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Dryer buying guide

Last updated: 05 May 2026

A great dryer makes laundry day easier, especially when the weather turns. The right clothes dryer for your home depends on how often you use it, the space you have, your budget and how much you want to save on running costs over time. At The Good Guys, you’ll find a huge range of dryers from trusted laundry brands, including heat pump dryers, condenser dryers, vented dryers, washer dryer combos and drying cabinets. This guide breaks down the main dryer types, sizes, features and energy ratings so you can choose with confidence.

Jump to: Types of Dryers | More tips for choosing a Dryer | Shop Dryers | Other things to consider | Glossary | FAQs

Top FAQs

  • Best for everyday drying → Heat pump dryers are a smart choice if you use your dryer often, offering energy-efficient performance and gentle fabric care.

  • Best for tight spaces → Washer dryer combos are handy for apartments, small laundries and homes where you need washing and drying in one appliance.

  • Best for no external venting → Condenser dryers collect moisture in a tank or drain it away, making them a flexible option for laundries without outdoor ventilation.

  • Best budget option → Vented dryers are usually the most affordable to buy upfront and are a practical choice for occasional drying in well-ventilated spaces.

  • Best for families → Large-capacity dryers, usually 9kg or bigger, are ideal for bigger loads like towels, bedding, school uniforms and sports gear.

  • Best for delicate items → Heat pump dryers and drying cabinets can be gentler on clothes, helping care for delicates, shoes, jackets and items you don’t want to tumble dry on high heat.

  • Most energy efficient → Heat pump dryers are generally the most energy-efficient dryer type, making them a great option if you want to help reduce running costs over time.

  • Best all-rounder → Heat pump dryers suit a wide range of homes because they’re energy efficient, gentle on clothes and don’t need external venting.

Click the cards below to learn more. Jump to all FAQs.

Which Dryer is right for me?

There are many different kinds of clothes dryers out there, and one of them is your perfect fit. When choosing a dryer make sure you consider your physical space, how it suits your families lifestyle, and of course your budget.

Types of Dryers

With various types of clothes dryers available, including heat pump, vented, condenser, gas dryers and combo models, finding the perfect match for your laundry needs can be overwhelming. Whether you're deciphering between them or simply seeking guidance on the ideal dryer, this dryer guide is here to assist in selecting the right one for your home, budget, and preferred laundry requirements.

Heat Pump Dryers

A Heat Pump Dryer recycles warm air during the drying process, helping it use less energy than vented and standard condenser dryers. Because heat pump dryers dry at lower temperatures, they can also be gentler on fabrics. Shop Heat Pump Dryers >

Best for: Busy households, families, apartment living, frequent dryer use, and anyone looking for a more energy-efficient clothes dryer.

Why you’ll love one: Heat Pump Dryers are a smart long-term choice if your dryer works hard all year round. They’re especially handy in apartments and internal laundries because they don’t need to push hot, humid air outside.

Good to know: Heat Pump Dryers can take longer than vented dryers, but the trade-off is lower energy use and gentler drying.

Vented Dryers

A Vented Dryer uses warm air to dry clothes, then pushes moist air out through a vent, hose or into the surrounding room. Vented dryers are usually the most affordable dryer type to buy and can be a practical choice if you only use a dryer now and then. Shop Vented Dryers >

Best for: Occasional drying, smaller budgets, rental-friendly setups where wall mounting is suitable, and laundries with windows, exhaust fans or external venting.

Why you’ll love one: They’re simple, effective and often quick on suitable fabrics.

Good to know: A Vented Dryer needs good airflow. If warm, humid air can’t escape, your laundry can feel damp and uncomfortable.

Condenser Dryers

A Condenser Dryer removes moisture from clothes and turns steam back into water, which is either collected in a tank or drained away, depending on the model. That means you don’t need external venting, making Condenser Dryers a good fit for laundries where ventilation is limited. Shop Condenser Dryers >

Best for: Homes without outdoor venting, people who dry laundry more often, and laundries where moisture control matters.

