TOP 10 Best Clothes Dryers 2025

Dryers Buying Guide

While dryers are much simpler appliances than washing machines, there are still quite a few criteria to consider before buying one. These include how often you plan to use your dryer, what type of garments you wear, the available space, hook-ups, and ventilation in your laundry room, as well as your budget, energy costs, and environmental footprint. Juggling all that might seem daunting but worry not – after finishing this article you will be confident of picking the best dryer of them all.

Vented vs Ventless Dryers

Vented dryers always need an exit, for example, a hole in the wall or a window opening for exhausting the extra heat and moisture. If you placed them in a room without ventilation options, it would quickly turn into a sauna. They usually are cheaper and can dry your clothes quicker. They are also smaller, lighter, and some models can even be wall mounted. The downsides are that they cannot re-use the produced heat and are quite expensive to run. Since they use higher temperatures, there is also a risk of ruining fine clothes, especially with cheaper models. 

Luckily, quite a few ventless options exist. These appliances re-use the heat; thus, they consume less electricity. They also operate at lower temperatures and are gentler on your clothes; however, the drying cycles tend to be longer.

Two most common types of ventless models are condenser and heat pump dryers. The condenser dryers use a heat exchanger that takes moisture from the exhaust air and then collects it in a water reservoir or drain away. The heat pump models are more complicated, they use a refrigerator-like compressor technology to recirculate the air and remove the moisture. Heat pump dryers are certainly more costly and take longer to dry your clothes. However, they are incredibly energy-efficient, emit less steam in the laundry, and are gentler on fabrics since they can operate at very low temperatures. If you plan to use a dryer often, we recommend getting a model with a heat pump. Not only will it save your money, but also be more environmentally friendly. However, for an occasional user, the higher price of a heat pump might not pay off during the lifecycle of the appliance, and the condenser dryer might be a more economical choice. 

Essential Considerations

Once you know what type of dryer will fit your laundry room best, it’s time to break down other crucial things you want to consider. In this section, we’ll explain how to calculate the capacity needed, what functions you should not skip on and a few other relevant aspects.

Space 

The standard dimensions of a tumble dryer are 85 x 60 x 60 cm, but models from different manufacturers can be slightly larger or smaller. You might also want to invest in a dryer pedestal that raises the device at a more convenient height. 

Most of the models nowadays are front load dryers. Sometimes, the door can be reversed to open from left or right, depending on the user’s preferences. This is convenient if you plan to place your dryer next to the washing machine, as it allows transferring the laundry without annoying doors in the way.  If there is no extra front space in your laundry room, look for a top load dryer with backguard controls. 

You might also consider stacking your dryer on the top of the washing machine. In that case, we recommend checking with the manufacturer what models are compatible. It is essential that both appliances are of precisely the same size and to purchase a stacking kit that will hold them safely together. 

Capacity 

The capacity figure in specifications refers to dry clothes weight (they get way heavier once washed); however, this number might not be helpful if you’ve never owned a dryer before. Since the clothes expand as they get dryer, one way to calculate the capacity needed is to check how many kilograms fit in your current washing machine and increase that figure by 30 or, preferably, 50%. Constantly overloading the drum will put extra stress on your dryer, extend the cycle times and shorten its lifetime. 

Another way to calculate a dryer’s capacity is to count how many people will use it. Smaller dryers of 6-7 kg will suit 1-2 people, and maybe, a family with a small child. 8-9 kg dryers will be perfect for average-size families of 3-4 people. Large families should look for a spacious dryer of 10 kg, and most manufacturers don’t offer models larger than that.

Drum

Some models have a reverse tumbling feature. This means that the drum rotates both ways during the cycle preventing items from tangling and ensuring more even drying. If your laundry room is somewhat dim or poorly lit, you might also consider a model with a built-in light that helps to locate small items like socks. 

Energy Efficiency

If you plan to use your dryer often, it is essential to get an economical model. In the EU, all tumble dryers have an energy label. The energy efficiency is rated from A+++ to D, with higher grades meaning a more energy-efficient device. 

When shopping for an economical dryer, remember that a higher energy efficiency class typically means longer drying cycles; thus, you need to find a balance between the two. The energy label lists the estimated cycle time of a standard cotton program at full load. This is because cotton is one of the fibres that absorb most water and needs more time for drying. 

Although it is not directly related to energy efficiency, for ventless models, the energy label also contains information about condensation efficiency. This is rated from A to G, and, again, a higher rating means better efficiency. The heat pump models perform best and typically score A or B. Condenser dryers tend to emit more moisture and may have lower condensation efficiency; however, in well-ventilated areas, it should not be a problem.

