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Tumble Dryers Price Comparison 2026

Compare 388 tumble dryers from Hoover, Bosch, AEG and more. Find the best price across top UK retailers — updated daily.

Hoover
Beko
Hotpoint
Candy
Bosch
Haier
Samsung
AEG

Choosing a tumble dryer in the UK has never been more complicated — or more consequential for your energy bills. Heat pump models now dominate the upper end of the market, whilst budget condenser and vented dryers still hold their ground for buyers who prioritise upfront cost over running costs. Across the 388 models we track, prices stretch from 225 £ to 1,265 £, but the real action happens between 299 £ and 586 £, where the majority of families will find their ideal machine.

Hoover leads the catalogue by sheer volume — 54 models at a noticeably lower average price than rivals — making it the go-to for budget-conscious shoppers. At the other end, AEG and Samsung sit well above the median, and for good reason: their heat pump dryers with inverter compressors and electronic moisture sensors genuinely justify the premium over a five-year ownership horizon. Bosch and LG occupy similar territory, with strong reputations for reliability that tend to hold up in Which? and TechRadar long-term tests.

One thing worth flagging: the energy label matters far more here than on most appliances. A C-rated condenser dryer running daily will cost noticeably more per year than an A++ heat pump equivalent — and that gap compounds quickly. If you're comparing models at Currys or John Lewis, always check the annual energy consumption figure alongside the sticker price. Our washer dryer comparison is worth a look too if you're tight on space, and don't overlook tumble dryer parts and accessories if you're maintaining an existing machine.

Drum capacity is the other variable that catches buyers out. An 8 kg drum suits most families of three to four, but households doing larger loads — bedding, sports kit, workwear — will benefit from stepping up to 9 or 10 kg. The anti-crease function, once a premium-only feature, now appears on mid-range models from Hotpoint and Beko, which is a genuine quality-of-life improvement if clothes sit in the drum for any length of time. We compare prices daily across Amazon, Currys, AO.com, Argos and more, so the figures you see here reflect the real market — not a promotional snapshot.

How to Choose a Tumble Dryer: What Actually Matters

Most buyers fixate on drum size and miss the single biggest variable: drying technology. The choice between heat pump, condenser, and vented determines not just your running costs but where you can install the machine and how long each cycle takes. Here's what our data and testing experience tell us to prioritise.

Drying technology: heat pump vs condenser vs vented

This is the decision that shapes everything else. Vented dryers are the cheapest to buy and fastest to dry, but they need a duct to the outside — a dealbreaker in most flats. Condenser dryers are more flexible (no ducting needed) but consume considerably more electricity. Heat pump dryers recycle warm air through a heat exchanger, cutting energy use by up to 50% compared to condenser models — they're slower (expect 90–120 minutes for a full cotton load), but the running cost savings are real over time. If you're buying for the long term and your energy tariff is high, a heat pump model is almost always the smarter choice despite the higher upfront cost.

Energy rating and real running costs

The EU energy label runs from A+++ down to E on newer models. An A++ heat pump dryer will cost a fraction of a C-rated condenser to run annually — the difference can be substantial over a year of daily use. Don't be seduced by a low sticker price on a C or D-rated machine; factor in at least three years of running costs before comparing. Models from AEG's Series 7000 and Hotpoint's heat pump range consistently score well here. If energy efficiency is your priority, filter by A++ or above and compare from there.

Drum capacity matched to your household

The 8 kg drum is the UK sweet spot — it handles a typical family wash without being oversized for smaller loads. Singles or couples can get away with 6–7 kg and save on purchase price and energy per cycle. Families of four or more, or anyone regularly drying duvets and bulky items, should look at 9–10 kg models. One caveat: a larger drum doesn't mean faster drying. A 10 kg drum running at half capacity is less efficient than a correctly sized 8 kg machine.

Moisture sensor quality

A basic mechanical thermostat stops the cycle at a fixed time — fine, but it over-dries or under-dries depending on the actual load. Electronic moisture sensors detect humidity in real time and stop the cycle the moment clothes reach the target dryness. This protects fabrics, saves energy, and means you're not re-running cycles. Most mid-range and above models now include this, but budget vented dryers often don't. Check the spec sheet, not just the marketing copy.

Noise level for your home layout

Tumble dryers are louder than washing machines — most sit between 65 and 80 dB. In an open-plan kitchen-diner or a flat with thin walls, that matters. Models rated at 65–68 dB are noticeably quieter in practice. Samsung and AEG tend to perform well here; some budget Hoover and Indesit models push towards 78–80 dB. If you plan to run cycles in the evening, noise level deserves more weight than it typically gets in buying decisions.