Why you’ll love one: A Condenser Dryer gives you more placement flexibility than a vented dryer, especially in internal laundries.

Good to know: Some models collect water in a tank you’ll need to empty, while others can drain through a hose.

Washer Dryer Combos

A Washer Dryer Combo combines a Washing Machine and Dryer in one appliance. It’s a smart space-saving option for apartments, small laundries and homes where you don’t have room for two separate machines. Shop Washer Dryer Combos >

Best for: Small laundries, apartments, European laundries and households that dry occasionally.

Why you’ll love one: You get washing and drying in one unit, which keeps your laundry setup simple.

Good to know: Because one appliance does both jobs, you can’t wash one load while drying another. Washer Dryer Combos are best for organised laundry routines or occasional drying.

Drying cabinets

A Drying Cabinet uses gentle heat and airflow to dry items while they hang or sit on racks, instead of tumbling in a drum. Drying Cabinets can be useful for delicate clothing, shoes, jackets, uniforms and items that need a gentler drying method. Shop Drying Cabinets >

Best for: Delicates, shoes, school uniforms, sports gear, workwear and clothes you want to keep wrinkle-free.

Why you’ll love one: They’re gentle, practical and great for garments you don’t want tossed around.

Good to know: Drying Cabinets need more space than standard dryers, so measure your laundry before you buy.

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Finding the perfect Dryer for your space

What size Dryer do I need?

Dryer capacity is measured in kilograms and refers to the amount of clothing the drum can hold. As a simple guide, match your dryer capacity to your household size and the size of your washing machine. We recommend around 6kg or smaller for 1–2 people, 7–8kg for 3–4 people, and 9kg or larger for bigger families.

Household size

Suggested Dryer capacity

Good for

1–2 people

6kg or smaller

Small weekly loads, towels, everyday clothes

3–4 people

7kg–8kg

Regular family loads

5+ people

9kg or larger

Towels, bedding, uniforms and bigger laundry days

Tip: Bigger isn’t always better. Choose the capacity you’ll actually use so you’re not running half-empty loads.

Which Dryer should I buy?

For most households, the best Dryer is the one that fits your laundry space, suits your routine and balances upfront price with long-term running costs.

Choose a Heat Pump Dryer if you use your Dryer often, want better energy efficiency and need flexible installation without external venting. Choose a Vented Dryer if you want a lower purchase price and only dry clothes occasionally in a well-ventilated laundry. Choose a Condenser Dryer if you want a vent-free option that collects or drains moisture. Choose a Washer Dryer Combo if you’re short on space and want washing and drying in one appliance. Choose a Drying Cabinet if you want gentle drying for delicate items, shoes, uniforms or garments you prefer not to tumble dry.

Dryer types compared

Dryer type

Best for

Key benefit

Keep in mind

Heat Pump Dryer

Regular dryer users, families, apartments, energy-conscious homes

Energy efficient, gentle on clothes, no external venting required

Usually costs more upfront and can take longer to dry

Vented Dryer

Occasional use, budget-conscious buyers, laundries with good ventilation

Affordable, lightweight, often fast drying

Needs ventilation and can cost more to run

Condenser Dryer

Homes without external venting, frequent dryer users

Collects or drains moisture, can suit under-bench or stacked setups

Heavier and generally longer cycle times

Washer Dryer Combo

Apartments, small laundries, all-in-one convenience

Washes and dries in one machine

Usually smaller drying capacity and you can’t wash and dry separate loads at the same time

Drying Cabinet

Delicates, shoes, uniforms, jackets and garments you don’t want tumbled

Gentle airflow drying with less movement

Needs more space than a standard dryer

Quick links: Shop all Dryers | Shop Dryer Deals | Shop Heat Pump Dryers | Shop Condenser Dryers | Shop Vented Dryers | Shop Washer Dryer Combos | Shop Large Dryers | Shop Medium Dryers | Shop Small Dryers | Shop Cheap Dryers | Shop Drying Cabinets

Finding the perfect Dryer for your lifestyle

Before choosing your dryer, ask:

  1. How often will I use it? Regular users should compare energy ratings closely.

  2. How much space do I have? Measure the laundry cavity, access points and clearance.

  3. Do I have ventilation? Vented dryers need warm, humid air to escape.

  4. What capacity do I need? Match your dryer size to your household and washing machine.

  5. What fabrics do I dry most? Look for delicates, wool, anti-crease or drying rack options if you care for special garments.

