12 best clothes dryers to buy in Australia 2024
It’s the perfect time to give your laundry a freshen up, with huge early EOFY discounts on ‘highly recommended’ dryers.
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If you’re tired of waiting for a sunny day to get through that ever-growing pile of laundry, it could be time to invest in a clothes dryer.
Regardless of the weather, a decent dryer will get your clothes, bedding and towels dried and ready to be put away in no time, making it a handy investment.
RELATED: Save time, money and space with these washer dryers
With such a wide variety of sizes, types and capacities available though, it can be difficult to determine which is best for your home and budget.
That’s why we asked Christian Frykberg, LG Electronics’ National ISSO Manager, Home Appliances, to give the lowdown on how to choose the best clothes dryer for your laundry, as well as share some expert tips on how to use them to keep running costs down.
Did you know that it’s better to install your dryer in a warm area since “unheated spaces make drying times longer”?
Also, if you're wondering how often you should clean your clothes dryer, according to Christian, you need to clean the lint screen after every load.
“A blocked lint filter makes it harder for air to circulate through your clothes. This will not only decrease the overall efficiency of your home appliance but may be a fire hazard,” he said.
To help you find the right dryer for you, here we’ve rounded up several top-rated options, based on real customer ratings and our own knowledge of the products including this top-rated budget pick that won't break the bank.
BEST OVERALL CLOTHES DRYER
Bosch 8kg Heat Pump Dryer WQG235D8AU, $1648 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Boasting an impressive 9-star energy rating, this super-efficient Bosch heat pump clothes dryer (WQG235D8AU) is one of the most efficient models on the market. It features 10 programs and uses ActiveAir Technology, which reuses existing heat to dry your load efficiently (just like other heat pump dryers).
It also features a SelfCleaning condenser, a bed linen program with a reversible drum and a half-load option.
"We are in love with our Bosch heat pump dryer and often wonder why we didn't purchase it earlier! It's quiet, has all the wonderful features and most importantly, it keeps our laundry life on track with a young child and a newborn," wrote one five-star review on Google.
BEST BUDGET CLOTHES DRYERS
Haier 4kg Front Load Vented Dryer HDV40A1, $298 (down from $519) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Haier is a go-to brand for affordable appliances, so it’s no surprise that Product Review rated the brand’s HDV40A1 model as the best vented clothes dryer. This machine covers the basics with seven drying programs and two temperature settings (warm and cool). It also uses reverse tumble action for gentle treatment on your clothes, plus a sensor drying function to avoid wasting unnecessary energy.
“It’s good for the price. 4kg doesn’t seem like much but it fits a lot,” a reviewer posted.
“Would recommend for someone with a lower budget but still wanting something easy to use and gets the job done fast.”
Solt 4.5kg Vented Dryer GGSVDE45W, $299 at The Good Guys
Solt 4.5kg Vented Dryer GGSVDE45W
What You Need To Know
Finding a cheap clothes dryer is like trying to pick a needle in a haystack. Luckily, this Solt appliance can be easily (and exclusively) nabbed at The Good Guys. This 4.5kg capacity vented dryer covers the basics with three drying programs and is likely to suit single or two-person households that are on a budget or want a dryer, but don’t plan to use it heavily.
“Simple to use. Not like those complex dryers with so many programs that it is impossible to know what is going on,” praised a customer.
BEST VENTED CLOTHES DRYER
Electrolux 6kg Sensor Dryer EDV605H3WB, $499 (down from $699) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Electrolux is a go-to brand for clothes dryers, which is no surprise given it's been ranked number one by Aussie consumers in Canstar Blue’s clothes dryer ratings for two years in a row. It even picked up five-star reviews in five out of six categories in its latest survey, such as value for money, ease of use and quietness.
If you’re searching for a wall-mountable option, have a look at this budget-friendly model (EDV605H3WB). With a 6kg capacity and 10 drying settings, the unit is a fuss-free option for couples or single-person households.
