These days, it’s harder than ever to find time to properly hang your clothes out on the line without them getting soaked from a sudden downpour. The answer? Buy a tumble dryer! If you’re on the hunt for a tumble dryer, then make sure you read this tumble dryer buying guide from the Comet team first…
What is a tumble dryer?
Have you ever paused and pondered exactly what a tumble dryer is?
Maybe not, but the answer is that a tumble dryer is a household appliance for the drying of clothes, garments, sheets and textiles of myriad types.
How do tumble dryers work? On the principle of circulating hot air around wet clothes, thus drying them through evaporation. They do this by using a combination of:
- A heater - to generate hot air (from ambient air which is drawn into the dryer).
- A thermostat - to maintain the correct temperature within the dryer.
- A rotating drum - which tosses and circulates the clothes in order that they are completely exposed to the hot air.
It’s remarkably simple, really! But, as you’ll see later in this article, tumble dryers have evolved considerably and there are now distinct types of tumble dryer.
A brief history of the tumble dryer
The tumble dryer is much older than many people realise. Modern, electrically-driven tumble dryers can trace their roots back to 1937, when Henry W Altorfer patented a design for an electric clothes dryer.
The first tumble dryer to closely resemble those of today (e.g. with a glass viewing window), came to fruition in the 1940s thanks to the efforts of industrial designer Brooks Stevens.
However, if you can far enough back in the history books, you’ll find a proto, nascent form of tumble dryer created by M. Pochon in France. Although, you’d need to be fit to use Pochon’s tumble dryer, as it involved hand cranking a metal drum over an open fire!
Since the mid-twentieth century, tumble dryers have become ubiquitous, with research firm Statista estimating that 58% of all UK homes own a tumble dryer.
Today, tumble dryers are packed with features, including:
- Intelligent drying programs.
- Quiet operation technology.
- Auto-cleaning features.
- Anti-microbial features.
Perhaps most importantly, modern tumble dryers are designed to be highly energy efficient. This is especially valuable given that tumble dryers have traditionally been some of the most energy-intensive of home appliances.
Types of tumble dryers
A tumble dryer is a tumble dryer is a tumble dryer, right? Wrong. This is the twenty-first century, and tumble dryers have come a long way since they were invented. There are plenty of incredible features packed into those appliances to make drying clothes a breeze.
So let’s have a look at the types of tumble dryer available:
Vented tumble dryers
A vented tumble dryer is a huge asset in the modern home. As the most affordable option on the market, vented tumble dryers are easy and straightforward to operate.
These tumble dryers have a hose, or vent, that expels damp air and moisture while the wet laundry is heated. As such, they need to be installed near an external wall with a vent or duct to prevent the damp air damaging the house interior.
This direct approach makes them energy efficient as the damp air is expelled rapidly, speeding up the time it takes to dry your laundry, and reducing the cost of use.
However, the ventilation system needs to be regularly maintained to prevent moisture build-up or damage to the hose itself.
Condenser tumble dryers
Condenser tumble dryers deal with moisture differently to vented tumble dryers. As they don’t require an external vent, they have the flexibility to be placed wherever you want.
So, how do they deal with moisture?
The hot air is extracted from the laundry, and moved into a condensing chamber. Here it is condensed into water and stored in a container under the machine. Some models can be plumbed in to drain this water - similar to a washing machine, but others will require draining manually (e.g. removal of a drawer so that the accumulated water can be disposed of in a sink/drain).
Condenser tumble dryers are generally more expensive to buy than vented tumble dryers, and use more energy. However, some models are fitted with sensors to detect moisture levels in the laundry, which will automatically bring the cycle to an end when the items inside are dry. This helps to reduce energy consumption.
Heat pump tumble dryers
While heat pump tumble dryers work similarly to condenser tumble dryers, they tend to be more expensive. Though, this is not without good reason.
These tumble dryers use a heat pump, which absorbs the water from your laundry by passing hot air through the drum. The air then passes through an evaporator, which extracts the water into a reservoir.
