Best clothes dryers in Australia 2021

Buy at Betta Home Living

Why we chose it

Shopping around for a new clothes dryer? The LG DVH5-08W should definitely be on your shopping shortlist.

This 8kg heat pump dryer is very energy efficient, easy to use and loaded with plenty of clever features. It has also picked up plenty of positive customer reviews, including an average 5/5 rating from over 120 The Good Guys customer reviews, and an average of 4.7/5 from more than 260 Google reviews. Thanks to all these factors, the LG DVH5-08W takes the top prize here as the best overall dryer.

Heat pump dryers are known for their energy efficiency, and the LG's impressive 9-star Energy Rating will certainly help keep your power bills down. Its 8kg capacity means it can tackle large loads, and it features Time Saving and Energy Saving modes to suit your drying requirements.

One of the key features of this LG heat pump dryer is its sensor dry function, which monitors the moisture and air temperature, and controls the drying time and temperature based on the program selected. There are 9 main settings available for different items — Cotton, Mixed Fabric, Easy Care, Duvet, Towels, Allergy Care, Sportswear, Wool and Delicates — and a quick 30-minute cycle for 1kg of clothing.

Remote starting and monitoring is available via LG's smartphone app, and a 10-year parts warranty on this dryer's motor and compressor offers added peace of mind.

It's worth pointing out that the $1,800-plus RRP on this model will be a stumbling block for some buyers. But while you could certainly pick up a vented dryer for a lot less upfront, the much lower Energy Ratings of vented models mean they'll be a whole lot more expensive to run than a heat pump dryer. We also found this LG model selling in the $1,500-$1,650 price range at the time of writing, so it's always a good idea to shop around to find the best available deal.

Best cheap dryer: Haier HDV60A1 6kg Sensor Vented Dryer

Pros

Easy to use
Comes with wall-mounting kit

Cons

2-star Energy Rating
Some complaints that it's a little noisy

Average online price: $439

Why we chose it

Shopping for a clothes dryer and have a maximum budget of around $500? There are lots of good reasons why you should check out the HDV60A1 vented dryer from Haier.

Available for well under $500 from multiple retailers, this machine certainly doesn't cost the earth. It's also simple to use, comes with 7 pre-programmed settings, and uses sensor drying to help you save time and energy.

The Haier has picked up its fair share of positive customer reviews as well, including:

An average score of 4.7/5 from over 130 Appliances Online customer reviews.
An average score of 4.5/5 from over 110 Harvey Norman customer reviews.
An average score of 4.5/5 from over 160 The Good Guys customer reviews.

Then there's the fact that Haier was named the best-rated clothes dryer brand in the 2020-21 Finder Retail Awards, impressing consumers with the value for money, quietness, performance and reliability of its dryers. As a result, the Haier HDV60A1 6kg Sensor Vented Dryer is our top pick if you're in the market for a cheap dryer.

The HDV60A1 uses auto sensing technology to monitor the temperature and moisture level. This prevents over- or under-drying of clothes, helping you save time and also money on your power bills. It also uses a reverse tumbling action, reversing its direction regularly to reduce the incidence of tangles and wrinkles.

The machine is vented at the front and rear, and the easy-access lint filter ensures that cleaning the dryer is never a hassle. Programming is easy with a basic dial and start/pause button arrangement, and there are 7 drying programs available to suit your needs. The HDV60A1 can also be wall mounted if you need to save floor space in your laundry, and it comes with a 2-year parts and labour warranty.

Best high-end dryer: Bosch WTW87564AU 9kg Serie 8 Heat Pump Dryer

Pros

8-star Energy Rating
Self-cleaning condenser

Cons

Some buyers complain that it doesn't completely dry clothes
Some criticise its performance when drying sheets

Price (RRP): $1,899

Why we chose it

If you're shopping around for a quality dryer and you're not restricted by budget, the Bosch WTW87564AU heat pump dryer is well worth a closer look. This premium model from the German manufacturer is very energy efficient, has a large capacity, and includes handy features like self-cleaning and anti-vibration technology.

