Best clothes dryers in Australia 2022

Top Pick for

Overall dryer

LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Top Pick for

Cheap dryer

Haier HDV60A1 6kg Sensor Vented Dryer

Top Pick for

High-end dryer

Bosch WTW87564AU 9kg Serie 8 Heat Pump Dryer

Top Pick for

Dryer for small spaces

Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer

The best clothes dryers in Australia

• Best overall dryer: LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer
• Best cheap dryer: Haier HDV60A1 6kg Sensor Vented Dryer
• Best high-end dryer: Bosch WTW87564AU 9kg Serie 8 Heat Pump Dryer
• Best dryer for small spaces: Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer
• Best dryer for large families: Electrolux 9kg Ultimate Care Heat Pump Dryer EDH903BEWA
• Best vented dryer: Fisher & Paykel DE7060G2 7kg Vented Dryer
• Best condenser dryer: Euromaid CD7KG 7kg Condenser Dryer
• Best heat pump dryer: Fisher & Paykel DH9060P1 9kg Heat Pump Dryer
• Best dryer for energy efficiency: LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer
• Best washer dryer combo: LG WVC5-1409W 9kg/5kg Front Load Washer Dryer Combo
• Best wall-mounted dryer: Simpson 6.5kg Vented Dryer SDV656HQWA

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on key product features and actual customer reviews on sites like Appliances Online, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman and productreview.com.au. For each category, we selected parameters based on our research and identified the dryers with the highest review score within those parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Best overall dryer

Not yet rated

Pros

• 9-star Energy Rating
• Sensor dry technology

Cons

• There are cheaper options available
• Some complaints about slow drying times

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,859.00

From $1,493.00 to $1,699.00 at eBay

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.

Haier HDV60A1 6kg Sensor Vented Dryer

Best cheap dryer

Not yet rated

Pros

• Easy to use
• Comes with wall-mounting kit

Cons

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $439.00

From $499.00 to $525.00 at eBay

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 4.6/5 from over 290 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.

How do Australians rate Haier's Clothes Dryers?

96.8% of surveyed Australians recommend Haier

Overall rating

4.7

Value for Money

4.4

Drying Time

4.7

Performance & Reliability

4.3

Quietness

4.6

Overall

How Haier compares

In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 8,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 9 product categories.

For Clothes Dryers, Haier was ranked for overall rating, 1 for value for money, 1 for drying time, 1 for performance & reliability, 1 for quietness, 1 for overall.

7 brands were rated across these decision criteria.

Bosch WTW87564AU 9kg Serie 8 Heat Pump Dryer

Best high-end dryer

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,899.00

Check price at eBay

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.

Simpson SDV457HQWA 4.5kg Vented Tumble Dryer

Best dryer for small spaces

Not yet rated

Pros

• Simple to use
• Wall-mounting bracket included

Cons

• 1.5-star Energy Rating
• Lacks advanced settings

Buy now

Price (RRP): $399.00

Check price at eBay

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.

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.

Electrolux EDH903BEWA 9kg Ultimate Care Heat Pump Dryer

Best dryer for large families

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,476.00

Check price at eBay

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.

Fisher & Paykel DE7060G2 7kg Vented Dryer

Best vented dryer

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $604.00

From $669.00 to $749.00 at eBay

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 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.

Euromaid 7kg Condenser Dryer CD7KG

Best condenser dryer

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,199.00

Check price at eBay

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 sportswear, 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.

Fisher & Paykel 9kg Heat Pump Dryer DH9060P1

Best heat pump dryer

Not yet rated

Pros

• 8-star Energy Rating
• 13 drying programs

Cons

• Some complaints about sheets balling up
• There are cheaper options available

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,599.00

From $1,499.00 at eBay

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.

LG DVH5-08W 8kg Heat Pump Dryer

Best dryer for energy efficiency

Not yet rated

Pros

• 9-star Energy Rating
• Sensor dry technology

Cons

• There are cheaper options available
• Some complaints about slow drying times

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,859.00

From $1,493.00 to $1,699.00 at eBay

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.

LG WVC5-1409W 9kg/5kg Front Load Washer Dryer Combo

Best washer dryer combo

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $1,859.00

From $999.00 to $1,149.00 at eBay

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.

Simpson 6.5kg Vented Dryer SDV656HQWA

Best wall-mounted dryer

Not yet rated

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

Buy now

Price (RRP): $584.00

Check price at eBay

Why we chose it

If there's no floor space left in your laundry and you need a dryer that can be mounted on your wall, you won't be able to choose a heat pump or condenser dryer. A vented dryer is the way to go, and we recommend checking out the Simpson SDV656HQWA 6.5kg Vented Dryer.

The Simpson is simple to use, loaded with plenty of useful features and comes with an affordable price tag. It's also a big hit with Aussie consumers, as reflected by its average rating of 4.7/5 from over 260 Google reviews. So if you're searching for the best wall-mounted dryer, the Simpson SDV656HQWA 6.5kg Vented Dryer is our top pick.