The hot air is restored to its optimum temperature, then moves through the drum again and again, until the cycle is complete. By recycling the heat inside the machine to dry laundry, heat pump tumble dryers can improve energy efficiency by up to 40% over condenser dryers. Think of heat pump tumble dryers as being almost ‘self enclosed’, creating a highly efficient environment for the drying of garments.
However, this process can lead to longer drying times, and require more regular maintenance than other types. They also perform better when used in warmer temperatures, so if you were planning to put your tumble dryer in a garage or outbuilding, this may cause problems.
What type of tumble dryer is best for me?
Still undecided about what type of tumble dryer is best for you? Have a look at this handy chart to compare the different types of tumble dryer:
|
Tumble Dryer Type |
Vented |
Condenser |
Heat Pump |
|
Cost |
Low |
Average |
Great |
|
Drying speed |
Great |
Average |
Low |
|
Ease of use |
Great |
Average |
Average |
|
Energy efficiency |
Great |
Average |
Great |
|
Flexibility |
Low |
Great |
Great |
|
Ventilation |
Required |
N/A |
N/A |
Key features
Now that we’ve covered the different types of tumble dryer, let’s dive deeper into the specifics.
Different makes and models of tumble dryers may offer different advantages and disadvantages, so before you make a decision, think about these key features:
Capacity
Let’s get the obvious question out of the way first. What tumble dryer capacity you need will depend on the size of your household.
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<6 kg drum: these small tumble dryers are a great option for single people and smaller households. A single duvet, a couple of t-shirts, a pair of jeans - these will fill up a small drum easily.
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7–9 kg drum: for a small family, or someone with a lot to wash, a drum in this range should be able to accommodate your needs. Double duvets, trousers, tops and underwear should fit in easily enough.
- >10 kg drum: if you have a large household with a laundry basket that never seems to be empty, you want a big drum. These larger sizes should take care of those bigger duvets and a handful of laundry with ease.
Tip - if in doubt, we’d always recommend buying a tumble dryer with a slightly larger capacity than you think you’ll need. This will at least futureproof it should your laundry requirements grow in the future.
Energy efficiency
If you buy a tumble dryer, you don’t want to be guilted out of using it because those energy bills rack up too high. Luckily, tumble dryer energy ratings are easy to understand.
Tumble dryer energy ratings range from D to A+++. D is the least energy efficient, and A+++ is the most. The more energy efficient your appliance is, the less power it uses, and the lower the cost of using it is.
It’s also worth noting that some models of tumble dryer come with energy saving features, such as automatic sensors that detect when the laundry load is dry, and switch off early to avoid wasting energy.
You can also improve the energy efficiency of your tumble dryer by ensuring that you are using the proper drying settings for your laundry.
Drying features
Different fabrics have different drying needs, so it's important to make sure that your new tumble dryer is up to the task. Depending on your needs, you may want to look out for some of these drying settings:
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Iron dry: if you like to iron your clothes the moment they come out of the dryer, this is the setting for you. It leaves your clothes with a higher moisture content, which makes it easier to run an iron across them.
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Cupboard dry: not bothered about ironing your clothes? A cupboard dry setting will make sure your clothes are dry enough to fold up and put away the moment the cycle has finished.
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Extra dry: larger items such as duvets might take longer to dry than clothes. On this setting, your larger items will get the time they need to make sure all that moisture is gone before the cycle ends.
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Gentle dry: worried those delicate items might shrink or get twisted up in the tumble dryer? On the gentle dry setting, the spin cycle slows down those speeds and keeps to a lower temperature to keep your delicates safe.
- Quick dry: not everyone has the time to wait around for the laundry, so if you fit the bill, make sure you grab a tumble dryer with a quick dry setting. Depending on the model, these can vary up to about 30 minutes, meaning you can be out the door in those dry clothes much faster.
