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Best tumble dryers: trusted dryers for every budget
Energy prices may have risen, but tumble dryers remain the most efficient way to dry clothes indoors. I turned to experts and real Mumsnet users to help you choose the best tumble dryer for your household, while keeping costs down.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Dec 16, 2025
Between the temperamental British weather and the limited floor space of any home, drying a week’s worth of clothing for the average family can be challenging. While drying your clothes on the washing line or clothes airer can save money on your energy bills, a tumble dryer offers speed, efficiency and convenience.
Choosing the best tumble dryer for your home is about helping you work smarter, not harder. That's why I spoke to Sarah Dempsey, laundry expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, to get insider knowledge on picking the very best and most reliable tumble dryer for your family.
While hanging your laundry on a rotary washing line straight from the washing machine is the cheapest way to dry laundry, you can't always rely on the UK weather to play ball. Come rain or shine, not only will a tumble dryer dry your clothes faster than a conventional airer or heated clothes airer, it'll produce fewer creases and reduce the amount of time you need to spend using your steam iron. What's more, modern heat pump tumble dryers are surprisingly energy-efficient, costing about 63p per cycle, according to analysts at Currys.
11th December 2025 update: A large number of integrated heat pump tumble dryers have been recalled. To check if your appliance is affected, visit the gov.uk website.
Best tumble dryers - at a glance:
Best heat pump tumble dryer: AEG 7000 SENSIDRY® TR739G4B 9Kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer,
£839£649Best budget tumble dryer: Beko DTLCE80041W 8KG Condenser Tumble Dryer, £239
Best quiet tumble dryer: MIELE T1 EcoSpeed TWH780 WP WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £1,449
Best integrated tumble dryer: Beko DTIKP71131W 7Kg Integrated Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £519
Best energy-efficient tumble dryer: BOSCH Series 6 WQG24502GB 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £799
So, how do you choose the best tumble dryer from the overwhelming number of available options? There are three types of tumble dryer: heat pump, condenser and vented. While they all have their pros and cons, choosing the right model for your family can have a massive impact on your laundry routine.
A condenser tumble dryer can be installed anywhere in your home, but it isn’t as energy efficient as a heat pump and needs emptying regularly. On the other hand, a heat pump tumble dryer is the cheapest to run, but it takes a little longer to dry clothes.
Vented tumble dryers are cheap to buy, but need installing so the steam can be released out of your home - they're also the least energy-efficient of the 3 types so cost more to run.
How we chose our recommended tumble dryers
To help you find the best tumble dryer for you, your family, and your budget, we've spent hours consulting our vast network of Mumsnet users (that's 8 million unique users each month), taking advice from experts and attending industry insider events - as well as scouring the internet for product accolades and consumer reviews. We're constantly updating this guide to ensure it's up-to-date, cost-effective and honest, reflecting current availability and new releases.
If you want to dive a bit deeper into the different types of tumble dryer, be sure to consult our guides to the best heat pump tumble dryers, best vented tumble dryers and best condenser tumble dryers before you buy.
Here are the best tumble dryers for 2025.
Best tumble dryer overall
A+++ energy rating
Sensor drying
Delicates, down and wool cycles
Quiet
Long cycles
Key specs
Price on writing: £839 | Energy rating: A+++ | Programmes: 12 | Dimensions: (H)85.0 x (W)59.6 x (D)65.7 | Capacity: 9kg
What Mumsnet users say
Heat pump tumble dryers are the most energy-efficient and modern type of tumble dryer. As condenser and vented models are being phased out, investing in a great heat pump dryer like this one from AEG is a wise move.
While it costs over £800, it's A+++ rated for energy efficiency, so you'll see a saving in your energy bills. Mix Dry technology means it'll evenly dry cottons and synthetics in the same load, and SensiDry takes care of fabrics by drying them efficiently on a low heat - it also senses when your laundry is dry, so you won't waste time or electricity on unnecessary tumbling.
There's no getting away from the fact that heat pump models take longer to dry than condenser and vented types. The AEG 7000 does so quietly - at just 64dB - and has reverse tumble action to get clothes evenly dry with minimal creasing.
Best budget tumble dryer
Affordable
Great at drying clothes quickly
Easy to use
Water tank is easy to empty
Some may prefer a see-through door
No countdown timer
Filter is fiddly to clean
Key specs
RRP: £239 | Type: Condenser | Capacity: 7kg | Size: H84.6 x W59.7 x D56.8 | Rated efficiency: B | Noise level: 65dB | Programmes: 15 | Warranty: 1 year
What Mumsnet users say
Reviewed by Mumsnet editor Tasha Gregson: Read our full Beko DTLCE70051W review
The cost of living crisis has most of us tightening our belts, and not everyone can afford to splash out up to a grand on a new dryer. At under £250, the Beko DTLCE70051W was a clear winner for our best budget tumble dryer. Granted, it's not the most efficient model out there, but our tester Leanne, a mum of four, was impressed with its drying capabilities and found it was a hardworking model that helped her tackle her children's laundry baskets.
