The best tumble dryers you can buy in 2020

RUNNING tumble dryers can be costly, but there’s no denying they’re an essential household appliance. As the UK weather is so unpredictable, it’s hard to judge when you can hang your clothes outside to dry.  Condenser or vented dryer? Automatic or manual? 6kg or 8kg drum? Our expert guide below will help you choose the […]

RUNNING tumble dryers can be costly, but there’s no denying they’re an essential household appliance.

As the UK weather is so unpredictable, it’s hard to judge when you can hang your clothes outside to dry. 

Condenser or vented dryer? Automatic or manual? 6kg or 8kg drum?

Our expert guide below will help you choose the best tumbler dryer for you.

Although the best tumble dryers out there tend to have the latest technology, there are cheaper options worth knowing about.

But spending a little more on a tumble dryer can help to reduce your household bills, especially if you can buy a more energy-efficient model than what you own already.

What’s the difference between a heat pump dryer and condenser dryer?

Heat pump dryers work in a similar way to condenser dryers: by storing water in reservoirs as clothes dry.

However, heat pump dryers re-circulate air around the dryer using lower temperatures, making them more energy efficient.

Some heat pump dryers can take slightly longer to dry your laundry as part of the trade off, but with high-end models, the difference is negligible.

1. Indesit Eco-Time IDV75W 7KG Vented Tumble Dryer 

• Indesit Eco-Time IDV75W 7KG Vented Tumble Dryer, £169.99 from Argos – buy here 

The Indesit Eco-Time vented tumble dryer is one of the cheapest options out there.

Although it’s a basic machine, if you’re budget won’t stretch that far then it’s worth considering.

It has a 7kg capacity for handling all of your laundry needs.

There’s even a reverse tumble action to ensure that your clothes dry evenly and without tangling together.

The downside is that it only has two heat settings, but you can’t really argue with the price. 

2. Bush TD7CNBCW 7KG Condenser Tumble Dryer 

• Bush TD7CNBCW 7KG Condenser Tumble Dryer , £179.99 from Argos – buy here 

The Bush Condenser tumble dryer boasts of sensor drying technology.

It has 15 laundry programmes and specialist cycles for your silk blouses, woolen jumpers and baby clothes.

If you’re running out of time, the refresh cycle can be used to keep your clothes in great shape.

For extra efficiency, it can be set to run during off peak energy hours.

3. Candy GVS C9DG 9KG Sensor Dry Condenser Tumble Dryer 

• Candy GVS C9DG 9KG Sensor Dry Condenser Tumble Dryer, £199 from Argos – buy here 

This 9kg machine is pretty efficient with its B energy rating.

Tech lovers, you’re in for a treat with the sensor dry technology, which allows you to set the level of dryness to your choosing.

Finished with smartphone compatibility, you can control this appliance remotely and check how long is left on the cycle without moving.

It also offers a delay start of up to 24 hours, saving you money on your electricity tariffs.

4. Beko DTGC8000W 8KG Condenser Tumble Dryer

• Beko DTGC8000W 8KG Condenser Tumble Dryer, £269.99 from Argos – buy here 

This is one seriously heavy duty dryer.

Suitable for a large family, this condenser tumble dryer has an 8kg capacity that gives you enough space to dry up to 22 hand towels in one cycle.

Loading and unloading will be easier thanks to the handy interior light and large porthole door.

And, Beko’s intelligent sensor drying programmes give you the flexibility to dry your laundry exactly how you like.

It even prevents over-drying by identifying moisture in the drum and automatically stopping the cycle when the optimal dryness has been reached.

5. Bosch Classixx WTE84106GB Sensor Condenser Tumble Dryer

• Bosch Classixx WTE84106GB Sensor Condenser Tumble Dryer, £299 from John Lewis – buy here 

The time-saving Bosch condenser tumble dryer has a range of drying programmes to help tackle all of your laundry needs.

The impressive, reasonably priced machine features a sportswear option, and a super quick 40, with a fully electronic control dial which allows you to select sensor and timed programmes.

There’s even an option to choose an anti-crease phase where the machine tumbles the load to eliminate excess creasing – saving you time and energy when drying. 

The LED progress indicator and warning fluff filter will help you keep on top of your machine’s status. 

6. Bosch WTN83200GB Freestanding Condenser Tumble Dryer

• Bosch WTN83200GB Freestanding Condenser Tumble Dryer, £378 from John Lewis – buy here 

It’s worth every penny for busy households with lots of laundry.

Bosch’s anti vibration design structure regulates noise levels and reduces vibration, making each cycle very quiet.

There’s also a sensitive drying cycle, leaving you with softy laundry without any creases.

It even features an LED display, anti crease cycle and easy clean filter technology. 

7. Bosch WTWH7561GB Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer

• Bosch WTWH7561GB Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer, £679 from John Lewis – buy here

Although it’s pricey, Bosch’s heat pump tumble dryer has an A ++ energy rating. 

With a large 9kg capacity load, it is perfect for large families and busy households.

It has impressive digital features including touch controls, sensitive drying, LED display, anti crease cycle and drum interior light.

This Bosch model is able to connect to your smartphone or tablet, so you can easily track your cycle.

8. Miele TWH620 WP Eco XL T1 heat pump dryer

• Miele TWH620 WP Eco XL T1 heat pump dryer, £1259 from C.R. Wood Electrical Ltd – buy here 

It’s one of the most expensive machines on the market.

Miele’s heat pump dryer has the latest EcoDry technology and can cope with 9kg loads.

It even releases scent into your laundry during the drying cycle.

There’s also a tailored drum reversal rhythm for duvets and sheets to ensure even drying and anti-tangling.

And the machine has an A +++ energy efficiency rating, saving you the most money on your electricity bills.