Which clothes dryer should I buy?
Drying your clothes outside for free is a no-brainer in the warmer months. But when winter arrives, you might need help transforming your clothes from sopping wet to toasty warm and dry.
Read our guide to the three types of electric dryers on the market and see which one suits you.
Heat-pump dryer
A heat-pump dryer works similarly to a reverse-cycle air conditioner, using refrigerant – a fluid used in cooling, heating or reverse cycle – to create and distribute warm air. The air is passed through an evaporator where the moisture is extracted and sent to a storage tank or drainage hose. The air is then reheated and recycled to dry your clothes.
Pros:
✅ Heat-pump dryers are the most energy-efficient
✅ Gentler on fabrics
✅ They don’t produce external heat and humidity so can be placed anywhere, including a cupboard
Cons:
❌ Heat-pump dryers typically have a higher purchase price
❌ Take longer to dry clothes
❌ Can’t be wall-mounted
Condenser dryer
A condenser dryer operates at high temperatures to finish the job quickly. The dryer extracts moisture from the wet clothes, condenses it into water and then stores it in a tank. This can be emptied manually, or a hose can also be installed to drain the water into a sink.
Pros:
✅ Condenser dryers are usually cheaper to buy than heat-pump dryers
✅ Quicker drying times
✅ Can handle heavy loads so they’re a good choice for families
Cons:
❌ Condenser dryers are more expensive to operate than heat-pump dryers
❌ The higher temperatures can be harsher on clothes
❌ Can’t be wall-mounted
Vented dryer
Vented dryers heat air and pass it into the drum to dry your clothes. When the air becomes too moist to dry further, it’s vented from the dryer and replaced by new, dry air. Vented dryers are well known for steaming up walls and windows, so they must be in a ventilated room.
Pros:
✅ Vented dryers are the cheapest electric dryers to buy
✅ Can be wall-mounted
Cons:
❌ Vented dryers have the highest running costs of any electric dryer
❌ They need to be in a well-ventilated area and may encourage mould through moisture build-up on the wall
❌ High heat output can be a fire hazard
Other factors to consider
Modern dryers are available in a range of sizes and have various features, such as stainless-steel drums, electronic displays, variable temperatures and fabric cycles, lint filters, and auto-sensing that stops the drying process when your clothes are done.
You get what you pay for, but make sure you’re only shelling out for the features you need. If you’re using your dryer infrequently, you might want to save on the purchase price by buying a more basic model.
Energy rating
Clothes dryers are big energy users and can cost anywhere between $0.85 to $1.85 per load, depending on factors such as your electricity tariff and the type and size of your dryer.
Another major factor is the dryer’s energy rating. New appliances in Australia have a government-regulated Energy Rating Label with a star rating. The ratings show how energy efficient the appliance is compared with other models of a similar size and features. The more stars the better because the dryer will use less energy, and you’ll save on your power bill.
If you’re looking for the lowest ongoing costs, a heat pump dryer may be your best option. Some heat pump dryers have a 10-star energy rating, while vented dryers often have a rating of only one or two stars.
Which is best for me?
Each type of dryer has its advantages and disadvantages, so before you start shopping consider your circumstances. Where will the dryer go in your house? How often will you use it, and how many people’s clothes will it dry? Will you need it wall-mounted, and do you want plenty of fancy features?
Think carefully about your budget; consider the up-front purchase price and your ongoing energy costs. If you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful that you won’t use much, a vented dryer might be the best option. But if you have limited space and are happy to pay a bit more initially while saving in the long run, consider a heat pump or condenser dryer.
When shopping, knowledge is power, so do your research and work out your budget and needs first. You’ll be wrapping yourself in fluffy, warm towels in no time. Happy drying!