This tumble dryer buying guide from mychoice gives you everything you need to make an informed purchase. As tumble dryers aren’t regular purchases, we want to make you are comfortable as possible with your purchase—ensuring it is the right tumble drier for you.

Getting the washing dry can be a real problem, as hanging wet laundry around the house can cause condensation, which can lead to mould. Tumble drying speeds up the laundry process and will leave fabrics soft and fluffy. A tumble dryer is a very convenient appliance and, with a choice of vented or condenser dryers available, there is something to suit every home. Check out our range of tumble dryers as you read through the tumble drier buying guide.

 

You can either read the full guide or click on one of the links below, which will take you to the answer to one of the most commonly asked questions about tumble dryers.      

 

• What size does my Tumble Dryer need to be to fit into my Kitchen/Utility Room?
• Do I need a Condenser or Vented Tumble Dryer?
• How much Washing will I be drying each week? 
• What types of clothes/fabrics can I use in a Tumble Dryer?
• How can a Tumble Dryer save me time? 
• How much will a Tumble Dryer cost me to run?
• What price do I need to pay for my Tumble Dryer? 

 

What size does my Tumble Dryer need to be to fit into my Kitchen/Utility Room?

 

Everyone’s kitchen or utility room is different and is filled with different furniture and appliances. So, with this, most people’s available space and needs are specific to them. Some people prefer their machine out in the open so they can easily get it, which is very useful if they are doing lots of washing/drying, while other people have specifically designed kitchens and want a specific size of machine to fit a specific space.                   

The first decision you have to make is, where in your kitchen you want your tumble dryer to go and what size it needs to be in order to fit. Do you need your machine out in the open or do you want your machine to be slotted into your kitchen units.

 

Details about freestanding and built-in tumble dryers: 

 

* Most Freestanding models are front loaders for ease of use.    

* Built-in tumble dryers have a flat front and space to attach door hinges so they can be completely hidden behind a door.

* An integrated model is a front loader covered by a door panel that matches the rest of your kitchen units. When closed, the machine will be completely hidden.    

 

**When fitting your new appliance please remember it must be fitted in reach of a power supply in order to be connected. If you would like mychoice to connect your appliance, please check our connection services for that particular model.

 

**Have you thought about a matching washing machine or dishwasher with your tumble dryer? Have a look at the ranges today.

 

 

Do I need a Condenser or Vented Tumble Dryer?

You will need to choose between a vented or condenser tumble dryer.

 

Vented Tumble Dryers  take the damp air produced by the drying process and discharge it outside the home using a 2m plastic hose (sometimes supplied) to prevent condensation. A permanent vent can be fitted in an outside wall or you can simply hang the hose out of an open window. Vented machines are cheaper than condenser models and normally use less energy, but you will need to install the appliance near an outside wall or window which may not always be possible—especially if you live in a flat

 

Condenser Tumble Dryers, if you pay a little more, are more convenient, as the machine separates water from the moist air into a container which is emptied after drying, or sometimes pumped out via the washing machine plumbing, if available. You can install a condenser dryer in any well-ventilated room, and though they're a little more expensive to run, you may prefer the freedom of not having to use a hose.

  

 

How much Washing will I be drying each week?

One of the main factors that will influence your purchase will be the amount of washing you do and choosing the best model to support your specific needs. The total amount of laundry a tumble dryer can take is dictated by the size of the drum. The larger the drum size, the more washing the dryer can handle effectively in a standard cycle. It can work out cheaper on electricity and water, to do larger washes. Drum size is measured by the weight it can handle, for example a 6kg drum can handle 6kg of drying. It can work out cheaper, in terms of how much power is used to do a few large laundry loads rather than lots of small ones. On the other hand small, dry loads can be quicker and better suited to particular types of fabric or clothing.

 

* If you don’t plan on washing much laundry each week, you don’t really need a very large drum size. A machine with a drum size of around 3-5kg will probably be enough for the needs of 2 people living together.

* For most households a machine with a drum capacity of 6kg - 8kg will be plenty. It will probably have enough space to handle large wash loads but may also include programmes more tailored to smaller wash loads. These machines are more than adequate for families or houses of up to 5 people.

* If you have a very large family and need to do lots of washing all at once, the best and most sensible choice, would be a model with a larger sized drum. You can get models with a drum size of up to 9kg-10kg, which would allow you to do a very large dry load at any one time. 

 

 What types of clothes/fabrics can I use in a Tumble Dryer?