It has also picked up a stack of glowing customer reviews, as evidenced by an average score of 4.7/5 from more than 500 Google reviews. So if you've got a big budget, the Bosch WTW87564AU 9kg Serie 8 Heat Pump dryer is our pick as the best high-end dryer.

Designed for larger households, the Bosch boasts an AutoDry feature that automatically stops the drying cycle once it has finished. It uses what Bosch calls ActiveAir technology to reuse existing heat, thereby saving energy, and its 8-star Energy Rating is one of this dryer's main selling points.

The WTW87564AU also features a self-cleaning condenser that keeps itself lint-free, and it uses Bosch's Sensitive Drying System to gently and evenly dry your clothes. Anti-vibration side panels on this model are designed to keep the machine stable and quiet, which should please anyone who has ever experienced the disruption of a noisy dryer.

Finally, while there's an $1,899 RRP on this Bosch Serie 8 heat pump dryer, we found it selling for less than $1,500 at the time of writing. That's why it's always worth your while to compare a range of options and shop around for the best deal.

Best dryer for small spaces: Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer

Pros

Simple to use
Wall-mounting bracket included

Cons

1.5-star Energy Rating
Lacks advanced settings

Average online price: $399

Buy at Bing Lee

Why we chose it

If you're short on space in your laundry, the Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer could be just what you need. This compact unit takes up minimal space, is dead simple to use, and comes with an affordable price tag.

It has also picked up more than its fair share of positive reviews from customers at retailers like Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and Appliances Online, with an average review score of 4.5/5 or higher across all sites. As a result, this 4.5kg Simpson vented dryer is our top pick as the best dryer for small spaces.

First, let's start with the dimensions so you can work out whether this machine will fit in your space. The Simpson measures 795mm (H) x 600mm (W) x 520mm (D), so it's a good choice for those cramped for room.

Other than its size, the other thing you notice about this Simpson vented dryer on first glance is its simplicity. Programming is handled via a rotary dial control, and it's easy to adjust the settings to suit different loads. The machine tumbles both clockwise and anti-clockwise to prevent clothes and sheets getting tangled, and also has an auto cool down phase to help minimise creases.

Other features include a delicates setting, a front lint filter, and a door with a child safety lock. So if you're in the market for a dryer that's compact, practical and easy to use, the Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer is definitely worth a closer look.

Best dryer for large families: Electrolux 9kg Ultimate Care Heat Pump Dryer EDH903BEWA

Pros

7-star Energy Rating
14 drying programs

Cons

Some complaints about slow drying time
There are other options that are even more energy efficient

Average online price: $1,476

Why we chose it

Searching for a large-capacity dryer to tackle family-sized loads of clothing? The Electrolux EDH903BEWA 9kg Ultimate Care Heat Pump Dryer could be a perfect fit for your laundry.

Designed to suit the needs of large families, this model features impressive energy efficiency, sensor drying technology, and settings to suit a wide range of different fabrics. It has also picked up a host of positive customer reviews, as an average score of 4.8/5 from over 90 Google reviews shows. With all these factors in mind, the Electrolux takes the win here as the best dryer for large families.

With its 9kg capacity, this model has sufficient capacity to handle those large washing loads that only a family can produce. And because it's a heat pump dryer it's also a frugal user of power, with its 7-star Energy Rating another important selling point.

The EDH903BEWA uses a reverse tumbling action to dry your clothes with minimal tangles and wrinkles. It uses humidity sensors in each cycle to prevent over-drying, and its large door ensures easy access and can be reversed to better suit your space.

There are 14 drying programs to choose from, including settings for bedding, delicates and saving energy. There's also a Woolmark Certified woollens cycle, designed for hand-wash-only woollen garments.

Other features include Wi-Fi capability, an LED drum light and a front pocket lint filter. So if you're looking for a dryer to suit the laundry needs of a large family, there are plenty of good reasons why you should check out the Electrolux EDH903BEWA 9kg Ultimate Care Heat Pump Dryer.