  6. What will it cost to run? Compare similar models using the Energy Rating Label.

  7. Do I need installation help? Check whether your dryer can be stacked, wall-mounted, plumbed or vented.

Dryer features worth looking for

Sensor dry

Determines when your clothes are dry and stops the cycle, saving time and running costs.

Allergy Care

Reduces exposure to common allergens such as live dust mites.

Quick dry

Reduces drying time for when you need an item quickly.

Wool

A gentler setting at a lower temperature to keep woollen items suitable for drying intact.

Anti-crease / wrinkle prevent

Reduces wrinkles in clothes by intermittent tumbling in unheated air.

Delay time / start

Allows you to postpone and set a time for the drying cycle to start.

Delicates

Cycles at a low temperature to protect delicates suitable for drying (check the label).

Eco Wash

Uses a lower temperature for everyday items to save energy.

How to compare Dryer energy ratings

When comparing clothes Dryers, check the Energy Rating Label. In Australia, household clothes Dryers must comply with Minimum Energy Performance Standards and display an Energy Rating Label when sold in-store. The label shows the star rating, estimated annual energy consumption and program time.

More stars means a Dryer is more efficient when compared with models of a similar size and features. The lower the energy consumption number, the less electricity the model is estimated to use. Energy Rating also recommends choosing the size and features you need first, then comparing similar models by star rating.

Easy way to estimate running cost: Annual running cost = energy consumption in kWh × your electricity tariff.

For the most accurate estimate, check your electricity bill for your tariff and compare similar Dryer capacities.

What is the most energy-efficient Dryer?

A Heat Pump Dryer is generally the most energy-efficient dryer type. Heat Pump Dryers recycle warm air rather than releasing it, which helps them use less energy. Energy Rating states that an efficient Heat Pump Dryer uses 60% less energy than a conventional Dryer.

If you use your dryer regularly, a Heat Pump Dryer may cost more upfront but can be more economical over time.

Installation tips & tricks

Being the lightest, a Vented Dryer is easiest to install and the most versatile, as it is the only Dryer that can be wall-mounted. Just remember, you may require a ventilation kit to duct hot, moist air out of the room.

If you’re stacking your Dryer on top of a Washing Machine, you’ll likely need a stacking kit to safely secure it. Alternatively, look out for washer/dryer towers that come pre-assembled.

Need help installing your new Dryer? The Good Guys Home Services can organise a professional to do it all for you. When you’re ready to see how the latest Dryer technology can transform your laundry, come and see us at The Good Guys, either in-store or online.

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Dryer glossary

We’ll break down all the tech talk and acronyms that you need to know.

Tech talk

Definition

Anti-crease

A dryer feature that tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle ends to help reduce wrinkles and make ironing easier.

Auto-sensing

Also called sensor dry. The dryer detects moisture levels in the drum and stops automatically when clothes are dry, helping prevent over-drying.

Capacity

The maximum weight of dry laundry a dryer can handle, measured in kilograms. Smaller households may suit a 6kg dryer, while families often need 8kg, 9kg or larger.

Delay start

A feature that lets you set the dryer to start later, so your laundry can be ready when it suits your routine.

Delicates cycle

A lower-temperature drying program designed for more delicate fabrics. Always check the clothing care label before using a dryer.

Drain hose

A hose that removes collected water from a condenser or heat pump dryer, so you do not need to empty the water tank manually.