Complete with three drying programs of 30, 60 and 90 minutes, you have the option to quick dry small loads and ensure that bedding is completely dried through. The dryer is also fitted with SensorDry technology, which means it alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise movements to prevent tangling.
BEST SENSOR CLOTHES DRYER
Fisher & Paykel 7kg Sensor Clothes Dryer DE7060G2, $599 (down from $849) at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Want some smart laundry action? Fisher & Paykel’s vented dryer (DE7060G2) is designed with auto-sensing technology that measures moisture levels so it doesn’t under or over-dry your washing. With six fabric care cycles – including delicate and heavy – and five dryness settings, this machine is more than capable of handling anything the average household can throw at it.
It also comes with wall brackets and a handy drying rack, which you can use for delicate items so they aren’t tossed about as they dry. With a 7kg capacity, this affordable model is a great choice for households of up to four people.
BEST HEAT PUMP CLOTHES DRYER
LG 8kg Heat Pump Dryer with Inverter Control DVH5-08W, $1699 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Heat Pump dryers don’t need to be vented, making them a great choice for renters. These are also more energy efficient than dryers with a heating coil, so they’re ideal if you want to cut down on your power bill. This 8kg capacity clothes dryer from LG (DVH5-08W) boasts a massive nine-star energy rating, making it both super efficient and easier on the environment.
There are 14 programs to select from, including performances for specific fabrics like wool, and an allergy function for asthma sufferers and those with sensitive skin. Integrated SmartThinQ technology also allows you to connect to your dryer wirelessly via Wi-Fi and monitor power usage, troubleshoot issues and start the dryer remotely.
BEST CONDENSER CLOTHES DRYER
ASKO 10KG Heat Pump Condenser Dryer T410HD.W.AU, $2999 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
If you want to dry large loads of laundry but want to use minimal electricity and keep your bills low, take a look at ASKO’s energy-efficient 10kg heat pump condenser dryer. The machine is also gentle on garments thanks to its Butterfly Drying system, which moves two paddles in a figure-eight motion to circulate air through items and prevents loads from twisting and creasing the fabric.
This dryer features 14 programs, which allows you to tailor a drying cycle to suit specific materials and items like bedding, towels, wool and silk.
BEST WASHER/DRYER COMBINATION
LG 16kg/9kg Steam+ and Turbo Clean Washer Dryer WXLC1116B, $1797 (down from $2999) at Bing Lee
What You Need To Know
If you want to spend less time doing laundry, this LG washer dryer combo (WXLC1116B) is a great solution. With a massive 16kg capacity, this appliance is made to suit families of all sizes and is large enough to wash doonas and other large items.
The machine may seem pricey upfront but if you consider that you’re getting two appliances in one, it’s fairly reasonable.
“This washer/dryer is an outstanding appliance that met and exceeded our expectations,” one reviewer stated on the LG website.
“Wash cycles are great and the drying cycles produce completely dry, relatively wrinkle free garments. The unit itself is huge though, so make sure you have sufficient space.”
Samsung 8.5kg/6kg BubbleWash Washer Dryer Combo WD85T4046CE, $1049 at Appliances Online
Samsung 8.5kg/6kg BubbleWash Washer Dryer Combo WD85T4046CE
What You Need To Know
Another combination option is this Samsung washer dryer. It features plenty of convenient settings such as Air Wash, which deodorises and sanitises clothes, plus a 15-minute wash cycle for small, lightly soiled loads that need to be dealt with ASAP. The appliance also offers DrumClean+ mode to clean inside the machine and reduce odour-causing bacteria without having to use harsh cleaning chemicals. The condenser unit will also automatically notify you to run the program after 40 every cycles to help you keep the dryer well maintained.
As with all appliances, check out the instruction manual to familiarise yourself with all available settings. The programs listed on the physical model aren’t the only ones on offer, with options like spin-only and delay start also available.