Best vented dryer: Fisher & Paykel DE7060G2 7kg Vented Dryer

Pros

Easy to use
Multiple settings and programs to suit your needs

Cons

There are cheaper options available
Some buyers complain that it is noisy

Average online price: $604

Why we chose it

If you're shopping around for a practical and affordable vented dryer, there's a lot to like about this 7kg model from Fisher & Paykel. The DE7060G2 is easy to use, features auto-sensing technology, and can be wall-mounted for added convenience.

It also comes with an affordable price tag and has earned plenty of positive customer reviews, including:

An average score of 4.7/5 from over 60 Appliances Online customer reviews.
An average score of 4.7/5 from over 75 Harvey Norman customer reviews.
An average score of 4.5/5 from over 220 The Good Guys customer reviews.

With so many useful features and happy customers, the Fisher & Paykel DE7060G2 7kg Vented Dryer is our top pick as the best vented dryer.

This Series 5 dryer uses auto-sensing technology to detect moisture levels and ensure that your items aren't under- or over-dried. It uses a reverse-tumbling motion to dry clothes and minimise tangles, and there's a drying rack for those fragile items that need to be handled with care.

There are 6 fabric care cycles to choose from on the DE7060G2, including settings for heavy loads and delicates. There are also 4 temperature settings and 5 dryness settings available, and you can choose front or rear venting depending on the requirements of your laundry space.

Controls are clearly labelled and easy to understand, and with a door that opens 180 degrees, this model makes it easy to load and unload your clothes or linen. Check it out if you're in the market for a reliable vented dryer.

Best condenser dryer: Euromaid CD7KG 7kg Condenser Dryer

Pros

15 drying programs
Easy to use

Cons

Larger families might want more drying capacity
Emptying water tank at bottom of appliance is a little inconvenient

Price (RRP): $1,199

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for a condenser dryer, the Euromaid CD7KG is well worth a closer look. This condenser clothes dryer offers 15 drying programs, simple controls and convenient features like delayed start.

It's also been largely well received by consumers, with an average score of 4.6/5 from more than 80 Google reviews, so the Euromaid CD7KG is our pick as the best condenser dryer.

Powered by a QuietDrive inverter motor, which is designed to be durable and quiet when in use, the CD7KG offers a choice of 15 drying programs. These include settings for everything from delicates and jeans to sports wear, while the Express 14 setting is perfect for when you need to give an item a quick burst of heat. There's also a Freshen Up program to help clean and refresh items of clothing or linen that have been sitting in the back of the cupboard for a little too long.

A rotary dial and simple push buttons make programming the dryer easy, and you can delay the start of a cycle by as much as 9 hours when needed. The CD7KG has a 2-star Energy Rating, which is fairly standard for a condenser dryer, and a child lock for added safety.

And despite its $1,199 RRP, we found the Euromaid CD7KG 7kg Condenser Dryer selling for less than $1,000 from multiple retailers at the time of writing. So if you decide that this model is the right fit for your laundry, be sure to shop around for the best available price.

Best heat pump dryer: Fisher & Paykel DH9060 9kg Heat Pump Dryer

Pros

8-star Energy Rating
13 drying programs

Cons

Some complaints about sheets balling up
There are cheaper options available

Average online price: $1,599

Why we chose it

If you're searching for the best heat pump dryer for your laundry, the LG model we chose as our top overall pick is obviously well worth a look. But so is this 9kg model from Fisher & Paykel.

The DH9060P1 9kg Heat Pump Dryer offers a choice of 13 drying cycles, is an energy-efficient performer, and includes handy features like a wrinkle-free option and a drying rack. It also has a host of positive reviews from customers at retailers like The Good Guys, Appliances Online and Harvey Norman, so the Fisher & Paykel DH9060P1 takes the win here as the best heat pump dryer.

One of the major selling points of this Series 7 model is its energy efficiency. With an 8-star Energy Rating, this dryer certainly isn't going to drive your power bills up too much. It uses auto-sensing technology to detect moisture levels inside the drum, preventing over- or under-drying of clothes.

