Dryer buying guide

Sensor drying

One of the most valuable features in any modern dryer. Moisture sensors detect when your clothes are dry and stop the cycle automatically — saving energy and preventing over-drying, which can shrink or damage fabrics over time.

Specialised fabric programs

Good dryers offer specific settings for different fabric types: delicates, synthetics, cottons, bedding, sportswear and more. This isn't just a gimmick — using the right heat level really does extend the life of your clothes.

Reverse tumble action

The drum rotates in both directions, reducing tangling and helping clothes dry more evenly. Particularly useful for bedding, shirts and anything that tends to bunch up.

Quick-dry programs

Need that shirt dry in 30 minutes? A quick-dry setting is a genuine lifesaver for smaller loads when you're in a hurry.

Steam refresh

A growing number of modern dryers now include a steam cycle that gently relaxes fibres, lifts odours and smooths out creases — without a full wash cycle. Clothes come out smelling fresh and looking a lot more presentable, in a fraction of the time.

It's particularly handy for delicate items, wool, or anything you'd rather not run through a full cycle too often.

Washer-Dryer integration

On compatible models, once the wash cycle finishes, the dryer automatically receives the cycle information and selects the right drying settings to match — fabric type, load size, the works.

Smart connectivity

Wi-Fi-enabled dryers from brands like LG and Samsung let you monitor and control cycles from your phone, receive notifications when the load is done, and even run remote diagnostics. Handy if you're often out or forget to check.

• Delay start: Set your dryer to run during off-peak electricity hours to save on bills

• Wrinkle protection: Keeps clothes tumbling gently after the cycle ends if you can't unload immediately

• Child lock: Prevents little ones from accidentally changing settings mid-cycle

• Large door opening: Makes loading and unloading easier, especially with bulky items

• Reversible door: Lets you configure the door direction to suit your laundry layout

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.