Best tumble dryers for families: less laundry, more family time

If you're looking for a tumble dryer that not only gets the job done but does so in style, the LG FDV208W 8 kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is the perfect choice. This sleek, white dryer blends seamlessly into your home while offering incredible energy efficiency. With its heat pump technology, you'll be saying goodbye to high energy bills and hello to a more eco-friendly drying experience. One reviewer said, "This LG dryer has made my experience of drying clothes something to look forward to. The energy-saving feature is amazing, especially with high bills these days!"

The 8 kg capacity is a dream for families, providing ample space for all your laundry. The intelligent sensor drying knows exactly when your clothes are dry, saving you time and preventing over-drying. Another reviewer shared, "It’s much quieter than my last dryer, which is great. I love the LG ThinQ app that lets me control the dryer when it’s most convenient for me, warm, dry clothes exactly when I need them."

One thing to note: While it’s a fantastic machine, it can take a bit longer to dry large loads than the advertised time, but that’s a common trait in energy-saving dryers.

The Hoover HLE V9DG 80 9KG Vented Tumble Dryer is a smart and efficient drying solution for anyone looking to make laundry day easier. With 14 drying programs including a rapid drying cycle and an anti-allergy cycle, it’s designed to tackle all your laundry needs. The anti-allergy cycle specifically works to reduce allergens like dust mites, pet hair, and detergent residues, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

One feature users love is the Sensor Dry technology, which lets you choose from four drying options: store dry, hang dry, iron dry, and a timed drying cycle. The dryer also automatically shuts off when it detects that the load is dry, saving you both energy and time. One reviewer shared, "I've had this for a month and so far so good. There are lots of different drying options that come with automatic drying times, doubt that I’ll use them all."

Plus, for those who like to stay connected, the NFC technology allows you to control the dryer remotely via an app. You can download additional programs, monitor your cycles, and even run diagnostic checks, perfect for those who want more control over their laundry.

The Hoover HLE V9DG 80 is a smart, feature-packed tumble dryer that excels in providing flexibility and convenience for families. Whether you need specialised drying cycles, energy efficiency, or the ability to control it remotely, this dryer offers something for everyone.

The Hoover H-Wash 300 H3D4852DE is a versatile washer dryer that combines both washing and drying in one convenient appliance. Available in either 8kg or 10kg wash capacity and 5kg drying capacity, it’s ideal for medium to large families. This space-saving design ensures you don’t need two separate machines!
It comes with a variety of useful wash cycles, including "Full load in 59 minutes" and a "Quick wash" feature, which can handle light loads in just 15 minutes. One user mentioned that they wished the 15-minute wash drained better, but overall, this machine is praised for its efficiency.

A standout feature is its NFC technology, which allows you to control the washer dryer remotely via an app. This makes it easy to manage your laundry from anywhere, and with the delay timer, you can schedule washes to start when it’s most convenient for you. The KG Mode sensors automatically adjust the wash settings based on the load size, optimizing water and energy consumption, which helps keep your energy bills low. The 1400 RPM spin speed ensures more excess water is removed, leading to faster drying times.
For delicate items, it even includes specific settings for wool and cashmere, making it perfect for handling fabrics that require extra care.

While most users find the machine quiet, a few have noted it can get noisy, especially during the spin cycle. However, one reviewer mentioned, "On the whole, I am impressed. It’s a lot quieter than my old machine, and I don’t need to leave washing on airers indoors." Another downside reported is the tendency for items to come out wrinkled, with cycle times sometimes taking over six hours when washing and drying. Additionally, some users mentioned that the door seal collects fluff, which needs to be cleaned after each drying cycle. However, the machine’s practical features, like the safety lock to prevent accidental setting changes, have received positive feedback.

This stylish AEG Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is the perfect choice for busy families looking to keep their laundry dry and fresh with minimal effort. Thanks to its MixDry technology, you can dry mixed fabric loads without having to sort them, saving you time. Plus, with Anti-Crease technology, your clothes come out ready to store, no ironing required! One reviewer mentioned that the large drum helps reduce garment creasing significantly. The machine also features sensors that not only save you time and energy but also cut down on your energy bills.

The design of this machine is sleek, featuring a modern black-and-white contrast. Of course, aesthetics are subjective, and one reviewer mentioned that their partner wasn’t keen on the black door against the white body. However, they still praised its quality. "It feels like a high-quality product, very quiet, and the clothes smell fresher. I’m really happy with it so far," they shared, also noting the peace of mind that comes with the five-year guarantee.

Another reviewer appreciated how economical the machine is, mentioning that the cost per load averages around 20p for a large load of laundry. They also liked the accessible features, such as the easy-to-empty filter and the front water drawer. The heat pump appears to be very effective, and they were happy not to have to worry about venting. However, they did admit that it’s a pricier machine, and they were glad to have bought it on sale.

While another reviewer agreed that it’s much cheaper to run than their previous dryer, they found that it took significantly longer to dry their clothes. Despite following the instructions for their laundry, they reported that two pairs of pyjamas shrank, though they noted that the labels could have been the issue. That said, they were pleased with the machine’s overall performance, calling it well-built and easy to maintain. "I’m very happy with the multiple programs and the fact that emptying the water and cleaning the filter is so straightforward," they said. They also mentioned that the dryer doesn’t heat the room like their old one did and is much quieter. "It’s expensive, but I feel it’s worth the extra cost in the long run," they concluded.

