't be a problem. And you can toggle temperature as well, finding the right settings for different materials. As a rule, the more specific settings there are for different materials, the better. However, if you only wash cottons or polyester, buying a machine with multiple preset programs might be an unnecessary expense. And remember – every item of clothing comes with a label that provides detailed drying instructions. Follow that properly, and you'll be fine.
- Ergonomics
If you buy a condenser dryer, the placement of the water filter really matters. In some models, it is essentially on the floor, which can be awkward to access, potentially leading to injuries. The most user-friendly designs have condenser vessels at around waist height – making removal relatively comfortable. Units should also be light enough to move, without compromising on power and efficiency.
- Safety
Tumble dryers aren't places for children to play around, but older and cheaper versions often lack proper locks to prevent young hands opening the drum during a cycle. That could lead to a blast of super-heated air heading their way, along with some pretty soaking clothes. Because of this, child locks are vital. And check for general safety ratings, too, as fire risks have been associated with lower quality dryers.
- Drying Power
Some premium tumble dryers go the extra mile when it comes to drying techniques. It's not essential for most people, but the best dryers have reversible drums, which change orientation during spins, resulting in a more efficient, more even drying result. Others have anti-crease cycles which occur after the main cycle, and can potentially make ironing unnecessary. And some have super-sensitive sensors which go way beyond standard versions. Again, these aren't vital – but they can make a difference when you need totally dry clothes for special occasions.
- Extra Features
Finally, there are considerations that seem small to some people, but can be deal breakers for others. For instance, some dryers come with reversible doors, allowing users to open them from the left or right. Some have customisable alerts (and options to connect to smartphones for even greater awareness). And not all offer delayed starts to let you set a time that suits your schedule. Check the fine print for these additions, as it's easy to buy an appliance missing one that's really important to your situation.
What are the Best Tumble Dryer Brands?
When buying a tumble dryer, it's important to find a brand and model you can rely on:
Bosch – One of Germany's leading appliance makers, Bosch offers elegant, efficient, and totally dependable models like the Classixx dryer, which aren't too expensive (prices of around £250 are common), and attract rave reviews from customers.
Siemens – Another premium German brand, Siemens specialises in large drum models that manage to mix power and efficiency really well. Their designs are perfect for families and student households with potentially demanding laundry requirements.
AEG - “Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft” is another German appliance expert. In this case, AEG focuses on high-end heat pump dryers that aren't unaffordable for most households, but they do produce great results.
Miele – The fourth of Germany's big four, Miele's designs are the most eye-catching, and their technical specifications are up to scratch as well. Their prices aren't the cheapest, but some excellent models can be found for under £600.
Aside from these German masters, reputable brands to look at include Beko (from Turkey), Samsung, and Zanussi.
Then there are some brands to avoid. Sadly, Whirlpool falls into that category as they caused a minor scandal when several of its dryers caught fire, prompting massive product recalls.
Here is a table of some of the best tumble dryer models for 2020.
AEG 7000 Series T7DEE835R | Miele TDA 150C | Bosch Serie 4 WTR85V21GB | |
Size | H85 x W60 x D63 cm | H85 x W59.5 x D58.7 cm | H84.2 x W59.8 x D63.6cm |
Drying Capacity | 8KG | 7KG | 8KG |
Heating System | Heat Pump / Operates at Lower Temperatures, More Economical and Gentler on Laundry | Condenser Dryer / Collects the water in a container that can be emptied after use | Heat Pump / Operates at Lower Temperatures, More Economical and Gentler on Laundry |
Energy Rating | A+ | B | A++ |
Child Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Special Features | SensiDry / ProSense / Efficient Filtration / ProTex Drum / Multiple Programmes | Perfect Dry / Honeycomb Drum / Extra Quiet / Test for 20 Years' Use | EasyClean Filter / Sensitive Drying System / Multiple Programmes |
Tumble Dryers vs Washer Dryers – Which One Should You Choose?
So far, we've been talking about tumble dryers, as if they are the only game in town. Far from it. You'll also find plenty of washer dryer deals at hotukdeals, but should you check them out, and what are the benefits of choosing a washer dryer over a tumble dryer?
Obviously, a washer-dryer can do two things in one package. If you want a device that can wash and dry your clothes, it will be an excellent way to save space and money. However, it's almost always true that specialist tumble dryers are more effective at actually drying fabrics. As consumer group Which? reports, tumble dryers are five times as likely to attract a top (5 stars) rating than washer dryers. That's a pretty hefty margin.
Often it really comes down to a clash of convenience vs quality. If you just want a basic appliance to wash a few clothes, and you aren't bothered about having to hang socks and pants out to finish the drying process every now and then, a washer-dryer may well work best. But if you absolutely need to remove the moisture from your clothes, tumble dryers are a no-brainer.
