It’s not just washing machines that can be prone to causing a racket, tumble dryers can be just as noisy, depending on the model you choose.
On this page, we’ve collected the quietest tumble dryers we could find on the market.
Quiet tumble dryers are the perfect option for an open plan living space, as you don’t want to be watching your favourite series and not be able to hear it due to a noisy appliance. A quiet dryer is also great for anyone living in flats that have little to no sound insulation.
If a quiet tumble dryer is something you think you might need, then read on, as we take a look at some of the quietest tumble dryers in the UK.
The Quietest Tumble Dryers in the UK
1. Bosch Series 8 WRB247C9GB
Noise level: 57 dB
Type: Heat pump
Capacity: 9 kg
Energy use per cycle: 0.79 kWh
Why we picked it:
With a noise level of just 57 decibels, the Bosch Series 8 WRB247C9GB is the quietest tumble dryer we could find on the market. It’s a heat pump dryer, which means it’s also very energy efficient, as reflected by the A+++ energy rating.
What we like:
- Exceptionally quiet
- Energy efficient
- Has some clever design features including a self-cleaning condenser and reverse drum action to prevent tangling
Potential drawbacks:
- Expensive (over £1000 at the time of writing)
Check price and reviews:
2. Siemens IQ-500 WQ46H2D9GB
Noise level: 59 dB
Type: Heat pump
Capacity: 9 kg
Energy use per cycle: 0.92 kWh
Why we picked it:
With a noise level of 59 decibels, the Siemens IQ-500 WQ46H2D9GB is the second-quietest tumble dryer we could find on the market. It comes with an optional “Silent dry” programme, which is designed to keep noise to a minimum while still drying your laundry effectively.
What we like:
- Gentle on delicate clothes
- Highly customisable programmes
- Very energy efficient
Potential drawbacks:
- Relatively expensive
Check price and reviews:
3. Haier Series 9 HD90-CQ387U1-UK
Noise level: 60 dB
Type: Heat pump
Capacity: 9 kg
Energy use per cycle: 1.17 kWh
Why we picked it:
The Haier Series 9 HD90-CQ387U1-UK is one of the quietest tumble dryers available, while still being relatively affordable.
What we like:
- Reasonably priced
- Reverse drum motion to prevent tangling and creases
Potential drawbacks:
- Not as energy efficient as some of the other ultra-quiet alternatives
Check price and reviews:
How Loud Are Tumble Dryers?
Appliance noise is usually referred to in dB (decibels) but it can sometimes be a bit difficult to get your head around these numbers.
A decibel is a unit which is used to measure how loud something is—the intensity of a sound. Quieter sounds have a lower dB number and loud sounds have high dB numbers – for example, a whisper might fall between 15 dB and 30 dB whereas a lawnmower might hit 90 dB. A typical sound level for conversation is around 60 dB (depending on who’s talking).
According to our research, the average tumble dryer on the market in the UK at the moment has a noise level of around 64 dB. The loudest tumble dryer we came across had a noise level of 69 dB, while the quietest had a noise level of 57 dB. The decibel scale is logarithmic and every increase of 10 decibels is perceived as roughly a doubling in volume, so a 69 dB tumble dryer will be experienced as being more than twice as loud as a 57 dB model. Look for something with a noise level of less than 64 dB if you want a quiet model, or 60 dB or less if you want an ultra-quiet model.
How Can You Make a Tumble Dryer Quieter?
Here are a few tips for making your tumble dryer quieter:
- Make sure there’s space between the dryer and furniture or other nearby items. If the dryer is in contact with something else, it could make it rattle or vibrate as it runs, adding extra noise to the noise of the dryer itself. Nearby resonant objects like furniture, cupboards and work surfaces can vibrate while the dryer runs, making it seem louder. On the other hand, things like carpets can absorb the sound of the dryer, making it seem quieter.
- Turn clothes inside out. This will prevent things like metal buttons from hitting the sides of the drum and creating noise.
- Put rubber pads under the dryer. This will absorb some of the vibrations and reduce the noise your dryer makes.
- Make sure it’s level on the floor. If the floor is uneven or one of the dryer’s legs is off the floor, it will create more noise.
- Move the dryer to another room. If everything else fails, move the dryer to another room where the noise won’t bother you so much.
In The Wash is your guide to the best laundry and cleaning products, tips and tricks. Our mission is to solve the UK’s cleaning and laundry dilemmas!