Smart features
Yes, it’s true, even the humble tumble dryer has stepped boldly into the twenty-first century. If you haven’t bought a new appliance in the last few years, you might be surprised to discover the smart technology hidden under the hood:
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Wi-Fi enabled: tumble dryers with integrated Wi-Fi can connect up with your smart home, allowing you to do things like set your next cycle, check the progress of a current cycle, and even detect any issues as they arise straight from your phone or smart device.
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Automatic dry: sensors can check the moisture levels in your laundry and switch off automatically when the desired dryness level is reached. Not only does this prevent wasted energy, but also stops your laundry from over-drying.
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Anti-crease: worried your clothes will get all creased sitting in the dryer before you have time to remove them? This setting gently tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle reaches its end, keeping your clothes wrinkle-free until you are ready to remove them.
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Allergy care: if itchy skin and sneezing fits ruin your day, this may be the solution for you. Tumble dryers with allergy care tech remove those pesky allergens from your clothes, so you don’t need to worry about dust or pollen clogging up your airways.
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Reserve spin: do tangled clothes spin you right round like a record? With the reverse tumble setting activated, all that smart technology determines when to change direction mid-cycle, preventing your clothes from twisting together into one big heap.
- Machine clean: over time, bacteria can build up inside a tumble dryer, turning your fresh clothes foul with unwanted smells. With this machine clean function, the tumble dryer will clean itself with just the push of a button, leaving you free to get on with your other jobs without the need to get scrubbing.
Noise levels
There is nothing worse than a loud appliance drowning out all noise in the house with a deafening cycle. Luckily, the boffins behind modern tumble dryers have been hard at work reducing those decibels down to something much more palatable.
Improvements to the motor and side panels can reduce machine vibration during a spin cycle, which not only lowers the noise, but also improves the longevity of the appliance, as there is less friction between moving parts.
Look out for terms like Inverter Motor, SilenceDrum, or Super Silence when viewing tumble dryers to find those with the right technology to keep your machine nice and quiet.
Some tumble dryers are also Quiet Mark certified. This is a certification scheme that tests appliances to ensure they don’t produce and emit unwanted and excessive noise.
Fit type
Where do you want your tumble dryer to sit? Do you want it to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, relegate it to a utility space, or put it in your bathroom (as many European nations are wont to do). We’re not here to judge. You do you.
There are several fit types to choose from to fit your requirements:
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Freestanding tumble dryers: these freestanding and independent units can be placed anywhere you need them to go (provided they have the appropriate electrical connection). Their versatility makes them great for homes big or small, and can be moved easily if needed. They are an ideal choice for renters, or people who love to rearrange their living space.
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Integrated tumble dryers: perfect for creating a seamless space, integrated tumble dryers are hidden behind a cabinet door, helping to maintain that tidy kitchen aesthetic. However, what they give in appearance, they take in flexibility, as relocating them isn’t as easy. Because of this, take care to properly measure up your space before you commit to an integrated tumble dryer.
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Stackable tumble dryers: if space is at a premium, a stackable tumble dryer might be the way to go. Placed on top of other appliances, such as a washing machine, they can save you valuable floor space without compromising functionality. Many manufacturers offer the proper kits to securely stack appliances, so you don’t need to have a degree in engineering to enjoy that verticality.
- Compact/portable tumble dryers: these smaller, lightweight units are designed to move easily between locations. Portable or compact tumble dryers are perfect for places with limited space, or for occasional use.
Delivery and installation
So you’re about to buy a tumble dryer. Then what? Well, unless you’re happy with it sitting unused in a box in the garage, you’ll need to think about installation.
Before you buy
But wait, before you jump in, why not make some last minute checks just to make sure? The last thing you want is to find out your chosen tumble dryer is an inch too big. Follow these helpful tips:
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Measure twice: the phrase “measure twice, cut once” sort of applies here, although thankfully you won’t need to do any cutting (aside from cutting the tumble dryer out of the cardboard box when it arrives). Once you have measured up the space, double check it to make sure the numbers match up. What it takes in time now will save you plenty in the long run if the tumble dryer doesn’t fit.
