Types of Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers use different technologies to remove moisture from laundry, each suited to specific installation requirements and usage patterns.
Heat Pump Dryers use refrigerant technology to recycle warm air throughout the drying cycle, achieving the highest energy efficiency ratings. Condenser Dryers collect moisture in a reservoir requiring regular emptying or drainage connection, whilst Vented Dryers expel hot, moist air outside through ducting.
Washer Dryer Combos combine both functions in a single drum for space-constrained laundries. Drying Cabinets use enclosed chambers for delicate items, shoes, or items unsuitable for tumble drying.
Dryer type comparison:
Heat pump: Most energy efficient, lower drying temperatures, gentler on fabrics, requires no external venting
Condenser: No external venting required, condensed water needs emptying or drainage, moderate energy consumption
Vented: Fastest drying times, requires external venting installation, higher energy consumption
Washer dryer combo: Single appliance for washing and drying, saves floor space, smaller capacity than separate units
Leading brands include Fisher & Paykel, LG, ASKO, Miele, and Haier across all dryer formats.
Clothes Dryer Features to Consider
Capacity and Drum Size
Dryer capacity ranges from 6kg for small households through to 9kg+ for families regularly drying towels and bedding. High capacities appear predominantly in heat pump models from brands like ASKO and LG.
Match dryer capacity to your washing machine capacity—ideally the dryer should handle slightly more than your washer to accommodate the fluffed volume of dried clothes.
Sensor Drying Technology
Moisture sensors detect when clothes reach the selected dryness level and automatically stop the cycle. This prevents over-drying that causes shrinkage, reduces energy waste, and extends fabric life. Most modern dryers include sensor technology across all price points.
Reverse Tumble Action
Drums that periodically reverse rotation direction reduce tangling and distribute clothes more evenly. This results in fewer wrinkles requiring less ironing and more consistent drying throughout the load.
Steam Refresh Cycles
Steam functions freshen clothes without full washing, removing odours and reducing wrinkles in minutes. This feature suits business wear between dry cleaning appointments or refreshing clothes stored in wardrobes.
Installation Requirements
Heat pump and condenser models require no external venting, making them suitable for apartments or internal laundry spaces. Both can stack on Front Load Washing Machines using Stacking Kits sold separately.
Vented dryers need ducting to expel hot air outside and typically include wall mounting brackets. They suit laundries with external wall access or existing venting infrastructure.
Condenser dryers need adequate air circulation to prevent room heating and wall moisture. Condensed water requires regular emptying from the reservoir or connection to drainage.
Energy Efficiency and Dryer Costs
Heat pump dryers achieve 8 to 10 star energy ratings compared to 2-2.5 stars for vented and condenser models. Some Miele Heat Pump Dryers reach 10 stars through advanced refrigerant systems and insulation.
Cost considerations:
Heat pump models cost more upfront but deliver significant running cost savings through reduced electricity consumption. Households using dryers regularly recover the price premium within several years through lower energy bills.
Vented and condenser dryers suit occasional use where the lower purchase price makes more sense than long-term efficiency gains. If you're only drying occasionally during wet weather, the initial savings may never be offset by efficiency benefits.
Always compare dryers of identical capacity when assessing energy ratings. The Australian Government's Energy Rating website provides annual running cost estimates by multiplying kilowatt hours (kWh) from the energy label by your local electricity rate.
Extending the Life of Your Tumble Dryer
Regular Maintenance Tasks
Clean lint filter after every load to maintain airflow and drying efficiency
Empty condenser water reservoir after each cycle on condenser models
Vacuum around and behind unit quarterly to prevent dust buildup
Check and clean condenser unit monthly on heat pump and condenser models
Inspect drum seal and door gasket for wear or damage
Ensure adequate clearance around unit for ventilation
Preventing Common Issues
Remove excess moisture before drying by using maximum spin speed on your washing machine. This reduces drying time and energy consumption whilst preventing condensation issues in condenser models.
Avoid overloading the drum—clothes need space to tumble freely for even drying and wrinkle reduction. Overloading strains mechanical components and reduces drying effectiveness.
Follow care labels on clothing to select appropriate temperature and cycle settings. Natural fibres like cotton and wool shrink when exposed to excessive heat or over-drying.
Optimising Drying Performance
Separate heavy items like towels from lightweight garments. Mixed loads dry unevenly, with lighter items finishing first whilst heavier items remain damp, potentially causing over-drying of some garments.
Use lower heat settings for delicate fabrics and higher heat for towels and cotton items. Heat pump dryers naturally operate at lower temperatures, making them inherently gentler across all cycle types.
New Dryer Technologies and Innovations
Smart Connectivity
Wi-Fi-enabled dryers connect to smartphone apps for remote monitoring, cycle selection, and completion notifications. Some models coordinate with smart washing machines to automatically select optimal drying programs based on the completed wash cycle.
Advanced Drum Designs
Specialised drum structures cushion loads for gentler drying. Bosch Heat Pump Dryers feature sensitive drying systems whilst some Fisher & Paykel models include drying racks for shoes or delicate items that shouldn't tumble.
Dual Sensor Systems
Advanced models use both moisture and temperature sensors to optimise drying cycles. This dual approach adjusts heat and duration dynamically, preventing over-drying whilst ensuring thorough moisture removal.
Self-Cleaning Condensers
Automatic condenser cleaning systems in premium heat pump models reduce manual maintenance frequency. These systems flush the condenser with collected condensation water, maintaining efficiency without user intervention.