Just like the Simpson we selected as the best dryer for small spaces, this model is a breeze to turn on and use. With a simple dial and a start/pause button, everything is easy to understand and use straight away.

There are 3 pre-set dryness levels to choose from — extra dry, cupboard dry and iron dry — and the machine uses a reverse-tumbling action to reduce the risk of clothes getting tangled or bunching together. There is also an auto cool down setting as part of the final drying cycle, which is designed to reduce the creases in your clothing.

Other features include a delicates cycle, a large door opening and a 2-star Energy Rating. So if you're searching for a simple but practical dryer that comes with a handy wall-mounting kit, there are lots of good reasons why you should check out this 6.5kg vented dryer from Simpson.

How did we pick this list?

25+
Brands considered

70+
Products compared

10
Best products chosen

• We considered dryers from over 25 leading brands.
• We chose our top picks based on key product features and reviews from real customers.
• The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

Why you can trust our picks

Every effort was made in this guide to provide a fair and balanced assessment of all clothes dryers, from budget models right through to high-end options.

We started our search for the best clothes dryers in Australia by finding the highest-rated products among customers on sites like Appliances Online, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman and productreview.com.au. We then compared those dryers against other highly-rated products in the same category, considering factors such as capacity, size, energy efficiency, ease of use and price to help us choose our top picks.

In the "best cheap dryer" category, we considered models available for less than $500 from multiple retailers. To find the best high-end model, we compared dryers with an RRP of $1,500 or more.

To find the best dryer for large families, we considered models with a drying capacity of 9kg or more.

We considered clothes dryers from the following brands:

• Akai
• Altus
• Ariston
• Artusi
• Asko
• Whirlpool

• Beko
• Bosch
• Electrolux
• Esatto
• Euro Appliances

• Euromaid
• Fisher & Paykel
• Haier
• Hisense
• Hoover

• LG
• Miele
• Omega
• Rinnai
• Samsung

• Seiki
• Simpson
• Solt
• Speed Queen
• Teka

We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.

How to compare clothes dryers

To decide whether your home needs a clothes dryer and which type meets your needs best, you'll need to consider how frequently you'll use the clothes dryer, available laundry space and ventilation facilities, running costs and environmental concerns. Also, check out our round-up of the best clothes dryers available right now.

Before deciding which clothes dryer is right for your household, consider the following key features:

Types of clothes dryers

Clothes dryers operate by circulating heated air through your wet laundry to take out moisture. There's a large variety of clothes dryers on the market that offer varying functions, technology, environmental impact and price. While some dryers are more expensive to buy, they can be cheaper to run and more gentle on your clothes.

Read on to understand the differences between the 4 main types of clothes dryers so you can make an informed decision about which type suits your needs the best.

• Vented dryer. A vented clothes dryer is the simplest and most common form of dryer. These are typically cheaper to buy but more expensive to run. All clothes dryers need to release the moisture that's taken from your clothes somewhere, and with vented dryers this is usually straight into the surrounding area, so it needs to be placed in a well-ventilated room. Otherwise, you'll need to install a venting hose to direct the hot, moist air outside.
• Condenser dryer. Condenser dryers are equipped with heat exchangers that condense the moisture from your clothes into water and either collects it in a reservoir or drains it away. The reservoirs are easily taken out and emptied. While the air that's released into the room from a condenser dryer will still be warm, it won't be moist as it is with vented dryers, so there won't be water dripping down the walls. These dryers tend to be more expensive since ventilation isn't as big an issue.
• Heat pump dryer. A heat pump clothes dryer works similarly to a reverse-cycle air conditioner by recycling the warm air produced by the drying cycle and using it to dry clothes. While they usually have a higher upfront cost, they're also much more energy efficient and less costly to run. Though they tend to take longer to dry clothes than other types, they condense moisture and don't vent warm air at all, so there aren't any ventilation concerns.
• Gas dryer. These work in a similar way to electric clothes dryers but utilise gas as the energy source. Like heat pump dryers, these appliances cost more to buy but are cheaper to run as they use less energy and often heat clothes up faster than most electric dryers. A gas dryer's drum motor and controls are still powered by electricity, although this contributes only 10% of the energy cost. You'll need to have a gas line running to the laundry and the dryer will need to be vented to the outside. However, gas dryers are just starting to become popular in Australia and are only available from a few manufacturers.

Gas vs electric dryers

Gas and electric dryers each have their pros and cons. When deciding on a clothes dryer, consider the needs of your household, the cost efficiency and the features that are most important to you.

Gas dryers cost less to operate over their lifetime and dry clothes faster. However, they're more expensive to buy and you'll probably need to have a gas line installed into your laundry. On the other hand, electric dryers are cheaper to buy and easier to get up and running, but they're usually less energy-efficient and more expensive to run.

Both electric and gas dryers use electricity to spin the drum the clothes are placed in. However, in a gas dryer, gas is used to heat the air and power the fan that blows hot air onto the clothes. A standard gas dryer uses approximately 50% less power per load than an electric dryer.

