Kitchen Buying Guides

Tumble Dryer Buying Guide

From hectic family homes to small households, laundry drying devices can speed up chores and ensures a home continues to run smoothly. In this tumble dryer buying guide, we cover the aspects you need to consider when buying a new tumble dryer, which includes choosing the right size, the best drying technology and must-have features to look out for.

What are the different types?

Condenser

This uses a heating element to extract moisture from laundry, making it one of the fastest drying methods on the market. Water is collected in a container that can be removed and then emptied once full. As it does not require plumbing or venting pipes, it can be placed anywhere in the home.

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Heat pump

Heat pump devices are very energy efficient and cheap to run, as they use dehumidifier technology to dry clothes, rather than a heating element. As with condensers, the water is collected in a container which can be removed and emptied after a cycle has finished.

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Vented

These systems remove moisture from laundry via heating and then pump it out through a vented tube. This can be run out of an open window or door or, for a more permanent fit, installed to an outer wall. While quick to dry, they are more expensive to run than other models.

Integrated

Fitted neatly within a space and underneath a work suface, an integrated device that creates a co-ordinated look within a space. By matching the front with the rest of your layout, it will blend in seamlessly and give your space an unbroken design. By fitting inside a unit, the integrated design helps save on space.

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Freestanding

Freestanding units only require plugging into the mains, making them quick to install. They typically have a bigger drum size, which accommodates for a larger load or allows clothes to be dried faster. It also makes it easy to move your device if you change the room layout or decide to move to a new house.

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Washer dryers

These machines combine functionality, allowing you to wash and dry in a single device. This makes them a great space-saving solution for small areas. It can also free up floor space for a more open design, or make room in cupboards for storing essentials.

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Buying Considerations

Drum size

Larger drum capacities, such as 9kg or higher, are well suited to larger households or busy family homes as they can accommodate larger loads and speed up drying time. Smaller drums are typically the more affordable option, and are better suited for couples or solo residents.

Noise rating

Noise ratings, measured in decibels, indicate how loud a machine will be with a full load with 65db comparable to a normal conversation. We recommend opting for a low rating in open-plan spaces to prevent the machine interrupting other activities. It is also useful for homes with young children.

Energy efficiency

An energy-efficient model will help cut down on household bills, as well as making for an eco-friendly addition. Specific cycles will control time and temperature levels to lower energy use. Certain drying types, such as heat pumps, are an efficient option that helps reduce power usage too.

Beko freestanding condsenser tumble dryer

Final cool cycle

This additional function reduces the laundry temperature following a full cycle and cools fabric gradually. By doing so, it prevents the risk of damage to any clothing or linen, as well as making clothes safer and more comfortable to handle.

Close up of a Lamona tumble dryer control panel

Start delay

By offering control over drying start times, you can plan laundry chores around your daily routine. For example, scheduling a load for the morning means clothes are dry when you return from work, while delaying a cycle to run overnight ensures school uniforms are ready for the next day.

Miele 7kg Heat Pump Tumble dryer TCB140 WP Honeycomb

Drying sensor

This clever technology uses sensors to determine the moisture level of laundry inside the machine. It can then end a drying cycle as soon as the load is dry. This stops unnecessarily long drying cycles, making the unit cheaper to run, and preventing damage from drying fabrics too much.

Brands to explore

Lamona

Lamona are a brand that is exclusive to Howdens and only available at our depots. Choose from different fitting types and drum sizes to find the right fit for your laundry needs.

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Miele

With a choice of premium machines, Miele are known for manufacturing high-end home products. Our collection includes an array of intuitive features, as well as energy-efficient drying methods.

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Beko

Beko are well known for manufacturing versatile, affordable, and efficient equipment for the home – and these dryers are no different. With numerous features, they are a great choice for any home.

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