"Beko’s condenser tumble dryer has an 7kg capacity and a wide door opening to handle large loads," says Sarah Dempsey. "Sensors prevent clothes from over-drying and periodic rotation reduces creases, to help you get good results with minimal effort. As a condenser dryer, it empties directly into the drain. So, there’s no manual emptying. It has a good mix of programmes, including short and eco options - but the display doesn’t tell you the time remaining."
For piles of wet washing, this Beko has a seven-kilogram drum, 15 drying options that include a GentleCare cycle to protect your favourite blanket hoodies, and an anti-crease function to cut down on ironing time. We loved the intuitive and easy-to-use display too. Our biggest gripe was that the filter was quite fiddly to clean, but on the flip side, the water tank was very simple to empty. All in all, we think it's a decent buy for families on a budget.
Read next: Best budget washing machines
Best quiet tumble dryer
MIELE T1 EcoSpeed TWH780 WP WiFi-enabled 9 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
A+++ energy rating
Generous 9kg drum
Tested for up to 20 years' use
QuietMark accredited
Expensive
Key specs
Price: £1,449 | Capacity: 9kg | Size: (H)85 x (W)59.6 x (D)60 cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Noise level: 64dB | Programmes: 12 | Warranty: 2 years
What Mumsnet users say
This QuietMark-accredited tumble dryer operates at 64dB at its noisiest (which is about the same as the quiet hum of an office), so it's great for open-plan kitchens and those who value peace and quiet.
While the £1,449 price tag is certainly steep, Miele appliances are tested for 20 years' worth of use. The brand is well-known for quality and longevity, and Mumsnetters report decades of great laundry before their Mieles go off to the great utility room in the sky.
Like our #1 pick (the AEG 7000), the Miele T1 EcoSpeed TWH780 is A+++ rated for energy efficiency, and its EcoDry and PerfectDry tech optimises each cycle to get your clothes evenly dry in as short a time as possible.
Mumsnet users recommend Miele tumble dryers for drying delicates, and you can even trust this one with wool - and there's an app to help you select the perfect cycle to suit your clothing.
Best vented tumble dryer
Spacious 9kg drum capacity
Drying sensors for efficiency
App connectivity
Some reviewers find the range of programmes too complex
Key specs
Price on writing: £299 | Energy rating: C | Programmes: 14 | Dimensions: H85 x W60 x D60 cm
While vented tumble dryers are less easily available nowadays due to being phased out in the EU (and the UK will likely follow soon), people still love their simplicity and speed, even if they're a lot less energy-efficient than heat pump models.
This one from Hoover has drying sensors and app connectivity, so you get modern functionality within a traditional vented design. Its 9kg drum is large enough to handle your whole family's washing, too.
Vented tumble dryers have a pipe for water vapour to escape through, so they need to be vented through a wall or window.
Best integrated tumble dryer
Beko DTIKP71131W 7Kg Integrated Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
10-year parts guarantee
Great energy rating for an integrated appliance
15 drying programmes
Delay start timer
For right-hand cupboard doors only
Key specs
Price on writing: £499 | Energy rating: A++ | Programmes: 15 | Dimensions: (H)84.6 x (W)59.7 x (D)50.8cm | Warranty: 10 year parts, 2 year labour
What Mumsnet users say
For a seamless kitchen, this integrated tumble dryer from Beko will blend right in. It's a heat pump model, so comes with an A++ energy rating and the efficient, water recycling functions you'd expect. With a respectable 15 programmes, Mumsnetters are impressed with its efficiency and how well it cares for their clothing.
The Beko DTIKP71131W 7Kg Integrated Heat Pump Tumble Dryer comes with sensor dry technology, which monitors how wet your clothes are and stops the cycle once they reach the perfect dryness. It's worth noting your cupboard door needs to be fixed to the right-hand side of this model in order to access the water tank drawer.
Related: Best integrated tumble dryers
Best energy-efficient tumble dryer
40-minute quick dry
A+++ energy rating
Self-cleaning condenser
Anti-vibration walls
Expensive
Key specs
RRP: £799 | Type: Heat pump | Capacity: 9kg | Size: H85 x W60 x D65cm | Rated efficiency: A+++ | Noise level: 62dB | Programmes: 18 | Warranty: 5 year
What Mumsnet users say
This A+++ rated tumble dryer from Bosch has all sorts of clever features to make it stand out from the crowd. Its self-cleaning condenser means you won't have to worry about upkeep, and the anti-vibration walls keep noise to a minimum.
A small load can be dry in just 40 minutes, and its drying sensors mean it'll never waste energy or time by over-drying your laundry. There's a 24-hour timer so you can run the dryer at the time most convenient to you, and there's a child lock to make sure little handsdon't accidentally pause your cycle.
The range of cycles is excellent, with options for down jackets, woollens and delicates.
Read next: Best retractable washing lines
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.