Additional features to look for

• Delay start. To save energy, this feature will set the dryer to begin its cycle later during off-peak electricity hours. You can also choose to only start a cycle when you're home so you'll be around to remove your laundry in time to avoid creasing your clothes.
• Filters. Since your lint filter must be regularly cleaned in order for your dryer to work properly, it's best to pick a dryer that has the lint filter at the front so it's accessible and can be easily cleaned.
• Reverse tumbling. Ideally, a machine with a reverse tumble function is recommended, as it allows the drum to move in both directions, helping your clothes stay separated and evenly dried.
• Drying rack. If you plan to put in items that you don't want to get tumbled around inside the dryer, a model with a drying rack which can be mounted inside will come in handy.
• Child safety lock. For those with little ones, avoid picking a model that automatically turns on when you shut the dryer door.

5 ways to save money on drying your clothes

1. Air dry your clothes when possible. While it's costly to constantly use a clothes dryer, sunlight is free.
2. Clean the lint filter after every load. Ensure your lint filter isn't blocked as this will prevent air circulating properly through your laundry, meaning your dryer won't work well and can become a fire hazard.
3. Use the highest spin speed. By setting your dryer on its highest spin mode, it will extract more water so you can dry your clothes faster and use less energy.
4. Choose an energy-efficient dryer. If you're a heavy dryer user, it's important to pick an energy-efficient model which will be most budget-friendly. Alternatively, consider a heat pump dryer which has a higher upfront price but costs much less to run in the long term.
5. Open a window. Venting the moisture back into your laundry room will just make your dryer work harder, which will cost you more. Consider venting with your home's ducting or getting a heat pump condenser dryer or condenser that will stop water dripping down your walls and ceiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is using a clothes dryer better than hanging your clothes?

  When it comes to convenience, using a clothes dryer is better than hanging your clothes. A clothes dryer is much quicker and more suitable if space is an issue. Hanging your clothes to dry is more time-consuming, but it helps avoid the heat damage that clothes dryers can cause. It also allows you to save on electricity. However, hanging your clothes to dry is heavily reliant on good weather, which clothes dryers don't need.

• Does a clothes dryer need a vent outside?

  A clothes dryer needs to be vented outside for safety. If a dryer is run without a vent, it can cause a fire, mould growth and a high concentration of carbon monoxide.

• How much electricity does a clothes dryer consume?

  Because a clothes dryer uses heat and needs to spin, it uses a considerable amount of electricity. Based on our research, one cycle uses about 1,800 to 5,000 watts.

Best rated clothes dryer brand Finder award breakdown

• 2021 Best Rated Clothes Dryer Brand

  Brand	Drying Time	Overall	Performance & Reliability	Quietness	Value for Money	Recommended	Total Score	Overall rating
  Haier	4.4	4.6	4.7	4.3	4.7	96.8%	4.6
  Fisher & Paykel	4.2	4.6	4.1	4.4	4.4	98%	4.43
  LG	4.2	4.4	4.1	4.3	4.3	98%	4.37
  Simpson	4.3	4.5	3.9	4.4	4.2	90.3%	4.3
  Electrolux	4.1	4.2	4	4.3	4.2	97%	4.28
  Samsung	4.3	4.3	4	4.3	4.3	92%	4.28
  Bosch	4.3	4.3	4.1	4.2	4.2	90.625%	4.27

  Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2021, Dynata. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.

• 2020 Best Rated Clothes Dryer Brand

  Brand	Drying time	Performance & Reliability	Quietness	Value for Money	Overall rating	Recommended	Total Score
  Haier	4.23	4.47	4.33	4.53	4.5	93%	8.2
  Bosch	4.26	4.48	4.35	4.26	4.42	94%	8.09
  Fisher & Paykel	4.3	4.38	3.92	4.32	4.4	94%	8
  Samsung	4.12	4.35	4.04	4.13	4.33	94%	7.88
  Electrolux	4.16	4.26	4.16	4.28	4.2	88%	7.74
  LG	4.2	4.22	3.98	4.12	4.16	94%	7.7
  Simpson	4.22	4.34	3.86	4.22	4.2	86%	7.69
  Whirlpool	3.79	4.08	3.67	3.92	4.25	88%	7.55

  Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.

• 2019 Best Rated Clothes Dryer Brand

  Brand	Design	Drying time	Ease of use	Performance & Reliability	Quietness	Value for Money	Overall rating	Recommended
  Bosch	4.18	3.88	4.25	4.17	4	4.1	4.08	93%
  Electrolux	3.93	3.89	4.14	4.19	3.49	4.1	3.94	89%
  Fisher & Paykel	4.18	4.03	4.25	4.36	3.68	4.17	4.11	93%
  Haier	3.42	3.42	3.85	3.54	3.41	3.75	3.54	91%
  LG	3.89	3.87	4.11	4.06	3.56	3.76	3.86	91%
  Samsung	3.83	4.1	4.15	4.15	3.8	3.89	3.77	100%
  Simpson	3.98	3.8	4.21	4.15	3.29	4.17	3.9	91%
  Whirlpool	3.73	3.41	4.09	3.41	3.5	3.36	3.36	75%

  Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless otherwise indicated. Methodology and more info.