Tumble Dryer Buying Guide

There are many different types of tumble dryer available to buy online, offering great energy efficiency, ease of use, clothing care and value for money. Here are some hints and tips on what to look out for when choosing a tumble dryer.

How to Choose Tumble Dryer

Most tumble dryers work by circulating heated air through a rotating drum that contains the washed, damp clothing.

There are two main types of tumble dryer:

Vented - The most popular form of tumble dryer. A vented tumble dryer pumps out the damp air via a hose. This method can cause condensation so it's usually better to hang the hose out of a window or attach it to a vent in the wall of your house.
Ventless - A ventless dryer typically uses a condensation process, via a heat exchanger, to separate the water from the moist air into a tank or drain pipe. A condenser tumble dryer has higher running costs compared to a vented tumble dryer. Ventless tumble dryers are useful in rooms where there is no suitable vent facility. Other types of ventless dryer include steam compression tumble dryers, which are more efficient than their vented counterparts.

Features to Look for When You Buy A Tumble Dryer

Tumble dryers are based on a drum system, similar to that of washing machines, in which clothes are 'tumbled' around on a drying cycle. Tumble dryer drums are bigger than washing machine drums, to allow the heated air to flow through the dryer. The larger the drum, the more efficient the tumble dryer will be.

Here are the main features and specifications typically found on tumble dryers:

Drum - The larger the drum, the more efficiently your clothes will dry. Look out for stainless steel drums, as these are better quality, with a smooth finish to prevent damage to clothes.
Heat Settings - Tumble dryers usually have up to three heat settings - two for cotton and synthetic materials and one for delicates.
Timer - The timer function allows you to set a suitable time for drying your clothes. Although tumble dryers fitted with a timer are cheaper than sensor models, it can take a while to work out the correct drying times for the different types of clothing.
Sensor - A sensor function will work out the dampness of the clothing and dry it for an appropriate time. You simply select the programme and leave the tumble dryer to it. Although sensor tumble dryers are more expensive than other models, they are more convenient.
Reverse Tumble - This feature improves the dispersal of clothing inside the dryer, by intermittently rotating the drum in both directions. The reverse tumble function dries clothing more evenly and reduces the drying time.

Buy An Energy Efficient Tumble Dryer and Keep Saving Money

Tumble dryers are one of the most expensive household appliances to use. The energy used by the appliance is measured in Kilowatts per hour, therefore the higher the kilowatts, the more expensive the machine is to run. Try to compare the energy efficiency of various models and take the running costs into account, especially if you are keeping to a budget.

Look out for energy ratings on tumble dryers. They are graded from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient. Some models of tumble dryer have microprocessors and sensors to improve efficiency according to the load of clothing being dried. Always read the handbook to find the most efficient way to use that particular model of dryer.

Remember that once you have purchased your tumble dryer, simple maintenance such as cleaning the filters and heat exchanger will improve the overall performance of the machine.

Do I Need to Buy a Tumble Dryer Extended Warranty?

A warranty ensures repairs or replacements under certain conditions, and is recommended when buying a tumble dryer. You can often extend the warranty to cover the machine for longer. Comparing warranties between models, manufacturer and retailer will get you the best deal.

Set a limit on the amount of money that you are prepared to spend on your new tumble dryer. By shopping around online, comparing tumble dryer prices between different retailers and taking advantage of special offers or discounts, you could get a better model of tumble dry for your money.