Which Tumble Dryer To Buy? | Dryer Buying Guide

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Tumble Dryer Buying Guide

Tumble dryers provide a quick and convenient solution to drying laundry when time and space is limited, making them a must-have appliance for busy households.

What to consider
When deciding which tumble dryer to buy, there are lots of factors to consider; you’ll need to think about your budget and the space that’s available, and whether you’ll benefit from any additional features too.

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Types of tumble dryer: what are your options?

There are three main types of tumble dryers: vented, condenser and heat pump.

Vented vs condenser
The difference between vented and condenser tumble dryers has to do with the way that they remove moisture from your laundry.

Vented - moisture needs to escape
Vented tumble dryers pump out moisture from the machine through a hose and out of an open window or vent. As such, they need to be positioned close to a window or external wall. ¹

Condenser – water is collected
Condenser dryers, on the other hand, collect moisture into a container or ‘reservoir’ inside the machine itself, so you can place them in any well-ventilated room. You’ll need to empty the container yourself though; modern condenser dryers will notify you whenever it’s full.²

¹ Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tumble-dryer-buying-guide/how-to-buy-the-best-tumble-dryer. Date not available.
² Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tumble-dryer-buying-guide/how-to-buy-the-best-tumble-dryer. Date not available.

What is a Heat Pump
Tumble Dryer?

This is a type of condenser dryer that works by reheating circulating air, rather than warming it with a heating element, making them more cost-effective, and gentle on your laundry too. Samsung dryers use heat pump technology as standard.

Energy efficiency
Heat pump models are the most energy-efficient on the market, because they re-use (not release) warm air, like other dryers. This means use just half the energy of conventional dryers³, making them kinder to the environment.⁴ View our latest energy efficient tumble dryers with A+++ rating and choose the best to save your energy costs.

Less energy equals lower bills
They also allow you to save on your energy bills. Running costs can be as little as £25 per year.⁵ Dryers that don’t use heat pump technology can cost £77 or more a year to run.⁶

³ Source: https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/heat-pumps-information/heat-pump-tumble-dryers/. Date: 2019 (month not available). ⁴ Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/heat-pump-tumble-dryers#whatisheatpump. Date not available. ⁵ Source: https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/heat-pumps-information/heat-pump-tumble-dryers/. Date: 2019 (month not available). ⁶ Source: https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/heat-pumps-information/heat-pump-tumble-dryers/. Date: 2019 (month not available).

What size tumble dryer do I need?

Tumble dryers come in a range of sizes, from compact models for individuals, right up to large capacity types for families. You can choose the best usable capacity that suits your needs from Samsung, including 8kg tumble dryers, 9kg tumble dryers and 10kg tumble dryers.

Synthetics need more space than cotton
It’s important to remember that the usable capacity for your dryer will vary, depending on the type of items you’re drying. Drum capacity is usually quoted based on drying cotton items only; when drying synthetics like polyester, you should halve the advertised capacity.

Features to Look Out For

Tumble dryers have many additional features. It’s worth understanding them, as they’re usually designed to save you time and effort.

Landscape photo of cat sleeping with Samsung tumble dryer in background.

Anti-crease functionality

Anti-crease modes are ideal if you want to lighten up your ironing load. This programme causes the drum to move slightly after a cycle has finished, to reduce creasing.⁷

⁷ Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tumble-dryer-buying-guide/tumble-dryer-glossary. Date not available.

Sensor technology

Sensor drying technology detects the moisture content of the laundry. Once your laundry is dry, the appliance switches off automatically, protecting your laundry, as well as saving energy and money.⁸ Samsung calls this feature OptimalDry™.

⁸ Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tumble-dryers/article/tumble-dryer-buying-guide/how-to-buy-the-best-tumble-dryer/ Date not available.

Quick dry

Quick dry programmes are handy whenever you’re in a hurry; they use more intense heat and faster tumbling speeds to dry your laundry in less time. However, this function consumes more energy and can be rougher on clothes, so you should only use it when necessary.

Child locks

These stop children from tampering with your tumble dryer, when in use, for extra peace of mind. Child lock functions disable all settings except the power button, which still works.

Wi-Fi enabled

Internet connectivity allows you to start and monitor your drying cycles through an app on your phone – perfect for staying in control when you’re away from home.

