Drying laundry in autumn and winter is a real headache, especially if you live in an apartment without outdoor space. That's why so many people decide to buy a dryer. It's a sensible move, but the right choice depends on more than the price tag.
What to Think About Before You Buy
All dryers work on the same basic principle: hot air removes moisture from clothes. What differs is the technology behind it. Before picking a model, ask yourself a few honest questions:
- How often will you actually use it?
- What types of laundry do you need to dry?
- How much space and ventilation does your laundry area have?
- How much will it add to your electricity bill?
- How much do you care about energy efficiency and environmental impact?
If you only need to dry the occasional duvet or blanket, a laundromat service is probably cheaper and more practical.
If you have a larger family with young children and limited indoor drying space, a home dryer can be a genuine game-changer. That said, keep in mind that dryers are among the more energy-hungry household appliances, even though newer models have improved considerably.
The Three Types of Dryers
There are technically three main types of dryers on the market:
- Vented dryers
- Condenser dryers
- Heat pump dryers
1. Vented Dryers
Vented dryers are the simplest and cheapest to buy, but the most expensive to run. They make sense if you only need a dryer occasionally.
Their simple construction makes them lightweight, which means they can be wall-mounted if needed.
These models release warm, humid air directly into the room, so they need good ventilation. Cycle times are shorter, but they tend to over-dry clothes if you're not careful.
2. Condenser Dryers
Instead of venting moisture into the room, condenser dryers collect it in a water tank that you empty regularly. The water is perfectly good for watering plants, if you're looking for a use for it.
These machines are heavier and more robust, so wall-mounting isn't an option. They can, however, be stacked on top of a front-loading washing machine. Cycles are a little longer, but clothes come out in better condition.
3. Heat Pump Dryers
Heat pump dryers use the same thermal exchange principle as an air conditioner running in reverse. That makes them expensive upfront but cheap to run: they use around 63% less energy than a vented dryer.
Cycles take a bit longer because the operating temperatures are lower. That's actually a benefit for your clothes, since gentler heat is less damaging to fabrics. They also don't vent warm air into the room at all.
These models are heavy and can't be wall-mounted. The purchase price is higher, but if you use your dryer regularly, the savings quickly add up. Our recommendation: go with a heat pump model.
What Capacity Do You Need?
The kilogram rating refers to the dry weight of the laundry, not wet weight.
Bear in mind that a dryer is particularly useful for bulky items like duvets, blankets, and pillows. Most models sit in the 7 to 9 kg range, with some reaching 11 kg or more.
Our advice: match or slightly exceed the capacity of your washing machine. If you find a good deal, going one kilogram higher is worth it.
Separate Dryer or Washer-Dryer Combo?
We generally recommend two separate appliances. Performance is better, lifespan is longer, and servicing is simpler and cheaper.
Same Brand as Your Washing Machine?
There's no hard rule here. Two things are worth considering:
- How satisfied are you with your current washing machine? If you're happy with it, staying with the same brand is often a good call.
- Stacking compatibility: always check the manufacturer's guidelines and use the correct stacking kit for your specific models.
How to Install a Dryer
The most common setup is stacking: placing the dryer on top of a front-loading washing machine using a dedicated stacking kit.
If you have the floor space, side-by-side installation is the better long-term option. Vibrations from stacked appliances can cause mechanical wear over time, and having both machines accessible separately makes maintenance a lot easier.
Browse our full range of dryers.