BEST CLOTHES DRYER FOR LARGE FAMILIES
Bosch 9kg Heat Pump Dryer WQG24200AU, $1195 at The Good Guys
Bosch 9kg Heat Pump Dryer WQG24200AU
What You Need To Know
With a 4.5 out of five-star rating on Google and a generous 9kg capacity, Bosch’s 9kg Heat Pump Dryer WQG24200AU is a cost-effective buy for families of five or more. Boasting an energy efficiency rating of seven stars and fitted with technology that automatically switches the machine off once the drying process is complete, this machine is also a great economical pick.
“This dryer is intuitive, energy efficient and easy to use,” a happy shopper reviewed.
Another said, "The Bosch dryer is so much better than I thought it would be. It’s quiet in our apartment and doesn’t create steam whilst drying clothes. The clothes appear to have been dried more gently leaving everything feeling fresh."
BEST ENERGY EFFICIENT CLOTHES DRYER
Hisense 9kg Heat Pump Dryer HDFS90HAB, $1198 at The Good Guys
Hisense 9kg Heat Pump Dryer HDFS90HAB
What You Need To Know
Heat pump dryers are great for efficiency but typically cost much more compared to other types. Thankfully, this new Hisense heat pump clothes dryer has a reasonable price tag and comes loaded with a bunch of clever features, such as a FlexRack to prevent toys, shoes and delicate fabrics from tumbling around the drum. It’s also compatible with the Hisense ConnectEnabled app, which lets you track how much electricity you’ve used for the week (or month or year) and check estimated costs for those periods. You can also use the function to sync your dryer with a Hisense washer so there’s no need to waste time fumbling with the controls.
BEST COMPACT CLOTHES DRYER
Westinghouse 4.5kg Reverse Vented Tumble Dryer WDV457H3WB, $399 at The Good Guys
Westinghouse 4.5kg Reverse Vented Tumble Dryer WDV457H3WB
What You Need To Know
If you’re short on space or only have a household of one or two people, this little Westinghouse clothes dryer (WDV457H3WB) is a top option. The vented dryer can either be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall, so you can make the most of smaller spaces.
“This excellent dryer fulfils our needs completely. It is quiet, efficient and unobtrusive. It is easy to operate and the lint filter is easy to clean. Highly recommended,” an impressed customer commented on the Westinghouse website.
BEST DRYING CABINET
ASKO Vented Drying Cabinet DC7774.V, $2999 at The Good Guys
ASKO Vented Drying Cabinet DC7774.V
What You Need To Know
For garments need careful handling, such as anything silk, satin or velvet, a drying cabinet like this one from ASKO (DC7774. V) might be worth investing in. It uses a gentle air stream drying process, rather than a mechanical action, to ensure there’s no friction to potentially cause white streaks, snags or any other damage.
“It has saved me a load of time trying to dry towels, T-shirts and even washed runners, when the weather outside is wet and feral … Hang or drape your load, select your warming cycle, hit the start button and walk away. It can even delicately dry your woollens, laid flat,” a happy shopper wrote.
“No extra pilling. No extra flocking. All the bells and whistles, and a stylish unit too … I can’t do without it.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CLOTHES DRYER
Finding the best clothes dryer with the right capacity and price tag can be tricky, but there are a few functions that make a machine particularly good bang for buck. Although the “biggest cost-saving feature” to look out for is the energy star rating, according to Christian.
“The energy star rating measures how efficient a model is relative to other models of the same size, so consumers should look at these ratings and compare before purchasing. Having a higher energy rating means your dryer will consume less energy when operating, which will cut down on your electricity bills in the long run,” he said.
Christian also recommends finding a dryer capacity that matches your washing machine, and to choose a model with smart features that can “add convenience to maintaining the cleanliness and quality of their dryer”.
Here are several other handy features to consider.
• Drying rack: A drying rack is useful for when you want to keep certain items flat and secure and don’t want them tumbling around the drum, which can cause plenty of noise and potentially damage the garments. This is especially useful for heavy or bulky items, such as shoes, or delicates like stuffed toys and sweaters.
