Best tumble dryer 2024: heat pump and condenser models for efficient drying

Picking the best tumble dryer is no easy task; there are so many out there, all of which speed up the time it takes to do your laundry. Buying one will make a busy household a much more efficient one, and if you choose the right tumble dryer, your clothes will be luxuriant to the touch as well. Now is the time to reclaim space from the tyranny of laundry and indulge in a tumble dryer.

Not sure which way to turn? No problem because we’ve done all the research for you and selected a tranche of great machines that come highly recommended by both users and pros. To be clear, these are all tumble-only options – made to pair with one of the best washing machines. We're not including washer dryers… but we do have a list of the best washer dryers if you need it.

Now, let's walk you through the best tumble dryers you can buy today.

Best tumble dryers 2024 ranking

If you’re after an outstanding cost-efficient tumble dryer, the Bosch Serie 6 will give you peace of mind. It’s a heat pump tumble dryer that operates at lower temperatures, so it's much gentler on fabrics while costing less to run.  

The Serie 6’s generous 9kg drum capacity is sufficient for medium-to-large households and boasts an interior LED light which is always helpful to see your laundry tumbling around. Other handy features include the clever AutoDry, that monitors temperature and how wet your clothes are to provide a more even dry. What’s more, it has a crease-free feature that ensures soft laundry and fluffy towels time after time. 

In addition, the Serie 6 has a vast array of programmes ranging from standard, cotton care to special ones for delicates or sportswear. Plus, if you’re in a hurry, it has a quick 40-minute programme that uses a higher temperature to quickly dry small loads and favourite items of clothing. And with its Wi-Fi connectivity, you can adjust settings from your phone.

With its impressive A++ rating, the Series 6 is very energy-efficient, saving your households bills from rising in the long-run. And best of all, it has a noise level of 64db, which means it’s incredibly quiet, so you can enjoy your Netflix binges in peace!

Bear in mind that, being a heat pump model, it does take longer to dry clothing. However, it dries clothes incredibly well, which is a boon for large or busy households.

If you're looking for a premium tumble dryer, this Miele T1 heat pump dryer ticks all the right boxes. It uses heat pump technology which uses up to 50% less energy than a traditional condenser dryer and it has a sensor-controlled drying system that automatically works out the best temperature and time to ensure that no energy is wasted. 

Heat pump dryers tend to be less crease-inducing than condenser ones, and that's the case here. This model has a whopping 9kg capacity, which is more than enough drum space for even the biggest, most outdoorsy family. There's also Wi-Fi compatibility enabling you to control and monitor the programme from wherever you are instead of having to physically go and check on the dryer's progress.

Miele has an enviable reputation for high quality and longevity, and while this dryer is at the more expensive end of the market, it's built to an extremely high standard and delivers stunning results. Also, its reduced energy consumption has never been more important than it is now, making it a smart buy as well as a blooming smart appliance. If you want a tumbler that does the job well and lasts for years – longer than a decade without any servicing in many instances – step right this way.

For those who prefer heat pump dryers for their energy efficiency and low-cost running, this model offers a set of brilliant features. The main feature here is the smart AbsoluteCare, which offers tailored drying for each item. This adjusts the temperature and drum speed accordingly for different fabrics, including wool and hand-wash items – perfect for saving your delicates from shrinking to toddler size. It also has advanced temperature and humidity sensors to protect your clothing from wear and tear, plus  special programmes including Duvet, Silk and Sports which are always handy.

From the outset, the AEG looks sleek and attractive with a neat LCD control display and reversible door hinge. The only downside is the tinted drum window, meaning you can’t really see your laundry tumbling around inside the dryer. However, this is a minor issue considering it has a generous 9kg capacity.  

It’s worthwhile noting, since it’s a heat pump dryer and designed to dry at lower temperatures, it will take longer to dry larger batches of clothing. It’s also quite expensive to buy despite being more energy efficient and cost effective in the long-run. A top choice for large families or households knee deep in laundry.

