Dryer types compared: which one is right for your home?

Choosing a new dryer sounds simple until you realise there are actually different technologies to choose from — and the wrong pick for your home can mean higher energy bills, an installation headache, or drying times that don't suit your household's rhythm. Whether you're furnishing your first home, replacing an ageing machine, or looking to cut your running costs, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about vented dryers and heat pump dryers so you can make a confident decision.

What are the main types of clothes Dryers?

There are two main dryer types available in Australia, each with a different approach to removing moisture from your laundry.

A vented dryer works by drawing in room-temperature air, heating it, passing it through your clothes, and then expelling the hot, damp air outside through a duct or vent hose. A heat pump dryer is the more energy-efficient option. Instead of generating new heat, it recycles warm air in a closed loop, using a refrigerant system to pull moisture from your clothes and deposit it in a collection tank, similar to how a split-system air conditioner works.

There's also a third option worth knowing about: the washer-dryer combo. These all-in-one machines wash and dry in a single drum, making them a practical choice for very tight spaces, though they typically take longer and have a smaller drying capacity than standalone units.

Vented Dryers

How they work

Vented dryers are the most traditional type and work by heating air with an electric element, tumbling your clothes through it, and then pushing the damp, warm air out of your home through a vent hose. That hose typically exits through an external wall, a window vent kit, or a flexible duct routed to the outside.

Who they suit

Vented dryers are a reliable workhorse for busy families in houses where an external vent point is already in place or easy to install. If you do large loads frequently and want fast drying times, a vented dryer will serve you well. They're also the most affordable dryer type to buy upfront.

Installation and running costs

The main consideration with a vented dryer is the vent itself. You'll need a permanent duct to the outside or a window vent kit, meaning it's not ideal for apartments, units, or rental properties where modifications to the building aren't possible. Running costs sit in a moderate range, though they're higher than heat pump models because the machine generates heat from scratch every cycle. If you're in a house with good vent access and you prioritise speed and affordability over long-term energy savings, a vented dryer is a practical and budget-friendly choice.

Heat Pump Dryers

How they work

Heat pump dryers represent the most advanced drying technology available in Australian homes today. Rather than generating heat from scratch, a heat pump dryer recycles the warm air inside the drum using a refrigerant system, the same principle that makes your air conditioner work. Moisture is extracted from your clothes and collected in a tank, and the warm dry air is fed back into the drum. Because the machine reuses its heat, it uses significantly less electricity than a vented model.

Who they suit

Heat pump dryers are ideal for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills over the long term, or those who want to align their home appliances with a lower environmental footprint. They're also gentler on fabrics than high-heat alternatives, which makes them a good choice for households with delicate or technical garments. Appliance upgraders replacing an older dryer will often find that the running cost savings go a long way toward justifying the higher purchase price.

Installation and running costs

Heat pump dryers require no external venting, just a power point. The water tank needs regular emptying, and filters should be cleaned as recommended by the manufacturer. The drying cycle is typically slower than vented dryers, so they suit households who aren't in a rush. The payoff is a substantially lower energy bill: heat pump dryers can use up to 50% less electricity than a conventional vented dryer over time. For a deeper look at the technology, the heat pump dryers explained guide covers everything in detail.

Which Dryer type suits your home and lifestyle?

The right dryer for your home depends on a few practical factors: where you live, how much laundry you do, and what you're willing to spend both upfront and over time.

If you live in a house with vent access and you want the fastest, most affordable dryer, a vented model is a solid pick. If you're an established homeowner who does a lot of laundry and wants to invest in something that pays off over years of use, a heat pump dryer is the standout choice for long-term value.

Not sure whether it's even time to upgrade? The dryer buying guide walks through the key questions to ask before you buy, and the is it time to upgrade your dryer article can help you decide.

Energy efficiency and running costs explained

Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dryer in Australia, where electricity costs are high. The energy star rating label on each appliance gives you a simple benchmark: more stars means lower running costs.

