How to choose a tumble dryer

With the summer over, temperatures are starting to drop and wetter autumnal days are on the way. The nights are drawing in too, and any washing left outside beyond late afternoon quickly gets damp. Now is the ideal time to think about buying a new tumble dryer.

There are three main types of tumble dryer to choose from:

• Vented
• Condenser
• Heat pump

Vented Tumble Dryers

A vented tumble dryer uses a flexible hose to pump hot and damp air outside of your home. This means that the tumble dryer needs to be positioned next to a window or a wall for exterior access. A venting kit is provided with most vented machines, and this can be permanently installed in a wall. Alternatively, you can hang the hose out of the window, but this is not an ideal arrangement in cold or wet weather, so a permanent venting fixture is usually preferable where possible. Vented tumble dryers tend to be cheaper than condenser models.

Condenser Tumble Dryers

The technology inside a condenser model converts the steam from the drum back into water, which is collected in a reservoir within the machine. Most models have a warning light to indicate when the reservoir is full and needs to be emptied. All you need to do is remove the reservoir and dispose of the water. Condenser tumble dryers have the advantage of being able to be situated anywhere in a room, since there is no exterior hose.

Heat Pump Tumble Dryers

Some condenser tumble dryers have the added benefit of heat pump technology. The heat pump reuses the heat from the humid air extracted from the drum. This technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.

Other features to look out for and factors to consider when choosing a tumble dryer include:

Space
Measure your space carefully and check the dimensions of the tumble dryers you are considering. Most models may look similar in size, but they can vary by several centimetres. If you have very limited floor space, look out for slimline models. Alternatively, you could consider having a tumble dryer stacked on top of your washing machine. Remember to make sure there is suitable access to the space for delivery and installation of your new tumble dryer.

Drum
Once you know the maximum dimensions for your tumble dryer, you may be able to consider a large capacity machine. Most machines have a capacity between 7kg – 9kg. Large capacity machines are ideal for larger families and are more efficient to run.

Energy efficiency
All tumble dryers are required by law to have an energy efficiency rating. The most efficient rating is A+++, while the least efficient models are given a G rating. Although you may pay more for some A++ tumble dryers, these models are more economical to run so can help reduce your electricity bill.

Door opening
The layout of your home may mean that you need the tumble dryer door to open in a particular direction. Look out for machines which have a reversible door, so you can choose whether the door hinges are attached on the right or left-hand side.

Programming
A choice of pre-set programmes allows you to dry your laundry on a suitable cycle. Typical programmes include cycles for cupboard dry, iron dry, various fabric types including woollens and delicates, and anti-creasing. The anti-creasing feature keeps the drum rotating intermittently after the cycle has finished to minimise creases. This is particularly helpful if you are not always able to empty the machine straight after the cycle.

Filter and reservoir
If you don’t want to have to bend down to remove a reservoir or filter on your tumble dryer, choose a model where these are positioned towards the top of the machine.

Reverse motion
With this feature, the drum can move in either direction and does so alternately. This reduces tangling and creases, as well as enhancing the drying process.

Sensors
Sensor technology is used to detect when clothes are dry. This can save you money by stopping the dryer when it is no longer needed rather than continuing to run to the end of the set time.

Time delay
A time delay function enables you to set your loaded tumble dryer to start its cycle later in the day, so it will finish at a time to suit you. If you like to unload your laundry immediately after the cycle has ended, this is a useful feature to look out for.

Displays and alerts
Some tumble dryers have mechanical functions, while others feature a digital display. One advantage of a digital display is that it usually shows the number of minutes remaining until the end of the cycle. Many models have an audible alert to indicate the end of the cycle. This is helpful if you are at home and want to remove clothes promptly to keep creases to a minimum.

Quiet operation
The latest tumble dryers are generally much quieter than older models. Look out for models which specify the maximum decibels if you are sensitive to noise or want to use the machine overnight.

Safety features
Many machines incorporate a child lock which prevents little ones from adjusting the controls. If you have young children you may want to opt for a model with a door which is not easy for a child to open even when the door is unlocked. This is because some drums can still be hot when the cycle has finished.

Don’t let wet washing pile up this autumn. Get your laundry dried quickly and efficiently with our choice of the latest tumble dryers.