• Sensor dryers: Many clothes dryers now contain sensors that automatically adjust the temperature and setting based on the load weight detected. These help ensure your items won’t be over dried (which can potentially wear down your clothes sooner due to the friction).
• Fast drying programs: You can find a variety of shorter cycles that can take 15 or 30 minutes, usually for lightly soiled items.
• Anti crease: You can cut down your ironing time with anti-crease settings that lightly tumble your garments and towels at intervals to minimise crinkling.
• Delay: You can let the clothes dryer run at a later time if you’re too busy or want to use it at different time to save electricity (and money).
• Woollen drying program: There are dryers with a woollen program that runs at a low temperature and pauses regularly for a more gentle dry. Certain dryers are also Woolmark certified, which means the model has been independently tested to make sure the machine will protect the textile quality of different yarns, fabrics and garments.
• Refresh cycle: If you have clothes, bedding or towels that smell a little musty after being untouched in the wardrobe for so long, you can use a refresh setting to get rid of the odours and smooth out wrinkles.
• Sensitive Choice approved: Appliances that have the Sensitive Choice butterfly have been approved by the National Asthma Council Australia as being suitable for people with allergies and asthma.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best clothes dryer for your needs and budget, we asked Christian Frykberg, LG Electronics’ National ISSO Manager, Home Appliances, for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a clothes dryer. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best clothes dryer, from premium to budget, to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH TYPE OF CLOTHES DRYER IS BETTER: HEAT PUMP, VENTED OR CONDENSER?
There are three kinds of clothes dryers to choose from, including heat pump, vented and condenser. Here’s a rundown of what’s available:
Heat pump dryers
Heat pump dryers are the most expensive upfront, but they are the most energy efficient and cost effective in the long run. These are ideal for apartments or small laundry rooms with minimal venting because the units don’t create hot air or moisture. However, they cannot be wall mounted and contain a water reservoir that needs to be emptied regularly.
Condenser dryers
Condenser dryers are a happy medium price-wise, sitting at a higher price point than vented dryers, but typically costing less than heat pump dryers.
“Condenser dryers use a closed system that uses an electric heating element. Instead of being vented out of the machine, the hot humid air is condensed and the moisture is collected before the dry air is then reheated and used again,” Christian explained.
They don’t need to be vented to the outside like a vented dryer, but these must be placed in a well-ventilated area since the machine will still increase the air moisture levels (which can create mould if there isn’t enough ventilation). Condenser dryers also have a water container that needs to be emptied after each load, although some models have an optional hose attachment to drain water automatically for a convenient alternative.
Vented dryers
If you’re on a budget, vented dryers are the most affordable option. Plus, they can be placed on the floor, stacked on top of a front load washer or wall mounted. One major disadvantage is that they generate a lot of warm, moist air. You will need to attach a ducting vent to pump the hot air outside, or place the machine in a well-ventilated room. Otherwise, it can lead to mould and other issues.
“Vented dryers involve an open system that uses a fan to draw air into the machines, over an electric heating element and into the drum, before hot moist air is later expelled from the machine. They are cheap to buy, more expensive to run and because they use high temperatures to dry clothes, there is a risk of garments being damaged,” Christian said.
WHAT IS THE ENERGY STAR RATING SYSTEM?
The number of stars on an Energy Rating Label indicates to consumers how much electricity an appliance uses compared to other models of the same size capacity. The more stars a product is rated, the more energy efficient it is (and the lower the running costs). Most clothes dryers are given a rating between one and six stars, although there are some ‘super-efficient’ units that can have up to 10 stars.
According to energy retailer Red Energy, each star can improve the energy efficiency of the machine up to 25 per cent.
WHAT IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT CLOTHES DRYER?
Heat pump dryers generally use the least amount of energy, according to Christian, because they don’t create hot air using use an electric heater like other types of dryers.