Vented dryers typically carry two to three star ratings, which reflects their reliance on electric heating elements. Heat pump dryers, by contrast, regularly achieve five stars or more — with some premium models reaching up to ten stars. In practical terms, that difference can translate to meaningful savings on your quarterly energy bill if you're running the dryer several times a week.

Australian energy costs vary by state and provider, but as a rough guide, running a conventional vented dryer at around 4–5kWh per cycle adds up quickly across a year. A heat pump dryer using half that energy can save a household hundreds of dollars annually, which goes a long way toward offsetting the higher purchase price over a three to five year ownership period.

For tips on getting the most out of whichever dryer you choose, the guide on how to make your dryer last longer is a useful read, as is this piece on future-proofing your dryer as energy costs continue to evolve.

Best Dryer options for renters and small spaces

If you're renting or living in a small apartment, your dryer options are more constrained but not limited. The key is finding a dryer that fits your available space and laundry habits without requiring any modifications to your home.

Heat pump dryers are an excellent choice for renters who plan to stay in one place for a while and want to make a smarter long-term investment. They require no external vent, run quietly, and their lower energy consumption can make a real difference to your electricity bill. Wall-mounted models are also available, which can free up valuable floor space.

If space is extremely limited, a washer-dryer combo can eliminate the need for a separate appliance entirely — though keep in mind that combo units typically take longer to complete a drying cycle and have a smaller drying capacity than a dedicated dryer.

When browsing options, look at the footprint of the unit (width, depth, and height), the capacity in kilograms, and whether the model has a reversible door, a small detail that makes a big difference in a tight laundry.

Find your perfect Dryer at The Good Guys

Whether you're after a no-fuss vented dryer for a large family or an energy-efficient heat pump dryer that will pay for itself over time, The Good Guys has one of Australia's widest ranges of clothes dryers from leading brands.

Shop the full range of Dryers at The Good Guys, where you'll find options across every type, size, and budget, with everyday low prices and expert advice in-store.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of clothes Dryers and how do they work?

There are two main types of clothes dryers in Australia: vented and heat pump. Vented dryers heat air and expel the damp result through an external duct. Heat pump dryers recycle warm air in a closed loop using a refrigerant system, making them the most energy-efficient option. Washer-dryer combos are also available as an all-in-one solution for very small spaces.

Do you need a vent for a clothes Dryer?

Only vented dryers require an external vent. Heat pump dryers are fully self-contained — they collect moisture in a removable water tank and can be placed anywhere with a standard power point. If you're renting or live in an apartment where you can't modify the building, a heat pump dryer is the practical no-vent choice.

Is a Heat Pump Dryer worth the extra cost?

For most homeowners, yes — especially if you do laundry frequently. Heat pump dryers use significantly less electricity than vented models, and the savings accumulate meaningfully over three to five years of ownership. They're also gentler on fabrics. The higher upfront cost is the main consideration, but for households running the dryer several times a week, the long-term economics typically favour the investment.

Which type of Dryer is the most energy-efficient?

Heat pump dryers are the most energy-efficient clothes dryers available in Australia. They regularly achieve energy star ratings of five stars or higher, with some models reaching up to ten stars, compared to the two to three stars typical of vented dryers. Their closed-loop heating system can use up to 50% less electricity than a conventional dryer over the same number of cycles.

What is the best Dryer for a small apartment or home with no vent?

A heat pump dryer is your best option if you can't install external venting. It operates without a duct and collects moisture in a water tank. If space is very tight, look for a compact or slimline model, or consider a wall-mounted heat pump dryer that keeps your floor clear. For the smallest spaces, a washer-dryer combo eliminates the need for a separate appliance entirely, though drying capacity and cycle times are more limited.

How do Vented Dryers compare to Heat Pump Dryers in drying time and performance?

Vented dryers are generally faster at drying a load. Heat pump dryers are slower because their lower operating temperatures require longer cycle times. In practical terms, a vented dryer might complete a cycle in around 45 to 60 minutes, while a heat pump dryer might take 90 minutes or more for the same load. For busy households who prioritise speed, a vented dryer will better match that need. For those who can plan ahead and value lower energy use, the trade-off on time is well worth it.