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Best Dryers 2026: Australia's top clothes Dryers
Published Jun 16, 2026 • Updated Jun 17, 2026 - 4 min read
Buying a dryer used to be a simple choice. Now there are two main types to weigh up, running costs that can vary, and a wave of energy-efficient models that have become far more affordable. If you're replacing a tired old unit or buying your first dryer, this guide cuts through the jargon so you can pick the right one for your home with confidence.
Key takeaways from this article
Choose a heat pump dryer for the lowest running costs and gentlest drying.
Pick a vented dryer for the cheapest upfront price if you only dry occasionally.
Match dryer capacity to your washer: 7-8kg for small families, 9kg+ for larger.
Look for sensor drying to cut energy use and protect fabrics from over-drying.
We've broken down how each dryer type works, what they cost to run, the sizes that suit different households, and the features worth paying for. Here's everything you need to know to buy well in 2026.
Heat Pump Dryer vs Vented: which type is right for you?
The single biggest decision you'll make is which type of dryer to buy. There are two main types to choose from, and the differences come down to how they remove moisture from your clothes, how much they cost to run, and where you can install them.
Heat pump dryers are the most energy-efficient option. They recycle hot air in a closed loop and run at lower temperatures, which is gentler on fabrics and far kinder on your power bill. They cost more upfront, but the running-cost savings usually pay that back over time. Because they don't need external venting, you can put them almost anywhere.
Vented dryers are the most affordable to buy. They work by blowing warm, moist air out through a vent or open window, so they need good airflow and ideally an external wall or window nearby. They're cheap to purchase but cost the most to run, which is worth keeping in mind if you'll use a dryer often.
Here's how the two compare at a glance:
Heat pump | Vented | |
|---|---|---|
Upfront cost | Highest | Lowest |
Running cost | Lowest | Highest |
Energy efficiency | Excellent | Lower |
Venting needed | No | Yes |
Gentle on fabrics | Yes (low heat) | Higher heat |
Best for | Frequent use, lower bills | Tight budgets, light use |
Want to go deeper on the two most popular types? Our heat pump or condenser guide and heat pump dryers explained articles walk through the decision in more detail.
Best Dryers for 2026 by category
Rather than crown a single winner, we've matched the best dryers to the way people actually shop. Use these categories to find the type that fits your priorities, then browse the current top sellers and highly reviewed models in each.
Best overall for most households: A mid-to-large capacity heat pump dryer. It balances low running costs, gentle drying and family-sized loads, making it the safest all-rounder if you can stretch the budget.
Best for tight budgets: A vented dryer. It's the cheapest way to get a dryer in your home, and a sensible pick if you only dry occasionally and have good airflow.
Best for small spaces and rentals: A washer dryer combo. These suit apartments where space is at a premium.
Best for the energy-conscious: A high-star-rated heat pump dryer. It uses the least energy of any type and keeps long-term running costs as low as possible.
On a budget? Our best cheap dryers round-up shortlists affordable models worth a look.
Energy efficiency and running costs compared
The sticker price only tells part of the story. What a dryer costs to run over its lifetime can far outweigh the difference in purchase price, and this is where the two types really separate. Heat pump dryers are the clear leaders on efficiency.
Energy star ratings are your best shortcut here. The more stars a dryer has, the less power it draws to dry the same load. When you're comparing two models, check the star rating alongside the price tag, a cheaper dryer with fewer stars can quietly cost you more every time you use it.
For practical, model-by-model guidance on keeping running costs down, see our energy efficient dryers guide.
How to choose the right Dryer size for your household
Dryer capacity is measured in kilograms and refers to the weight of dry clothes the machine can handle in one load. Picking the right size matters: too small and you'll run extra loads, too large and you'll waste energy drying half-empty drums.
As a rough guide, match your dryer capacity to your washing machine so a full wash transfers straight across in one go. Here's where most households land:
Capacity | Suits |
|---|---|
Up to 6kg | Singles, couples and small apartments |
7-8kg | Small families and regular users |
9kg and above | Larger families, bulky bedding and heavy laundry loads |
Buying a washer at the same time? Our washer and dryer sets guide helps you match a full laundry setup.
Key features to look for in a clothes Dryer
Beyond type and size, a handful of features make a real difference to everyday use. Here's what's worth prioritising:
Sensor drying: Moisture sensors stop the cycle once clothes are dry, saving energy and protecting fabrics from over-drying.
Drying programs: Look for dedicated cycles for delicates, bulky items, sportswear and quick loads so you're not stuck with a one-size-fits-all setting.
Reverse tumbling: The drum changes direction to reduce tangling and creasing, which means less ironing.
Reversible or self-cleaning condenser: Easy maintenance keeps the dryer running efficiently.
Smart connectivity: Wi-Fi enabled dryers let you start, monitor and get alerts from your phone, handy for busy households.
Noise level: If your laundry is near living areas or bedrooms, a quieter model is worth seeking out.
For a full checklist before you buy, our dryer buying guide covers every consideration, and our smart laundry solutions article digs into connected features.
Frequently asked questions about Dryers
What is the best type of Dryer to buy in Australia in 2026?
For most households, a heat pump dryer is the best choice in 2026. It's the most energy-efficient type, gentle on clothes and cheap to run, which offsets its higher purchase price over time. If your budget is tight or you only dry occasionally, a vented or condenser dryer can still be a sensible, lower-cost option.
Do Vented Tumble Dryers use more energy than other Dryer types?
Yes. Vented dryers expel warm, moist air to the outside, which makes them the least energy-efficient type and the most expensive to run. They're still the cheapest to buy, so they suit budget-conscious shoppers or households that only dry clothes occasionally. For frequent use, a heat pump model will cost less over time.
What size Dryer do I need for a family household?
Most families are well served by a dryer of 8kg or larger. A 7-8kg model suits small families, while households with bulky bedding, towels and heavy laundry loads should look at 9kg and above. As a rule of thumb, match your dryer capacity to your washing machine so a full wash transfers across in a single load.
Can I use a portable clothes Dryer in a rental property or small apartment?
Yes. Portable and compact dryers are designed for renters and small spaces, since many don't require permanent installation or external venting. Always check the available space and any rental rules before you buy.
How much does it cost to run a Dryer in Australia?
Running costs depend on the dryer type, its energy star rating and how often you use it. Vented dryers cost the most per load, while heat pump dryers cost the least thanks to their high efficiency. Over a typical lifetime the difference between the cheapest and most efficient types can add up to thousands of dollars, so the star rating is worth checking closely.
Shop the best Dryers at The Good Guys
Whether you're after a budget-friendly vented model or an energy-saving heat pump dryer, we've got a wide range to suit every home and budget. Compare models, read real customer reviews and find the dryer that's right for you.