“Instead, they use a heat pump system for both heating and condensing the moisture, with a sophisticated exchange that extracts moisture out of wet clothes to generate hot air. This means that it uses a lot less electricity compared to the other models and is the most energy efficient on the market, while delivering superior care for garments,” he explained.
WHAT SIZE CLOTHES DRYER SHOULD YOU GET?
Christian’s biggest tip to finding the right dryer capacity is to look for a model with a similar size to your washing machine.
“For example, if your washing machine is 8kg and under, an 8kg dryer is the best option. It’s also important to consider that a dryer’s capacity is based on wet garments, so if you are frequently putting on larger washing loads, you may want to invest in a larger capacity dryer,” he said,
As a “general rule”, Christian says an 8kg capacity clothes dryer is suitable for a singles or two-person households. Meanwhile, a 9kg dryer is usually ideal for two to four people. And families or share houses with four or more people should aim for a dryer with a nine or 10kg capacity.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CLOTHES DRYER
Christian also gave us a few tips on how to take care of our machine and get our load done quicker.
Separate lightweight fabrics from heavyweight items
Did you know clothes can dry faster and more evenly if you separate based on weight and even fabric type?
“Lighter clothing requires less drying time, so drying it separately on a short cycle is a great way to get the most out of your dryer in the summer,” Christian explained.
It shouldn’t take more than an hour to dry one load.
It’s worth getting your clothes dryer checked out if it’s constantly taking longer than usual.
“If your dryer is taking longer than an hour to dry a load, book your dryer in for a service or consider upgrading your machine,” Christian suggested.
“An old, tired dryer will use significantly more energy and cost you more money in the long run.”
If you have a vented dryer, it’s best to vent the air outside.
While it’s recommended that you put a vented dryer in an open room if you can’t vent the air outside, Christian recommends considering a condenser or heat pump dryer if you can’t vent externally.
“Since vented dryers expel moist air and draw it back in again, they can make the laundry room humid. As a result, the vented dryer will draw in that moist air and have to work harder and use more energy to dry your clothes,” he said.
“To combat this issue, introduce new airflow by either opening a window or switching on your home’s AC unit. If you can’t vent the air outside, consider investing in a condenser or heat pump dryer for your laundry space.”
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN USING YOUR CLOTHES DRYER
There are a few common mistakes that we can easily avoid to help make our dryer and clothes last longer, according to Christian.
• Don’t overload your dryer. When you pack too many clothes, towels and sheets, your dryer has to work hard to get them dryer. This can lead to the motor on your dryer overheating and eventually burning out.
• Do not add wet items to a partially dry load. It will confuse the moisture detector in your dryer and over dry some of your clothes which can lead to damage of the fabrics.
• Don’t just put one or two items in the dryer at any given time. Whenever possible, dry full loads to save on energy costs.
• Don’t open the dryer door unnecessarily. You’ll add time to the drying cycle by letting warm air escape.
IS IT BETTER TO AIR DRY OR USE A CLOTHES DRYER?
While air drying your clothes is more economical and better for the environment, there are plenty of times when it simply isn’t efficient.
Very few apartments now come with washing lines, which leaves apartment dwellers to dry everything on a clothes horse. Not only does this make it hard to dry off larger loads of laundry – but it’s near impossible to dry off bedding in a timely manner. You may also need to quick dry clothing to wear later that day or get your sheets dried off fast so you can pop them back on your bed, and air drying just won’t cut it in either scenario.
Luckily, as technology has progressed, we’ve seen a wider range of energy-efficient clothes dryers enter the market. Many also now offer handy functions such as auto-sensing technology which switches the machine off as soon as it detects that your items are dry. Not only will this cut down your power bill, but it will increase the longevity or your garments and bedding too.
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You can also see our news.com.au Coupons page to see a list of current shopping deals and offers from your favourite retailers and brands, including The Good Guys, Samsung, Electrolux and Bosch.
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