Tumble Dryers Buying Guide

Most full-sized tumble dryers are about the same size and usually dry a similar weight or load to their corresponding washing machines, i.e. around 6kg dry weight of cottons or 2.5kg synthetics.

If you're short of floor space, you may be able to stack your tumble dryer on top of your washing machine, or use it in a spare room or garage.

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

A vented machine takes the damp air produced by the drying process and discharges 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.

If you pay a little more you can buy a condenser dryer where 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 appropriate. 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.

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 also means less creasing. The best quality machines have long lasting stainless steel drums, and provide a smooth finish so fabrics don't catch.

Most machines have two heat settings, for cottons or synthetics. There are a few with three settings, with the third usually for delicates. They also have a timer or sensor to control the length of the drying cycle. During the last ten minutes or so of the cycle, the heating element is turned off and the fabrics tumble in cooling air back to ambient room temperature. This reduces the effect of static and 'fibre shock', which causes creasing. Some machines have a cool air setting which can be used to air fabrics stored away for some time.

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.

Dryers cost more to run than washing machines but you can

If you live within the delivery area of a John Lewis shop (you can check your postcode on the specific product page), your new appliance will be delivered by one of our vans. You will also be able to arrange for collection and recycling of your old appliance (at a cost of £9) so that we can dispose of it safely.

Disposal must be booked and paid for when you place your order, and we can only remove the old appliance if it has been disconnected. Once your old appliance has been removed, it is deemed of no value and we will be unable to return it to you.

These provide a practical space-saving solution if you don't have room for both a washing machine and tumble dryer, and are also useful for small households where the amount of laundry done doesn't warrant a full sized drying machine.

Washer dryers have all the usual functions of a washing machine, but they are more limited in their tumble drying function because of the size of the drum, which will restrict you to drying only half a wash load at a time. Of course you'll also only be able to wash or dry at one time, so for larger households or large laundry loads, this option can be impractical.

Bear in mind that the drum size means wetter laundry takes longer to dry in a washer dryer, and that it uses a wet condenser system which actually uses cold water for the drying process, so increasing water consumption. However, because this water is