There are many ways to dry clothes, but tumble dryers are probably the easiest.
You don’t need to wait for dry, windy weather to hang things on the line and you don’t need to worry about having your heating on and hanging everything over the clotheshorse. Simply pop your clothes straight from the washing machine, into the dryer and set it away.
This is one of the main reasons why many people opt to own a tumble dryer. Ease and speed!
Choosing a tumble dryer to fit your personal needs can sometimes feel a bit daunting, so we’re here to help make that decision that bit easier with our list of the best tumble dryers in the UK.
There’s something for everyone, with vented, condenser and heat pump models in a multitude of capacities.
Best Tumble Dryers in the UK
1. Beko DTLCE70051W 7 kg Condenser Dryer
Dryer type: Condenser
Load capacity: 7 kg
Dimensions: 84.6 x 59.7 x 56.8 cm
Energy rating: B
This Beko condenser tumble dryer is ideal for medium-sized households thanks to the 7 kg drum capacity.
The relatively small footprint of this tumble dryer and the condenser box makes this tumble dryer an ideal choice for flats or houses where space is limited.
This dryer offers a choice of 15 drying programmes. If you want to dry multiple fabric types at the same time, you can do so thanks to the Mixed Dry programme.
If you like putting your laundry away fresh from the dryer, the Cupboard Dry cycle will have them ready for you. There are also dedicated sports and synthetics programmes, and an anti-crease programme.
One convenient feature is the delay timer, which lets you program the dryer to start up to nine hours in advance.
This dryer makes 65 decibels of noise, which isn’t exactly ‘quiet’, but is relatively quiet for a tumble dryer.
The Beko DTLCE70051W is easy to use, and the water reservoirs and filters are easy to empty and clean.
One downside is that it doesn’t have a reverse drum function, so laundry can get a bit tangled.
Another common complaint is that the outside of the machine can get quite hot.
Overall, this affordable condenser tumble dryer from Beko is a great choice for medium-sized families who are limited on space.
The tumble dryer can handle everything from a normal clothing load through to more specialised sportswear with ease.
2. Candy Smart CSEC8DF 8 kg Condenser Dryer
Dryer type: Condenser
Load capacity: 8 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 59.6 x 60 cm
Energy rating: B
With an 8 kg capacity, this Candy Smart condenser dryer has more than enough space to dry three or even four people’s clothes at once.
This tumble dryer can be controlled remotely from a compatible smartphone, and the built-in sensors ensure the dryer never runs for longer than it needs to.
The choice of 14 drying programmes including a dedicated shirt function, cotton iron-free function and dedicated denim programme make this tumble dryer an ideal choice for busy families.
There’s also a quick dry programme, which is great for last-minute emergencies.
The water tank is generally easy to empty and clean, but it is right at the bottom of the machine, so it could be hard to access for those with injuries or disabilities.
Overall, this Candy tumble dryer is an affordable choice that will tick a lot of boxes for most households.
The capacity is perfect for most medium-sized families, and the range of programmes can tackle everything from the kids’ school uniform to formal shirts.
However, if you aren’t very tech savvy, you might struggle at first to get to grips with all the different programmes and settings.
The feet aren’t adjustable either, so you might need to get creative if your floor is uneven.
3. Beko DTKCE80021W 8 kg Condenser Dryer
Dryer type: Condenser
Load capacity: 8 kg
Dimensions: 88 cm high x 65 cm wide x 58.5 cm deep
Energy rating: B
Another Beko condenser tumble dryer in our list, but this one has an 8 kg capacity which may appeal more to smaller households or people who don’t use their tumble dryer for every wash load.
With some great features and a drain hose included, this well-priced machine would suit many a home.
There’s a large 32 cm porthole door which makes loading the drum easy. However, there’s no window to let you see what’s going on inside.
This dryer offers a choice of 15 drying programmes including a choice of programmes for cottons, synthetics, jeans, towels and sportswear. There’s also a Super Short programme that can dry two shirts in just 14 minutes.
One nice feature is that the anti-crease keeps things moving until you empty the drum.
You can also use the included drain hose to let condensation out without needing to empty the reservoir.
This model is a great choice for those shopping for a tumble dryer on a budget, but still wanting a decent load capacity for larger items like bedding and towels.
It may not have the same build quality as higher priced models, but it offers good value for money.
4. Indesit I2 D81W UK 8 kg Condenser Tumble Dryer
Dryer type: Condenser
Load capacity: 8 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 59.5 x 61 cm
Energy rating: B
Indesit is a common household name, and with good reason. This Indesit condenser tumble dryer has a handy 8 kg capacity and has been designed to be as easy to use as possible.
This tumble dryer has a staggering 18 different drying programmes, and can dry a half-load of cotton in as little as 81 minutes.
The Indesit I2 D81W UK is easy to set up and use, and the water reservoir is easy to access and clean.
It’s a straightforward machine that offers good value for money but doesn’t have any fancy features like sensors or an anti-crease function.
Overall, this Indesit tumble dryer is a simple, easy-to-use appliance that offers the basic functions.
The timer and settings are all easy to use, and this tumble dryer can even dry delicates without the risk of shrinkage.
However, you might find that you miss modern features such as sensor drying.