If you’re after decent performance at low cost, this Hotpoint condenser dryer offers great value for money. It has a sufficient 8kg capacity drum and is equipped with a handy optimal temperature thermostat to protect your clothes from over drying. What’s more, this will save you on energy bills and is more cost-effective in the long term.

Considering its low price, the Hotpoint does offer some impressive features. Programme cycles include easy iron delicates, duvet, eco cotton, jeans, shirts, mixed and crease care. There is also a handy temperature boost with hygiene option to remove 99.9% bacteria. This is ideal for families with small children or allergy sufferers. For added convenience, it has a 30-minute quick cycle if you don’t fancy waiting for your items to dry. What’s more, it’s very quiet compared to others at this price range.

This condenser dryer has a fuss-free water container that you simply remove and empty after each cycle, making it easy to maintain. While it’s not the most stylish in appearance, it does have a handy, digital display. But if you can overlook the lack of aesthetic appeal, this excellent dryer will get the job done.

For those running a big household and strapped for time, the Hoover Aquavision H-Dry 300 will do all the hard work. Equipped with a generous 10kg capacity, this machine will accommodate large loads (apparently 50 T-shirts!), and handle bed linen with ease – perfect for large families who could benefit from the extra room.

Its top performance is thanks to handy features such as Sensor Dry that prevents over drying, and with four sensor drying levels, this results in completely dry and crease-free laundry. It comes with an impressive 14 programmes ranging from delicates and shirts to a cupboard dry cycle. However, the interface’s icons do take a while to get a handle on. 

The Hoover also has a half-load feature, ideal for smaller loads, without using up loads of energy. But best of all, it has a large transparent waste water reservoir in the door so you can easily see when it’s full and needs emptying. This is a unique feature among condenser tumble dryers. And if you like a bit of tech, this model also features handy NFC connectivity to help you control your cycles at the touch of a button on your smartphone. 

Considering all it has to offer, the Hoover Aquavision doesn’t break the bank. Granted, it is rather loud and not the most energy efficient tumbler on the page, but if you’re prepared to compromise noise and energy efficiency for quality results, this dryer is a winner.

How to buy the best tumble dryer

There are two types of dryer: condenser and vented. Condenser dryers are the most popular and the easiest to install. They work by condensing the moisture collected during the hot air drying process and porting it as water to a removable container that requires regular emptying, usually after every drying cycle. 

Some condenser dryers can be a wee bit steamy, so it would be advisable to have a window open while it tumbles its tumbling thing. Or, if matters become more critical, invest in one of the best dehumidifiers.

Vented machines are cheaper to buy and use the same hot-air drying process. However, instead of using a water container, the moisture is pumped directly out into the open air via either an outlet positioned precisely for that task (in newer builds) or via what can only be described as a dirty great hole drilled into the outside wall, for older domiciles. Partly for this reason, there are not nearly as many vented machines on the market.

Obviously, this system does require professional installation and a particular location area near an electricity outlet. However, it does have two major plusses: you never have to empty a water tank and the walls of your utility room will remain pleasingly un-moist. We have a complete condenser vs vented tumble dryer guide, if you want to read more about their differences.

Nowadays, those seeking the cutting-edge of tumbler tech should look for a heat pump machine. These re-circulate warm air, saving energy and hence cost. Which is just as well, as you'll need to save up to buy one – read our 'Are heat pump dryers worth the cost?' guide for more on their pros and cons.

Most modern tumble dryers are automatic; that is to say they use sensors that measure the amount of moisture in the clothing and switch off once they’re dry. And gone are the days when dryers were power drains – most of these are expert energy-conservers.

How we test tumble dryers

With few exceptions, we rate tumble dryers based on reputable user reviews and our industry knowledge – ie: we narrow the field to the best brands, who we know deliver quality. We do not lab test tumble dryers and as such make no specific claims for their safety or longevity. However, the wealth of user reviews available online mean it should be easy to filter out duff models.

Want to know more? Discover how we test at T3