Are tumble dryers worth it?
Well, that entirely depends on your budget, wants and needs. Weighing up the pros and cons is a good place to start.
Tumble dryers are obviously an investment no matter what you do, with the cheapest models costing around £300 and the best high-spec options costing around £2,000. However, despite the initial outlay, there is no doubt that they can lighten your laundry load significantly and cut your routine in half.
If you’d like to stop hanging dripping washing on your radiators or pack away your heated clothes airer, you’ll want a tumble dryer. Able to dry much larger loads in as little as an hour, you can stop worrying about extra condensation around your home (check out our guide to the best dehumidifiers and best mould removers if this is a problem) and free up some space.
Although you still need to have somewhere to put your tumble dryer, and considering the current energy crisis, the increased energy usage and running costs are worth bearing in mind. Picking an energy-efficient model or those with an A rating is an excellent way to mitigate this.
You should also consider safety. Even the best tumble dryers can get hot, so if you have small children, you'll want to double-check whether models come with child locks, or you’ll have to purchase some separately. They are considered a fire risk, too, due to their high wattage, so it’s essential that you don’t leave them running overnight or unattended when you go out and that you clean the filter regularly.
Ultimately, it is entirely down to your personal preference. However, there is no denying that a tumble dryer's drying power and ability to whizz through your family’s laundry pile is an absolute godsend.
Read next: Best tumble dryer balls
Are vented and condenser tumble dryers being banned?
European Union: From 1 July 2025, new vented, gas-fired and standard condenser tumble dryers can no longer be placed on the EU market. Only heat pump dryers meet the updated efficiency standards. Shops can still sell through existing stock placed on the market before this date.
Northern Ireland: The same rules apply under the Windsor Framework, so NI retailers cannot place new non-heat-pump dryers on the market from 1 July 2025.
Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales): Not yet banned. The UK government consulted in 2025 on raising standards to match the EU, but no date has been confirmed. If enacted, the phase-out would happen six months after the legislation is laid in Parliament.
Stock availability: Because most major appliance brands sell across both the UK and EU, manufacturers are already switching production towards heat pump dryers only. Even in Great Britain, where non-heat-pump dryers are still legal for now, shoppers may notice fewer vented and condenser models available as retailers run down existing stock and manufacturers stop producing new ones.
What's the difference between condenser, vented and heat pump tumble dryers?
Mumsnet users have contrasting views on which is the best tumble dryer type, so here's a brief rundown of some of the main options and differences between condenser, vented and heat pump dryers:
Vented tumble dryers are traditionally the cheapest and most energy-efficient type of dryer. It works by drying clothes using hot air, which is then vented from the drum via a hose, hence its name. Sounds perfect? The only downside is that you need a suitable location in your home, as the hose needs to be fitted through an external wall using a venting kit. If you want, you can hang the hose out of the window (as some people do); however, this is less than ideal come winter. As a result, vented dryers have been superseded by the condenser and heat pump designs that are easier to install.
Condenser tumble dryers are very quick-drying and can be installed anywhere in your home, from the garage to your kitchen, as long as the room is well-ventilated. It works by drawing in and heating cool air from the room to dry clothes inside the drum. Any steam is then turned into water and collected in a removable tank, and the excess hot air is expelled back out. Consequently, condenser tumble dryers can cause significant condensation, which is a problem if you have damp. You would also need to empty the water tank regularly, so they require more maintenance.
Heat pump tumble dryers are the most expensive type to buy. Still, they balance out their initial outlay by being far more energy efficient and, therefore, much cheaper to run, making them very popular during the current energy crisis. Although a consequence of this is that they take longer to dry laundry loads. Like a condenser dryer, they can be placed anywhere in your home and use hot air passed through the drum to dry clothing. However, unlike a condenser dryer, the hot air is recycled and sent back through the drum multiple times after the water is evaporated and stored in its reservoir. As a result, hot pump tumble dryers use far less electricity, saving money on your bills.
Can a heat pump tumble dryer cut your energy bills?
If you currently have a condenser or vented tumble dryer, switching to a heat pump model will have an effect on your bills. Heat pump tumble dryers have a considerably lower wattage (typically around 800-900 watts) compared to condensers at around 2,300-2,700 watts. In simple terms this means they use less electricity to dry your clothes, saving you about 50% per drying cycle, which translates to £100-£200 saving per year, depending on how often you use your dryer.
However, heat pump tumble dryers tend to cost a bit more than a condenser model from the same brand, so you may spend more upfront in anticipation of the long-terms savings on your bills. Alternatively, you could make your budget go further by opting for a heat pump tumble dryer from a highly-recommended value brand like Beko.
If you don't currently have a tumble dryer, a heat pump model is the most energy-efficient dryer you can buy. It's also worth looking into investing in a dehumidifier and heated clothes airer, if you have plenty of space to dry clothes indoors, as these can be a great alternative. Naturally, using just an energy-efficient washing machine and a washing line or clothes horse uses the least energy of all drying methods.
What size dryer should I get?
Tumble dryers vary considerably in drum capacity from 2.5kg all the way up to 11kg. According to Argos, the drum size can be translated in the following way:
7kg: 35 adult t-shirts or one double duvet
8kg: 40 adult t-shirts or one queen-sized duvet
9kg: 45 adult t-shirts or one light king-sized duvet
10kg: 50 adult t-shirts or one heavy king-sized duvet
A general rule of thumb is that an 8kg drum is suitable for couples or small households, and a 9kg drum is ideal for the average-size family. However, if you generate a LOT of washing, you may want to splash out on a 10kg machine.
What do energy ratings mean?
Energy ratings in the UK changed in 2021. Formerly an A+++ to G EU energy rating system, the new UK-specific system now rates from A to G (with A being the most efficient), meaning that brands must work harder for their appliances to be considered energy efficient. For example, a tumble dryer rated A+++ before 2021 will now be rated as D.
Currently, the products featured in this guide are still using the old grading system using A+++ to G (and many retailers are still showing appliance ratings using the old scale), but this is likely to change soon.
Which is the most energy-efficient tumble dryer?
The most energy-efficient type is a heat pump dryer, and the Samsung Series 9 DV90t840SH - which has an A+++ rating - is the best tumble dryer on our list when it comes to energy-efficiency.
About the author
Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on laundry appliances, homeware and cleaning products.
Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021, writing buyers' guides and product reviews to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.
Laura is also a freelance journalist and has written articles for publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.