The 14 best tumble dryers, according to experts

Our inclement weather makes drying clothes on a line all year round nigh-on impossible, so the Great British public has two choices: a cheap-to-run heated clothes airer, or a convenient but energy-intensive tumble dryer. Or so you might think. In fact, the best tumble dryers these days are decidedly low-energy, costing around 60p per load but the tricky part is weighing up how much to spend up front.

Tumble dryers at the affordable end are less energy efficient, so could cost you more in the long-run. Heat pump tumble dryers are more expensive, but don’t require as much electricity to generate heat, making them more energy-efficient and cheaper in the long run.

We’ve broken down the differences between heat pump, vented and condenser tumble dryers below and asked experts for recommendations of specific tumble dryers. Where possible, we’ve got hands-on experience with the tumble dryers in question and answered your tumble dryer FAQs.

The best tumble dryers: At a glance

How to choose a tumble dryer

The best tumble dryers have multiple programme settings – for example for cottons, synthetics or delicates – helping you keep your clothes in the best nick for longer. Delay starts mean you can have your cycle begin at the best time for you, LED warnings will tell you when you need to empty a water container or replace a filter and programming lights help you keep track of drying.

At the time of testing, machines are given ratings from A+++ to D, with A+++ indicating the utmost energy efficiency. Newer appliances tend to be more energy-efficient, but it depends on how long a cycle takes and how often you use your machine as well.

Large capacity drum sizes are more energy-efficient because they’ll dry clothes in less time. Most range from 7kg to 9kg. You might also want reversible doors to change the direction in which your door opens to better suit your location. Finally, child locks prevent children messing around with the machine.

How we test tumble dryers