5. LOGIK LVD7W18 7 kg Vented Dryer
Dryer type: Vented
Load capacity: 7 kg
Dimensions: 89 cm high x 66 cm wide x 57.5 cm deep
Energy rating: C
A simple yet practical tumble dryer here from Logik with a good-sized 7 kg capacity – ideal for smaller households or those who use their tumble dryer infrequently.
The 1-hour drying programme makes quick work of that shirt you need dry “right now” and the wide opening door is perfect for getting towels and sheets in and out of the drum.
If you’re looking for a tumble dryer which just does what it says on the tin, then this vented Logik dryer could be the one for you – so long as you have the ability to direct the condensation hose outside.
It only has four drying programmes in total, but this is ideal for ease of use and sensor drying means you shouldn’t end up “baking” your clothes.
6. Indesit I1 D80W UK 8 kg Vented Tumble Dryer
Dryer type: Vented
Load capacity: 8 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 59.5 x 67 cm
Energy rating: C
Indesit’s I1 vented tumble dryer has a wide range of programmes to tackle just about every fabric type with ease, including dedicated cotton, delicates and synthetics programmes.
In total, you have 16 different programmes to choose from! In addition to the wide range of programmes, this tumble dryer benefits from adjustable feet, a reverse tumble action and a simple dial operation.
Like the Indesit condenser dryer on this list, this vented tumble dryer is a simple appliance that offers good performance without compromising on price.
The tumble dryer is fairly quiet during use (69 decibels), and it can dry a full load of laundry pretty quickly.
However, some people do find that fluff can very easily collect in the door’s seal, which can be tricky to clean thoroughly.
7. Samsung Series 5 OptimalDry™ DV80TA020AE 8 k Heat Pump Dryer
Dryer type: Heat pump
Load capacity: 8 kg
Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 65 cm
Energy rating: A++
Samsung’s Series 5 OptimalDry tumble dryer has a handy 8 kg capacity and is a very energy efficient choice.
This tumble dryer uses sensors to monitor the cycle’s progress, automatically adjusting the length of the cycle to achieve great results without tumbling your laundry for too long.
For those last-minute Sunday night school uniform emergencies, this heat pump tumble dryer even has a Quick Dry programme.
This Samsung heat pump tumble dryer is incredibly energy efficient. However, it is one of the most expensive on this list.
The sensors will automatically adjust the drying time to protect your clothing, and the choice of 14 drying programmes will help you tackle any laundry task.
However, if you aren’t very tech savvy, you might find learning to use this dryer requires a learning curve.
Which Tumble Dryer Type Is Best: Condenser, Vented or Heat Pump?
The most common types of tumble dryer readily available on the market today are condenser, vented and heat pump.
Each of these types of tumble dryer is available in different sizes, and many are available either integrated or freestanding.
Despite the similarities, there are some key differences between condenser, vented and heat pump tumble dryers, and these tend to be most noticeable in the upfront cost and ongoing energy costs.
Which type of tumble dryer is right for you will depend on a variety of factors, including where the tumble dryer will need to be installed and what your budget is.
Vented tumble dryers
Vented tumble dryers are at the lower end of the price range. However, they are not suitable for all homes and properties.
The moisture that is removed from the wet laundry needs to go somewhere, and this type of dryer expels it through a hose.
This means the tumble dryer has to be placed next to a wall with a vent cut out, or next to a window or door.
In addition to this type of tumble dryer needing access to the outside, they also tend to have the highest ongoing energy costs.
Condenser tumble dryers
Condenser tumble dryers collect the water removed from clothing in a reservoir, which you will then need to empty once it is full.
Condenser dryers are more expensive than vented dryers, but they are still considerably cheaper than heat pump dryers are.
A key benefit of a condenser dryer is that it does not need a hose, which means it can be placed anywhere in your home.
All you need to do is make sure that the dryer has adequate ventilation around the appliance, and that the surrounding temperature is not too hot or too cold.
If you are looking at purchasing a condenser tumble dryer, you need to be aware that the container will need to be emptied regularly, sometimes after every cycle.
If the condenser box is full, the cycle will not be able to run.
Like vented tumble dryers, condenser dryers can attract quite high running costs, depending on the exact model that you are looking at.
Heat pump tumble dryers
Heat pump tumble dryers are relatively new, and offer many of the same benefits that you could enjoy from a condenser dryer.
The key difference between condenser and heat pump dryers is what happens with the warm air that passes through the condenser box.
In condenser dryers, this hot air is simply expelled from the appliance after passing through the condenser box.
In a heat pump tumble dryer, however, this hot air is passed back through the drum. This can save money in the long run as the machine is not needing to constantly heat up cold air.
Much like condenser dryers, heat pump dryers do also have a condenser box that will need to be emptied in between cycles, and it is worth remembering that the drying cycles can be quite long in this type of tumble dryer.
However, this energy efficiency does come at a cost. Heat pump dryers tend to be much more expensive than both condenser and vented dryers.
The cost is coming down as the technology becomes more commonplace, but they are still considerably more expensive than vented dryers.
Conclusion
If we had to pick just one tumble dryer to recommend for most households, it would be the Beko DTLCE70051W. It’s affordable, has a good choice of programmes, and is ideal for medium-sized households with its 7 kg drum capacity.
Thirty-something lady with a penchant for flowers and anything involving crafts. I like to clean using environmentally-friendly methods where possible and love sharing my findings, tips and tricks here on In The Wash!
