Tumble Dryers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a heat pump tumble dryer, a condenser tumble dryer and a vented tumble dryer?

There are three main types of tumble dryer available. Heat pump tumble dryers recycle warm air when drying clothes making them an energy efficient option, while a condenser tumble dryer collects moisture from the warm air that is being circulated. Vented tumble dryers tend to be cheaper to buy but they must be fitted by an external wall or window, as warm air is pumped out of a vent during the drying cycle.

If you're unsure what model you need, our tumble dryer buying guide can help you choose between vented, condenser and heat pump dryers.

How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?

It will cost different amounts to run a vented, condenser and heat pump tumble dryer. We recommend looking at the energy efficiency label on your tumble dryer to see how much electricity the model uses.

You can multiply the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) by the number of hours you use your tumble dryer each week to determine how much electricity is required. Then you can work out how much your tumble dryer costs to run based on how much your energy company charges per kW.

How long does a tumble dryer take?

On average, a tumble dryer cycle should take 45 minutes. For larger loads and items that may retain water, such as jeans or towels, it may take an hour or more to tumble dry.

Can you put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine?

Keeping a tumble dryer above a washing machine can help to save space, however if you don’t secure your appliances properly they can be very unstable and unsafe.

We recommend using a stacking kit to put a tumble dryer on top of a washing machine rather than placing one directly on another.