Smart controls

Some Samsung models come with smart control, so you can set the optimal cycle for your load (Laundry Recipe*), schedule start and finishing times (Laundry Planner*) and get maintenance tips (HomeCare Wizard*).

* Requires ‘SmartThings’ – available on Android and iOS. Registration required.

Smart maintenance

Samsung’s Smart Check function detects and diagnoses issues when they arise, providing solutions using a smart phone app.*

* Requires ‘SmartThings’ – available on Android and iOS. Registration required.

Timer delay

Time delay settings give you the option to choose when a drying cycle starts. Most appliances come with maximum and minimum time delay functions, so you’ll need to check the manufacturer's guidelines to see how much (or how little) time you can delay a cycle for.

Cool settings

Cool settings dry clothes at cooler temperatures to protect delicate fabrics like silk and lace, or to prevent shrinkage when drying wool garments.

Reverse tumble

The drum of the dryer rotates in both directions, with a brief pause in between. This function keeps the laundry separated rather than tangled, drying it more evenly.

Energy efficiency
and running costs

All tumble dryers receive an energy efficiency rating from A-G, in line with EU guidelines. Currently, the highest energy efficiency rating that a tumble dryer can achieve is A+++.

New performs better than old
Newer models are more efficient than older ones, but as mentioned, the most energy-efficient types are heat pump dryers. You may spend more upfront, but you’ll recover costs in the long run, by making savings on your energy bills, compared to other dryers. ⁹

⁹ Source: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/blog/dryer-costs-tumble-technologies-improve/
Date: 15.02.2018.

Tumble dryer symbols explained

Tumble dryer symbols on clothing labels offer guidance on how a particular garment should be laundered. Understanding and following them will stop you damaging your laundry and appliance.

Common tumble dryer symbols:

Warning symbols for laundering

Do Not Wash / Do Not Wring / Do Not Bleach / Do Not Tumble Dry / No Steam (added to iron) / Do Not Iron

Six warning symbols for washing/laundering.

Bleach

Any Bleach (when needed) / Only Non-Chlorine (colour-safe), Bleach (when needed) / Tumble Dry Cycle

Normal

Permanent Press, Wrinkle Resistant, Wrinkle Control / Gentle, Delicates

Tumble dryer maintenance

It’s important to keep your tumble dryer well-maintained (which includes keeping it clean!) to avoid any costly repairs.

Empty all pockets

As a simple rule of thumb, you should always check the pockets of your clothes whenever you load your tumble dryer.

Don’t overfill your dryer

Overloading your machine isn’t just inefficient (you’ll almost certainly be left with a few damp patches!); heavy loads also strain the drum belt, which can lead to breakdowns.

Cleaning a tumble dryer

You should clean out the lint filter regularly – not doing so can be a fire hazard. Clean the filter before or after every load, but remember not to use the dryer without the lint filter in place.

To clean the lint filter

Open the door and pull out the lint filter from inside the drum
Remove any lint from inside the space; you can use a flexible, pipe cleaner brush to clear out the filter compartment
Clean the lint filter and reinstate it. Visit Samsung Parts to buy a new lint filter online, whenever you need a replacement

To clean the drum

If your tumble dryer has a powder coated drum, stains can be removed with an all-purpose cleaner
Tougher stains and/or remove leftover cleaning products can be removed by tumble old towels or rags (if stains are still visible, then these won’t affect subsequent loads)
Wipe down stainless steel drums using a damp cloth with a mild-non-abrasive cleaner, then remove any residue with a dry cloth

Installing a tumble dryer

Once you’ve decided which tumble dryer to buy, you’ll find installation guidelines in your user manual. Though the installation process is usually straightforward, most people prefer to hire a qualified professional to do this.

Stack machines in small spaces
If space is at a premium in your home, you should consider installing your tumble dryer stacked on top of your washing machine.

Make sure machines can be stacked first
Stacking kits can facilitate this, though since they’re designed to fit specific models, you’ll need to make sure that your appliances are compatible with a stacking kit before buying one.

Ready to buy?
Buy your next tumble dryer or new washing machine today. Discover our range of tumble dryers, washer dryers and washing machines online.

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