This great dryer has heat pump technology which delivers the most efficient energy usage compared to a condenser or vented tumble dryer. It works by recycling hot air that is normally lost. The machine also boasts an anti allergy option which lets higher temperatures remove bacteria and allergens from your laundry and is useful if members of your family struggle with allergies or have sensitive skin. Another great reason to go a dryer with a heat pump, as pointed out by one reviewer, is that it's ideal for is you suffer with asthma as there is no steam present whilst drying.

In comparison to the older model of this machine, one reviewer notes that the new bottom filter is much easier to clean. However, they have found the controls to be more complicated and said you need the manual to determine which program to use, which another reviewer agreed with, saying "The instructions are not easy to follow for people with learning difficulties. Still trying to figure out if we are using it ok." The former reviewer felt the machine wasn't as user-friendly either due to the warning lights being changed, although they liked the new model on the whole.

If you're in need of a tumble dryer but are limited on space, the Cookology Mini Vented Tumble Dryer could be your perfect solution. Designed to sit on a kitchen countertop or mount on the wall, it’s ideal for small families or anyone looking to save space. One reviewer shared, "It’s the best thing I’ve bought all year. I have very little space, and a full-size dryer just wasn’t possible."

They mentioned how this compact and lightweight dryer gets the job done, drying clothes quickly and efficiently. "It dries a decent amount of washing, and it’s not too loud, just a gentle rumble. I keep it on top of a chest of drawers in the bedroom. It takes up so little space but makes managing laundry so much easier."

Despite its small size, this dryer packs in useful features. It includes an anti-wrinkle function and three heat settings, including a cool option for delicate items. Its vented design ensures reliable drying by extracting hot, moist air and directing it outside through a vent hose, perfect for preventing moisture buildup in your home. One reviewer noted, "It’s easy to move around, and it even came with wall brackets for mounting, which is a nice touch if you have a strong wall." However, they mentioned that the plastic vent hose feels a bit flimsy.

If you need your laundry dry in a hurry, then the Indesit Freestanding Heat Pump Tumble Dryer is the perfect choice. It has a Fast45 Cycle which can dry clothes conveniently in just 45 minutes. With simple controls, such as the Push&Go function, this machine is quick and easy to use. You do need to hold the button in for 5 seconds to start, but it's a small price to pay for not having to make decisions about settings. One happy reviewer says, "We have only had this a few days, and have been extremely impressed with it so far. Compared to our very old standard condensing dryer, this Indesit is quieter, faster, uses less electricity, traps more humidity, is kinder on the clothes, and has a much better sensor in to detect when clothes are dry."

Because the machine automatically knows how long the clothes need to dry, you don't need to set a drying time or worry about your clothes getting damaged through over-drying either. A reviewer says, "We have so far dried normal clothes, bedding, towels, and a blanket in it. All dried evenly and less harshly than before." They also like the pause and play button you can use to stop the dryer to check clothes and then restart it without affected the calculated drying time.

The LOGIK LCD8W23 offers a Shirts 20' program that dries up to 3 shirts in just 20 minutes, ideal for those busy mornings when you need to get ready quickly. It also features sensor drying technology, which adjusts drying time to prevent over-drying and save energy. One customer mentioned, "The Shirts 20' program is perfect for getting my work shirts ready in a flash."

While it’s great for smaller loads, the noise level can be an issue, especially when drying larger loads. Nonetheless, its affordable price and reliable performance make it an attractive option for everyday use.

The Samsung 8kg Tumble Dryer offers a powerful yet gentle solution for medium-sized families who want to dry their laundry quickly while preserving fabric quality. With a generous 8kg load capacity, it caters perfectly to the needs of small to medium households. One of the standout features is its sensor drying, which intelligently adjusts the drying time based on the moisture levels in your clothes, ensuring you get optimal results while saving time and energy.

In addition to its energy-efficient drying, this model boasts 14 drying programs, including Quick Dry 35' for rapid drying of smaller loads and Wrinkle Prevention for garments that need less ironing. The delay timer allows you to set the machine to start at a time that suits your schedule, making it incredibly convenient for busy households. The sleek, modern design fits effortlessly into any home, adding a stylish touch to your laundry room.

Reviewers have praised the Samsung tumble dryer for its effectiveness, with many noting how the outside drying cycle is perfect for towels, leaving them feeling soft and dry without the usual stiffness. One reviewer shared, "No longer do I have uncomfortable, stiff towels and shirts. The reduced ironing cycle is also a major plus." The no-venting design also stood out to users who appreciate the convenience of avoiding cold air being pumped into the house during the winter months. Another review mentioned, “It’s very quiet, and there’s no heat loss, which is a great feature for the colder months.”

Despite these positive reviews, some users mentioned that drying times can be longer than expected when dealing with larger loads. While the dryer is efficient, it may not be the quickest option for heavy or bulky items. Additionally, as it doesn't have a venting system, users must be diligent about cleaning the filter regularly to ensure optimal performance.