Features Not to Skip

While the manufacturers tend to lure customers with more and more fancy extras, if you want to get the best dryer for your money, we have listed the essentials.

Sensor Control 

Moisture sensor dryers are becoming a standard, and this feature can often be found even in cheap dryers. Most models also allow selecting between several moisture levels depending on whether you want the clothes slightly humid for easier ironing, dry for putting in the closet or extra dry for placing in a plastic bag for long-term storage. The onboard sensors are programmed to estimate the amount of moisture left in the clothing, and once the selected dryness level is reached, the cycle will stop.

More advanced models also feature temperature sensors that can control the heat in the drum. Such dryers will allow for low-temperature programs that can handle delicate items and high-temperature ones such as quick-dry cycles or allergy programs for people with sensitive skin.

End-of-cycle Alert

If you leave the items too long in the dryer after the cycle has ended, the chances are they will develop creases and wrinkles. Therefore, we recommend a tumble dryer that cheerfully beeps once it has finished its job. Most models allow for turning the signal on or off or even adjusting its volume.

Wrinkle Prevention

No matter how carefully you try to schedule your laundry days, sometimes, unloading the dryer immediately once it has finished is not possible. The solution is a dryer with wrinkle prevention or anti-crease function. This means that the drum will continue to gently tumble your clothes at regular intervals to prevent creases from setting.

Extra Features

If you have a bit of additional budget, it may be worth looking for a dryer with more features. The functions we cover in this section will not ensure better drying, neither will they be essential to all customers. 

Silent Operation

 Some models have anti-vibration design that minimises noise levels. However, don’t fall for tempting marketing phrases alone. If a silent dryer is your priority, check the energy label. On the right side, you will see the sound power level in decibels (dB) measured during the drying phase for the cotton program. 

How loud is too loud? An average conversation between two people is approximately 60 dB. However, an increase of merely 3 dB corresponds to a doubling of the sound level. Thus, if you are noise-sensitive, a decibel here or there will make quite an audible difference.

Programs for Delicate Clothes 

If you plan to tumble-dry silk, wool, and other delicate garments, we recommend investing in a model that has special programs to handle them. Drying at lower temperatures and gentler tumbling will prevent clothes from shrinking and damage. Some models come with drying racks that allow placing in dryer not only garments but also shoes, hats, toys, and other items you don’t want to tumble. If you own a lot of wool clothes, you might want a model that has been tested and earned Woolmark Apparel Care certification. 

Sanitizing Mode

If you have allergies, sensitive skin or compromised immune system, you might want a model that comes with a high-temperature program that eliminates dust mites and bacteria. This program is also useful for drying and sanitising baby clothes. 

Child Lock 

Talking about babies, it is crucial to prevent the possibility of them interfering with the controls or, even worse, locking themselves in. Many dryer models offer the option to block the device unless a combination of buttons is pressed; this can be highly useful for the new parents. 

Delayed Start

While this might not be essential, having your laundry ready when you get back from work or, in the morning, when you get out of the bed can be convenient for some people. Quite a few tumble dryers come with a timer or delayed-start function that allows offsetting the cycle start for several hours.

Cool Air

Sometimes also called freshen-up, this program allows quickly refreshing clothes that have been laying the closet for a while. While not essential, it is found in most dryers.

Smart Controls

Nowadays, the higher-end models can be conveniently controlled remotely via an app or voice assistant. Typical features include launching or stopping a cycle, adjusting the settings, receiving information on the time remaining and when clothes are ready to collect. Some smart models also allow for remote diagnostics or can automatically schedule the drying at the hour when electricity prices are the lowest. 

Steam

Another function that is found on some high-end dryers is a steam cycle. It is said to remove wrinkles and stale smells. 

How to Care for Your Dryer

If taken care of correctly, your dryer should last for several years. However, neglect may not only result in longer cycles and higher consumption, but it can also pose a fire hazard. Here come essential tips to ensure that your dryer lasts.

• Read the manual and follow the recommendations there. Don’t exceed the capacity that is listed for the type of load you plan to dry.

• Spin the clothes in a washing machine on the highest applicable setting before putting them in a dryer.

• If you have a vented model, it is mandatory to thoroughly clean the vents from lint at least once a year. If you have a ventless dryer, check if and how often you need to clean the heat exchanger.

• Avoid tumble drying clothes that have been soiled with gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or other flammable substances. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.

• Clean the lint filter before or after every cycle. This will prevent your dryer from overheating and improve its efficiency.

• Empty any water containers and leave the door slightly ajar after each use.

• Vacuum all the vents and crevices from dust at least once a year.