DRYER Buying Guide

A heat pump is used in this type of condenser dryer to recycle the air used during the drying process. This makes them much more energy-efficient and cheaper to run than vented and conventional condenser dryers.

Pros:

• The most environmentally friendly dryer
• If you use it regularly, it’s also the most economical in the long run

Cons:

• Longer drying times

Best suited:

 “Heat pump dryers also come in larger sizes and don’t require ventilation, making them suitable for all types of laundry, either stacked or under the bench,” says Peter Simic, Laundry Buyer at The Good Guys.

Vented dryers are the most common and affordable of all the clothes dryers. Their simple and effective design comprises a box, drum, fan, heater, lint filter, motor and vent. They can also dry clothes quicker on hotter settings for suitable fabrics.

Pros:

• Lightest type of dryer
• Can be wall-mounted

Cons:

• Use the most amount of energy
• Cost more to run per cycle

Best suited:

Perfect for well-ventilated laundries, vented dryers are only suitable in rooms where you can open a window or door, or turn an exhaust fan on during use. Alternatively, you can use a venting kit on certain models to duct the warm, humid air they generate out of the room.

 “They are best suited to occasional use by those who normally hang their clothes on the line and only need to use a dryer every now and then,” says Peter Simic, Laundry Buyer at The Good Guys.

Condenser dryers have an in-built heat exchanger that takes steam produced during the drying process and turns it back into water. Depending on the model, this is then drained away via a hose or collected in a small tank that can be easily emptied.

Pros:

• Can be stacked on top of a washing machine or placed under the bench
• Gentler on clothes
• Quieter while tumbling

Cons:

• Typically heavier machines
• Longer drying times

Best suited: For those who like to use their dryer a little more often, or who don’t have a well-ventilated laundry

A heavier machine, condenser dryers can be stacked on top of a washing machine or placed under the bench. “Although they have a longer drying time, they are gentler on your clothes and quieter while tumbling,” says Peter Simic.

Washer dryer combos combine the functions of a washing machine and a dryer into one unit, eliminating the need for separate appliances.

Pros:

• Enjoy the ease of washing and drying your clothes without sacrificing precious space or effort

Cons:

• Generally smaller capacity, allowing you to wash/dry less than a typical washer or dryer

Best suited: For those who prefer the convenience of both washing and drying in a single unit, or those with limited space, a washer dryer combo machine could be the perfect solution.

Drying cabinets utilise gentle heat and airflow to efficiently dry clothes. Unlike traditional clothes dryers that tumble garments, the cabinet suspends them on hangers, ensuring air circulates freely and reaches every part.

Pros:

• Gentler method that method helps maintain the quality of clothes, reducing concerns about shrinkage or damage and minimising the need for excessive ironing.

Cons:

• Require more space than a standard dryer

Best suited: With the inclusion of drying racks, drying cabinets can also handle bulkier items like shoes. Plus, they offer the bonus of deodorizing, bidding farewell to lingering smells from cooking, pets, or outdoor activities. Your clothes stay wrinkle-free and smelling fresh.