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Don’t forget about the pipes: no matter what type of tumble dryer you pick, you need to leave at least 3 centimetres of room at the back to allow for the pipes needed for connection. This is especially important if you picked a vented tumble dryer, as that hose needs to stay clear and not kink.
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Space: when the tumble dryer is in place, do you have enough space to load and unload it easily? If the answer is yes, great. If not, then it might be time to think about alternate living solutions (for the tumble dryer. You don’t need to move house unless you want to). Remember, you’ll need enough space to open and close the dryer door - so make sure it’s not in too tight of a space.
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Ventilation: whether you buy a vented tumble dryer or not, ventilation is still an important factor to consider. Most outlets would advise against putting a tumble dryer in a cupboard, or somewhere with minimal air flow.
- Temperature and humidity: tumble dryers rely on heat to dry your laundry. If your chosen space is too cold or too humid, this can affect the performance of your tumble dryer. A warm, dry space is the best fit.
Delivery
Tumble dryers aren’t the easiest things to move, especially through those tight corridors or in small spaces.
Luckily for you, at Comet, we’re here to take care of transport and installation for you. We offer a range of affordable services to help you get your tumble dryer up and running fast.
Learn more about our delivery services here.
Installation
The day has come. Your new tumble dryer has arrived and is ready to be installed.
Firstly, read the manual. You’ll get far more information out of that than you will any online guide. Still here? Okay, let’s cover some of the basics:
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Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers: thanks to their flexibility, installing a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer is relatively straightforward. So long as you have a power supply close by, you can plug your new appliance in and get started.
- Vented tumble dryers: these aren’t so easy to install. If you are replacing an older vented tumble dryer model, in most cases you should be able to replace the tumble dryer and connect to the old vent.
However, if you’re new to the world of vented tumble dryers, you may be in for a longer installation process. Depending on where you want your ventilation system to go, you may need to drill holes into the wall. If you are not experienced in such situations, seek a professional.
Performance and maintenance
If you want to get the most out of your new tumble dryer, you need to make sure that you maintain it regularly. Here are some of our helpful tips:
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Clean the filter: tumble dryers contain filters that will fill up with lint over time. A clogged filter can reduce the effectiveness of your tumble dryer, so empty it out regularly.
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Check the ventilation: if your tumble dryer has a ventilation system, make sure it is free from obstructions, and kink-free. Blockages inside the ventilation system can cause it to malfunction, or cause a build up of bacteria.
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Check the drum and gasket: residue can build up inside the drum after use, so consider giving it a little wipe down with a damp cloth. While you’re in there, check the seals around the door for any signs of wear and tear, as these can lead to leaks.
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Clean the sensor: if your tumble dryer has a moisture sensor, you want to make sure it is working properly. Sensors can become coated with residue like fabric softeners, which affects its ability to work accurately. Clean them down with a soft cloth to maintain their effectiveness.
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Use the right settings: take time to work out the right settings for your laundry. There’s no need to go with the maximum power every time. Any opportunities to reduce the settings down will conserve more energy, and prolong the life of your tumble dryer.
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Empty the reservoir: if you bought a condenser or heat pump tumble dryer, your machine will have a water reservoir where all the condensed water drains into. Even if your tumble dryer is equipped to drain this water away, you should check this regularly to make sure it is working properly. If the reservoir is full, it will prevent your tumble dryer from working properly.
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Service regularly: all the good care in the world can’t prevent every issue. Schedule regular maintenance checks in with a professional to give your tumble dryer a proper check, and ensure all the components are working properly.
Find the right tumble dryer for you
At Comet, we stock the best brands on the market to ensure that you never have to compromise on quality.
We stock a range of tumble dryers to suit your drying needs, so whether you prefer vented, condenser, or heat pump technology, we have the right tumble dryer for you.
We offer a selection of flexible financing options to suit your payment needs. You can use Klarna Pay in 3 or PayPal Credit to spread those costs over three, interest-free payments. Or choose Snap Finance, to spread the cost over an incredible 48 months.
Shop the best tumble dryers at Comet today.
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