Everyone’s clothes these days have a wide range of different fabrics and in order to get them dry you need to choose the correct program. Our huge selection of tumble dryers, provide a number of useful drying solutions for every situation and care for fabrics of every kind. For example both vented and condenser tumble dryers can offer:

 

(Please note you should always check your clothes’ care labels before washing and drying).

 

* Iron dry: Clothes are left very slightly damp which makes them much easier to iron. But you'll need to do so straight away. 

* Hanger dry: Medium drying level is ideal for garments which don’t need to be ironed and can simply be placed on a hanger to finish drying.  

* Cupboard dry - Leaves clothes dry enough to store straight away. The load size for synthetic fabrics is usually half that for cottons.    

* Extra dry - A longer program for multi-layered or thick fabrics such as bed sheets, towelling bathrobes and socks.        

* Wool/delicates - For drying woollens or delicate fabrics with gentle heat and minimal movement.

* Anti-crease - The drum moves occasionally after the program ends to prevent creases setting in.

* Easy iron - Usually a few minutes of heat followed by a short cool tumble to relax the fibres of creased dry clothing.

* Gentle/delicate dry - is designed for delicate items such as underwear and nightwear; this allows drying to be performed at a lower temperature to prevent damage    

 

 

How can a Tumble Dryer save me time?

Tumble dryers have larger drums than washing machines, because the larger the drum, the better the efficiency of hot air flow through the machine resulting in faster drying times. Allowing fabrics plenty of room to tumble and it also means less creasing. The best quality machines have long lasting stainless steel drums, and provide a smooth finish so fabrics don't catch. 

 

* Reverse tumble and easy iron functions help prevent your laundry from creasing, by stopping garments from tangling and loosening the clothing as it dries.  

* Sensor drying, a top-of-the-range feature, uses sensor controlled dryers to monitor the moisture and temperature levels inside the drum and detect when the load is dry. This is not only convenient, but ensures maximum energy efficiency, by stopping the dryer when the clothes reach the drying level selected.  

* Delay functions allow you to pre-set a drying cycle to start later and an end of cycle alarm, which alerts you as to when your cycle has finished. Perfect if you want to set the dryer to start when you’re out of the house.   

 

 

How much will a Tumble Dryer cost me to run?

All machines will receive an energy and drying performance grading A -G, A being the most economical. Standardised tests, monitored by Trading Standards, are carried out across the industry and manufacturers are responsible for grading their own appliances. Running costs will depend on how much time the machine is drying for and how hard it has to work. 

 

* You can help to keep costs down by ensuring that you don't overload the machine, dry similar fabrics together, and spin dry your wash load at the highest spin speed as possible before loading the dryer.

* Some models have a timer delay so you can use the machine overnight on a cheaper electricity tariff. Others have sensors which tell them when the washing is dry and then shut off the heater, saving energy and preventing over-drying. You'll pay a bit more for this, but will save on running costs.  

 

If you are upgrading your old appliance remember mychoice offer a recycling service, whereby we collect and recycle your old appliance when we deliver your new one; for full details of this service please see our link, Appliance Connection Services.    

  

 

 

What price do I need to pay for my Tumble Dryer?

Entry level models start from under £150, but prices go up to over £700 for the most advanced models from the top brands. It is important that you choose the right model to suit your particular needs. Many manufacturers offer matching washing machines and tumble dryers.  

 

* For less than £200 you will find a range of vented tumble dryers suitable for most small families (3 people). These models have a drying capacity of 3-7kg.At the top end of this category (closer to £200) you can even find machines with sensor drying, making them excellent value for money!    

* Between £200 -£400 you’ll find tumble dryers better equipped for medium-sized families (3-5 people) with the drying capacity usually between 6-8kg. They come in a variety of colours and are available as condenser or vented models. All models offer a choice of drying levels and many come with advanced sensor drying.  

* Spend over £400 and you should get a model with a capacity of between 7-10kg, which is suitable for the largest of households. Most use a condenser but vented models are also available. In this price bracket you will notice a definite improvement in the styles and designs available. These models are generally B rated but if you are interested in the most energy efficient models available, you will need to get a model which is probably £600+. Although this can seem expensive, it can reduce your energy bills and is environmentally friendly at the same time.

 

You can call us Monday – Friday 9am-6pm on 01442 563 147 or on 0800 197 5391 at anytime from 9am to 10pm 7 days a week. Alternatively you can contact us by email on info@mychoice.co.uk and we will respond within an hour if received 9am-5pm Monday to Friday or as soon as possible outside of these times. Please give us a call if you have any questions about this tumble dryer buying guide.