Drying temperature

Clothes can be dried at different temperatures, the best dryers can dry your clothes at a temperature that is hot, but not so hot that it causes damage.

Drum

The rotating cylinder inside a dryer that holds your laundry while warm air circulates.

Energy efficiency

Using less energy to perform the same task. This essentially leads to eliminating energy waste. In the process, you can cut down your electricity prices and energy bills to help reduce pollution.

Fabric care programs

Special dryer settings designed for different materials, such as cotton, synthetics, wool, bedding or delicates.

Filter

Also called a lint filter. It catches lint and fluff from clothes during drying. Cleaning it after every load helps your dryer work efficiently and safely.

Gentle fabric care

Less abrasive drying, usually used for delicate fabrics.

Inverter motor

A motor designed to run efficiently and quietly by adjusting power based on the load and cycle. Available on selected dryer models.

kWh

Short for kilowatt-hour, a measure of electricity use. You can use the kWh figure on the Energy Rating Label to estimate dryer running costs.

Lint

Tiny fibres that come off clothes during drying. Lint collects in the filter and should be removed after each cycle.

Reverse tumbling

A feature where the drum changes direction during the cycle. This can help reduce tangling and improve drying results, especially for larger items.

Sensor dry

A drying mode that automatically stops when clothes reach the selected dryness level, helping save time and reduce over-drying.

Stacking kit

An accessory that allows a compatible dryer to be safely stacked on top of a compatible front load washing machine, helping save floor space.

Venting

When a dryer vents out the water/moisture from the machine to the outside of your home. Dryers often do this by using a long, flexible hose – this connects to the tumble dryer and vents the moisture to the outside of your house.

FAQs

Each dryer works a little differently so remember to read the manual that your dryer came with. If you don't have the manual you can always search for your dryer's brand and model number + manual in your internet browser to find a digital version. However, always remember to clean the lint trap after every use.

The best dryer for a small laundry is usually a heat pump dryer, condenser dryer or washer dryer combo. These options do not need external venting, making them easier to place in apartments, European laundries and compact spaces.

A heat pump dryer is better if you want energy efficiency, gentler drying and flexible installation without external venting. A vented dryer may be better if you want a lower upfront price and only dry clothes occasionally in a well-ventilated space.

A Condenser Dryer can be better for homes without external venting because it collects moisture in a tank or drains it away. A Vented Dryer is usually cheaper to buy, but it needs good airflow to release warm, moist air.

Not always. Many Heat Pump Dryers collect water in a tank that you empty after use. Some models can also be connected to a drain hose so the water drains away automatically. Check the product specifications before you buy.

A Condenser Dryer does not need to vent air outside like a vented dryer, but good airflow in the laundry is still helpful. Always follow the installation instructions for your model.

Some Dryers can be installed in a cupboard or European laundry, but ventilation, clearance and heat management are important. Heat Pump and Condenser Dryers are often better suited to enclosed laundry spaces than Vented Dryers, but always check the product manual and installation requirements.

Some Vented Dryers can be wall mounted using a compatible wall-mounting kit. Heat Pump and Condenser Dryers are generally too heavy to wall mount and are usually installed on the floor, under a bench or stacked with a compatible stacking kit.

Yes, many dryers can be stacked on top of a compatible front load washing machine using a stacking kit. Always check that both appliances are suitable for stacking and use the correct kit for a safe setup.

Yes, selected heat pump and condenser dryers can be placed under a bench if there is enough space, ventilation and clearance. Check the dimensions and installation guide before purchasing.

Always make sure to follow the washing and drying instructions on the tags of your garments as some fabrics cannot be machine dried. The higher the temperature setting, the higher the chance of your clothing shrinking in the dryer.

You can dry some shoes in the dryer, but it depends on the shoe. Before doing anything, make sure to check your shoes' washing & drying instructions. Typically, cotton, canvas, and polyester can be machine dried in some capacity, but make sure to use a gentle or cool setting. Some dryers come with a shoe rack so your shoes don't get tumbled around while in the dryer.