There are also 13 different programs to choose from on this machine, including settings for sports gear, bulky items, sheets and woollen clothing. The included drying rack is perfect for those fragile items that can't be tumble dried, and there's an indicator to let you know when the lint filter needs to be cleaned.

The intuitive control panel makes it quick and easy to dial in your desired settings, while the internal drum light is another handy addition. And with its 9kg capacity, the Fisher & Paykel DH9060P1 has ample space to look after the drying needs of a large family.

Best dryer for energy efficiency: LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Pros

9-star Energy Rating
Auto cleaning condenser

Cons

There are cheaper options available
Some buyers complain about slow drying times

Price (RRP): $1,859

Buy at Betta Home Living

Why we chose it

If you're in the market for a dryer that will keep your power bills down, it's definitely worth taking a closer look at the LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer. That's right, the same model we chose as our best overall pick is also featuring again as the best dryer for energy efficiency.

Not only is it a very energy-efficient dryer, but this model also offers a wide range of drying programs, an auto-cleaning condenser, and remote monitoring via Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone app. It has also picked up plenty of positive reviews from Aussie buyers, including an average 5/5 rating from over 120 The Good Guys customer reviews, and an average rating of 4.7/5 from more than 260 Google reviews.

While there are models with an even higher energy-efficiency rating than the LG, they don't yet have the same number of positive reviews backing them up. As a result, the LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer is our pick as the best dryer for energy efficiency.

While a clothes dryer certainly isn't the first appliance that springs to mind when you hear the words "energy efficiency", the LG has a 9-star Energy Rating. That means you can dry your clothes without worrying about your power bills or environmental impact.

Other than that, the LG DVH5-08W is loaded with a host of other intelligent and handy features. It offers a choice of energy-saving and time-saving settings, uses sensors to prevent over-drying, and automatically cleans its condenser during the drying process.

It also comes with a stacking kit and drying rack, and there are multiple drying cycles to suit everything from duvets and sportswear to allergy sufferers. So no matter which way you look at it, there's a lot to like about the LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer.

Best washer dryer combo: LG WVC5-1409W 9kg/5kg Front Load Washer Dryer Combo

Pros

6 washing motions
4.5-star Water Rating and 4.5-star (wash) / 4-star (dry) Energy Rating

Cons

Some buyers complain that a full cycle takes too long
Some complaints that it's a little noisy

Price (RRP): $1,859

Why we chose it

A washer dryer combo offers a convenient way to save floor space in your laundry. And if you're in the market for an all-in-one machine for your home, we recommend checking out the LG WVC5-1409W.

This impressive appliance boasts competitive Water and Energy Ratings, a wide range of programs to choose from, and the convenience of being able to control your unit from a compatible smart device. It has picked up its fair share of glowing customer reviews too, including an average rating of 4.6/5 from Harvey Norman customers. As a result, the LG WVC5-1409W is our pick as the best washer dryer combo.

In terms of capacity, the LG can handle 9kg of washing and 5kg of drying. A front-loading model, it boasts Energy Ratings of 4.5 (washing) and 4 stars (drying), and a WELS Water Rating of 4.5 stars.

This machine uses what LG calls AI Direct Drive technology to determine the weight and fabric softness of each load, and then selects suitable washing motions. There are 6 different washing motions available — stepping, tumbling, scrubbing, filtration, rolling and swing — and the direct drive motor comes with a 10-year parts warranty.

There is also a wide range of programs to suit your washing or drying needs, including a Quick 30 setting for fast washes and a cycle to suit allergy sufferers. Add the convenience of being available to remotely start and monitor your appliance from a compatible smart device and it's easy to see why the LG WVC5-1409W 9kg/5kg front-loader is our number-one pick as the best washer dryer combo.

Best wall-mounted dryer: Simpson 6.5kg Vented Dryer SDV656HQWA

Pros

Easy to use
Auto cool down setting

Cons

Some buyers report problems with broken belts
Some buyers report that it is a little noisy

Price (RRP): $584