How to Clean a Tumble Dryer
Most experts recommend washing the interior of tumble dryers every 3-6 months. Few people do, but if you don't you risk limescale build-ups that can dramatically limit your machine's efficiency and drying power, as well as lint from clothes. Follow these simple steps to clean your machine:
The first step when washing is to turn off the electricity to the dryer. When that's done you can scrub the inside of the drum and its perforations with a standard wire wool cleaning pad and detergent. This will remove any lint debris from your fabrics and other accumulated dirt.
Most dryers will also have a lint filter in their design. You can easily remove this, and then manually remove lint with gloved fingers. A quick blast of hot water can also work wonders at this stage.
Before replacing the lint filter, get your vacuum cleaner and direct it into the socket to remove any excess lint that could be hiding there. Now replace the filter.
Every year or so, it's also advisable to actually remove the front of the dryer, and clean the outside of the drum. You can usually access the insides by removing screws on the back of the dryer. If you have a vented model, check the connection between the pump and the vent pipe for dirt, and double check for any holes or damage before replacing the casing.
Your Tumble Dryer Questions Answered
Tumble dryers can shrink clothes for two main reasons. Firstly, most fabrics shrink if they are exposed to long periods of high heat, and secondly the tossing motion of the dryer can make fibres to tighten causing clothes to shrink. To stop clothes shrinking, make sure you always read the label on your clothes to check if it should be tumble dried, and then avoid drying programmes that are too hot or too long.
The cost of running a Tumble Dryer depends on the energy rating. Dryers come with an EU energy rating ranging from "A+++" down to "D". The rating label will also tell you how much the annual energy consumption is estimated to be, and this can give you a rough cost of running it. Roughly, the most efficient machines will cost you somewhere in the region of £30/year, depending on your electricity costs.
The best place for tumble dryers is in a well ventilated room that are not too hot and not too cold. Be aware that many tumble dryers have a minimum and maximum temperature operating range, so they may not be suitable for use in sheds, garages or outbuildings. Tumble dryers also need "air to breath" in order to operate properly. So it isn't just a case of shoving it under the stairs and forgetting about it!
Yes, the tumble dryer does evaporate and condense the water from your clothes but it may still contain impurities from the clothes.
Tumble Dryers use electricity to run, so they have a bigger carbon impact that simply hanging them up to dry. One article states that, if all households. with a tumble dryer dried one load of washing outside each week, instead of by machine, they would save over a million tonnes of CO2 in a year. So drying your clothes in a tumble dryer does have an impact on the environment.
Tumble Dryers only need an electrical socket to function and require no water input. But vented tumble dryer will require and external vent to expel waste air.
Vented tumble dryers either require an external fitted vent through a wall or a hose out of the window so that expelled air has somewhere to escape, but condenser tumble dryers or heat pump dryers do not require an external hose. Instead in a condenser dryer excess water is collected in a container in the machine, that needs to be emptied regularly.
How and When to Pick Up the Best Tumble Dryer Deals
Tumble dryers are one of the most important household inventions of the modern era. Instead of slaving away for hours, we can dry our clothes automatically, watch TV, or read a book, before returning to crisp, cupboard ready shirts and trousers. However, you can only really guarantee those kinds of results with premium dryers. But these appliances come with hefty costs, often in excess of £500, so finding cheap tumble dryers is important.
This makes it vital to know how to find the very best tumble dryer offers. But before you do that, think hard about which style of dryer you need, whether you need a large or small device, and whether it's wise to spend more for an energy-efficient device, or less for a cheaper model. When you've taken everything into account, then it's time to hunt around for cheap dryers that meet your needs.
Fortunately, doing so is easy. Just make a note of the brands and models you are interested in, and head to the hotukdeals tumble dryer listings. Our listings feature current vented and condenser tumble dryer deals from merchants like Argos, Currys PC World, Appliances Direct, Euronics, AO.com, CostCo, and eBay. All major brands are represented, from Miele to Bosch, and the latest models are easy to come by.
If you are looking for the best possible deals, timing your purchase with a tumble dryer sale also makes sense. Black Friday in November is ground zero for appliances deals, but the New Year sales are also a good time to bargain hunt, as retailers try to capitalise on the spring home renovation trend. In any event, be sure to consult the hotukdeals tumble dryer listings, and you'll be able to save money on whatever appliances you require.
Make Washing Easy and Affordable with the Cheap Tumbler Dryer Prices at hotukdeals
Are you struggling to find the right heat pump condenser tumble dryer? Or maybe you need an ultra-compact tumble dryer to add to a mobile home? Whatever style of tumble dryer you need, there are always ways to cut the cost of appliance purchases. Whether you want a cutting edge smart dryer, or a bargain device, check out the hotukdeals tumble dryer listings. There's no better place to reduce the cost of equipping your home.