Condenser water handling: tank or auto-drain

If you opt for a condenser dryer, you'll either empty a water tank after every cycle or plumb in an automatic drain. Manual tank emptying is fine if you remember — but a full tank mid-cycle will pause the machine. Auto-drain models connect to a waste pipe and are genuinely more convenient, especially for busy households. Check whether the model you're considering supports auto-drain, as not all condenser dryers do even at higher price points.

  • Entry-level (From 225 £ to 299 £) : Mostly vented and basic condenser dryers from Indesit, Hoover, and Amica. Expect C or B energy ratings, mechanical timers rather than moisture sensors, and limited programme options. Fine for occasional use or a second machine in a utility room, but running costs will be higher. Amica's 7 kg condenser is a notable outlier here — decent build for the price.
  • The sweet spot (From 299 £ to 399 £) : Where most buyers should be looking. Hotpoint, Beko, and Candy offer solid condenser dryers with electronic sensors and 8 kg drums. AEG's entry heat pump models start to appear at the top of this range. Good energy ratings (B to A+), anti-crease functions, and multiple programmes are standard. John Lewis and Currys regularly run promotions here around Black Friday and Boxing Day.
  • Mid-to-premium (From 399 £ to 586 £) : Heat pump technology becomes the norm. AEG, Bosch, and Samsung dominate this segment with A++ ratings, inverter compressors, and WiFi connectivity on some models. Drying times are longer than condenser rivals, but fabric care and energy efficiency are markedly better. The Samsung DV90CGC0A0AB sits comfortably here and is one of the most-tracked models on our platform.
  • Premium and specialist (Over 586 £) : AEG's Series 7000 top-tier models, high-capacity Samsung heat pumps, and LG's ThinQ-connected dryers. Expect A+++ ratings, full smartphone app integration, adaptive drying algorithms, and near-silent operation. Hard to justify purely on drying performance — the premium is for convenience, longevity, and very low running costs. Worth considering if you're buying a matched pair with a washing machine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a heat pump and a condenser tumble dryer?

A heat pump dryer recycles warm air through a heat exchanger, using significantly less electricity than a condenser dryer, which generates fresh heat for every cycle. In practice, heat pump models cost more upfront but are cheaper to run — often by a meaningful margin annually. The trade-off is drying time: heat pump cycles typically run 90–120 minutes versus 60–90 minutes for a condenser. For daily use, the energy saving usually wins out over the long term.

Is an 8 kg tumble dryer big enough for a family of four?

Yes, for most families of four an 8 kg drum is sufficient for everyday laundry. It handles a standard washing machine load comfortably. Where you might struggle is with bulky items — king-size duvets, thick winter coats — which often need a 9 or 10 kg drum to tumble freely. If you regularly dry bedding, stepping up to 9 kg is worth the modest price difference.

Do I need a vented tumble dryer, or will a condenser model do?

Unless you have an existing external duct or are happy to install one, a condenser or heat pump dryer is the more practical choice for most UK homes. Vented dryers are cheaper and faster, but the ducting requirement rules them out for flats and many modern kitchens. Condenser and heat pump models can be placed almost anywhere with a standard 13-amp socket — no external wall access needed.

Are cheap tumble dryers worth buying, or should I avoid them?

Budget dryers under 299 £ can be a false economy. Models in this range typically carry C or lower energy ratings, lack electronic moisture sensors, and have shorter expected lifespans. The running costs on a C-rated condenser dryer used daily can add up significantly over a year compared to an A++ heat pump model. If budget is tight, a mid-range condenser with a B rating and moisture sensor is a better compromise than the cheapest vented option.

How loud is a tumble dryer, and does it matter?

Most tumble dryers operate between 65 and 80 dB — noticeably louder than a washing machine on a standard cycle. In an open-plan living space or a flat, this is worth taking seriously. Models rated at 65–68 dB are meaningfully quieter in real use. AEG and Samsung generally perform well on noise; some entry-level Hoover and Indesit models push towards the louder end of the range. Check the dB figure in the spec sheet rather than relying on vague marketing terms like 'quiet operation'.

What does the moisture sensor actually do, and is it worth having?

A moisture sensor detects the humidity level inside the drum and stops the cycle automatically when clothes reach the target dryness — rather than running for a fixed time. This prevents over-drying, which damages fabrics and wastes electricity. It's one of the most practically useful features on a tumble dryer and is standard on most models above the entry level. If a dryer you're considering doesn't have one, factor in the extra energy and fabric wear over time.

Which tumble dryer brands are most reliable in the UK?

AEG and Bosch consistently score well in long-term reliability surveys, including Which? assessments, with lower fault rates and better after-sales support. Hotpoint and Beko offer solid mid-range reliability at lower price points. Hoover has the largest range in our catalogue but mixed long-term reviews — fine for light use, less so for daily heavy loads. Samsung's heat pump models are relatively new to the UK market but have performed well in early reliability data. Always check the manufacturer warranty length: two years is the minimum worth accepting.