120+ models compared
Dryers Buying Guide
Dryers are one of the most expensive appliances to run. The type of dryer you choose matters far more than the brand — heat pump, condenser, or vented each have dramatically different running costs.
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What to look for in a dryer
These are the specs that actually matter — explained without the jargon.
Types of dryer
Which style is right for your home and household?
Heat pump
Frequent users, environmentally conscious buyers
Uses a refrigerant cycle to recycle hot air — like a reverse air conditioner. The most energy-efficient type by a significant margin. No external venting needed. Higher upfront cost but pays off within 5 years for regular users.
Condenser
Apartments without external venting, regular users
Extracts moisture from clothes into a removable water tank (or drain). No external vent required. More efficient than vented, less efficient than heat pump. Requires emptying the tank after each cycle unless plumbed in.
Vented
Laundries with external wall access, budget buyers
Hot moist air is expelled via a flexible hose through an external wall or window. Cheapest to buy. Highest running costs. Needs a dedicated external vent — not suitable for all homes. The fastest drying cycle of the three types.
Related buying guides
Go deeper on the topics that matter.
Ready to choose?
Ready to choose your dryer?
Answer a short set of questions and we'll narrow 120+ models down to your top 5.
Take the quizAbout a dozen questions · a few minutes.