Tumble Dryer

Key Features to Look for in a Good Tumble Dryer

• 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.