Our guide to buying the best vented tumble dryer

Vented tumble dryer buyers guide

With the variability of the climate, the option to dry indoors is a must-have for many of us today. A vented tumble dryer can be a huge asset in a modern home, and it will be a lot more reliable than the British weather! Line-drying is ideal for some laundry, such as sheets, but many people prefer the softness offered by a tumble dryer for some clothes or towels.

There are many reasons why a vented tumble dryer is a good choice over another option such as a condenser dryer or a heat pump dryer. They are the most affordable option, and once they are installed and set up, they are straightforward to operate. Some people prefer to have a hose through a window while the vented dryer is on or a permanent vent through the wall to the exterior. This can prove more convenient than a condenser dryer with a reservoir that collects water and requires routine emptying.

So what is a vented tumble dryer?

They are easy to identify by their hose, where the damp air from the drying process is expelled. As the wet laundry is heated, the vented tumble dryer removes the moisture through the hose. As we mentioned above, the machine expels air from the hose via a window or external vent. You will, therefore, need to check that your planned location is close to a window or an external wall through which to fit the vent.

Things to consider when buying a vented tumble dryer

Size

Different size options are available to suit your situation as with any appliance. A compact model might handle a three-kilogram load, with extra-large options at the other end of the scale coping with 10kg or more. A middle of the road seven-kilogram capacity is equivalent to roughly 21 shirts, although load capacity can change depending on the programme selected or the material type.

Bigger is not always better. If you have a family generating a lot of laundry and are able to run the tumble dryer at capacity each time, then a larger drum can be an efficient way of doing things. And, a larger model will take less time per kilo of laundry weight to dry clothes than a smaller dryer. However, there is the higher upfront cost of buying a larger machine, and the risk of ongoing higher costs as they use more energy than a lower capacity model, especially if you run below capacity.

While they come in standard sizes, you will need to allow space for the hose when calculating the depth of the available space. Check the door to confirm that it can be opened easily and will open fully to ensure you have easy access for loading.

Energy usage

Tumble drying laundry is not as sustainable as line drying or using a static airer, but there are ways to limit your dryer’s impact on the environment. When it comes to replacing your existing appliance or buying a tumble dryer for the first time, choose a model with a high energy efficiency rating. While a heat pump dryer may be the most energy-efficient option, it could cost as much as three times the price of a similar vented appliance. A vented dryer will use roughly 20% less energy than an equivalent condenser dryer on a full drum load. Using your tumble dryer when it is three-quarters full will reduce energy consumption as it allows the hot air to better circulate around the load.

Budget

Vented dryers tend to cost less than condenser dryers because there is no need for an internal condenser. They are significantly cheaper than heat pump dryers, reflecting the simpler technology. The cheapest vented dryers will cost upwards of £100 as an initial outlay, though a good one might cost double that and more. You can expect to pay from £200 to £350 for a good vented tumble dryer with a decent load capacity and energy efficiency.

When budgeting for a tumble dryer, don’t forget that your energy bills will rise if you haven’t previously had one. With average usage, you can expect your electricity bill to rise in the region of £80 for a six-kilogram capacity, up to around £115 for an eight-kilogram capacity dryer. This is a rough estimate only and will depend on how much you use your machine and your energy tariff.

Key features

There are plenty of options available when it comes to features on your new tumble dryer, each of which you may want to consider before you select one.

Lint filter

Check the location of the lint filter. This should be cleaned regularly to maximise efficiency and maintain air flow, so you won’t want it in an awkward location.

Drying programmes

Match the type of programmes on offer to the type of laundry you do. For example, programmes designed for cottons are suitable for hardwearing fabrics, whereas easy-care is more suited to synthetics and blends.

Control panel

Make sure this will be easy to see and read without having to bend down. Read up on what all the different symbols mean so you can choose the right options for the fabrics that are contained within a typical wash in your household.

Timer

A drying timer calculates how long is needed for each cycle and moves forward to the next stage once the temperature in the drum reaches a certain point. Choose the right programme and the timer will dry your laundry as required.

Wi-Fi connection

Some modern appliances will have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control your dryer from your mobile phone. This can be useful to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates at night if you are not at home at the time.

Shop for vented tumble dryers at Knees Home & Electrical

Our range includes models to suit all requirements and budgets, from all the leading appliance brands including Miele, AEG, Zanussi and Hoover. You can see our range online or in-store at either of our Wiltshire store, in Trowbridge. If you prefer to shop online or live further afield, our website is always open.

Once you have chosen your vented tumble dryer from our range, we can deliver it to you at a mainland UK address using our chosen delivery partner. Our customer service team is always happy to help or advise you however they can if you have any questions. Find your perfect vented tumble dryer on our website today!