With three main types of dryers and plenty of different brands to choose from, selecting the right one will largely depend on how often you'd use it, the size of your household and what laundry space you have to work with.
To make it easier, we've put together a quick comparison article outlining the main differences between the three types of dryers currently available.
If you have an outdoor laundry, or an inbuilt exhaust fan or a window, then a vented dryer is an option for you. Traditional vented tumble dryers work by blowing hot air over your washing and pumping the excess moisture out into your laundry area. Some models do give you the option to vent the moisture outside, via a compatible ducting kit, but most basic models only allow one venting option- through the front of the machine. Although vented dryers have a cheaper price tag than their counterparts, the can be quite costly to run.
For a vented dryer option, we recommend the 7kg Electrolux EDV705HQWA. This model is one of our top sellers, and thanks to its anti-crease system and smart sensor technology, the EDV705HQWAdries clothes exceptionally well and allows you to skip the ironing.
Condenser dryers don't require ventilation as they work by extracting moisture from your clothes before draining it away as condensed water, meaning no muggy, humid air expels out into your home. The excess water, depending on the dryer model, either drains away into a water reservoir or is removed via a compatible hose kit directly down your laundry sink. Condenser dryers are generally more expensive than vented tumble dryers, but with their comprehensive range of drying programs and their gentler drying options, the extra bit you pay is well worth it.
*with an appropriate stacking kit- note: condenser models are too heavy for wall-mounting.
For a condenser dryer option, we recommend the 8kg Fisher & Paykel DE8060P2. With an average review rating of 4.7 stars, this dryer is a hit amongst our customers, and with 11 drying programs to choose from, a convenient internal light and providing the option to drain the water directly down your sink, drying clothes has never been easier.
Like a condenser dryer, heat pump’s don't require ventilation as they work similarly. The main difference being, instead of just conserving the excess moisture, heat pumps use a more sophisticated energy-efficient heat exchange system that reuses the condensation to dry your clothes - think of it as recycling air. Although heat pump dryers are more expensive to purchase upfront, over time, the recuperated energy savings will undoubtedly make the investment worthwhile.
For a heat pump dryer option, we recommend the 9kg Bosch WTW87565AU. With an incredible 7-star energy rating and 14 different dry cycles to choose from, this Bosch heat pump dryer is an efficient and reliable solution for your home’s laundry. And thanks to its 9kg capacity, getting through massive amounts of washing is quick and easy.
